EVENTS
Compiled by the SEMA News Staff
Outstanding Custom Rides From SEMA360
Builder Showcase 2020
One of the featured attractions at last November’s SEMA360 virtual event was the Builder Showcase, which featured the newest custom builds from SEMA-member companies around the world. More than 330 vehicles were available for participants to peruse at the Showcase, each with its own page of photos, video and specifications. From those, 40 were invited to participate in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders competition, with 12 selected as event finalists. We’ll have in-depth coverage of the finals in next month’s issue, but in the meantime, we thought we’d show you a few more entrants that were representative of the Builder Showcase entrants at SEMA360.
’56 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
Submitted By: Tim Kilkeary
Open the hood of this ’56, and you’ll find a Whipple-supercharged LS motor sourced from Don Hardy Race Engines. It’s backed by a TCI transmission, and the powertrain rides between the frame rails of a Roadster Shop chassis. Evod Industries rims are controlled by Wilwood brake components, while Relicate Leather provides a touch of luxury for the interior, and the exterior is adorned in a coating of lustrous BASF Glasurit paint.
’20 Toyota Land Cruiser 79-Series
Submitted By: Bree Henry
Ready for the outback, this ’Cruiser is actually unlifted, but extra room is afforded in the wheelwells to clear a set of 35-in. Mickey Thompson tires via a pair of portal axles sourced from Marks 4WD. Bumpers, sidesteps and a snorkel kit from TJM give the Toyota extra measures of backcountry durability. In the back, an all-aluminum bed from PCOR contains side-mounted work lights and slide-out storage boxes. Xray Vision lightbars provide greater illumination, and a Dometic fridge keeps perishables fresh. A roof-mounted solar panel has been plumbed into the electronics, and a Redarc TVMS passes along the extra charge to an auxiliary battery under the hood.
’64 Chevrolet Corvette
Submitted By: Tony Arme
Ready to hit the open road, this classic C2 rides on a Roadster Shop chassis and rolls on a set of Toyo tires. It is halted by Wilwood brakes and steered with the aid of Ididit parts. Under the hood, Holley components assist with aspiration, while Heatshield Products provide protection against high temperatures. Vibro Solutions offers an extra measure of soundproofing, and Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions inside. Vintage Air keeps the interior cool, and Ceramic Pro PPF helps protect the BASF Glasurit paint.
’07 Pontiac Sorrari
Submitted By: Lee Burkhardt
The list of modifications and upgrades to this Norm’s Fiberglass-bodied vehicle is extensive, and it starts with a GM LM4 427 aluminum V8 and Tremec TR6060 transmission. Power flows to a Ford 9-in. rearend running Porsche CV axle shafts and a Wavetrac LSD. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires and CCW SP20 rims are slowed by Rotora Street Challenge brakes and damped by BC Racing ER Type Racing coil-overs with Swift Lightweight springs. Components from Kenwood, Dymamat and Braun Racing enhance creature comforts inside, while SaddlX leather trim provides comfort and visual appeal.
’17 Ford F-350 Diesel
Submitted By: Aaron Aldrich
A former SEMA Launch Pad competitor, this entrant’s ’17 Powerstroke rolls on an adjustable-height Any Level Lift that works in tandem with a four-link to clear room in the wheelwells for a set of American Force Wheels wrapped in Nitto Mud Grappler tires. Inside the cab, EZ Link diagnostics allow adjusting the suspension height. Outside, a Transfer Flow toolbox/fuel tank combo enhances work functions and cruising range, and a B&W gooseneck hitch allows the Power Stroke to pull a hefty trailer behind it.
’66 Dodge Charger
Submitted By: Mike Rutter
Awash in a shimmering coat of Axalta Sahara Bronze, this ’19 Hellcat-powered ’66 is backed by a 4L80 transmission. The car rolls on a set of BFGoodrich tires paired with custom Wheel Smith wheels that are damped by a Rallye Motorsports suspension. MOPAR accessories enhance underhood performance, and Painless Wiring provides electrical upgrades. Vintage Air and Lokar components afford extra levels of performance and comfort in the all-custom Paul Atkins interior.
’20 GMC Sierra
Submitted By: Bryson Clark
Already equipped with the capable AT4 package, this high-riding Sierra is given even more off-road capability with a complete Kelderman suspension system and bracketry. Hostile Forged and MKW wheels provide the rolling stock, and MGP aircraft-grade caliper covers help keep dust out of the brakes. The bed has been treated to a Line-X spray-on treatment. A variety of Truck Hero accessories enhance functionality, and a Horn Blasters air horn announces the truck’s presence far
and wide.
