An advertisement for Willard Kendig's carburetor, used in a campaign with Dyno Don Nicholson.

Willard Zareh Kendig, owner of Kendig Service Center and Automotive Repair and famous for inventing the Kendig carburetor, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, in Yettem, California. At 91, Kendig leaves behind three children—Martin Kendig, Marcy Tarbell and Kristi Kendig.

Kendig's passion for performance began early on, as he tore across the local roadways on an old Indian motorcycle and then made the switch to competitive jalopy races and, ultimately, hydroplane boat races. At a young age, it wasn't just a love for speed that developed, but also an intense curiosity for the mechanics behind high performance.

"He tore down his first Model T at 12 years old," said Kendig's son Martin. "And put it back together again. My grandpa almost beat him to death. It was their only means of automotive transportation and Dad dismantled it."

In the ’60s, in a Yettem, California barn, Kendig built the first prototype for what would become the Kendig carburetor. Martin clearly remembers when his father first explained the new design to him, jolting him out of bed at 1:00 a.m.

"He was on his way from Los Angeles to Visalia and he goes, 'Marty, I came up with an idea on a carburetor,' and he said, 'this damn thing is so simple, it's hard.'" With only the mental blueprint to start with, Kendig got to work and before long the Kendig carburetor was born. The simple design proved to be a winner and found it's way under the hood of Dyno Don Nicholson's pinto in the early ’70s. It even found its way on to Rickey DeMontrond's boat when he won the USA 1 competition with several Kendigs attached to the craft's high-rise manifold. Eventually, the Kendig carburetor was transformed by Pollution Control Industries into a popular unit called the Predator carburetor.

In a write-up sent into the SEMA eNews office yesterday, Kendig's colleague and friend Larry Lion added that his flair for sophisticated yet simple, was also reflected in his revolutionary Kendig Sonic Fuel Injection System. The system was totally mechanical and involved no electronics. The system was elite enough to be approved by the United States Coast Guard, and yet the write-up Lion submitted states that it could be installed in less than one hour by the home do-it-yourselfer.

Despite his amazing career, Kendig was purely self taught, having only enrolled for one year of junior college. Similar to his creations, Martin explains his father's ability in a sophisticated, yet simple way, "He just operated on a different plane of existence than the rest of us."

In one final story Martin described an occasion when his father was stopped by California Highway Patrol (CHP) coming back up the Grapevine from Los Angeles. Kendig was coming to L.A. to share ideas and race against other speed part pioneers such as SEMA Hall of Fame members Ed Iskenderian and Phil Weiand. As he pulled to the shoulder of the road, he was certain that his '36 four-door hump-back sedan was going well within the speed limit. Kendig asked the officer, "What was I doin?" And the officer replied, "You weren't doin' nothing. I heard about this car, and I want to see your engine."

In that brief story, Willard Kendig's legacy is clearly stated. When Kendig was working on automobiles, people couldn't wait to see his latest and greatest creations.

Services for Mr. Kendig will be held Friday, May 13 at the Mount Ararat Cemetery located in Fresno, California, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made in Kendig's honor to the Central California VA Hospital System. Please send your contributions to VA Central California Health Care System, ATTN: Public Affairs, 2615 East Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703.

This story was originally published on May 11, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

	An advertisement for Willard Kendig's carburetor, used in a campaign with Dyno Don Nicholson.

Willard Zareh Kendig, owner of Kendig Service Center and Automotive Repair and famous for inventing the Kendig carburetor, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, in Yettem, California. At 91, Kendig leaves behind three children—Martin Kendig, Marcy Tarbell and Kristi Kendig.

Kendig's passion for performance began early on, as he tore across the local roadways on an old Indian motorcycle and then made the switch to competitive jalopy races and, ultimately, hydroplane boat races. At a young age, it wasn't just a love for speed that developed, but also an intense curiosity for the mechanics behind high performance.

