Booth space is still available for the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 08:23
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 08:23
Booth space is still available for the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 08:21
SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 07:58
By Rachel Tatum
 The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV. |
Mark your calendars. Set your DVRs. The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.
The one-hour program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2018 SEMA Show, with industry hosts Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic as they follow the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
The competition, which features some of the world's best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.
Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more Battle of the Builder interviews, and subscribe so you don’t miss new videos leading up to the 2019 SEMA Show.
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 07:58
By Rachel Tatum
| The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV. |
Mark your calendars. Set your DVRs. The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.
The one-hour program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2018 SEMA Show, with industry hosts Tanner Foust and Adrienne “AJ” Janic as they follow the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
The competition, which features some of the world's best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.
Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more Battle of the Builder interviews, and subscribe so you don’t miss new videos leading up to the 2019 SEMA Show.
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 07:40
By Kristopher Porter
 Erika Marquez |
August’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Member Spotlight is dedicated to Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Chair Erika Marquez from WARN Industries. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:
SEMA: What is the best advice you ever received?
Erika Marquez: Don’t overthink your purpose in this life. Give out as you receive, always be humble and loyal. Serving others is the key.
SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?
EM: Since I landed in this industry back in 2009, I fell in love with the passion and the fellowship of this industry. I've made so many good friends and met outstanding people that I can't think of working in another place!
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
EM: An outdoor activity during the morning, including hiking or jogging, is the usual start of my weekend. Also, I love spending time with my family, and cooking is my passion, so usually planning and preparing a delicious meal for supper.
SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?
EM: I am usually organized and prepared for meetings, especially the ones I lead. Having a few bullet points of the items that need to be discussed helps. Also, having some questions ready for the meeting helps the team think out of the box and promote new ideas.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
EM: I have been very fortunate to have had lunch with industry leaders who I admire and respect; however, I would love the opportunity to meet General Motors CEO Mary Barra. She’s the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She started working at the age of 18 at a GM plant inspecting fenders and panels to pay for college tuition. She is an inspiration and I hope to meet her one day!
Fill out your form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, eNews, and have yourself recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.
Not an SBN member? Sign up, and join the action today!
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 07:40
By Kristopher Porter
Erika Marquez |
August’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Member Spotlight is dedicated to Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Chair Erika Marquez from WARN Industries. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:
SEMA: What is the best advice you ever received?
Erika Marquez: Don’t overthink your purpose in this life. Give out as you receive, always be humble and loyal. Serving others is the key.
SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?
EM: Since I landed in this industry back in 2009, I fell in love with the passion and the fellowship of this industry. I've made so many good friends and met outstanding people that I can't think of working in another place!
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
EM: An outdoor activity during the morning, including hiking or jogging, is the usual start of my weekend. Also, I love spending time with my family, and cooking is my passion, so usually planning and preparing a delicious meal for supper.
SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?
EM: I am usually organized and prepared for meetings, especially the ones I lead. Having a few bullet points of the items that need to be discussed helps. Also, having some questions ready for the meeting helps the team think out of the box and promote new ideas.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
EM: I have been very fortunate to have had lunch with industry leaders who I admire and respect; however, I would love the opportunity to meet General Motors CEO Mary Barra. She’s the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She started working at the age of 18 at a GM plant inspecting fenders and panels to pay for college tuition. She is an inspiration and I hope to meet her one day!
Fill out your form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, eNews, and have yourself recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.
Not an SBN member? Sign up, and join the action today!
Thu, 08/08/2019 - 07:40
By Kristopher Porter
Erika Marquez |
August’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Member Spotlight is dedicated to Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Chair Erika Marquez from WARN Industries. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:
SEMA: What is the best advice you ever received?
Erika Marquez: Don’t overthink your purpose in this life. Give out as you receive, always be humble and loyal. Serving others is the key.
SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?
EM: Since I landed in this industry back in 2009, I fell in love with the passion and the fellowship of this industry. I've made so many good friends and met outstanding people that I can't think of working in another place!
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
EM: An outdoor activity during the morning, including hiking or jogging, is the usual start of my weekend. Also, I love spending time with my family, and cooking is my passion, so usually planning and preparing a delicious meal for supper.
SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?
EM: I am usually organized and prepared for meetings, especially the ones I lead. Having a few bullet points of the items that need to be discussed helps. Also, having some questions ready for the meeting helps the team think out of the box and promote new ideas.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
EM: I have been very fortunate to have had lunch with industry leaders who I admire and respect; however, I would love the opportunity to meet General Motors CEO Mary Barra. She’s the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She started working at the age of 18 at a GM plant inspecting fenders and panels to pay for college tuition. She is an inspiration and I hope to meet her one day!
Fill out your form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, eNews, and have yourself recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.
Not an SBN member? Sign up, and join the action today!
Thu, 08/01/2019 - 17:06
SEMA News—August 2019
NEW PRODUCTS
By Mike Imlay
New Restoration Products
Rejuvenation for Older and Vintage Vehicles
Vehicle restoration is a time-honored tradition among automotive enthusiasts, and the aftermarket makes it all possible. Whether returning a classic to its pristine showroom condition or reinvigorating it as a restomod, the right products from the right manufacturers make all the difference. The 2018 SEMA Show featured a robust-as-ever restoration market with leading exhibitors in the category introducing a wide range of innovations to buyers in the New Products Showcase. The following pages highlight those Showcase products, along with some helpful observations from industry experts about current trends impacting the category.
Auto Custom Carpets Inc. This carpet represents the first in a series of replacement carpets for applications where the original has foam backing in place. This design allows the installer to either reuse the original backing or fabricate backing. It comes standard with ACC Inc. mass backing for a superior fit with added sound control. 256-236-1118 |  |
Classic Industries/OER Reproduction fender emblems for various vintage GM truck models. Each emblem is manufactured from quality materials, is chrome plated and painted with correct colored accents as the original. Features factory-accurate markings on the back for a truly authentic appearance. Officially licensed GM restoration parts. 800-854-1280 |  |
Classic Industries/OER Reproduction power window switches for various ’69–’78 Dodge and Plymouth models. Available with one-, two- or four-button and in either concave or convex design. Each switch is manufactured from quality die-cast materials and features a bright-chrome finish with the factory-correct black pebble-grain accents as the original. 800-854-1280 |  |
Classic Industries/OER Reproductions of interior leather-wrapped components for vintage Camaro models. Each component is manufactured to factory specifications, including correct grain leather 800-854-1280 |  |
Distinctive Industries Distinctive Industries ’65 Pontiac Lemans/GTO Touring II assembled seats are manufactured using the Procar seat frame and foam and are covered in Madrid grain restoration upholstery featuring the Pontiac Arrowhead. The completed seat offers a 20-position reclining seat back and 18-position sliding seat track. Headrests are included. 800-421-9777 |  |
Fairchild Automotive A ’73–’77 Chevrolet Monte Carlo outer belt weatherstrip kit. DS and PS OEM #9673656, 9673657. 847-550-9580 |  |
A180909 KNS/Grand General Accessories Manufacturer A ’28–’31 Model A taillight with a “stop” script lens in LED. The unique dual-colored LED lens lights up the stop script in bright amber when the brakes are applied. That 800-325-0578 |  |
KNS/Grand General Accessories Manufacturer This 14x6 rally wheel reproduction trim ring for ’67–’69 GM vehicles is an assembly-line-correct item that features four original-style mounting clips that hold onto the outer lip of the wheel. Made from high-quality stainless steel and 800-325-0578 |  |
KNS/Grand General Accessories Manufacturer These accessory front bumper guards for ’81–’87 Chevrolet pickups are made from heavy-duty stamped steel with a show-quality chrome finish to instantly add style and protection. The guards include black ABS molding and easily mount to the front bumper with the included hardware. 800-325-0578 |  |
KNS/Grand General Accessories Manufacturer Vintage four-lug applications now have a cool spider cap option. Available in a 4x41/4-in. bolt pattern and featuring a show-quality chrome finish, the cap and flange are made from 800-325-0578 |  |
