By Mike Imlay

Nick Niakan	Kim Pendergast
Julian Gill	Jim Liaw
Chris Kersting	Brian Reese

What can recent events teach specialty-equipment companies about crisis and recovery? That was the topic of an informative panel discussion kicking off day three of SEMA360, Wednesday, November 4. Entitled “Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis & Recovery,” the discussion is part of the ongoing series of morning “Brew Talks” held each day of the trade-only SEMA360 online event. The unique series brings together industry leaders, innovators and personalities for interesting conversations touching on a variety of hot topics.

Led by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, the Wednesday panel featured CEO/presidents Julian Gil of Eibach Inc., Jim Liaw of Formula DRIFT, Shahriar “Nick” Niakan of aFe Power, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Superchargers and Brian Reese of The Retrofit Source. Insights touched on everything from facing adversity, preparedness and retaining sale and productivity, to issues of flexibility, management style and the new SOPs many aftermarket businesses have now embraced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, remote viewers joined the discussion through a real-time chat feature.

All the panelists agreed that the experiences of the last several months brought new lessons and best practices that are likely to remain with aftermarket businesses well into 2021 and beyond. One example are the adaptations companies have made for a remote workforce. Reese noted that The Retrofit Source is weighing permanently requisitioning all employees with laptops instead of desk computers to promote worker flexibility.

Meanwhile, Pendergast noted the challenging remote-work decisions facing companies as pandemic lockdowns ease. “We’re now facing people coming back to work and that may be the harder thing,” she said, explaining that some employees will have lingering health and safety concerns, while others will simply prefer to continue working from home. She noted studies that have shown decreased productivity over time among remote workers, especially as distractions increase. “What we’ve faced is people at home with nothing to do but work, and maybe spend time with their families, so they have been extremely productive,” she continued. “But I think what we will face as things open up is people will have distractions from home and that productivity will decrease.”

There was also broad agreement among panelists that recent aftermarket sales surges may level off after lockdowns end as well, since consumers will once again have more entertainment options competing for their discretionary dollars. All believed that digital marketing tactics, which many aftermarket businesses have honed during the pandemic, have raised new standards for communicating with employees, business partners and consumers alike.

For Gill, the need for flexibility and cross-training of management and staff were key pandemic takeaways. Liaw said recent events have reminded him how adversity has a way off making a team shine. Niakan meanwhile focused on “planning, planning, planning” for inevitable crises—not to foresee every conceivable challenge, but because the exercise itself builds a toolkit of choices for rough times.

Morning “Brew Talks” represent just a few of the many educational opportunities being served up at SEMA360, which continues through Friday, November 6. The SEMA Week event also offers exclusive manufacturer-buyer connections, industry networking, new-product and technology introductions, project vehicle builds and more.

Click here to watch the video, available on demand.

Additional details about the innovative e-marketplace can be found at www.sema360.com.

By Mike Imlay

Nick Niakan	Kim Pendergast
Julian Gill	Jim Liaw
Chris Kersting	Brian Reese

What can recent events teach specialty-equipment companies about crisis and recovery? That was the topic of an informative panel discussion kicking off day three of SEMA360, Wednesday, November 4. Entitled “Top Aftermarket CEOs Talk Crisis & Recovery,” the discussion is part of the ongoing series of morning “Brew Talks” held each day of the trade-only SEMA360 online event. The unique series brings together industry leaders, innovators and personalities for interesting conversations touching on a variety of hot topics.

Led by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, the Wednesday panel featured CEO/presidents Julian Gil of Eibach Inc., Jim Liaw of Formula DRIFT, Shahriar “Nick” Niakan of aFe Power, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Superchargers and Brian Reese of The Retrofit Source. Insights touched on everything from facing adversity, preparedness and retaining sale and productivity, to issues of flexibility, management style and the new SOPs many aftermarket businesses have now embraced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, remote viewers joined the discussion through a real-time chat feature.

All the panelists agreed that the experiences of the last several months brought new lessons and best practices that are likely to remain with aftermarket businesses well into 2021 and beyond. One example are the adaptations companies have made for a remote workforce. Reese noted that The Retrofit Source is weighing permanently requisitioning all employees with laptops instead of desk computers to promote worker flexibility.