"He tore down his first Model T at 12 years old," said Kendig's son Martin. "And put it back together again. My grandpa almost beat him to death. It was their only means of automotive transportation and Dad dismantled it."

In the ’60s, in a Yettem, California barn, Kendig built the first prototype for what would become the Kendig carburetor. Martin clearly remembers when his father first explained the new design to him, jolting him out of bed at 1:00 a.m.

"He was on his way from Los Angeles to Visalia and he goes, 'Marty, I came up with an idea on a carburetor,' and he said, 'this damn thing is so simple, it's hard.'" With only the mental blueprint to start with, Kendig got to work and before long the Kendig carburetor was born. The simple design proved to be a winner and found it's way under the hood of Dyno Don Nicholson's pinto in the early ’70s. It even found its way on to Rickey DeMontrond's boat when he won the USA 1 competition with several Kendigs attached to the craft's high-rise manifold. Eventually, the Kendig carburetor was transformed by Pollution Control Industries into a popular unit called the Predator carburetor.

In a write-up sent into the SEMA eNews office yesterday, Kendig's colleague and friend Larry Lion added that his flair for sophisticated yet simple, was also reflected in his revolutionary Kendig Sonic Fuel Injection System. The system was totally mechanical and involved no electronics. The system was elite enough to be approved by the United States Coast Guard, and yet the write-up Lion submitted states that it could be installed in less than one hour by the home do-it-yourselfer.

Despite his amazing career, Kendig was purely self taught, having only enrolled for one year of junior college. Similar to his creations, Martin explains his father's ability in a sophisticated, yet simple way, "He just operated on a different plane of existence than the rest of us."

In one final story Martin described an occasion when his father was stopped by California Highway Patrol (CHP) coming back up the Grapevine from Los Angeles. Kendig was coming to L.A. to share ideas and race against other speed part pioneers such as SEMA Hall of Fame members Ed Iskenderian and Phil Weiand. As he pulled to the shoulder of the road, he was certain that his '36 four-door hump-back sedan was going well within the speed limit. Kendig asked the officer, "What was I doin?" And the officer replied, "You weren't doin' nothing. I heard about this car, and I want to see your engine."

In that brief story, Willard Kendig's legacy is clearly stated. When Kendig was working on automobiles, people couldn't wait to see his latest and greatest creations.

Services for Mr. Kendig will be held Friday, May 13 at the Mount Ararat Cemetery located in Fresno, California, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made in Kendig's honor to the Central California VA Hospital System. Please send your contributions to VA Central California Health Care System, ATTN: Public Affairs, 2615 East Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703.

This story was originally published on May 11, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

	An advertisement for Willard Kendig's carburetor, used in a campaign with Dyno Don Nicholson.

Willard Zareh Kendig, owner of Kendig Service Center and Automotive Repair and famous for inventing the Kendig carburetor, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, in Yettem, California. At 91, Kendig leaves behind three children—Martin Kendig, Marcy Tarbell and Kristi Kendig.

Kendig's passion for performance began early on, as he tore across the local roadways on an old Indian motorcycle and then made the switch to competitive jalopy races and, ultimately, hydroplane boat races. At a young age, it wasn't just a love for speed that developed, but also an intense curiosity for the mechanics behind high performance.

"He tore down his first Model T at 12 years old," said Kendig's son Martin. "And put it back together again. My grandpa almost beat him to death. It was their only means of automotive transportation and Dad dismantled it."

In the ’60s, in a Yettem, California barn, Kendig built the first prototype for what would become the Kendig carburetor. Martin clearly remembers when his father first explained the new design to him, jolting him out of bed at 1:00 a.m.

"He was on his way from Los Angeles to Visalia and he goes, 'Marty, I came up with an idea on a carburetor,' and he said, 'this damn thing is so simple, it's hard.'" With only the mental blueprint to start with, Kendig got to work and before long the Kendig carburetor was born. The simple design proved to be a winner and found it's way under the hood of Dyno Don Nicholson's pinto in the early ’70s. It even found its way on to Rickey DeMontrond's boat when he won the USA 1 competition with several Kendigs attached to the craft's high-rise manifold. Eventually, the Kendig carburetor was transformed by Pollution Control Industries into a popular unit called the Predator carburetor.

