DHG Open Garage News

Impressive accomplishMINT in model-making!

2012-02-28T14:00:00.003-05:00

Die-cast collectors know just how incredibly desirable those "mint" quality models can be, but may hesitate to invest quite so much in their hobby. For enthusiasts for whom 1:24 is their chosen scale, there really hasn't been much to bridge the gap between "toy-like" and museum caliber.

Now, however, the Dog House Garage introduces a great line of replicas that approaches the best of the best in detail and precision. If you've ever seen releases from Unique Replicas or Phoenix Mint, you already know what we're talking about!

We currently stock both cars and trucks fro Unique Replica. You Mopar fans will be able to fill in a few holes in your collection with the '70 Plymouth Super Bird in Lemon Twist, and/or the '70 Roadrunner in Moulin Rouge! Bow-Tie lovers can rejoice, too, as we stock the '70 Chevelle SS-454!

Fifties fanatics will find the '57 Chevies and '56 T-Birds simply awesome! We carry the Phoenix Mint Fiftieth Anniversary Edition Bel Air convertible, as well as the truly funky Unique Replicas Nomad ambulance. The UR Little Birds feature removable porthole hardtops; they are available in off-white, black/white, and red/white, as well as a hot rod version with flames.

"Trucksters" will want our UR '35 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery or Canopy Truck. Maybe you'd prefer the '50 Ford dairy Step Van. We also have the '37 Studebaker Hearse, a wonderfully macabre bit automobilia with its included casket and accessories. In fact, all of the aforementioned trucks come with lots of additions for your display. Lastly, we offer the Limited Edition '37 Studebaker Pick-up in Titanium!

Remember, you don't have to spend a mint to find quality diecast. Indulge without the guilt!

The rights of spring

2012-02-07T14:43:00.002-05:00

Hey guys,

We all know there are rites of spring (all that cool birds, bees, bulbs awakening stuff). But NONE of that is going to happen to you unless you understand the "rights" of spring. Slide into the "wrongs" and you'll have one lonely season.

One of the "rights" of spring is to respect the fact that women emerge from winter very differently than men do. Men are like grizzly bears waking from winter hibernation. Their thoughts? Scratch what itches, bathroom, food, sex...not necessarily in that order. Women, on the other hand, are more like caterpillars that have wrapped themselves in winter cocoons and are emerging as butterflies! At least, that's the plan. You as the male have to respect the plan; in fact, if you take an active interest in the plan, your own springtime plans are more likely to flourish!

Now, if you actually contribute to your lady's metamorphosis, you will prove just how understanding and sensitive you are. What better way than getting her a new Harvey's seatbelt bag in bright springtime colors? Harvey's seatbelt bags are all the rage with fashionistas... and their tie-in with cars is a bit of a kick for you, the motor maniac. In bright appealing shades such as buttercup, turquoise, and flamingo, Harvey's new springtime seatbelt bags are the perfect complement for little butterflies on the go.

So make sure you're in tune with the rights of spring. You will never regret it!

Pros of buying used.

2012-01-24T13:24:00.003-05:00

In today's economy, more and more auto buyers are opting for used cars instead of new. And why not? they miss the initial depreciation hit, and if they are buying a quality nameplate that has been respectfully cared for, they're getting a bargain. After all, "new" is just as thrilling when it's a new vehicle to them personally!

We at the Dog House Garage offer die-cast collectors the same excitement by tempting them with mint-quality consignment models. For a fraction of the cost of brand-new collectibles, buyers can find that special release for their display shelves. And, because these are consignment models, you can often find that out-of-production release that has escaped you (and what a thrill that is)!

Some of our models have complete documentation and original packaging; some do not, and the prices will reflect this. Our models are procured by a staff member who is also a collector himself, familiar with the models himself and aware of accessories, etc.

Drop by and see us at the Dog House Garage, or if you'd like, send us and email for the latest list of our acquisitions. And, should you prefer showroom-fresh vehicles, we continue to offer releases from both AUTOart and the Danbury Mint

We think of them as Edsels.

2012-01-17T15:03:00.005-05:00

Remember the Edsel? It was a car that seemed like a really good idea to Ford executives. Kinda like Pontiac's Aztek. Or Malcom Bricklin importing the Yugo. The Edsel (Unlike the Aztek and the Yugo) has become the symbol for offering the public the wrong product at the wrong time. Think New Coke.