Meanwhile, Pendergast noted the challenging remote-work decisions facing companies as pandemic lockdowns ease. “We’re now facing people coming back to work and that may be the harder thing,” she said, explaining that some employees will have lingering health and safety concerns, while others will simply prefer to continue working from home. She noted studies that have shown decreased productivity over time among remote workers, especially as distractions increase. “What we’ve faced is people at home with nothing to do but work, and maybe spend time with their families, so they have been extremely productive,” she continued. “But I think what we will face as things open up is people will have distractions from home and that productivity will decrease.”

There was also broad agreement among panelists that recent aftermarket sales surges may level off after lockdowns end as well, since consumers will once again have more entertainment options competing for their discretionary dollars. All believed that digital marketing tactics, which many aftermarket businesses have honed during the pandemic, have raised new standards for communicating with employees, business partners and consumers alike.

For Gill, the need for flexibility and cross-training of management and staff were key pandemic takeaways. Liaw said recent events have reminded him how adversity has a way off making a team shine. Niakan meanwhile focused on “planning, planning, planning” for inevitable crises—not to foresee every conceivable challenge, but because the exercise itself builds a toolkit of choices for rough times.

Morning “Brew Talks” represent just a few of the many educational opportunities being served up at SEMA360, which continues through Friday, November 6. The SEMA Week event also offers exclusive manufacturer-buyer connections, industry networking, new-product and technology introductions, project vehicle builds and more.

Click here to watch the video, available on demand.

Additional details about the innovative e-marketplace can be found at www.sema360.com.

By SEMA Editors

There are still two days left of SEMA360, and attendees have already connected with hundreds of top manufacturers introducing new products and highlighting signature brands.

Here is a small sample of some of the products announced on SEMA360.

Hellwig Offers New Helper Springs for GM Pickups

The all-new helper springs for the 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are engineered to increase the vehicle’s level load rating and features silent ride bushings. The Pro Series Helper Springs allow the truck to maintain a level ride height when hauling or towing, resulting in improved safety, handling, comfort, and overall driver control.

Hellwig Products developed the Pro Series Helper Springs specifically to provide additional rear-end support and are compatible with all trim levels. This two-leaf helper pack is conveniently adjusted and rated for up to 2,500pounds of load-leveling capability, which allows the driver to tune the spring rate to match the load they are towing or hauling. The Pro Series kit features silent ride bushings, offering quiet load support.

If the load is unevenly distributed, owners can adjust each side individually to level the vehicle from left to right. With the Pro Series Helper Springs installed, the truck can transport heavier loads while maintaining a level stance. Pro Series Helper Springs for the GM 1500 are easily installed with simple hand tools and come with all necessary parts and hardware. Made in the USA.

Visit Hellwig's SEMA360 Showcase.

Quadratec Aluminum Brute Strength Winch Bumper for Wrangler & Gladiator

The Quadratec Aluminum Brute Strength Winch-Ready Front Bumper offers ultimate protection for the front of your Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. This premium bumper has a fully welded one-piece outer construction using 6mm thick lightweight aluminum plate. The aggressively styled Competition Bumper bolts directly to the vehicle’s existing mounting points and there’s no drilling or modifications required.

The separate 5mm-thick steel winch plate provides a superior substructure and will accommodate most winches up to 12,000 lb capacity. This design offers a significant weight savings over comparable all-steel bumpers, with less change in gas mileage and reducing the front end dipping down while braking.

Aluminum Brute Strength Winch Bumpers are finished with an attractive and durable light textured black powder coating and include fog light provisions to retain the factory fog lights, and can be upgraded to our high-performance plug-n-play LED versions. The Brute Strength Stubby design measures 47” wide and provides addition tire clearance if needed while the Brute Strength Full Width design measures 69” wide.

Bumpers include a removable aluminum over rider hoop with sleek dimpled speed holes and a durable 4mm thick fully welded construction. The welded steel recovery plates feature tow hooks and D-Ring mounts for use with 3/4” D-Rings with 7/8” pins. D-Rings, lights and skid plate are available separately.

Visit the Quadratec SEMA360 Showcase.

AlphaRex LUXX-Series LED Projector Headlights

AlphaRex LUXX-Series headlights feature a single projector illuminated by a high-performance AlphaRex LED bulb that provides superior light output at a budget-minded price.