In a write-up sent into the SEMA eNews office yesterday, Kendig's colleague and friend Larry Lion added that his flair for sophisticated yet simple, was also reflected in his revolutionary Kendig Sonic Fuel Injection System. The system was totally mechanical and involved no electronics. The system was elite enough to be approved by the United States Coast Guard, and yet the write-up Lion submitted states that it could be installed in less than one hour by the home do-it-yourselfer.

Despite his amazing career, Kendig was purely self taught, having only enrolled for one year of junior college. Similar to his creations, Martin explains his father's ability in a sophisticated, yet simple way, "He just operated on a different plane of existence than the rest of us."

In one final story Martin described an occasion when his father was stopped by California Highway Patrol (CHP) coming back up the Grapevine from Los Angeles. Kendig was coming to L.A. to share ideas and race against other speed part pioneers such as SEMA Hall of Fame members Ed Iskenderian and Phil Weiand. As he pulled to the shoulder of the road, he was certain that his '36 four-door hump-back sedan was going well within the speed limit. Kendig asked the officer, "What was I doin?" And the officer replied, "You weren't doin' nothing. I heard about this car, and I want to see your engine."

In that brief story, Willard Kendig's legacy is clearly stated. When Kendig was working on automobiles, people couldn't wait to see his latest and greatest creations.

Services for Mr. Kendig will be held Friday, May 13 at the Mount Ararat Cemetery located in Fresno, California, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made in Kendig's honor to the Central California VA Hospital System. Please send your contributions to VA Central California Health Care System, ATTN: Public Affairs, 2615 East Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703.

This story was originally published on May 11, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

	An advertisement for Willard Kendig's carburetor, used in a campaign with Dyno Don Nicholson.

Willard Zareh Kendig, owner of Kendig Service Center and Automotive Repair and famous for inventing the Kendig carburetor, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, in Yettem, California. At 91, Kendig leaves behind three children—Martin Kendig, Marcy Tarbell and Kristi Kendig.

Kendig's passion for performance began early on, as he tore across the local roadways on an old Indian motorcycle and then made the switch to competitive jalopy races and, ultimately, hydroplane boat races. At a young age, it wasn't just a love for speed that developed, but also an intense curiosity for the mechanics behind high performance.

"He tore down his first Model T at 12 years old," said Kendig's son Martin. "And put it back together again. My grandpa almost beat him to death. It was their only means of automotive transportation and Dad dismantled it."

In the ’60s, in a Yettem, California barn, Kendig built the first prototype for what would become the Kendig carburetor. Martin clearly remembers when his father first explained the new design to him, jolting him out of bed at 1:00 a.m.

"He was on his way from Los Angeles to Visalia and he goes, 'Marty, I came up with an idea on a carburetor,' and he said, 'this damn thing is so simple, it's hard.'" With only the mental blueprint to start with, Kendig got to work and before long the Kendig carburetor was born. The simple design proved to be a winner and found it's way under the hood of Dyno Don Nicholson's pinto in the early ’70s. It even found its way on to Rickey DeMontrond's boat when he won the USA 1 competition with several Kendigs attached to the craft's high-rise manifold. Eventually, the Kendig carburetor was transformed by Pollution Control Industries into a popular unit called the Predator carburetor.

In a write-up sent into the SEMA eNews office yesterday, Kendig's colleague and friend Larry Lion added that his flair for sophisticated yet simple, was also reflected in his revolutionary Kendig Sonic Fuel Injection System. The system was totally mechanical and involved no electronics. The system was elite enough to be approved by the United States Coast Guard, and yet the write-up Lion submitted states that it could be installed in less than one hour by the home do-it-yourselfer.