Undoubtedly, every retailer has a product line he wishes he had never gone near. It might have seemed like a brilliant idea at the time. Maybe there was a three-mojito lunch involved. Perhaps the two individuals who would have bought the item moved from the area. Or perchance buyers who lust after the product never thought to look for them at this particular place.... like going shopping for a rare vintage champagne at a store called, "Booze Is Us" or men's boxers at Victoria's Secret.

For us at the Dog House Garage, our Edsel has shown up in the form of Byer's Carolers. Now, we know there is a market for these figurines (fancy name for "doll" that you display instead of tying to a firecracker as you did with your sister's Barbie) . We suppose it was a good idea to offer a line of collectibles for women -- or men who collect costumed little people. If any of the latter have ever set foot in our store, they stayed way under the radar in front of their buddies. Nor have we seen any undercover male shopper action on these.... "Yeah, you guys go ahead and get the car; I have to hit the head....psst, hey bud, put up cookie-baking grandma in a plain bag for me and ring it up quick, OK? Here, wrap it in the Boss 302 T-Shirt first in case the bag falls open."

In short, guys just don't expect to find Carolers in a store largely devoted to the mostly manly preoccupation with fast things that run on petroleum products. You guys who do the Carlisle shows know what we mean. You don't do lunch at those events expecting to find vegetarian quiche or sushi. You know what you're gonna eat was either once on hoof or on the wing, is fried, grilled, or barbecued, and is now covered in sauce and/or onions. So people just don't seem to expect to find accessorized theme dolls at a store in a car museum. Wow, who could have predicted that? Guess our soothsayer was out at a tea-leaf-reading seminar at the time.

Not that these things are ugly. Well, OK, maybe like incredibly wrinkly dogs or women bodybuilders, they're an acquired taste for the select few who long for New Coke while driving their Azteks. There is a kind of a charm in these pucker-faced little folk. Just because we suspect they come alive at night and do unspeakable things, well, that's just us and the effect of the Chucky horror film series.

Perhaps your Mrs. collects Byer's Carolers. Maybe that's a concession you've had to make to display your hunting trophies or your full-sized Sunoco gas pump. Hey, marriage is about compromise. Maybe your granny has taken to accumulating little folk and throwing elaborate seasonal tea parties for them. We have relatives who'se living room is populated by Beanie Babies. We don't sit in judgement. After all, when the house is quiet and everyone else is asleep, we sometimes take our die-cast cars out of the case and make "brooooom-brooom" noises as they cruise across the dining room table. Who are we to judge?

But if you know someone who collects these Carolers, tell 'em we have a great deal for them.... 30% off our stock till they go away. Quite the deal!

And we'll wrap 'em in plain paper for you.

Usin' yer noggin'!

2012-01-10T14:29:00.004-05:00

You know, if there is such a thing as an American Uniform for guys, jeans are certainly a part of it, the default apparel for covering your bottom. At the other end of the spectrum -- and body -- lies your noggin' topping of choice. Now, except for small pockets of resistance -- like those ten-gallon Stetson-wearers in Texas -- men of the good ol' USA have heartily embraced the baseball cap as an essential wardrobe stable.

And why not? The baseball cap warms your pate in the winter, keeps the sun off your head and forhead (or neck if you flip it around) in summer, and keeps the glare out of your eyes year-round. Hey, have a bad -- or no -- hair day? Grab a baseball cap! Women are SO jealous!

Of course, one of the real cool things about the baseball cap is what it can say about you. Yeah, some guys wear plain caps, but they're obviously missing a big opportunity to make a statement. (No wonder they have problems finding women to date; these poor dudes have nothing to say!) A cap is an excellent way to broadcast your passion, pledge your allegiance, start a conversation, even make a few new buds -- maybe even "cap-ture" some romantic attention. I swear I once skipped a body-cavity search at an airport when the security officer looked at my Penn State cap, gave me a studied look, and said, "We are...." Yep, the proper response earned me a smile and a wave-through, I'm convinced!

Here at the Dog House Garage, our passions tend to run towards all manner of four-wheeled thingees. And now, we've got a fantastic new collection of hats coming in that will top off your look and put a smile on your face. We've got baseball caps for lovers of those two perennial favorites -- Vettes and 'Stangs -- in a variety of colors, like denim, khaki, and black. Muscle car manics will find Camaro, Cuda, and Firebird designs. Love your classic Eldorado or storming CTS-V? Yep, we've got the Caddy crest! Chevy guys, you may be surprised by our Impala and Bel Air caps. And speaking of major nameplates, we stock not only the expected Ford oval, but also some sadly missed orphan nameplates, such as Oldsmobile and Plymouth. We even have a few designs available in pink for, well, whoever prefers that color.

