168 GEARSJanuary/February2007

Lubegard Announces Its New Seal-E-Zee Application Cones

International Lubricants, Inc. (ILI), announced the introduction of its latest product innovations for technicians. “The new Lubegard® Seal-E-Zee™ products are the first of their kind on the market,” says Kristen Clark, marketing manager for ILI. “They’re safe and easy to use for installing and seating difficult seals with-out damaging them.”

The new Seal-E-Zee Application Cones used along with the two Seal-E-Zee spray products allow molded pistons and lip seals to be reshaped to fit easily into cylinders. There are 6 different cone sizes in one kit to install any seal without using potentially damaging feeding tools or other techniques known to tear or crack seals.

The two Seal-E-Zee spray products include:

Step One, for all applications, con-taining ILI’s patented LXE® (Liquid Wax Ester) Technology lubricant. It protects and contracts the rubber seal material for about 90 seconds to allow for instant and trouble free seal assembly.

Step Two, known as Seal-E-Zee XTREME, is a more intense version for those tougher fitting applications to hold the contraction and shape longer. Since XTREME doesn’t contain the LXE Technology, Step One must always be used first.

For more information and a free Lubegard Seal-E-Zee demonstration video CD please call 1-800-333-LUBE (5823) or visit the web site at www.Lubegard.com.

SKF Receives 6th NAPA 95% Club Award

SKF recently received the NAPA 95% Club Award for achieving a 97.8% shipping rate during 2005. This marks the sixth consecutive year SKF received the NAPA 95% Club Award.

“Receiving the NAPA 95% Club Award is an outstanding accomplish-ment for everyone at SKF,” said Ed Vance, director of sales, NAPA Bearings and Oil Seals. “There are many people who contributed to this accomplish-ment, most notably the supply chain group in Elgin, IL and the group at SKF’s Distribution Center in Hebron, KY. We’re proud to accept this award for the sixth consecutive year.”

To qualify for the NAPA 95% Club Award, a supplier must consistently meet the minimum service level of 95 percent throughout the year, as established by NAPA. Currently SKF supplies numer-ous products to NAPA, including oil and grease seals, Scotseals® (Classic and PlusXL), Hubcaps, taper bearings, air dryers, hub units and Speedi-Sleeve.

For more information on SKF products and services, visit www.vsm.skf.com.

A & Reds Introduces New Bench Stone for Rebuilders

A & Reds Trans-mission Parts is pleased to announce the introduction of their new Bench Stone, designed especially for transmission rebuilders.

These handy 4” round Bench Stones allow rebuilders to dress flat surfaces on valve bodies and cases, quickly knocking down any high spots or burrs, to leave a smooth flat mating surface. These new Bench Stones feature finger grooves for comfort. They’re made of long-lasting silicone carbide and have a coarse side for fast cutting and a fine side for final dressing. The new Bench Stone is a must-have item to keep by the shop’s teardown bench.

Call Rob at A & Reds at (1-800-835-1007 Ext. 124) for more informa-tion on the new Bench Stones.

G-TEC Introduces Data Acquisition Computer System

G-TEC’s New Data Acquisition Computer System is the most advanced and affordable trans-mission diagnostic aid available at any price! G-TEC’s com-puter system comes with a color printer and a removable laptop computer, and is adaptable to most transmission dynos.

The all-new system precisely moni-tors temperature, cooler pressure, input/output RPM, and gear ratios, using its four included pressure ports; the system has the option to add four more ports.

The Auto-Run Test automatically controls RPM and shift patterns using preloaded data for nearly all transmis-sions. Simply mount the transmission on your dyno, shift to drive, and press START: the stand does the rest. The test modes allow full solenoid testing, including current and amperage testing and manipulation for up to eight sole-noids. The system displays the trans-mission information on a cutting edge interface of virtual gauges, dials, color-coded pass/fail indicators, and real-time moving graphs.

For more information, contact Steve Glassinger, president G-Tec Inc., toll free, at 800-725-6499, or stop by their web site, at www.g-tec.com.

POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWSGEARS does not endorse new products but makes this new information available to readers. If you have a new product, please email the press release information with applicable digital photo or drawing to pressrelease@gearsmagazine.com or send by mail to GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.

GEARS January/February 2007 169

Smart Blend Unveils Its New Web Site

Life Automotive / Smart Blend Synthetics has spent months devel-oping, updating and enhanc-ing its new, user-friendly web site: www.smartblend.com. This new site features Smart Blend’s full line of pro-tectants, supplements, cleaners and per-formance products, with easy-to-down-load charts, testing data, and product information.

The site features products listed by category, and use, with detailed infor-mation about how each product works to increase your profits, vehicle perfor-mance, and customer satisfaction.

The site also provides technical tips, and customer testimonials, new products, and industry developments.

