Adding the search bar in the black header is a good idea. But I agree with Trip, I wouldn't just get rid of the drop down entirely, it will be useful once we have other domains/brands. That way when I do a search for say Laser Gun the search only stays within that specific domain and give me a bunch of G.I.Joe part listings.
Unless, you already had planned on something like that, then you can forget everything I just said.
*puts on black shades and uses neuralyzer*
--SoS