If humor is your calling card, you might prefer our "What happens in the garage..." number, or -- for you vintage dudes -- our "Old Guys Rule" offering (our first offering from this popular series). And naturlly, we still carry our own Dog House Garage logo caps!

So get yourself a capital dome-cover, add to your collection, or even begin one! Check out our selection of baseball caps today!

Send Dover on over!

2011-12-20T13:08:00.003-05:00

As the long, cold days of winter pass by, you might find the young ones in your family looking for something to do.. and pestering you about it. Or, maybe you'd like to have a little "emergency" activity book stashed away for the grandkids when they come over to visit.

Then again, you may be crafty type yourself, someone who likes to take graphic automotive designs and go creative. Perhaps you enjoy scanning line art and using paint programs to add special pop to your projects. Or perhaps you simply enjoy a quiet afternoon using colored pencils to bring line art images to life. Some of you may even like to turn your work into stationery, stickers, or temporary tattoos!

Dover Publications are among the most innovative publishers of all things art. As an incredible bonus, most Dover publications are extremely budget-friendly. Books are approximately 8.5" X 11"!

We have a wide selection of coloring books from Dover -- "Luxury Cars,", "American Muscle Cars," "Classic Cars of the Fifties," "Classic Cars" (includes selections from last three titles), "Classic Motorcars," and "Antique Automobiles." We also have a wild "Car Crazy!" 3-D coloring book, as well as a "Doodle, Design, and Draw Cars" title.

We also have "Motorcycles," "History of Fire Engines," and two train books for coloring -- "Railroad Engines" and "Famous Trains."

If you're more into stickers than crayons, we have a "Car Crazy" customization book.

For the graphic artists, we have "Old Fashioned Automobile Illustrations" -- copyright-free designs in black and white.

The Dog House Garage also stocks three titles of royalty-free art work that come with CD-roms -- "Advertising Cuts of the 20s and 30s," "Vintage Automobile Ads and Posters," and "Old-Time Travel Posters and Luggage Labels."

No matter what your artistic talents, Dover offers something for everyone!

Cruise the Internet in style!

2011-12-06T14:30:00.002-05:00

Car nut or not, we guys are spending more and more time on line for our jobs, communication and/or hobbies. Why not cruise the Internet in style? Add a bit of your auto attitude to your mouse pad with a choice from our collection of Road Mice!

These fully functional four-wheeled mice feature lighted headlights, taillights, and hood-mounted thumb wheel. Road Mice are available in wired and wireless versions of current American iron in a variety of colors, and are compatible with both Macs and PCs.

Wired:

Camaro
Challenger
Corvette
Ford GT

Wireless:

Chrysler 300
Ford GT
PT Cruiser

So put it in gear; choose your favorite from our nest of Road Mice!

On the first day of Christmas...

2011-11-28T13:04:00.002-05:00

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me

A diecast from Danbury

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eight M2 Machines,

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Nine Museum pilsners,

Eight M2 Machines,

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Ten auto wall clocks,

Nine Museum pilsners,

Eight M2 Machines,

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eleven Schylling tin toys,

Ten auto wall clocks,

Nine Museum pilsners,

Eight M2 Machines,

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Twelve cardboard cars,

Eleven Schylling tin toys,

Ten auto wall clocks,

Nine Museum pilsners,

Eight M2 Machines,

Seven awesome tin signs,

Six CD jukeboxes,

Five car DVDs,

Four cool car Road Mice,

Three Eberts posters,

Two fender grabbers,

And a diecast from Danbury.

If you're not into repetition, how about this one?

On the 25th of December my true love gave to me

One DHG gift card,

And that made me extremely happy!

"The Christmas Song" revisited.

2011-11-28T10:57:00.005-05:00

Kick back, put on an instrumental version of the Nat King Cole classic, and sing our holiday message to you!

"The Christmas Song"

Mall stores decked out in their glitziness,

Clerks with frowns on every face,

Wonder where all their patience has gone --

Hey, look, one just sprayed a kid with mace!

For bargains shoppers race...

Down aisles loaded up with crap,

Same thing each and every year.

Wishing you were home just eating some chips

And washing it all down with beer.

chorus

The lot is jammed with SUVs,

Arrows don't matter, they're drivin' where they please.

And they will run you down as tempers fly

As for a parking space all drivers vie.

But here I am just sitting in my underwear

Shopping on line makes me feel so free!

The DHG site is made for us guys,

So let the postman, happy postman,

let the postman bring those gifts to me!

Didn't we date years ago?