This series also features full LED daytime running lights, amber sequential turn indicators and an exclusive activation light that illuminates and runs a sequence when the remote control is depressed and/or the vehicle ignition is engaged.

Available in Black, Chrome and Alpha-Black (Chrome-Delete) Housing.

UV-cured exterior lens coating, interior surface of polycarbonate lenses are sealed with anti-fogging compound. We use the latest innovative air vent technology to prevent condensation. D.O.T Compliant with two year warranty.

Visit the AlphaRex SEMA360 Showcase.

Mothers Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax

Mothers Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax combines the simplicity of a spray wax with the benefits of a ceramic spray coating.

Featuring a balanced blend of advanced science and traditional car care, this formula seamlessly unites the trusted and time-tested natural protection of carnauba wax with the cutting-edge nano-quartz ceramic technology of today.

From greasy fingerprints and smudges to road grime and dust, Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax’s ultra-slick formula lubricates while it cleans, leaving you with a scratch-free, SiO2 protected, liquidy-gloss appearance that repels water and contaminants with ease. Use as a stand-alone product, or as a booster over your existing ceramic coating, sealant or wax. Apply in layers for increased depth, durability and protection. Just spray on and wipe off, it’s that easy.

Visit the Mothers SEMA360 Showcase.

HOZEEZ Car Washing and Detailing Tool

HOZEEZ Car Washing and Detailing ToolHozeez car wash and detailing accessory is a premium product that allows you to wash, detail, and work on vehicles without the hose, extension cord, or air line getting stuck under the tires.

Its patented design makes it the best engineered, most effective, and most durable hose guide on the market.

If you forget about the hose guides under the tires when driving away, no worries, because Hozees is almost impossible to damage!

Visit the HOZEEZ SEMA360 Showcase.

Scosche Industries 40-Watt Car Charger

Discover the advantage of Power Delivery. 

Safely charge your mobile device at its fastest possible charge rate with the new PowerVolt 40W Power Delivery Car Charger. 

This dual-port car charger will give your phone a nice boost of power in a short amount of time.

Visit the Scosche SEMA360 Showcase.

Polyvance Releases New 6142 Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool Kit

The 6142 Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool from Polyvance helps the auto body technician easily disassemble the aggravating snap-in tabs that often hold trim, such as grilles and bezels, to the bumper cover.

Many times, a dozen or more of these tabs must be pried apart to separate the components. Inevitably, some of them pop back together as the others are being pried apart, leading to time-wasting struggles in separating the parts.

The Shim Jim's pistol grip design helps the repair technician easily pry each tab apart with a twist of the wrist. The tip of the tool features three different working edges to match narrow, medium and wide tabs. Most importantly, the Shim Jim kit comes with 25 specially shaped shims that will hold the snap-in tabs apart. The galvanized steel shims have a wedge shape to accommodate different tab widths and a turned down edge for easier handling. Once all the tabs have been pried apart and shimmed open, the parts will separate with minimal effort.

Visit the Polyvance SEMA360 Showcase.

M18 FUEL Compact Impact Wrenches For Tight Spaces

Milwaukee Tool continues to transform cordless expectations with the introduction of new go-to impact wrench solutions when accessing tight spaces.

Measuring at 4.8-in. in length and delivering up to 250 lb.-ft. of torque, Milwaukee’s next-generation M18 FUEL Compact Impact Wrenches deliver the performance needed in tight applications where larger impact wrenches cannot fit.

Visit the Milwaukee Tool SEMA360 Showcase.

Delta Tech Offers LED Quad-Bar Headlights for Jeeps

Delta Tech Industries, an American innovator in headlight technology, announced its new generation of headlights designed specifically for ’18–’20 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Series.

Delta has rolled out three models of Quad-Bar Series equipped with precision DOT compliant glass prismatic optics, built-in LED light source, LED Blinker and protecting Quad-cross.

The LED lights produce 4,000 Lumen and are rated at 22,000 operating hours at near daylight visibility. A halo-equipped version features a built-in COB LED halo to act as a DRL light while providing class and safety for day and nighttime driving. 

For those extreme Jeepers who cross mud and rivers, Delta has developed a military option that is hermetically sealed with a tight-silicone screw-on cap and air-breathing valve. 

