Happiness is making special exhaust tips

Clint Kendall could not believe it when he got a call in the middle of the night from the Ford Motor Company in the US.

The motor giant was after his stainless steel exhaust tips, and made an order.

Mr Kendall runs a small factory in Ngaruawahia, making exhaust tips for big cars like Ford Fairmonts and Falcons.

The company, SAC Ball Breaker, started four years ago, when he made 65 in a year.

This year he is making more than 1200.

They cost about $150 each.

The typical customer is "a petrol head who likes a lot of noise," says Mr Kendall.

Car enthusiasts often want a new exhaust system, and the loud noise that comes with it.

"When the new exhausts go in, the existing exhaust tips are far too small, and are not loud enough. That's where I come in."

Mr Kendall thinks he has an edge over his competitors, as he is able to make one-offs, in odd shapes and sizes which stand out from the mass-produced round ones.

The tips are made of high-grade stainless steel. Mr Kendall has not become rich, but he makes enough to keep him happy.

- NZPA