2011-11-15T13:19:00.002-05:00

If you're a guy, a girl named "Flatsy" might not, ummmmmm, have caught your eye during your dating years. But if you're a father (or a grandfather or uncle) of a little girl, Flatsy dolls are a real find for any gift-giving occasion!

Let's face it, bros, doll-buying is something most of us know very little about. It's easy to make a well-intentioned mistake or two if you suddenly find yourself in this alien territory. But Flatsy has some great features that make her a really great gift for girls between the ages of four and ten.

Unlike the more common "fashion" dolls out there, Flatsy features age-appropriate clothing and accessories. Hey, do you want your five-year-old dressing up her doll like little Lady GaGa? Any dad can understand how that one can come back an bite him in the butt when his sweet little Snookie becomes a teen! Furthermore, the doll's simple, non-curvacious shape isn't about to give any little girl insecurity about her current or future figure.

Flatsy is easy for little fingers to dress. While not quite two-dimensional, Flatsy is pretty flat, sort of like a cuter, little-girl-looking version of Gumby, albeit with hair little beauticians can style. And like that flexible green dude, Flatsy is fully posable. Her compact size and shape makes her and her wardrobe easy to pack and tote -- nice for car trips, plane rides, and weekend visits with Dad. Grandma and Grandpa will also find that Flatsy is a nice "back-up" toy to have stashed away for the granddaughter's overnighters. A side-table drawer will hold it all -- and more!

Flatsy is available in playsets or as individual dolls. She's really a recreation of a popular '60s toy, so there's that nice "retro" look about her without being old-fashioned and "uncool."

"Flatsy -- she's flat, and that's that!"

Losing fluids? Get a grip(per)!

2011-11-14T11:05:00.001-05:00

It never fails! Try as you might, those stray drops find their way onto surfaces where they can cause embarrassing results. We at the Dog House Garage have the perfect solution!

Fender Grippers protect your car's finish from oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer solution, and most other liquids that find their way onto your fenders as you work underneath the hood of your baby. Made of incredibly grippy PVC reinforced with nylon webbing, our fender protectors are completely washable. Their generous 22" X 34" size gives you plenty of elbow room while guarding against spills. These mats are sticky enough to help hang onto tools while preventing scratches from screwdrivers (and their kin), buttons, zippers, and watchbands.

Our grippers come in Ford, Chevy, and Mopar flavors, among others. We even have a selection of hot rod flame-embellished styles! Easy to use, easy to store, easy on your car's gleaming paint job, Fender Grippers are a must for any DIY mechanic!

It's TIME for cars!

2011-11-01T15:29:00.003-04:00

If you're a car guy, you know how time flies by when you're immersed in your passion. Whether you're puttering in the garage, watching the latest auto auction on TV in your den, or kicking back with your car-loving buds in your mancave. And though you'd like to live in the moment as much as possible, you know you have to be aware of the time sooner or later (if only to know when the big game is starting on ESPN).

And if it's your space, you should have a clock that reflects what you spend your time on, right? The Dog House Garage offers an impressive collection of car-themed clocks for your "dude-decorating" pleasure. Measuring about a foot in diameter, these battery-powered beauties come in a variety of flavors: Chevy (including Corvette), Ford (including a retro "working man" logo), Jeep, and several others. We also have a few wall thermometers of similar construction.

You executives can carry your passion for wheels to your workplace in a more understated manner. We have have desk clocks mounted in sports car-style "wood-rimmed" steering wheels and on miniaturized motorcycle "tanks." We even have instrument panel-inspired clocks with weather stations in "'50s," Chevrolet, and Ford flavors.

If you have to be aware of the time, there's no reason you can't have a little fun while doing so!

Chuggington rules!

2011-11-01T14:16:00.004-04:00

If you have some little engineers in your family, you may already be familiar with the Chuggington Wooden Railway system. If not, it's time for an introduction. The Chuggington TV series is a computer animated children's show currently aired on the Disney network. The series stars a group of young, "in-training" locomotives who have adventures and sometimes mishaps while learning important character lessons.

Not surprisingly, the Chuggington gang has taken off in the toy world with the pre-school set. The locomotives are more modern (and hence, more "real world" familiar to American kids) than their "Thomasonian" rivals.

The Dog House Garage features a full range of Chuggington toys geared up and ready for your little conductors. We have everything from individual engines (including series stars Wilson, Brewster, and Koko), play sets, track sets and accessories, and fantastic add-on buildings (such as the Tunnel Depot, Fuel Depot, and Chug Wash).

All train cars connect magnetically and are even compatible with other wooden train systems. Imaginative, colorful, full of play value, these trains are built to last!