KNS/Grand General Accessories Manufacturer Safety Stars were once handed out as a reward to safe drivers. Since the ’30s, this accessory has become highly collectable. KNS is introducing a multi-function LED version that serves as a third brake, running and turn-signal light. Made from die-cast metal and featuring a bright moon-style LED lens that keeps a traditional classic look. 800-325-0578 |  |
Lloyd Mats Lloyd Mats is proud to offer the new Honda H emblem in the signature Honda red, available on all carpet lines of the company’s custom-fit floor mats. This is the newest logo in a collection of more than 1,000 licensed logo floor mats. 818-768-6001 |  |
Metro Moulded Parts Metro Moulded Parts announces its RR 1501 part that replaces the convertible roof rail and header bow seals on ’68–’69 General Motors F-body (Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird) convertibles. Proudly made in America and manufactured with Metro’s Supersoft Sponge, which is said to be a vastly superior EPDM sponge rubber compound to protect against 800-878-2237 |  |
Old Air Products Hurricane-series electronic A/C, heat and defrost unit for ’57 Chevrolet cars. The electronic switching package integrates with original deluxe heater controls. Electronic servo motors offer infinitely variable control of defrost and heater functions The Hurricane unit mounts to the firewall with a custom mounting plate using existing holes in 817-531-2665 |  |
POR-15/ POR Products POR-15 rust remover will safely remove light to even heavy rust completely from metal 800-457-6715 |  |
QuietRide Solutions LLC Custom door panels for classic ’66–’77 Ford Broncos with the Bronco brand name or the bucking-horse image in 3-D molded ABS to give a fresh, new, custom look. Pre-cut and ready to install with included hardware. Three versions of the door panels are available to accommodate the variety of mounting hole patterns used on these vehicles. 209-942-4777 |  |
Old Air Products This evaporator conversion kit replaces the original VIR and converts the A/C system 817-531-2665 |  |
Retro Manufacturing The Santa Cruz is specifically designed for ’88–’94 GM trucks and features Apple compatibility and built-in Bluetooth, and it’s SiriusXM-ready. This is said to be the only OEM-style radio replacement offered for this class of GM vehicles. The Santa Cruz gives owners the ability to retain the stock look and functionality while adding modern 702-483-2222 |  |
Retro Manufacturing The Detroit is specifically designed for Ford vehicles, including ’64–’66 Ford Mustangs, Falcons and Rancheros, and features iPod/iPhone compatibility and built-in Bluetooth, and it’s SiriusXM-ready. This OEM-style radio is designed to complement the classic interior while providing modern technology and upgraded sound performance. 702-483-2222 |  |
Retro Manufacturing The Stereophonic offers exceptional dynamic range for the best possible sound reproduction from a RetroSound audio system. The full-range channels have a high-pass crossover for use with full-range speakers. The mono channel has a low-pass crossover to fine-tune the bass frequencies for use with a subwoofer. Selectable input mode for two or three channels. 702-483-2222 |  |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI The reproduction interior rear side panel kit for ’69–’72 Chevy Blazers features original-style scroll embossing and includes screws. Available in black, bright blue, dark green, 800-342-0610 |  |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI Rear cab moldings for ’81–’87 Chevrolet fullsize trucks. 513-934-0815 |  |
Real Deal Steel Stainless-steel reproductions of this hard-to-find part. Original ’57–’58 Chevy Cameo bed inserts were fragile zinc castings that pitted badly and are difficult to restore. These are made in the U.S.A. and install with four mounting studs, just like the originals. 407-585-1957 |  |
Thu, 08/01/2019 - 14:53
SEMA News—August 2019
NEW PRODUCTS
By Douglas McColloch
Tools might be the aftermarket items most taken for granted, left on a shop floor to gather dust or tossed in a grimy parts bin. Yet they’re certainly among the most important everyday shop components because they allow fabricators and customizers to transform their vehicular visions into reality. Whether they’re cutting, clamping, wrenching, riveting, lifting, measuring, monitoring or performing a thousand other tasks, tools and equipment are the workhorses of any shop, and having the right one at hand is essential for any dedicated builder. They’re also an important element of the annual SEMA Show, with an entire dedicated section in the North Hall. The following pages represent a sampling of that section’s latest innovations, as introduced in the 2018 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.