Despite his amazing career, Kendig was purely self taught, having only enrolled for one year of junior college. Similar to his creations, Martin explains his father's ability in a sophisticated, yet simple way, "He just operated on a different plane of existence than the rest of us."

In one final story Martin described an occasion when his father was stopped by California Highway Patrol (CHP) coming back up the Grapevine from Los Angeles. Kendig was coming to L.A. to share ideas and race against other speed part pioneers such as SEMA Hall of Fame members Ed Iskenderian and Phil Weiand. As he pulled to the shoulder of the road, he was certain that his '36 four-door hump-back sedan was going well within the speed limit. Kendig asked the officer, "What was I doin?" And the officer replied, "You weren't doin' nothing. I heard about this car, and I want to see your engine."

In that brief story, Willard Kendig's legacy is clearly stated. When Kendig was working on automobiles, people couldn't wait to see his latest and greatest creations.

Services for Mr. Kendig will be held Friday, May 13 at the Mount Ararat Cemetery located in Fresno, California, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made in Kendig's honor to the Central California VA Hospital System. Please send your contributions to VA Central California Health Care System, ATTN: Public Affairs, 2615 East Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703.

This story was originally published on May 11, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

So far, there are 233 new companies exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show.

To date, the number of first-time exhibitors signed up to attend the 2011 SEMA Show—to be held November 1–4 in Las Vegas—has grown to 233. Each year, the association welcomes hundreds of new exhibitors to the Show and this year is no exception.

The influx of new exhibitors presents a fresh opportunity for buyers to get a first-hand look at the latest product and service offerings and to connect with companies with whom they may have never conducted business.

It’s not too late to secure a booth for the 2011 SEMA Show. For more information on the SEMA Show go to www.SEMAShow.com.

Click here to view the list of first-time exhibitors, as of May 11, 2011. Click here to view the entire exhibitor list.

So far, there are 233 new companies exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show.

To date, the number of first-time exhibitors signed up to attend the 2011 SEMA Show—to be held November 1–4 in Las Vegas—has grown to 233. Each year, the association welcomes hundreds of new exhibitors to the Show and this year is no exception.

The influx of new exhibitors presents a fresh opportunity for buyers to get a first-hand look at the latest product and service offerings and to connect with companies with whom they may have never conducted business.

It’s not too late to secure a booth for the 2011 SEMA Show. For more information on the SEMA Show go to www.SEMAShow.com.

Click here to view the list of first-time exhibitors, as of May 11, 2011. Click here to view the entire exhibitor list.

Spotted several times throughout the year in Germany, this John Cooper Works Coupe was caught in the lenses of the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. while on a test run in Michigan.

Judging by the aggressive fascias, sportier wheels and brakes, center-mount dual exhaust and unique rocker panels, Priddy says that it's obvious this MINI is faster than most.

According to Priddy, this production model doesn't vary much from the MINI Coupe Concept that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, carrying a steeply raked windshield and a very abrupt greenhouse. There is also a small, retractable spoiler hiding under the swirly camo.

Priddy says that tucked under the hood should be the 208hp, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a smaller gasoline or diesel motor should be offered on the regular model as well. Watch for the official debut later this year.

Photo Credit: Brian Williams/Brenda Priddy & Company

Spotted several times throughout the year in Germany, this John Cooper Works Coupe was caught in the lenses of the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. while on a test run in Michigan.

Judging by the aggressive fascias, sportier wheels and brakes, center-mount dual exhaust and unique rocker panels, Priddy says that it's obvious this MINI is faster than most.

According to Priddy, this production model doesn't vary much from the MINI Coupe Concept that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, carrying a steeply raked windshield and a very abrupt greenhouse. There is also a small, retractable spoiler hiding under the swirly camo.

Priddy says that tucked under the hood should be the 208hp, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a smaller gasoline or diesel motor should be offered on the regular model as well. Watch for the official debut later this year.

Photo Credit: Brian Williams/Brenda Priddy & Company

Spotted several times throughout the year in Germany, this John Cooper Works Coupe was caught in the lenses of the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. while on a test run in Michigan.