Visit the Delta Tech Industries SEMA360 Showcase.

Eaton Introduces New TVS R3100 Supercharger for Aftermarket Applications

Eaton has introduced its Twin Vortices Series (TVS) R3100 supercharger rotors for aftermarket applications. Based on the design of the TVS R2650, the new TVS R3100 moves at least 10% more air and maintains the same design footprint within the engine bay. 

Taking the best attributes from the efficient TVS R2650, the R3100 retains a high-twist, four-lobe rotor design, and features specialized coatings and minimized weight to maximize overall performance across a wide variety of RPM.

The R3100 was developed in response to customer demand for greater airflow from a similar-sized package. This innovative design results in greater displacement than the TVS R2650, allowing Eaton’s aftermarket partners to bring even higher performance to their customers with only slight modifications to their existing housings for a better under-hood fit and a quicker time to market. All Eaton supercharger components are produced with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and feature a patented rotor coating for improved efficiency. Eaton’s powder coating fills gaps between rotor lobes, tips and faces to mitigate air leakage and creates a near-zero clearance between components, resulting in optimal performance.

Visit the Eaton SEMA360 Showcase.

By SEMA Editors

There are still two days left of SEMA360, and attendees have already connected with hundreds of top manufacturers introducing new products and highlighting signature brands.

Here is a small sample of some of the products announced on SEMA360.

Hellwig Offers New Helper Springs for GM Pickups

The all-new helper springs for the 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are engineered to increase the vehicle’s level load rating and features silent ride bushings. The Pro Series Helper Springs allow the truck to maintain a level ride height when hauling or towing, resulting in improved safety, handling, comfort, and overall driver control.

Hellwig Products developed the Pro Series Helper Springs specifically to provide additional rear-end support and are compatible with all trim levels. This two-leaf helper pack is conveniently adjusted and rated for up to 2,500pounds of load-leveling capability, which allows the driver to tune the spring rate to match the load they are towing or hauling. The Pro Series kit features silent ride bushings, offering quiet load support.

If the load is unevenly distributed, owners can adjust each side individually to level the vehicle from left to right. With the Pro Series Helper Springs installed, the truck can transport heavier loads while maintaining a level stance. Pro Series Helper Springs for the GM 1500 are easily installed with simple hand tools and come with all necessary parts and hardware. Made in the USA.

Visit Hellwig's SEMA360 Showcase.

Quadratec Aluminum Brute Strength Winch Bumper for Wrangler & Gladiator

The Quadratec Aluminum Brute Strength Winch-Ready Front Bumper offers ultimate protection for the front of your Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. This premium bumper has a fully welded one-piece outer construction using 6mm thick lightweight aluminum plate. The aggressively styled Competition Bumper bolts directly to the vehicle’s existing mounting points and there’s no drilling or modifications required.

The separate 5mm-thick steel winch plate provides a superior substructure and will accommodate most winches up to 12,000 lb capacity. This design offers a significant weight savings over comparable all-steel bumpers, with less change in gas mileage and reducing the front end dipping down while braking.

Aluminum Brute Strength Winch Bumpers are finished with an attractive and durable light textured black powder coating and include fog light provisions to retain the factory fog lights, and can be upgraded to our high-performance plug-n-play LED versions. The Brute Strength Stubby design measures 47” wide and provides addition tire clearance if needed while the Brute Strength Full Width design measures 69” wide.

Bumpers include a removable aluminum over rider hoop with sleek dimpled speed holes and a durable 4mm thick fully welded construction. The welded steel recovery plates feature tow hooks and D-Ring mounts for use with 3/4” D-Rings with 7/8” pins. D-Rings, lights and skid plate are available separately.

Visit the Quadratec SEMA360 Showcase.

AlphaRex LUXX-Series LED Projector Headlights

AlphaRex LUXX-Series headlights feature a single projector illuminated by a high-performance AlphaRex LED bulb that provides superior light output at a budget-minded price.

This series also features full LED daytime running lights, amber sequential turn indicators and an exclusive activation light that illuminates and runs a sequence when the remote control is depressed and/or the vehicle ignition is engaged.

Available in Black, Chrome and Alpha-Black (Chrome-Delete) Housing.