Chugga Chugga Chugga Chugga Chuggington!

The elves do it; why not you?

2011-10-31T11:19:00.009-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah...Santa gets the big creds for delivering those gifts for the holidays, but he knows that it's those little elves working on the gifts over time that get the job done.

Now, it's a lot of fun to "play Santa" for those we love, but sometime the old wallet needs a bit of elfin magic this time of year. Sure, you can max out the plastic, but those service charges can be very, very painful in January.... not to mention February, March, etc.

How about the layaway alternative? With layaway, you can purchase those special gifts while the selection is good, pay them off throughout November and December, and have them ready for the festivities! It's also a great way to get yourself that special something while you meter out your funds for those other holiday expenses. Things you might have wanted -- the Danbury Mint models, Harvey's Original Seatbelt bags, Chuggington trains, Byers Choice Carolers and more -- but were a bit "cash shy" to buy can be yours to gift or to enjoy yourself!

Here's how the Dog House Garage layaway plan works:

A minimum of $75 is required for a Layaway contract.
The Service Fee on all new Layaway contracts is $5.
The Cancellation Fee on all new Layaway contracts is $20.
The Service Fee plus 25% down payment is collected when merchandise is put into Layaway.
The bi-weekly payment schedule for all new Layaway contracts is 25% of the original balance due.
You can make a payment over the phone with a valid credit card.
As long as the payments are made on time, the merchandise will be held for you.
No price adjustments after seven (7) days. Nor do we offer price matching.
No partial pick-ups or cancellations permitted.
Custom orders for LAYAWAY are non-refundable and require a 35% deposit.
Layaway merchandise will be returned to stock seven (7) days after a missed payment.
If Layaway merchandise is returned to stock, you are eligible for a refund minus Layaway Service and Cancellation Fees for a sixty (60) day period.
AACA Club, MBT or Smithsonian affiliations / memberships cannot be combined with the Layaway.
All Layaways must be paid-in-full and picked up by the close of business on December 21^st, 2011.

Unauthorized Merchandise

The following merchandise cannot be put in Layaway:

AACA Club Merchandise. (Anything code 3000)
MBT Merchandise. (Anything code 900)
Dog House Garage Store Gift Cards

So get the jump on your holiday with layaway!

What sign are you?

2011-10-24T11:56:00.003-04:00

Sing to tune of "Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine" from Hair

When you have a man cave in your house,

With a pool table, or p'rhaps a bar,

Then you will need to decorate it

With neat stuff about your fav'rite car!

(Chorus)

You know you want to buy

A tin sign or two from us,

Tin sign or two from us.

A sign from us

Is marvelous!

Made of tin or even porcelain --

Show the stuff that you think is "in"

Muscle cars that you envision,

Snacks and smokes and even some libations --

'Vettes and 'Stangs and signs from old gas stations,

Even petroleum preparations...

A sign from us

Is marvelous!

When your office space could be more friendly,

Or your kitchen needs a bit of life,

Then get yourself a "Beer served here" sign

Or "Gas today" to scare your wife!

(Chorus)

You know you want to buy

A tin sign or two from us,

Tin sign or two from us.

A sign from us

Is marvelous!

Get a slick sign, check our slick sign bin,

For one made of tin...

Tin Toy Temptations!

2011-10-18T13:49:00.003-04:00

Many of us remember those glorious tin toys of old, those brightly colored mechanical wonders we lusted for every birthday, Christmas, release from reform school....whatever the occasion! These older original treasures are now immensely collectible -- immensely expensive -- reminders of "pre-plastic, pre-electronic" childhood.

Luckily, there is a current batch of marvelous tin toys guaranteed to delight the young and the young-at-heart today. The Dog House Garage stocks a nice selection of Schylling gems, and while most of them quite naturally feature automotive themes, we've got some that hearken back to those "Space Race" years of the '50s and 60s!

For example, we've got robots! The Robot 2008 is a foot-tall bad boy that walks and shoots ray guns from an opening door in this chest. The Mechanical Planet Robot calls to mind that old Forbidden Planet Robbie the Robot that, in it's original issue, now brings astronomical amounts at toy shows! We also offer the Robot Lilliput for a smaller dose of mechanical nostalgia.

For automobilia fans, we have several cars. For absolute grins and giggles, the Future Car (available in three color combinations) offers a glimpse of futurism as seen in the late '40s and early '50s. (Today, it looks more like a cross between an amusement park ride and a "B" science fiction flick!) The Racer hints at mid-century Mercedes race cars, while the Jet Car boasts "piston Pounding Engine Sound"!