Life Automotive/Smart Blend Synthetics is proud to offer a new means of providing its customers with a new way of researching its products, and is always available to answer ques-tions or provide assistance by phone, at 1-800-525-6816, or email, at lifeauto@aol.com.

ValVe Body Pro Introduces New Catalog on Cd-roM

VALVE BODY PRO, the California-based company that’s made a major impact in the Valve Body rebuild-ing industry in just one year, recently announced the introduction of its latest catalog on CD-ROM.

“This catalog helps us provide the right information to our customers the first time,”says Bob Sanghera, chief technician.

VALVE BODY PRO uses only pro-fessional transmission parts distributors to supply their customers. This helps eliminate problems of misidentification and delays in shipping. “We also deal directly with the end user,” Sanghera continued. “Everyone in our company is from the transmission business at the shop level, so we know the concerns and speak the language.”

The CD-ROM is free to all custom-ers and is also available in paper form. Call toll free 1-877-611-PROS (7767) to choose the catalog to order your cata-log in print or on CD.

To learn more about VALVE BODY PRO, stop by our web site at www.valvebodypro.com.

Sonnax offers oversized ZF5HP19 Pump Bushings

Sonnax is pleased to introduce a new, replacement pump bushing for the ZF5HP19.

During normal operation, the ZF5HP19 transmission pump bushing wears out, causing the bushing to spin and damage the pump bore. Sonnax offers two oversized pump bushings — 85916-01 and 85916-01U — that allow rebuilders to salvage pumps with damaged bushing bores.

Both bushings are of bi-metal con-struction and are held to tight toler-ances. The oversized precision bushing

85916-01 and oversized finish-in-place bushing 85916-01U both allow you to machine and salvage pumps with damaged bushing bores, and to set its clearance with the converter hub. These bushings can save you $200 in pump replacement costs.

For more information, contact your Sonnax dealer, or stop by our web site, at www.sonnax.com.

SKF Introduces Interactive e-Catalog Cd

SKF recently introduced a com-prehensive e-catalog CD, entitled SKF E-Cat CD – The Power of Knowledge Engineering, which offers data com-parable to six of SKF’s more popular catalogs in an easily navigable and interactive format:• SKF Bearing and Seals Passenger

Car, Light and Medium Truck Application Catalog (457205)

• SKF Stocking Guide (457016)• SKF Seal Interchange Catalog

(457012)• SKF Bearing Interchange Catalog

(457013)• SKF Seal Handbook Catalog

(457010)• SKF Bearing Handbook Catalog

(457018)

The SKF E-Cat CD offers a com-prehensive source of information on SKF products: application information, specifications, interchange listings, images and tech tips. The E-Cat installs only once, and doesn’t require a CD or dedicated internet connection after installation for future use or updates.

“The SKF E-Cat CD allows SKF to offer an easy-to-use cataloging tool so that customers may receive prod-uct information quickly and more effi-ciently,” said Manuel Lopez, catalog manager for SKF.

170 GEARSJanuary/February2007

The SKF E-Cat CD also carries technical bulletins on specific products and installation/removal procedures. Data is updated every 30 days via the internet by simply pushing the pro-gram’s update button.

To order your copy of the SKF E-Cat CD, contact SKF customer service at 1-800-882-0008, and request prod-uct number 457007; contact your local SKF representative; or visit www.vsm.skf.com.

Accurate Transmissions Inc. Becomes ISO 9001:2000 Certified

Accurate Transmissions Inc, one of the largest remanufacturers of transmis-sions, has completed and passed ISO 9001:2000 on August 30, 2006.

Accurate Transmissions strives to be the most responsive remanufacturer of transmissions and torque converters internationally, focusing on superior customer service and high quality prod-ucts.

Steve Batke, quality assurance manager of Accurate, said, “We are very proud as a company that all of the efforts we’ve made and continue to make will enable us to succeed in our goal to become a world class remanufacturer. Our ISO compliance and registration has set the ground work for continual improvement and new opportunities.”

Rich Kuempel, CEO, said “This is a monumental day for our employees, customers and vendor/partners. Our team worked very diligently to achieve this honor; this is the only the begin-ning of our path to world class remanu-facturing.”

Accurate Transmissions can be reached at 800-428-7726 or you can visit their web site www.accuratetrans.com.

Whatever It Takes Private Label Catalogs On Paper or CD-ROM

Whatever It Takes transmission parts company has just introduced its new, 2007 parts catalog on CD format. This is in addition to the current paper catalog made available to parts distribu-tors.

To help its parts distributors provide a unique presence, Whatever It Takes is

offering to custom label its catalogs. You can either add your logo to WIT’s existing catalog cover artwork, provide your own catalog cover artwork, or WIT will help you work with a graphic artist to create your own unique cover art. In any case, what you receive is a private labeled version of the catalog, to use as a sales tool for your customers.