UV-cured exterior lens coating, interior surface of polycarbonate lenses are sealed with anti-fogging compound. We use the latest innovative air vent technology to prevent condensation. D.O.T Compliant with two year warranty.

Visit the AlphaRex SEMA360 Showcase.

Mothers Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax

Mothers Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax combines the simplicity of a spray wax with the benefits of a ceramic spray coating.

Featuring a balanced blend of advanced science and traditional car care, this formula seamlessly unites the trusted and time-tested natural protection of carnauba wax with the cutting-edge nano-quartz ceramic technology of today.

From greasy fingerprints and smudges to road grime and dust, Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax’s ultra-slick formula lubricates while it cleans, leaving you with a scratch-free, SiO2 protected, liquidy-gloss appearance that repels water and contaminants with ease. Use as a stand-alone product, or as a booster over your existing ceramic coating, sealant or wax. Apply in layers for increased depth, durability and protection. Just spray on and wipe off, it’s that easy.

Visit the Mothers SEMA360 Showcase.

HOZEEZ Car Washing and Detailing Tool

HOZEEZ Car Washing and Detailing ToolHozeez car wash and detailing accessory is a premium product that allows you to wash, detail, and work on vehicles without the hose, extension cord, or air line getting stuck under the tires.

Its patented design makes it the best engineered, most effective, and most durable hose guide on the market.

If you forget about the hose guides under the tires when driving away, no worries, because Hozees is almost impossible to damage!

Visit the HOZEEZ SEMA360 Showcase.

Scosche Industries 40-Watt Car Charger

Discover the advantage of Power Delivery. 

Safely charge your mobile device at its fastest possible charge rate with the new PowerVolt 40W Power Delivery Car Charger. 

This dual-port car charger will give your phone a nice boost of power in a short amount of time.

Visit the Scosche SEMA360 Showcase.

Polyvance Releases New 6142 Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool Kit

The 6142 Shim Jim Tab Separator Tool from Polyvance helps the auto body technician easily disassemble the aggravating snap-in tabs that often hold trim, such as grilles and bezels, to the bumper cover.

Many times, a dozen or more of these tabs must be pried apart to separate the components. Inevitably, some of them pop back together as the others are being pried apart, leading to time-wasting struggles in separating the parts.

The Shim Jim's pistol grip design helps the repair technician easily pry each tab apart with a twist of the wrist. The tip of the tool features three different working edges to match narrow, medium and wide tabs. Most importantly, the Shim Jim kit comes with 25 specially shaped shims that will hold the snap-in tabs apart. The galvanized steel shims have a wedge shape to accommodate different tab widths and a turned down edge for easier handling. Once all the tabs have been pried apart and shimmed open, the parts will separate with minimal effort.

Visit the Polyvance SEMA360 Showcase.

M18 FUEL Compact Impact Wrenches For Tight Spaces

Milwaukee Tool continues to transform cordless expectations with the introduction of new go-to impact wrench solutions when accessing tight spaces.

Measuring at 4.8-in. in length and delivering up to 250 lb.-ft. of torque, Milwaukee’s next-generation M18 FUEL Compact Impact Wrenches deliver the performance needed in tight applications where larger impact wrenches cannot fit.

Visit the Milwaukee Tool SEMA360 Showcase.

Delta Tech Offers LED Quad-Bar Headlights for Jeeps

Delta Tech Industries, an American innovator in headlight technology, announced its new generation of headlights designed specifically for ’18–’20 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Series.

Delta has rolled out three models of Quad-Bar Series equipped with precision DOT compliant glass prismatic optics, built-in LED light source, LED Blinker and protecting Quad-cross.

The LED lights produce 4,000 Lumen and are rated at 22,000 operating hours at near daylight visibility. A halo-equipped version features a built-in COB LED halo to act as a DRL light while providing class and safety for day and nighttime driving. 

For those extreme Jeepers who cross mud and rivers, Delta has developed a military option that is hermetically sealed with a tight-silicone screw-on cap and air-breathing valve. 

Visit the Delta Tech Industries SEMA360 Showcase.

Eaton Introduces New TVS R3100 Supercharger for Aftermarket Applications

Eaton has introduced its Twin Vortices Series (TVS) R3100 supercharger rotors for aftermarket applications. Based on the design of the TVS R2650, the new TVS R3100 moves at least 10% more air and maintains the same design footprint within the engine bay. 