The list goes on! The fascinating Road Race Spinning Top has "Roaring Racing Sound"; the three-car Flying Yankee Streamline Train speaks of the days of Art Deco design. Our Auto Raceway is a chameleon wonder: the car goes into the "pit stop" garage and appear to emerge in a different color! And while not tin, the chrome-look Cosmic Blaster ray gun features Saturday-matinee light and sound effects!

While really aimed at collectors rather than tots, the Schylling retro-look toys have a charm that spans many generations. Check out our website for out complete listing.

Kindle-schmindle; read a book!

2011-10-11T11:03:00.005-04:00

We know that the Kindle and its brethren are revolutionizing the way we read. We can see the benefits of electronic readers, and yet.... Well, let's look at an analogy:

Being who we are, we can see the benefits of modern, fuel efficient, "let me park myself for you" automobiles, but we lust for the road feel and sheer presence of Road Runners, Sting Rays, Duesenbergs, and the like. Similarly, to us, books have pages, weight, a comforting feel on a rainy afternoon. They are meant to be kept in personal libraries, to be shared with enthusiastic friends, to be revisited time and time again.

At the Dog House Garage, we stock a large number of titles guaranteed to appeal to people who love transportation that wears tires. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and the culture that surrounds them cruise across the pages of our books. Most feature fantastic graphics that simply cannot be duplicated -- we feel -- on an electronic reader.

Here's a sample of some of our titles:

Microcars at Large -- fantastic picture-laden volume of European "bubblecars."
Corvette: a Piece of the Action -- photos, commentary from Bill Mitchell and Allan Girdler...32 years of fiberglass dreams!
The Iron Redskin -- the history of America's Indian Motorcycle -- lots of photos, large format
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives -- food Network's Guy Fieri shares highlights of his "food joint" visits, along with dozens of recipes from his travels! We have additional titles from the spiky blond chef, as well!
Ultimate Garages -- Drop in man caves like no others!

We have dozens of others, from serious research tools to cartoon collections! Check out our listings on-line or drop in for a visit!

Display your treasures with that extra "WOW" factor!

2011-09-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

You know how it is...you have that perfect piece of automotive memorabilia -- a hood mascot, a die-cast model, that elusive oil can you've spent years seeking out -- and you want to be sure it becomes a focal point of you man-cave. What better way to showcase that find that to display it on one of our automobile shelves?

Made of fiberglass, painted with realist detail, our automotive shelves the front or rear view of an iconic four-wheeled gem. Topped with an included glass top, they average about twenty inches in width and come with "keyhole" hanging slots for a flush mount against your wall.

We have choices for a wide variety of automotive tastes, including:

Muscle -- Charger, GTO, Demon, Super Bee, Camaro (both '69 and '10), Mustang, Shelby
'50s -- '59 Caddy, '57 Vette, 56 Caddy, '57 Chevy
Trucks -- '50s Ford or Chevy (this one features a chained tailgate as a shelf!)

Check out our website for the selection, or drop us an email or a call! These shelves are the automotive equivalent of that bear head mounted on your wall -- manly, riveting, and just a touch wild!

Celebrate the holidays all year 'round!

2011-09-06T11:43:00.003-04:00

We car folk are frequently passionate collectors -- of cars themselves, die-cast models, sales literature, emblems -- you name it! Truth is that for many of us, our "collecting bug" extends to other hobbies. Some of us collect LPs, some matchbook covers, some coins, some stamps. And often, our "significant others" have their own collections "fires" to be fueled, making birthday and holidays gift shopping easier for us!

The Dog House Garage now carries Byer's Choice Ltd. Carolers, figurines guaranteed to raise the level of holiday cheer in your home. Carefully handcrafted, brimming with charming detail, these whimsical singers stand ready to herald in the holiday season. There are also accessories -- trees, gates, etc. -- to pump up the impact of your Carolers display. And, there are plenty of whimsical pieces for the other seasons as well, so your chorus can brighten your mood all year long! From sailors to bakers to musicians, Byer's Carolers suit any decor, room, or profession!

Check out our selection of Byer's Carolers today!

The "less-than-a-buck" wonder!

2011-08-09T15:48:00.002-04:00

It's not often these days that you can find something for less than a buck that will put a smile on your face -- or your kids'! Hey, even a lot of candy bars cost more? But at the Dog House Garage, you can buy something for 99¢ that packs a lot of grins!