To learn more about custom label-ing your Whatever It Takes catalog, call toll free, 1-800-940-0197 extension 1116.

H & A Transmissions Introduces Lower Prices, Unlimited Mileage Warranties

H & A Transmissions Inc. is pleased to present its new price list for 2007 containing the most competitive prices in the history of its company. H & A Transmissions reduced the cost of production through partnerships estab-lished within the parts industry, both domestically and abroad. This enabled them to pass those savings on to their customers in 2007

According to H & A Transmissions, “It’s our way of saying thanks to all the customers who’ve helped us build a reputation as the premier provider of high quality transmissions for the Honda and Acura automobiles.”

H & A Transmissions has also increased its 3-year, 36,000-mile war-ranty to a new, industry-leading, 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty! Transmissions covered by H & A’s new unlimited mileage warranty is backed for both parts and labor for 3 full years. This change is to further H & A’s state-ment of confidence in all the transmis-sions they build.

For more information, call 1-866-4-A-Trans, or stop by their web site, at www.hnatrans.com, or www.gear-speed.com.

Transmission Specialty Tools Forefront of New Business

JBH Distributing Ltd is a new com-pany specializing in transmission tools and diagnostic equipment. With over 17 years experience in the industry, Jean and Brent Heilig founded the company in January 2006. Their main objective is to bring a new level of expectation to customer service.

“We founded this business to pro-vide quality products with exception-al customer service at an affordable price,” said Jean.

“In the fast-paced world we live in today it’s important not to overlook the details of day-to-day business,” said Brent. “We try to answer the questions at hand and research those we don’t have an answer for, to provide our customers with a quick response. Our belief is simple: The faster our cus-tomer gets a response, the faster he or she can close the sale.”

Many items that JBH Distributing offers are familiar, such as the foot press, bushing driver kits, pressure gauges and holding fixtures. The company’s inventory is growing daily and so is its number of distributors. Emphasis is on stocking the most popular items now, with plans to add new items along the way. JBH Distributing is also working on their first catalog and website.

“We’re very excited to continue our relationships with parts warehouses and mobile tool distributors,” said Jean, “They’re like family to us and deserve to be treated as such.”

If you’re interested in becoming a distributor or looking for a distributor in your area please call Jean or Brent at 888-830-3135.

Sonnax Announces New Appointments

Sonnax is pleased to announce the following appointments:

Seth Baldasaro

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GEARS January/February 2007 171

Seth Baldasaro, a 6-year veteran of Sonnax and current product line manager for Transmission Specialties has been promoted to sales manager. Baldasaro will work closely with Steve Jaussaud, vice president of sales and marketing, to oversee and support the operations and initiatives of Sonnax’s sales and marketing departments.

“Seth’s extensive product and sales knowledge, industry experience, strong work ethic, and positive energy will be invaluable assets in continuing the innovative, quality and service-oriented approach to sales and marketing that is Sonnax’s trademark,” Jaussaud com-mented. “It’ll be a pleasure to work closely with him.”

Transmission Specialties Account Executive Scott Hagland will take on the role of product line manager for Transmission Specialties. A member of the Transmission Specialties sales team for 2 years and in the company’s pur-chasing department before that, Scott brings a comprehensive knowledge of Sonnax products and customers to his new role.

“Scott’s enthusiasm for challeng-ing, complex projects will serve Sonnax well,” Baldasaro said. “He’ll steer prod-ucts through the development process and support his team’s effectiveness in providing customers the excellent ser-vice and product support they require.”

The position of sales manager became open when Eleanora Patterson

decided to focus on long-term strategic planning and handle special projects for the company. In her 23-plus years with Sonnax, Eleanora has filled a variety of sales, marketing, finance and manage-ment positions as the company grew from a small, home-based distributor of a handful of parts to a leading aftermar-ket supplier.

“With her extensive institutional experience and excellent communica-tion skills, Eleanora brings tremendous value to a project,” stated Jaussaud. “We appreciate her strong performance as sales manager and are pleased she is continuing as part of the Sonnax team.”

Cole Hersee’s Recessed Toggle Switch Prevents Accidental Actuation

Cole Hersee Company, a lead-ing manufacturer of heavy-duty elec-trical, electronic and digital products for the vehicle industry, introduced its Recessed Toggle Switch for trucking applications.

The Recessed Toggle Switch con-sists of a standard toggle switch cen-tered at the bottom of a plated steel bowl measuring 0.892” deep. This new design mounts in the cab or body, and prevents accidental actuation by the driver or personnel loading or unload-ing cargo. The steel casing fits into a 2” diameter hole and has an outer rim diameter of 3 3/16” (81 mm). The rim also has 3 holes for mounting.

