SEMA News—November 2011
SEMA HERITAGE
Showmanship, Circa 1971
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Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives
How do you get your share of attention at the SEMA Show when foot traffic is shoulder-to-shoulder thick? Some gimmicks these days have gotten pretty outrageous but—as you can see in this photo from the 1971 Show—SEMA showmanship is a decades-long tradition.
Petersen Publishing Company photographer Pat Brollier was walking the aisles at the Anaheim Convention Center during pre-Show setup and just couldn’t resist this sight. If the lovely model didn’t catch your eye, and you missed Uncle Sam ’cause he’s way up there on his stilts, Al Unser’s Indy 500-winning Parnelli Jones Colt would surely draw you into the US Wheels booth.
When Brollier took this photo in January 1971, the SEMA Show was just a few years beyond its humble beginnings under the Dodger Stadium bleachers. Yet it was growing quickly, with hundreds of vendors and thousands of buyers, jobbers, media and other attendees turning out for this edition.
In 1972, it would be held for the first time alongside the APAA show; and not long after, in 1977, the SEMA Show would grow to the point that it needed a much bigger venue: Las Vegas.
Amp’d Emblems® are custom illuminated car emblems, which are powered by your car’s electrical system using our patented technology. These lighted car emblems are currently available for the rear and front of select late models of Acura, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Scion. These LED enhanced emblems are sold as an easy-to-install kit. Subtly yet impressively accenting your emblem and vehicle with class. Make your vehicle stand out among the crowd! For more information, visit us at 
bonspeed Wheels are “high-performance-grade,” forged billet aluminum wheels manufactured to the highest standards in California. bonspeed was born on the streets of Southern California, and its designs are the leader in the industry. With a wide variety of styles, the exclusive Color Forged finish options and sizes from 15-in.–26-in., bonspeed can fit your vehicle. Each bonspeed wheel is custom machined to order for hot rods, musclecars, trucks and exotics. Visit us online at www.bonspeedWheels.com, or dealers call 888-999-7258.
Get all of your high-performance, race, truck, off-road, street-rod, circle track, restoration, marine and stock replacement parts needs fulfilled at Atech Motorsports. Atech is constantly adding new lines and parts to its huge in-stock inventory—all at the lowest prices and all backed by a Beat-a-Price guarantee, fast shipping, expert advice and the best customer service. Call Atech Motorsports at 800-517-1040 or go online at AtechMotorsports.com today and get the parts you need! Prices you want! Service you deserve!
Save time and money with BrakeQuip’s fuel line kits for repairing or replacing fuel lines. These kits use the latest, safest technology available; the same advanced technology used by new-vehicle manufacturers. Special nylon tubing is used that can create fuel lines for virtually any vehicle. The system is very easy to use, which saves a lot of time, and no special insertion tools are required. Save up to 70% versus OEM fuel lines.
BedWood for trucks is the leader in show-quality, custom manufactured bedwood kits for replacement or customization. BedWood offers a tremendous variety of more than 40 domestic and exotic woods for virtually any truck made from 1917–present. With an exclusive supply of extruded aluminum BedStrips, finishing products and car care products, BedWood is your one stop shop!
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather—Custom Tailored Seat covers for cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. The Better Alternative to Leather!
C&C CarWorx introduces New PERFECT*FIT Rain Guards for 2010+ Subaru Legacys and Outbacks.
EZ Shield provides temporary paint protection from bugs and road grime. The protective barrier leaves no residue, goes on clear and is easily removed. EZ Shield is an environmentally friendly product that car enthusiasts will want to have on hand for road trips or around town to prevent paint damage. EZ Shield is available in retail packaging and meets the stringent standards of European car manufacturers. Learn more by visiting 
Corvette Central has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of Corvette parts and accessories since 1975. We offer free detailed full-color catalogs for each Corvette generation, as well as an accessory catalog. Our user-friendly website allows you to search, view and order parts any time. From C1 to ZR1, only Corvette Central has it all! New for 2011: a dedicated performance parts website! Visit us online or call today.
This heavy-duty 12V Automatic Battery Disconnect Switch ties into your vehicle’s ignition to control and operate the vehicle’s battery system using Passive Magnetic Solenoid Operation. When the ignition is turned to the off position, the battery is automatically disengaged and becomes non-operational. The switch has 250 Amps Continuous/2500 Amp Surge. The Sealed Waterproof Design can withstand extreme operating conditions. Kits are available with or without a 3-minute time delay. Visit 
The new 2012 Flaming River catalog is now available. Our catalog includes our newest products and detailed information on our Steering Columns and Billet Accessories, Power and Manual Rack-and-Pinions, Universal Joints and Shafts, Steering Boxes, Battery Disconnect Switches and more. A variety of technical information and vehicle application information is available to help you find the correct part(s) to improve your vehicle’s steering and performance. Call 800-648-8022 or visit 
Energy Suspension is excited to announce the newest additions to our line of polyurethane suspension and drivetrain components. We look forward to unveiling our extensive line of parts for the Jeep Wrangler JK and Ford Ranger, updates and additional parts for the Ford Mustang and Chrysler LX Platform, as well as new motor-mount inserts for 2010–2011 VW and Audi vehicles.
