SEMA News—August 2012
NEW PRODUCTS
New Restoration Products
Preserving, Protecting and Improving Classic Cars
From Model Ts to musclecars and beyond, the restoration of classic automobiles has been a thriving segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for decades. Dozens of new restoration products were introduced to warehouse distributors, jobbers and retailers at the 2011 SEMA Show, and the following pages contain a brief look at all of them, complete with contact information and, where applicable, part numbers.
We’ve also gathered comments about trends within the marketplace from some of the top-flight businesses that help restoration enthusiasts create their rolling works of art. They provide insights about where the segment has been and where it is headed, touching on everything from 100-point purity to the still-flourishing restomod movement. The products and commentaries make for a thought-provoking review of this vibrant part of the industry.
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View more than 150 Restoration Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show. |
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Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd. Authentic reproduction door panels for ’78–’81 Firebirds and Trans Ams. |
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Bold looks and big performance define the signature line of brake kits. The front wheel kit, as seen, retails for $745. Four-wheel conversions from $1,345 retail. |
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Del City Harsh-environment connectors. Del City proudly announces its AT-series kit, which includes an assortment of receptacles, plugs, wedges and terminals. |
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Newark Auto Products Custom Protector Mat is manufactured to fit specific vehicles using a variety of carpets, with non-skid back coating and an embossed vinyl heel pad (150–2,000 pieces). |
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Pro6TEN compressor kit includes Pro6TEN compressor (new lightweight direct bolt-in replacement, the original GM A6), receiver/drier, POA update, expansion valve, O-rings and refrigerant oil. |
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Custom Autosound Manufacturing Inc. A new wireless (RF) remote hideaway audio system. Includes iPod interface, a USB flash-drive player, a satellite radio interface and a CD changer control. All functions controlled and visible on the remote LCD screen. |
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The only all-weather, full-color logo mat for all C6 models. Lloyd’s C6 mats are a blend of natural and synthetic rubber to provide |
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Lloyd Mats Lloyd Mats has created the largest selection of trademark logo mats in the auto industry, offering hundreds of logos on custom-fit mats for Porsches, Corvettes, Camaros, Cadillac CTS-Vs, Challengers, Chargers, Mustangs and many more. |
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Goodmark Industries Inc. Crafted from OEM specifications with an additional 2 in. of steel. The widened inner housing allows for up to a 2-in.-wider back tire displacement for the mini tub. This aftermarket product is the first of its kind and is available only for ’64–’70 Mustangs/Cougars. |
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American Autowire American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades, such as electric fans, A/C, any gauge combination, any aftermarket steering column, updated powertrain combinations, etc.
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Lloyd Mats At $79.90 retail for two front-emblem mats, this new custom-fit carpet mat line continues Lloyd’s high standard for appearance and quality. Customers can choose their embroidered emblem from more than 1,000 automotive trademarks, lifestyle and personalized designs. |
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Classic Tube Chevy truck replacement brake and fuel lines are pre-formed to OEM specifications. Made from stainless-steel tubing. A corrosion-resistant, permanent solution. Applications from ’40s to ’08. |
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Eastwood Co. The Eastwood Evolution paint gun is designed to be a uniquely versatile gun that performs and feels like no other. Its high-tech composite ergonomic body is comfortable and lightweight, allowing the user to paint for long periods without fatigue.
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There is a trend toward “bolt-on” restoration components. For instance, restorers are opting for preassembled complete seats and door panels as opposed to just new upholstery. These types of parts are more expensive but require much less work.
Many manufacturers have incorporated computer-aided manufacturing and modern machinery to both decrease costs and increase quality. Manufacturers once had no choice but to use the same technologies that were used to make the original parts. Now they often have multiple parts for the same application—parts that fit and work well for the restorer on a budget, but also include a more expensive option for the professional restorer who demands exacting originality. Still, the most significant hurdle we need to address is the graying of our industry. The Automotive Restoration Market Organization [(ARMO) council] has taken the lead with its “Take a Kid to a Car Show” program to help get youth involved in our hobby. Many young people are entering and getting started with G-body cars due to their price and availability, and I see this as very encouraging for the future of our industry.
—Alex Tainsh |
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The industry is growing, with more people becoming involved. That is partially due to the growing interest in musclecars and the increased availability of replacement parts and upgrade products, such as smoothly operating electronic controls and A/C systems for classic cars. The ability to produce precise 3-D drawings, which can be used for manufacturing perfect-fitting products, is one of the most significant developments in that trend. Maintaining quality and supply of imported parts are the greatest hurdles as U.S. companies compete on price, but I have heard of several companies that are bringing their manufacturing back to the States for these reasons. The greatest opportunities lay in cross-selling related products that enhance your product line, especially if they can be drop-shipped by a reliable vendor. We have tracked monthly sales since 1989 and have seen a decline in sales percentages four of the past five election years. We allow for a 10% decrease for the four-month period between November and February, though, December has tended to hold okay. Rally your employees from the front door all the way through shipping to go the extra mile. This will bring repeat customers and referrals from the rest of the industry.