Taking the best attributes from the efficient TVS R2650, the R3100 retains a high-twist, four-lobe rotor design, and features specialized coatings and minimized weight to maximize overall performance across a wide variety of RPM.

The R3100 was developed in response to customer demand for greater airflow from a similar-sized package. This innovative design results in greater displacement than the TVS R2650, allowing Eaton’s aftermarket partners to bring even higher performance to their customers with only slight modifications to their existing housings for a better under-hood fit and a quicker time to market. All Eaton supercharger components are produced with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and feature a patented rotor coating for improved efficiency. Eaton’s powder coating fills gaps between rotor lobes, tips and faces to mitigate air leakage and creates a near-zero clearance between components, resulting in optimal performance.

Visit the Eaton SEMA360 Showcase.

By Jason Catullo

As SEMA360 rolls on through day 3, there is still more than enough time for attendees to sign up and enjoy access to the industry for the rest of the week. Attendees have already connected with hundreds of manufacturers, viewed and researched thousands of new products, and took advantage of exclusive seminars and special events.

One of the special events, the announcement of the Battle of the Builders Top 12, took place earlier today on the SEMA360 Builders Showcase page.

To see all that SEMA360 offers, check out the event's seminar lineup and activities schedule . For more, visit the SEMA360 Buyer website. 

Here’s a brief look at what you can take part in on day four of SEMA360.

More For Day Four! Hot Rod Builders Panel

You want to be a car builder, but there are so many questions. How do I develop my style? How do I learn from others without being a copycat? Who controls the vision—me or the customer? The Hot Rod Builders Panel features some of the industry’s top builders discussing how they answered these questions and more on their way to building a successful hot-rod business.

What: Hot-Rod Builders Panel—Powered by HRIA
When: 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. (PST)

Moderator: Rick Love, Vintage Air Inc.
Speaker: Bobby Alloway, Alloway's Hot Rod Shop
Speaker: Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed & Engineering Inc.
Speaker: Brian Brennan, In The Garage Media
Speaker: Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
Speaker: Mike Ring, Ringbrothers

Brew Talks: Sean Holman and Aaron Kaufman, Two Dudes Talking Cars

Kick off your SEMA360 day with a cup of joe, or your favorite beverage, and join SEMA for an entertaining conversation between industry leaders, innovators and personalities.

When: 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m. (PST)
Host: Aaron Kaufman, Arclight Fabrication Co.
Guest: Sean Holman, MotorTrend Group

Restomod and Hot-Rod Interior Fabrication—Incorporating Modern Electronics—Powered by ARMO and HRIA

All new for 2020, learn modern-style, upscale hot-rod and restomod interior fabrication techniques from the leaders in the category. Half the battle is designing something you can build and upholster, along with the serviceability of what's behind those panels. With modern electronics playing a larger role in restomod and hot-rod builds, the older styles of padding everything with foam and using screws to attach panels are obsolete. Attendees will hear about new and exciting interior fabrication techniques and tips to enhance any fabricator's palate of skills. This diversity can bring in clientele and make your shop the go-to place for interiors that have style and still accommodate electronics and the serviceability aspect.

When: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. (PST)
Speaker: Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions USA
Speaker: Juan Torres, Automotive Entertainment HB

SEMA Industry Awards Celebration

Leaders, celebrities and icons gathered to create the first-ever online SEMA Industry Awards celebration, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST), on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel. Join the automotive specialty-equipment market in celebrating 2020's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The celebration, which is traditionally held at the in-person SEMA Show, No tickets or fee are required.

The event will be hosted by Kevin Oeste and Jerod DeAnda, with appearances by SEMA Chairman Tim Martin, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, and the four new SEMA Hall of Fame members: Jack Chisenhall, John Gaines, Joe St. Lawrence and Rich Barsamian.

What: SEMA Industry Awards Celebration
When: Begins 6:00 p.m. (PST)
Where: SEMA Show YouTube Channel

By Jason Catullo

As SEMA360 rolls on through day 3, there is still more than enough time for attendees to sign up and enjoy access to the industry for the rest of the week. Attendees have already connected with hundreds of manufacturers, viewed and researched thousands of new products, and took advantage of exclusive seminars and special events.