Visitor's reactions to our Kid Stuff Marketing line of cardboard vehicles has been petty amazing: you'd think they were paper airplanes the way they fly out of the store! Printed in full color in two dimension, the pre-scored, pre-cut vehicles have simple tab/slot assembly; a little scotch tape can be added for a more "permanent" finish. The result is a pretty impressive car that is about the size of a 1:18 scale model.

You may have seen these babies used as carriers in 50s-style restaurants. Indeed, they feature a space where the interior would be for "what have you"; optional clear plastic inserts are available if you'd like to use these vehicles for food. But kids who get them love to simply assemble them and use them as toy cars, perfect for the addition of a small teddy, doll, or dinosaur driver!

Most of the vehicles available are 50s convertibles, including Edsel, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Thunderbird, Corvette, and others. There is also a first-generation Mustang, a mid-Sixties Ford pick-up, and a few mild customs (56 Ford, 57 Chevy). In addition, we stock some Jimi-Hendrix-era vans, a wild-looking space-age amusement-ride car, and a toy-look locomotive!

Now, kids will enjoy assembling and playing with these, but both they and their parents will undoubtedly get creative with dozens of uses for these vehicles! Parents might want to tuck a few in the trunk of the car for the agonizing "wait" period during restaurant visits. They'd make great party favors at birthday celebrations, or can even be filled with candy as a centerpiece of gift. They'd be incredibly cool place-markers -- napkins tucked inside -- for a '50s-themed get together. One visitor intended to use them that way at his high school class reunion! You could even snip out the bottom and use them as a "collar" for small potted plants in your rec room, or strung together as a "groovy" mobile in a college dorm room. An empty can placed inside one would make for a great desk-top pen holder.

Check out our selection on our website, and think creatively!

PotentTote

2011-08-09T14:25:00.003-04:00

Elsewhere on the Dog House Garage blog, you have probably noticed the announcement of the return of our wildly popular Mustang zippered canvas bags. Available in black (w/ white lettering/horse outline), red or blue (w/silver lettering/outline), these are a must for Pony Car fans!

We also stock Ford oval bags in black, red, or blue (all with silver lettering and trim); for Chevy fans, we carry the iconic Bow-Tie-shaped bags in black/blue, black/red, silver/red, and blue/yellow (the latter w/ silver "Chevrolet" lettering). All bags have heavy-duty carrying straps and a removable shoulder strap. Inside, you'll find several stretchy side slots for holding items upright.

These bags are a natural for tools or other essentials for the road or car show. However, we've also heard our customers tell us of some other uses for the automaniac totes!

gym bag
trunk organizer
beverage carrier
camera bag
beach/pool bag
diaper bag (dad's love this one!)
blanket/cushion tote for ball games or races
"essentials" tote for Mom's trip to the delivery room (yes, it was her husband's idea)

Got a great idea for using our auto logo canvas bags that we haven't listed? That's what blogs are for!

Avoid female accompaniment embarrassment!

2011-07-27T15:27:00.009-04:00

Guys, you know the drill all too well: maybe you've been dragged to the mall yet again, or maybe you're in a real "guy place" like Home Depot or a ballgame. And out of the clear blue sky, the woman you love so dearly asks that you do that most embarrassing of things -- hold her purse for her! Maybe she has to visit the ladies' room, or try on a dress, or guide a 747 onto the tarmac at the airstrip, save an elderly woman from an oncoming bus, or deliver your child.... Does it really matter? Of course not! The effect on your masculinity is very much like jumping into an ice-cold lake or going to a bridal fair. You're gonna need a testosterone patch to recover, bro.

However, we at the Dog House Garage Store have found a way to deal with this emasculating problem without the use of hormone therapy. Why not buy her a purse that you won't be ashamed to be left holding when you bump into your poker buddies? A purse that cleverly distracts men from the fact that it's a handbag (for cripes sake) by being made from car stuff!

We offer the line of Harvey's handbags, all made from seat-belt webbing! Seriously, in our store, the men spot them on the shelf as often as women, and their comments are always positive. In fact, one guy even looked a bit wistful, commenting that in Europe, men carry bags and this one would be really very cool (of course, his male buddies did seem to give him a bet more space after that). We do carry Harvey's wallets for men made of the same durable webbing. Think of it: a matching set of her purse and your wallet (you know that's where it will end up, anyway, along with your car keys, cell, and palm pilot, making "bulky butt" a trouser-look of the past)! Note: we offer the Harvey's line at our AACA Museum store only; no on-line sales for this product.

As an alternative, may we suggest and handbag made from recycled license plates? You'll enjoy that "big house" aura as you hang onto this one for the little lady! No one is likely to mess with you while you hang onto this bit of pop craftsmanship, and if some fool does, well, it's one hefty, durable piece of merchandise!

