Reviews & Features

The Every Week Car Wash

Coming from a vintage hot rod background, I’ve always clung to the belief that the cleaner you keep a car without messing with the paint, the better. Waxing? Rarely. Full detailing? Maybe once a year if it’s really crying for it. But by and large, I do my best to keep from rubbing on the finish too often. This approach doesn’t waver much with my late-model daily driver either. If it’s covered in filth or has taken a beating, it might see a full detail once in a blue moon. Otherwise, I just keep it clean with a quick wash …
Projects

Atomic Rivian Air Hose Reel

If you’re into off-roading, you’ve probably heard whispers about the Apex Compact Reel System. For the uninitiated, it’s essentially a miniaturized air hose reel, meticulously crafted, that lets you have a convenient airline of either 20′ or 30′. A neat little tool to make life easier out in the dirt. Now, let’s talk about my Rivian. It’s got an onboard compressor—cool, right? But here’s the rub: I’ve barely touched it. Why? The damn hose. It’s stashed away in a bag that lives in one of the gear tunnel doors, and every time I want to use the compressor, I have …
Projects

DIY Bungee Cords

Jerry had stumbled across a post on my Rivian thread about homemade bungee cords and, in a fit of curiosity, demanded more details. Naturally, I obliged with a video demonstration of my process—because, hell, why not share the madness? Let’s be clear: I have no earthly idea if “my way” is the best way or even a right way, but none of my creations have exploded yet, and I’m fond of their aesthetic. So, if you’ve got the nerve and a penchant for just a little DIY chaos, here are the basic materials: 3/8ths inch shock cord. Go for the …
Deals

My Prime Day Buys

Black Friday, Prime Day—Good God, the frenzy of consumerism is enough to drive a sane man mad. The whole charade is designed to lure you into buying junk you don’t need and will rarely use, all under the seductive guise of a bargain. I already hemorrhage enough cash and accumulate enough crap to last several lifetimes. But last week, necessity reared its ugly head. I needed a few things and figured I’d gamble on Prime Day, hoping the capitalist gods would smile upon me. The prices didn’t plummet as dramatically as I’d hoped, but I did save a few bucks. …
News & Editorial

Atomic Camera Cabinets by NewAge Products

A couple of months back, I was lounging in the chaotic serenity of my lab when the emissaries from NewAge Products came knocking, asking if I’d throw my critical gaze upon their Pro Series line of cabinets. Initially, I wasn’t interested. I had my own grand plans for a camera gear storage system, a personal project I was itching to dive into. But like relentless evangelists of storage salvation, they persisted. Eventually, I caved in, figuring there was no harm in a fleeting dalliance – I could always dismantle the contraption after the review. But then, I unboxed the NewAge …