One of the special events, the announcement of the Battle of the Builders Top 12, took place earlier today on the SEMA360 Builders Showcase page.

To see all that SEMA360 offers, check out the event's seminar lineup and activities schedule . For more, visit the SEMA360 Buyer website. 

Here’s a brief look at what you can take part in on day four of SEMA360.

More For Day Four! Hot Rod Builders Panel

You want to be a car builder, but there are so many questions. How do I develop my style? How do I learn from others without being a copycat? Who controls the vision—me or the customer? The Hot Rod Builders Panel features some of the industry’s top builders discussing how they answered these questions and more on their way to building a successful hot-rod business.

What: Hot-Rod Builders Panel—Powered by HRIA
When: 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. (PST)

Moderator: Rick Love, Vintage Air Inc.
Speaker: Bobby Alloway, Alloway's Hot Rod Shop
Speaker: Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed & Engineering Inc.
Speaker: Brian Brennan, In The Garage Media
Speaker: Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
Speaker: Mike Ring, Ringbrothers

Brew Talks: Sean Holman and Aaron Kaufman, Two Dudes Talking Cars

Kick off your SEMA360 day with a cup of joe, or your favorite beverage, and join SEMA for an entertaining conversation between industry leaders, innovators and personalities.

When: 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m. (PST)
Host: Aaron Kaufman, Arclight Fabrication Co.
Guest: Sean Holman, MotorTrend Group

Restomod and Hot-Rod Interior Fabrication—Incorporating Modern Electronics—Powered by ARMO and HRIA

All new for 2020, learn modern-style, upscale hot-rod and restomod interior fabrication techniques from the leaders in the category. Half the battle is designing something you can build and upholster, along with the serviceability of what's behind those panels. With modern electronics playing a larger role in restomod and hot-rod builds, the older styles of padding everything with foam and using screws to attach panels are obsolete. Attendees will hear about new and exciting interior fabrication techniques and tips to enhance any fabricator's palate of skills. This diversity can bring in clientele and make your shop the go-to place for interiors that have style and still accommodate electronics and the serviceability aspect.

When: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. (PST)
Speaker: Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions USA
Speaker: Juan Torres, Automotive Entertainment HB

SEMA Industry Awards Celebration

Leaders, celebrities and icons gathered to create the first-ever online SEMA Industry Awards celebration, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST), on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel. Join the automotive specialty-equipment market in celebrating 2020's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The celebration, which is traditionally held at the in-person SEMA Show, No tickets or fee are required.

The event will be hosted by Kevin Oeste and Jerod DeAnda, with appearances by SEMA Chairman Tim Martin, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, and the four new SEMA Hall of Fame members: Jack Chisenhall, John Gaines, Joe St. Lawrence and Rich Barsamian.

What: SEMA Industry Awards Celebration
When: Begins 6:00 p.m. (PST)
Where: SEMA Show YouTube Channel

By SEMA Editors

Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build.

Beginning Monday, Ryan Friedlinghaus shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build. By Tuesday morning, the West Coast Customs team outfitted the Toughbuilt Dodge Ram work truck with extensive audio upgrades, a complete satin wrap with gloss accents, multiple lighting upgrades, a 6-in. suspension lift, wheels and tires and all sorts of secure storage options for the bed.

During the build, attendees made donations via a YouTube giving page in order to be eligible to win the Toughbuilt Industries Dodge Ram, with the customized truck going to the highest bidder, and the donated funds to benefit the United Service Organizations (USO).

“We love working with the military, and at the end of the day, they allow us to do what we love to do,” said Friedlinghaus. “So we want to help our military and give back to them, he said. “100% of the funds being donated will go to the USO, so nobody is taking a cut off this. These guys get the money directly.”

During the remainder of the week, the SEMA360 West Coast Customs Showcase will continue broadcasting live from the West Coast Customs facilities to bring attendees exclusive interviews and breakout sessions, with entertaining stories and how-to tips for builders and customizers.

The 24-hour build video is accessible only through SEMA360.

By SEMA Editors

Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build.