Judging by the aggressive fascias, sportier wheels and brakes, center-mount dual exhaust and unique rocker panels, Priddy says that it's obvious this MINI is faster than most.

According to Priddy, this production model doesn't vary much from the MINI Coupe Concept that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, carrying a steeply raked windshield and a very abrupt greenhouse. There is also a small, retractable spoiler hiding under the swirly camo.

Priddy says that tucked under the hood should be the 208hp, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a smaller gasoline or diesel motor should be offered on the regular model as well. Watch for the official debut later this year.

Photo Credit: Brian Williams/Brenda Priddy & Company

Featured in SEMA Member News—May/June 2011

By Ellen McKoy

		Jeff Fink is general manager of Advantage Truck Accessories, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. He has been active in PRO since 2002 and was first elected to the council’s Select Committee in 2007. He will assume the chair-elect position within PRO in July 2011.

Two years ago, Karl Stearns assumed the position of Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) chairman after having served two years as chair-elect. At the same time, Eldon Bracken was chosen by his peers on the Select Committee to serve in the chair-elect slot.

Flash forward to 2011. The pendulum has gone full swing. Stearns is stepping down and will serve as chairman emeritus. Bracken is stepping up to chairman, and Jeff Fink is preparing to take over as chair-elect.

Fink is general manager of Advantage Truck Accessories. An industry veteran with more than 25 years experience under his belt, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. He has been active in PRO since 2002 and was first elected to the council’s Select Committee in 2007. SEMA Member News took the opportunity recently to chat with Fink about how he views the council and his new role as chair-elect.

SEMA Member News: How did you get involved in PRO and what was your motivation?

Jeff Fink: I was invited by an industry associate to join PRO and to attend a PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting. My motivation was to become more involved in the industry.

SMN: What is it about PRO that makes the council valuable to the restyling industry?

JF: Focus. PRO addresses the challenges facing the restyling industry. The information available to the membership through the collective contribution of the restylers, distributors and manufacturers is the real value.

SMN: PRO has always been manufacturer supported primarily for the benefit of restylers. Why would it be important for other manufacturers that are not members to support PRO?

JF: As a manufacturer, I want to do business with forward-thinking, successful companies. The restylers who make the investment in their businesses to be part of PRO have proven to be among the most successful. Additionally, manufacturers benefit by having direct access to current market research through contact with our member restylers.

SMN: What value do you see in the various projects and initiatives that PRO has tackled over the years?

JF: PRO has developed an impressive menu of information, programs and initiatives. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) may turn out to be one of the most significant. The TSTC was created at a PRO LRP meeting as a vehicle to meet the needs of the restyling industry. Installer education, business best-practice evaluation, restyler-manufacturer needs assessments and future restyler recruitment are all objectives of the conference. The first year went extremely well, and it looks as though the second year will be even better.

SMN: As the newly elected chair-elect, what are your main objectives and goals going forward?

JF: The heart and soul of this industry—and our council specifically—is the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of its members. Small companies have woven the fiber of the restyling industry and will continue to do so. Our council needs to support those entrepreneurs. From the person who comes up with a new automotive product idea or starts a restyling company to the distributors and media, it is the passion of industry individuals who make this the industry in which I’m proud to be involved.

It is my objective to continue to support the programs the council has initiated and to work with the select committee and general membership to provide innovative, new products and services. I have been involved with PRO as a general member and Select Committee member for several years and believe that we have a great general membership and a Select Committee that is really special.

PRO has done an excellent job of providing valuable products to its members, including the Technical Skills & Training Conference, business-training materials and one of the hottest receptions at SEMA—NovemberFest. Additionally, the council has a strong initiative to increase membership. All of these efforts need continued support as we move forward. Additionally, we must effectively communicate the value of SEMA and PRO membership. The measure of our efforts will best be shown in the council’s ability to retain and recruit members.

I invite anyone who is involved in the restyling and accessory industry to check out what PRO has to offer.