Protect your engine from destructive torsional vibration. SFI 18.1 certified. Engine performance upgrades increase the naturally occurring characteristics of harmful crankshaft torsional vibration. Install a Fluidampr viscous damper to protect your engine and reduce the wear on vital engine components. Continuously self-tunes in real time to optimum crankshaft torsional vibration damping at peak level and across a broad changing frequency range. Dampers for racing, street performance, sport compacts and performance diesel. Made in the U.S.A. Call 716-592-1000 or visit 
The all-new FOX catalog is packed with all of the latest offerings from our Truck & Offroad divisions. Easily locate everything from direct replacement shocks for trucks and SUVs to our full line of race-dominating off-road products. Full color photos accompany comprehensive product descriptions detailing all of the necessary information needed to select the right shocks for your customer’s vehicle. Pick up a copy at the Show booth #34111 or download a PDF version from 
Hellwig is excited to release their new catalog for 2011, volume 71. This year, Hellwig will be celebrating 65 years of manufacturing Load and Sway control products, and to celebrate they are introducing new products. You’ll find information on their New Big Wig in the Truck Sway Bar section; new additions to their street-
The all-new FOX 2.0 Performance Series Shocks delivers race-dominating performance in a hassle-free bolt-on package. Their heat-reducing design includes a metal-impacted aluminum shock body that dissipates heat faster than conventional steel. Inside, the Internal Floating Piston (IFP) separates shock oil from a high-pressure nitrogen gas chamber that provides a predicable ride quality capable of handling the roughest road conditions. Combine these new technologies with a starting MSRP price of $127.50 for a winning sales combination.
Hydroelectric Power LLC
Howards Cams, a pioneer in the automotive racing aftermarket since 1952 is proud to introduce its new 2011 full product line catalog.
New chrome lug bolts from McGard. OEM design and safety PLUS beauty, style, precision and durability! The two-piece design provides optimum safety and performance. Precision manufacturing meets or exceeds OEM requirements. The beautiful bright or black chrome finish enhances the look of any wheel. The triple-nickel chrome plating is guaranteed for life to not chip, peel or rust. For more information, contact McGard at 800-669-6887 or 
McGard has been protecting the world’s finest wheels and tires from theft since 1964. Our wheel locks provide the highest level of protection against costly wheel and tire theft. Our lug nuts are built to last a lifetime. They are guaranteed not to rust, chip or peel. Our consistent high-quality ensures the greatest value for our customer and is evident in every McGard product on the market today. Visit us at http://shop.mcgard.com or call 800-669-6887.
Pursue your passion here. Our FREE, full-color catalog covers every year Corvette: 1953–2012 (C1–C6). The catalog includes restoration, maintenance, interiors and performance parts, plus car care products, the newest Corvette clothing and fun lifestyle accessories. Everything you need to make your Corvette and you unique! FREE. Call 866-521-9929 or shop 
Check out our latest selection of DVDs. Get all 26 episodes of the 2011 season of “My Classic Car” in one DVD set. Come along with host Dennis Gage as he visits great car shows and amazing collections throughout North America and Europe.
As the Installer’s Choice for more than 65 years, Metra listens to our end user. Keeping with this philosophy, Metra is announcing their integrated kits (DIN and DDIN) for the 2003–2007 Nissan Murano. Part #99-7612A has a brushed aluminum finish to match factory radios. Part #99-7612B is our popular black matte, soft-touch finish for a clean aftermarket appearance. These kits have 25 rubber buttons for control of factory climate controls and the Driver Information Center. No other integrated kits like these are available!