—Darrow Cowart |
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Eastwood Co.
Eastwood says that its highly accurate 3/8- and 1/2-in.-drive digital electronic torque angle wrenches are built tough enough to |
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Old Air Products Inc. R4 compressor kit includes new R4 compressor, accumulator, orifice tube, O-rings and refrigerant oil. Made in the USA.
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Custom pre-formed jumper tube and mounting bracket. Mounts 21/2-in.-diameter receiver drier with O-ring fittings on Old Air Products SuperKool-series condenser. |
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Eastwood Co. Eastwood’s aerosol-injected cleaner directs a focused blast of cleaner that penetrates deep into hard-to-reach places. Designed to be ideal for cleaning paint guns, brake lines, transmission lines, fuel lines, fuel rails, air intake systems, carburetors and much more. |
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Old Air Products Inc. A custom fan assembly for ’67–’68 Mustangs with 20" radiators. Features a 16-in. (2,070 cfm) electric fan and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed ram air bypass flaps that open at highway speeds to allow excess air flow to pass through, and close at lower speeds to maximize overall cooling efficiency. |
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Old Air Products Inc. An A/C hose set for ’71–’72 Oldsmobile Cutlasses. Set includes suction, discharge and liquid lines.
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Old Air Products Inc. Custom fan assembly for ’48–’54 Chevrolet trucks. Features 16-in. (2,070-cfm) electric fan and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed ram air bypass flaps that open at highway speeds to allow excess air flow to pass through and close at lower speeds to maximize overall cooling efficiency. |
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Badger Air-Brush Co. Badger says that its Krome Gravity airbrush outshines other detail airbrushes. Features a glide-coat finished trigger and rocker lever for friction-free triggering and professional ultra-fine results. |
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The cost of manufacturing is continually increasing, even for overseas manufacturers, making it more difficult for many collectors to restore their cars. Also, legislation and zoning laws are making it more difficult for individuals to restore and/or own their classic cars or hot rods. Products for later models (’80s through ’90s) have come into play. These parts are more difficult to make, because many require two or three different compounds and cores, including extrusions with metal cores, partially plastic coating and rubber sealing edges. The more complex the piece, the more it will cost. Retailers should add value for consumers and manufacturers. Otherwise, manufacturers will be encouraged to sell direct and trim their sales to retailers. I’ve seen many retailers commoditize restoration parts to the point where there is barely any margin for anyone in the distribution system. Many consumers lack the knowledge to repair their cars, so parts have to be easy to install and include clear directions. Today’s buyers are also unfamiliar with the terminology for auto parts, so education has become one of our biggest value-added offerings.
—Matt Agosta |
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Classic cars and early Mustangs have a lower profile than most modern cars. Make sure your customer’s car is noticed when it changes lanes with these new LED turn-signal indicating mirrors. They look like original Ford stock deluxe remote mirrors until the turn signals are activated. Simple one-wire hookup. The re-emergence of mid-’60s musclecars and cars from the ’60s and ’70s in general seems to be the biggest new trend in the restoration industry. These are the cars that the Baby Boomers remember and are now restoring or using to create restomods. This has become a huge part of the automotive restoration business and has caused many manufacturers to step up production and create new product for more profit. The most significant new-product development that I have seen is the recreation of factory-correct, steel-body musclecars. Mustangs, Camaros and more have been created, making it possible to build an entire car from new parts. Exact duplicate sheetmetal parts for all makes and models are also being manufactured, making it easier for the restorer to easily restore a vehicle with new parts rather than rusted-out pieces. Tooling and automation processes have helped to speed up parts development and duplicate just about any part needed. As the economy recovers, retailers will see more products become available. With more manufacturers making the same products, pricing will become more competitive, but retailers must also be aware of quality, requiring more research on the retailers’ part to ensure that they are purchasing quality products.
—Harry Weimann |
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Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd. A ’64–’72 GM A-body Levant grain vinyl top. |
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Real Deal Steel LLC Steel reproduction under-floor center support brace. This item is unique to the ’56–’57 Chevy four-door hardtop body style. Necessary for proper support of the B-pillars.