For the woman who insists on a more "uptown" look, we carry the jlouise line. Guys, these things are trimmed in diamond plate or automotive grill-like trim, and even come with a "title" identifying the year, "make," and "model" of the handbag! It's the garage look taken out for a night on the town. Guys are gonna look at you with beaucoup d'envy when you squire a lady toting one of these babies!

Remember, ain't no law that says you can't buy her a gift that addresses her fashion sense as well as your insecurity! Let the world know she's traveling with a real man!

The joys of consignment!

2011-07-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

While most of us buy our die-cast car models new (and heaven knows we'd never discourage that!), there are times when the secondary market is a good option. Here at the Dog House Garage, we offer select automotive replicas for resale from private collectors. While not all of our models have the original packaging, all are in excellent condition.

Why would you consider buying a "previously owned" model?

Perhaps there are "holes" in your collection that you'd like to fill and you're not particularly interested in saving boxes or documentation. For you, a bargain like our Franklin Mint '41 Continental in burgundy (priced at less than $76) can put a smile on your face.
Once in a while, you may come across a very rare bird indeed on our shelves -- like the Danbury Mint Limited Edition '58 Packard Hawk that we currently have in stock.
Perhaps you've been burned on an auction site or simply find the experience of bidding frustrating or time-consuming.

Or, perhaps you're thinning out your collection. If you have some high quality 1:18, 1:24, or other scale automotive replicas that you'd like to sell, consider placing them with the Dog House Garage. Please be aware that our standard seller's fee is 30%. If interested, contact markw@doghousegaragestore.com!

AUTOart Bugattis -- The evolution of a legend

2011-07-26T15:14:00.004-04:00

Among automobile aficionados, the name Bugatti carries incredible cachet. From the racing past into the phoenix-like present, few makers have the ability to send the pulse pounding as does the Italian superstar!

AUTOart has a way of interpreting ultra-exclusive rides as 1:18-scale works of art, often delving into the world of European exotics. And while Aa's 1938 numbered edition Bugatti Atlantic and contemporary limited edition Veyron are separated by more than half a century of automotive styling and engineering, both have been reproduced as replicas that have a riveting presence on any collector's shelf!

Draped in sultry black with disk wheels, the '38 Atlantic is a masterpiece of French Curve styling. With it's rich tanned leather interior, the Atlantic features such incredible working features as pivoting door handles!

The Veyron, boasting contrasting tuxedo black and electric blue, is a mid-engined beast meant to scream down the road at incredible speeds! Again, Aa goes the distance in realism, especially in that marvelous engine bay!

Of course, AUTOart models are meant for the serious collector who wants only the best for his "stable" of unique automobiles. Stop in to the Dog House Garage when you're in Hershey and check out these show-stoppers, along with other choice offerings from the AUTOart line. Or, if you prefer, order from us on-line!

Shhh, it's a Secret

2011-06-03T14:13:00.000-04:00

Really people, I can't keep a secret. I can, but this is too good to keep to myself...

The Dog House Garage Store is now carrying the Danbury Mint Die cast collection.

Yes, those rare and gorgeous die cast cars that you love to collect, but could only view in a catalog can now be seen and purchased in our only "brick and mortar" location, nestled within the hallowed halls of the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA.

It's amazing how fast word spread that the models were coming to the store and in less than one day after they were put on display they started flying off the shelves. Amazing...

As you may or may not have known, the Dog House Garage Store, is the retail arm of the AACA Museum of Hershey (not to be confused with the AACA Club). All our proceeds benefit the education and most importantly the preservation of the museum's collection.

So come in-person to the Dog House Garage Store and purchase your beloved Danbury Mint items and help preserve/restore an "artistic twisted piece of automotive mechanical metal" (Sorry boss, had to steal that line) for generations to come.

I should make it clear from jump so you don't find yourself in the Dog House under false pretense:

Danbury Mint Models are sold exclusively in our retail store (no online sales) and are not available for discounts of any kind. But don't let that discourage you from picking up these extraordinary collectibles! Simply sign up for the Dog House Garage Store loyalty program and you can earn DHG bucks towards other cool items.
DHG cannot accept exchanges, returns or installment payments for Danbury Mint Diecast models already ordered from Danbury Mint.
Currently there are no installment or layaway plans for Danbury Mint models purchased directly from the store.

Ok, I've spilled the beans. Now I'm in the Dog House...Come join me!

P.S. - Did I mention we have Motorhead V8 BBQ grills...tis the season for tailgate grilling!