’71 Ford Maverick
Submitted By: Jesse Greening
Custom bodywork abounds on this Maverick, starting with the 3-in. rear fender extensions to accommodate extra-wide Pirelli tires. Between the rails of the Roadster Shop chassis resides a small-bock Ford running twin Precision Turbo turbochargers. A DEI heat wrap and C&R cooling components keep underhood temperatures manageable, and a Bowler 4L80 transmits power to the rear wheels, which are stopped by Baer Brakes. ididit steering components point the Ford in the
right direction.
’67 Pontiac Lemans
Submitted By: John Wargo
Under the hood of this bright-blue Pontiac rests a GM Performance LS3 conversion, and it’s backed by a Bowler transmission. A CTEK charger and an Odyssey battery help optimize electrical performance. The car rides on Continental tires and American Racing wheels, and Wilwood brakes stop the combo. Inside is a Sony audio system and an Enduratex-coated interior treatment. The paint is an attention-getter on this ride, and it’s aided thanks to products from ProSpray, Por 25, Presta and Sata Spray Guns.
’20 Toyota Tacoma
Submitted By: Ashley Lazarus
It may look unassuming, but this Tacoma’s got the gear aboard to take it deep into the backcountry for a weekend of outdoor adventure. A slew of parts are on hand from Front Runner Outfitters, including a Slimline II roof rack kit and a ratchet-mount spade/shovel and track-style recovery device. A Wolf Pack drawer kit provides in-bed storage solutions. An LED lightbar enhances night vision, a Pro bike mount enables safe transport of mountain bikes, and a 42-gal. water tank ensures that dry-camping adventurers have ample H2O.
’68 Chevrolet Nova
Submitted By: Dylan Goacher
This twin-turbocharged Nova runs a Dart-prepped 632 big-block equipped with JE pistons, a pair of Precision Turbos to provide additional boost, and a custom fender-exit exhaust to expel spent gases. An M&M Transmission-built TH400 sends power to the Weld Racing V-series wheels, which are stopped by Brakeman brakes. QA1 suspension components keep the ride under control, an Aeromotive pump assists with fuel delivery, and an XS Power battery and Painless Performance wiring provide electrical upgrades.
’39 Oldsmobile Two-Door Coupe
Submitted By: Rodney Black
Awash in a coating of House of Kolor Brandywine, this ’39 restomod sports a host of custom bodywork, including shaved door handles. A raft of new products brings old-school tech into the modern age. Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions, Vintage Air provides climate control, Dynamat sound-deadening materials keep the cab quiet and cozy, and American Autowire products optimize electrical performance. Holley induction components help generate power to turn the American Racing wheels.
’70 Ford Bronco
Submitted By: John Cole
An homage to the Stroppe “Big Oly” Baja Bronco, this frame-up prerunner runs a Cobra V8 and JBA headers. A twin-stick transfer case shifter from JB Fabrication helps transfer power to all four wheels, which turn Federal Couragia M/T tires wrapped around a set of U.S. Mags rims. Energy Suspension components keep the ride squeak- and rattle-free, and Baja Designs lighting enables greater trail visibility. Thermo-Tec insulation keeps the engine bay cool, Aeromotive assists with fuel management, and Painless Performance wiring provides electrical upgrades. Additional support for the build came from 4-Wheel Parts and Wild Horses 4x4.
’35 Custom Pickup
Submitted By: Frederick Simmons
A modern-day kit car, this ’35 is powered by a Blueprint Engines-sourced LS3 with a Procharger that provides extra boost, along with additional support from Holley and Deatschwerks components. Backing the engine is a 4L65 automatic transmission that spins Moser axles and a set of Nitto Tires. Electronics from HP Tuners optimize engine performance, Vintage Air keeps the interior cool on hot days, and a custom Speedhut all-in-one gauge cluster rides in the dash.
’70 Pontiac Trans Am
Submitted By: Riley Stair
Resting atop a custom tube chassis, this Trans Am runs a Dart-prepped LS conversion with a trick header setup that utilizes an eight-into-one collector tube and side-exit exhaust. The power is transferred to G-Force Engineering high-strength axles. The independent front and rear suspension was designed by the builder, with Ohlins coil-overs providing additional control. Aeromotive components optimize fuel flow, and MOMO seats enhance the ride inside. Also contributing to the build were parts from Vibrant Performance.
’50 Chevrolet 3100
Submitted By: George LeGrice
Under the hood of this “raw metal” Chevy rests a 383 stroker that receives help with aspiration from Holley components and is cooled via a Griffin radiator. SCAT engine internals provide strength under load, and a CVF Racing serpentine kit keeps engine-driven ancillaries operating properly. A ’bagged suspension gives the Chevy its low-rider stance, and parts from Lokar and Dakota Digital bring the ’50 into the digital age inside.