Since 1924, Cole Hersee has been a pioneer and leader in the develop-ment of heavy-duty electrical products for the vehicle industry and has earned a reputation for quality and value. Cole Hersee collaborated on many basic industry standards and today is a pre-

ferred supplier of over 2,000 vehicle products and accessories. Cole Hersee products are available as standard or custom designed products to meet cus-tomer needs. Cole Hersee is ISO 9001-certified.

For more information about Cole Hersee Company and its products, call 617-268-2100, ext. 203 or fax 617-268-9490, or stop by their website at www.colehersee.com.

SKF Receives Training Program Award

SKF was recognized by the Automotive Communications Council (ACC) and the Car Care Council Women’s Board at a reception on Tuesday, October 31 during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW).

SKF accepted an Automotive Communications Award (ACA) during the ceremony in the category of “Best New Training Materials — Print.” The award recognized SKF for its Pole Position Bearing and Seal Replacement Guide, a training guide outlining the steps necessary for proper bearing, seal and pinion seal replacement.

“We are honored to accept an Automotive Communications Award for a fourth consecutive year,” said Per Jacobsson, director of marketing communications at SKF’s aftermarket division. “And it’s special to receive the award for an element of our Pole Position training program. SKF recog-nizes the importance of proper vehicle safety and maintenance, and we strive to be a leader in informing technicians about the latest industry trends and technical developments.”

In 2005, SKF received two Automotive Communications Awards for “Best Corporate Image Campaign” and “Best New Packaging.” Past awards also include recognition for “Best Use of Copy” in an automotive advertise-ment (2004) and “Best Use of the Be Car Care Aware and Right to Repair Logos” (2003).

For further informa-tion, please contact Katie Noga, Marketing Communications and Motorsports Manager, SKF, 800-323-8024 x4471, Katie.l.noga@skf.com.

Scott Hagland

Eleanora Patterson

172 GEARSJanuary/February2007

Force Automotive Introduces Storboards

Force Automotive introduces the most innovative running board in the world: StorBoards is a patented run-ning board system that allows you to enter and exit your vehicle with the revolutionary feature of lockable stor-age compartments that extend under the chassis.

StorBoards is made from 16-gauge electro-galvanized steel to resist rust. It is powder coated and weather stripped for water resistance. It has an easy opening, locking storage area. It also comes with removable pullout drawers, providing storage for larger items such as skis, snowboards, and more. Easy bolt-on installation!

For more information about the StorBoards or any of our other great products, call Force Automotive at (714) 375-9870, or stop by our web site, at www.forceautomotive.com.

Cragar Wheels Offers Custom High-Performance Brake Systems

Cragar, the most recognized name in aftermarket wheels, now offers cus-

tom, high-performance brake sys-tems. Nothing says "old school cool" like Cragar. Complementing the big S/S wheels are Cragar's new Big Blue high-performance brakes, featuring large, multi-piston cali-pers with a pair of cross-drilled and slotted rotors.

Cragar Big Blue brake kits offer superior brake performance, good looks behind those aftermar-ket wheels, and a margin of safety that most OE brakes simply can't provide.

For information contact our sales department, toll free, at 888-863-4415, or stop by our web site at www.cragar.com.

Ahuja Family Donates $30 Million to University Hospitals

The founder of Transtar Industries Inc., Monte Ahuja, and his fam-ily will donate $30 million to support University Hospitals (UH) Vision 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. The announce-ment came during a holiday celebration where 700 of UH’s most generous sup-porters, hospital and physician leaders, and other influential community mem-bers were gathered. Monte and Usha Ahuja attended, along with their daugh-

ters Ritu and Manisha, and Manisha’s husband Neil.

Vision 2010 is UH’s $1.2 bil-lion, five-year strategic plan. A vital part of the plan is the new 200-bed eastside hospital to be developed at Chagrin Highlands. In honor of the family’s extraordinary philanthropy, the new hospital will be named the Ahuja Medical Center.

In his address to an awestruck crowd, Monte Ahuja said, “Cleveland has given me my life. I can think of no better investment than University Hospitals’ Vision 2010.”

President and CEO Thomas F. Zenty III praised the Ahujas saying, "In naming UH's newest hospital the Ahuja Medical Center, we are paying tribute to the family's dedication to advanc-ing health care for our community and beyond, and ensuring that future gen-erations recognize the Ahuja family's role in promoting the economic vitality of Northeast Ohio."

Ahuja shared his gratitude and pas-sion for the U.S. and Cleveland, saying “I have traveled all over the world, and I can tell you that no other country offers the welcome and unbounded opportuni-ties the U.S. provides.”

Ahuja Family

Ahuja Med Center Rendering

Option two phase 3

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