Dannmar Equipment MaxMoto, the portable motorcycle lift, is designed to handle up to 2,500 lbs./1,136 kg. Lift height of 48 in. Fits into the average home garage. Uses 110 VAC at 60 hertz. Comes with flush-mounted anchors to bolt the lift down when in use. Remove the bolts and roll it away for storage when not needed. 877-432-6627 |  |
Schley Products/SP Tools The 11100 manual bushing remove-and-replace tool set from SP Tools offers a more cost-effective alternative to traditional hydraulic press systems. The 22 cups and receivers provide a variety of sizes, ranging from 44mm to 90mm outside diameter and 34mm to 80mm inside diameter. Included are four Acme thread spindles, thrust washers and a hydraulic press ram protector for increased durability. 714-693-7666 |  |
Strong Hand Tools Notch tubes and pipes at the accurate angle and length. Accurately align the first and second notches in round pipes or square tubes at any angle. Position the clamp and V-blocks on the modular fixturing block as needed to set up stock for each unique notching application. 800-989-5244 |  |
TKO Clamping Systems TKO Clamping Systems manufactures custom-machined aluminum clamps and automotive accessories. The company’s hose clamps, hoods and mount/anchor clamps come in numerous anodized colors and finishes and can be personalized with engraving for one-of-a-kind specialization. 208-380-9860 |  |
Horizon Tool Inc. Using a patented anvil with a grease port, the new EZ Grease series adds lubrication to heavy impact points, increasing overall efficiency and giving the user peak power for longer periods. This version is the EZ Grease NC-46255QHB, a 1/2-in.-drive air impact with 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque. Available in three torque ratings. Grease and applicator included. 336-299-4182 |  |
Channellock The new Forged Wirestripper is an exceptionally strong and versatile tool built for precision operation to produce quality work with less fatigue. It is designed for durability with robust, comfortable Channellock blue grips, a spring-loaded handle for easy, one-handed operation, and a lock for safe storage. Made in the U.S.A. 800-724-3018 |  |
Schley Products/SP Tools The T1702 exhaust stud drill fixture from Tech Tools (a brand of Schley Products) allows technicians to drill and repair 8mm and 10mm exhaust studs. This tool anchors off two good studs to create a center for drilling a 4mm pilot in broken studs. The kit includes pilots, bushings, spacers, drill stops and everything needed to repair broken studs. 714-693-7666 |  |
MiG Buddy/GeorgeB Design MiG Buddy is a welding gun holder designed to fit many MIG welding guns. With its universal mount, the MiG Buddy adapts to any work environment, including a welding table/bench, a welding cart, or directly on the work piece. Easy retrieval and easy docking of a welding gun. MiG Buddy is like having a third hand, saving time and money. 888-253-6703 |  |
Anglo American Tools The Hazet angled impact wrench is designed to work in hard-to-reach areas due to its ultra-compact design. It is ideal for operating brake caliper screw connections as well as other difficult-to-access screwing applications. It features one-handed operation for right- and left-handed operators. Maximum loosening torque is 450 Newton-meters (330 lb.-ft.). 856-784-8600 |  |
Boxo USA Mirror-chrome finish 1/4- and 3/8-in.-drive 12-point SAE and metric standard deep sockets. Torx, hex and screwdriver sockets, 90-tooth ratchets, extensions and accessories. Sparkplug sockets. SAE and metric combination wrench set. Ergonomic-handled screwdriver and pliers plus SAE and metric ball hex key set. 657-291-3950 |  |
Shark Holdings LLC Flip-top 304 stainless-steel lid with flush-mounted side shelves. Fully welded construction. Deep top cavity with integrated LED interior light and dual-point locking. Interior drawer lock-out to keep drawers from drifting open, and 150-lb. soft-close slides. Optional power strip with USB; 4-in. stainless-steel Colson casters (optional 5 in.). 855-742-7555 |  |
View all of the Tools & Equipment products featured in the 2018 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.