The 2011 ORACLE Lighting Catalog features many amazing automotive aftermarket lighting products and
Phoenix Graphix Inc., the industry leader in restoration decal and stripekits for musclecars, now offers the
Pro-Werks Premium Silver Control Cables are the perfect selection for positive load transfer with minimal lost motion. Their unique armored core construction and super-slippery poly liner provide flexible, smooth and easy movement, making them ideal for all extreme use environments. To simplify installation, these cables are conveniently sized in 6-in. intervals and are available in both “clip-style” and “threaded bulkhead” mounting options. A large selection of quality mounting hardware is available. The Pro-Werks Premium Cables are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information and locating a dealer near you, contact Pro-Werks: 231-873-9252; 
Whether you are building a race car, street rod, custom plane, or off-road vehicle, the latest Pro-Werks catalog has you covered. For more than 15 years, Pro-Werks has delivered the highest quality components that make fabrication easier. Pro-Werks produces intelligently designed products with advantages of installation and performance. Starting with only premium-quality raw materials, we manufacture and finish our products with advanced processing procedures. Pro-Werks products exceed industry standards. Order a catalog today; call 231-873-9252. You may also visit 
The 3-in-1 design allows rear lift options of 1.0 in., 1.5 in. or 2.0 in.
Rigid Industries has created snap-on light covers for another first in the LED lighting industry. Available for the E-Series, M-Series and Dually/D2 line of products. Made for polycarbonate plastic in 10-in. increments, these covers are tough and snap easily into place to protect your lighting investment. Needed for DOT approval in some states and for protection in the rest, the black or white covers fit the bill. Also available in amber (for dust, fog and rain), clear, blue and red for different colored tinting applications. 
Known for their “E-Series” and “Dually” lines of domestic LED lighting products, Rigid Industries once again changes the game with their latest offering—the “SR Series” Single Row Lightbar. Measuring only 1.5-in. tall, the SR is set to change the face of Offroad LED light systems. By using thermally managed 3w technology and an updated version of its Patented Hybrid optic, Rigid continues to offer the brightest, furthest-projecting LED lightbars. Available in 6 in., 10 in., 20 in., 30 in., 40 in. and 50 in. Prices starting at $279.99.
SnowBear is the exclusive vendor of the StrongBox trailer, the next generation in trailers. What would be better than an 8-ft. trailer that tows as a traditional trailer, folds into a secure towable box and stores easily in a garage? The versatility of this innovative trailer provides value to your customer’s recreational and outdoor working lifestyle.
Steele Rubber Products is proud to offer their new exclusive 2012 Specialty Catalog, designed to meet the weatherstripping and sealing needs of the automotive, marine, truck and RV industries with the flexibility for use in a variety of applications. The catalog includes weatherstripping and seals in more than 300 different extrusions, available by the foot or in bulk lengths of 50, 100 and 250 ft. They also include grommets, stem bumpers and body plugs, listed according to size, and their exciting line of Peel-N-Stick extrusions, with cut-to-size ease. And for your convenience, a full line of adhesives and installation tools, also.
Steele Rubber Products offers a complete line of rubber parts and weatherstripping to fit nearly all American makes and models of antiques, classics, customs and street rods. They offer made-to-fit items, listed by year, make and model and their exciting line of Peel-N-Stick extrusions, in convenient pre-cut lengths. And don’t forget grommets, stem bumpers and body plugs—all listed by size and a full line of adhesives and installation tools, also. With more than 54 years of experience, you can trust Steele Rubber Products for your car or truck. Call 888-878-2237 or visit 
Swisstrax tile offers a practical, modern alternative to concrete and epoxy. Non-slip, easy to clean and resistant to most chemicals and automotive liquids, they do not chip, crack nor require stripping chemicals/patching and have a compressive strength up to 5,120 psi. Swisstrax stands behind its product with a 12-year warranty. The snap-together design makes a quick-and-easy DIY installation. The tiles come in up to 14 colors, allowing creativity with personalized designs.
Trick Flow Specialties was born out of the need for premium-quality, high-performance engine products capable of delivering maximum power at affordable prices. Stock the best-designed, best-performing engine components available and increase your profits—you owe it to your business to see the difference Trick Flow’s advanced engineering, R&D and manufacturing makes. Call Trick Flow Specialties at 888-841-6556 or go online at TrickFlow.com today and see what Ultimate Bolt-On Performance is all about.
Truck Covers USA is proud to introduce the American Work Cover Jr. An industry first, this toolbox is able to replace the American Roll Cover canister lid to provide the convenience of a toolbox without any loss of bed space. Product features include: heavy-duty metal construction, OEM-grade locking mechanisms and a gas shock opening. Perfect for new and existing customers. “Our baby,” The American Work Cover Jr.—another new and innovative product from Truck Covers USA.
YearOne’s Wheel Wholesale Program is centered on an exciting new product line and offers great opportunities for resellers to capitalize on the latest trends in the industry. YearOne wheelscombine classic themes (more always coming) with modern sizing and materials, and the pricing structure provides plenty of margin for resellers with very affordable retail prices for enthusiasts. The Wheel Wholesale Program—great products, great pricing and one great business opportunity. Only from YearOne!