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Mustang Project Mustang Deluxe Remote Mirror Kit with LED indicators! Modern cars have LED indicators built into both mirrors. |
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American Autowire This new kit is designed specifically for modified and upgraded ’61–’66 Ford F-100 and F-350 trucks. It will handle an increased number of upgrades, such as electric fans, aftermarket A/C, gauges, updated powertrain combinations, etc.
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American Autowire OEM-replacement dash harness for console-gauge-equipped auto trans applications. All factory-fit harnesses are the restoration standard. Original GM tooling and parts are utilized throughout. Correct fuse boxes, bulkheads, lamp sockets, connectors, terminals, clips and clamps are incorporated into each harness for a true plug-and-play installation. |
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Classic Industries/OER Reproduction black-accented taillamp lens set for ’78–’81 Camaro Z28 models. Manufactured to exact OE specifications with authentic markings and in correct original colors. |
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American Autowire This new kit is designed specifically for modified- and Pro-Touring-styled ’70–’74 Cudas and Challengers. It will handle upgrades such as electric fans, aftermarket A/C, gauges, power train combinations, etc. |
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Eastwood Co. Eastwood’s aerosol-injected cleaner directs a focused blast of cleaner that penetrates deep into hard-to-reach places. Designed to be ideal for cleaning paint guns, brake lines, transmission lines, fuel lines, fuel rails, air intake systems, carburetors and much more. |
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Real Deal Steel LLC Reproduction of the original convertible windshield frame allows conversion of any original cowl assembly of any body style to convertible. Also fits other GM models. |
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American Autowire This new kit is designed specifically for modified- and Pro-Touring-styled ’70 Mustangs. It will handle upgrades such as electric fans, aftermarket A/C, gauges, powertrain combinations, etc. |
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Proforged Chassis Parts CamberTech ’67–’69 Camaro Tubular Control Arms Proforged says that the top of the tire leans inward around a turn in modern performance cars to ensure maximum contact with the road. Classic musclecars are the opposite—the top of the tire actually leans outward, yielding a small tire contact patch. CamberTech arms use a 0.90-in.-taller upper ball joint to correct this problem and deliver incredible handling. Adjustable caster slugs and Delrin bushings finish out the optimal performance solution. |
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ECS Automotive Concepts RPM-Rust Prevention Magic 855-532-7846 www.ecsautomotive.com Rust Prevention Magic is a patented, revolutionary, moisture-resistant compound that is designed to protect bare metal components against corrosion, rust and damaging oxidation.
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The current trend is back to driving the car you restore. Faithful, 100% correct restorations still happen, but more enthusiasts are building top-notch cars to drive and not trailer, so more attention is being paid to reliability, fuel economy, safety and handling. The manufacture of new chassis and body parts means significant improvements and the ability to repair that once-forgotten hulk or replace it entirely with a new body. Modern design and manufacturing techniques have made possible what was impossible just a few short years ago. Easy access to water-jet machines, computer-controlled plasma and laser cutting has allowed the restoration and hot-rod guy to expand his creativity, and waterborne paints have the potential of opening up a whole new world of home restoration. We must keep a close eye on the trends that young rodders are developing to see what catches on. Just 10 years ago, the whole industry seemed to be trying to invent the next billet widget. Who would have imagined that billet would now be nearly dead and retro would take over? Many forgotten cars are becoming or will soon become sought after, and unique parts for those vehicles will need to be manufactured and sold as well.
—Joe Whitaker |
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People are holding off on high-dollar builds, at least in my business. Instead, people are buying cars that were done previously but aren’t necessarily perfect and are doing the brakes and suspension, keeping the project price down. There are a lot of 20- and 30-year-old restorations out there that were done right to begin with but need to Fuel injection is getting tweaked a lot more for easily installed applications, and some of the more sensible brake upgrades are also significant. I like the trend where brake companies are coming out with direct replacements–– both conversions and disc upgrades—that will actually fit under a 15- or a 17-in. rim.
The other thing I like seeing is the retrofit harnesses that upgrade the fuse box to make it easier for us to wire cars and feed in some of the options or leave a standing point for us to build off at a later date––kind of a drive-and-build-as-you-go program. There are harnesses now that have fuel-injection circuits, extra lighting circuits, extra stereo power circuits and so on. That has been a
— Lenny Schaeffer |
The Right Stuff Detailing
Old Air Products Inc. 
Lloyd Mats 
Runner-Up Best New Mobile-Electronics 
Old Air Products Inc. 
AcoustiSHield thermal acoustic automotive insulation kits are year-, make- and model-specific, pre-cut and ready to install for 1,100 vehicles. Each kit includes Dynamat Xtreme sound damper material, HeatShield barrier insulation material and illustrated instructions.