Beginning Monday, Ryan Friedlinghaus shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build. By Tuesday morning, the West Coast Customs team outfitted the Toughbuilt Dodge Ram work truck with extensive audio upgrades, a complete satin wrap with gloss accents, multiple lighting upgrades, a 6-in. suspension lift, wheels and tires and all sorts of secure storage options for the bed.

During the build, attendees made donations via a YouTube giving page in order to be eligible to win the Toughbuilt Industries Dodge Ram, with the customized truck going to the highest bidder, and the donated funds to benefit the United Service Organizations (USO).

“We love working with the military, and at the end of the day, they allow us to do what we love to do,” said Friedlinghaus. “So we want to help our military and give back to them, he said. “100% of the funds being donated will go to the USO, so nobody is taking a cut off this. These guys get the money directly.”

During the remainder of the week, the SEMA360 West Coast Customs Showcase will continue broadcasting live from the West Coast Customs facilities to bring attendees exclusive interviews and breakout sessions, with entertaining stories and how-to tips for builders and customizers.

The 24-hour build video is accessible only through SEMA360.

By SEMA Editors

Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build.

Beginning Monday, Ryan Friedlinghaus shut down his shop in Burbank, California, for five days to bring SEMA360 the first-ever 24-hour vehicle build. By Tuesday morning, the West Coast Customs team outfitted the Toughbuilt Dodge Ram work truck with extensive audio upgrades, a complete satin wrap with gloss accents, multiple lighting upgrades, a 6-in. suspension lift, wheels and tires and all sorts of secure storage options for the bed.

During the build, attendees made donations via a YouTube giving page in order to be eligible to win the Toughbuilt Industries Dodge Ram, with the customized truck going to the highest bidder, and the donated funds to benefit the United Service Organizations (USO).

“We love working with the military, and at the end of the day, they allow us to do what we love to do,” said Friedlinghaus. “So we want to help our military and give back to them, he said. “100% of the funds being donated will go to the USO, so nobody is taking a cut off this. These guys get the money directly.”

During the remainder of the week, the SEMA360 West Coast Customs Showcase will continue broadcasting live from the West Coast Customs facilities to bring attendees exclusive interviews and breakout sessions, with entertaining stories and how-to tips for builders and customizers.

The 24-hour build video is accessible only through SEMA360.

By Douglas McColloch

It wouldn’t be the SEMA Show without show-stopping builds and customizations, and while there’s no show floor in Las Vegas this year, SEMA360 is no different. More than 300 builders entered some of their latest creations, and you can see them throughout the week at the SEMA360 Builder Showcase page. We’ll be spotlighting five awesome builds each day of the event, starting with the ones you see here.

Submitted by: Graham Adams Vehicle: ’20 Jeep Gladiator 6x6 Designed for serious backcountry travel, this Gladiator 6x6 conversion is home to some crucial parts for overlanding, including a Warn winch, Road Armor bumpers, Maxtrax safety mats, Factor 55 recovery gear, a Cascadia tent, a Viair portable air compressor and Lock’erDown storage solutions. A Jamo Performance exhaust helps with aspiration under the hood. The Jeep’s suspension receives an assist from a set of Fox remote-reservoir coilover shocks, and the lift accommodates a set of big Black Rhino wheels. KC HiLites provide auxiliary lighting, a Kicker audio system resides in the cab, Hornblasters air horns make a loud statement, and Keg Media supplied the original rendering.
Submitted by: Shannon Waltz Vehicle: ’50 Ford panel truck Used originally by a bakery for deliveries of fresh bread, this ’50 has been reborn ad as one-of-a-kind restomod. Under the hood is a Cummins 4BT diesel four-cylinder backed by the TH400 automatic transmission. Power flows to a narrowed Ford 9-in. rearend, which is located by a triangulated four-link. The front suspension, meanwhile, has been grafted from a Mustang II, and disc-braked Detroit Steel wheels reside at all four corners. An Accuair air suspension with CVT management is also in the mix, as is custom glass and moldings from Service Auto Glass and custom leather seating and headliner from J&J Upholstery.
Submitted by: Jorge Geo Ramos Vehicle: ’15 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat You’d think 707 hp would be plenty of power for most, but this SRT ups the ante with a host of underhood performance parts. A BWoody cold air intake handles inhalation duties, and a Fore Fuel pump and a set of Injection Dynamics Injectors held to keep the cylinders fed with VP Racing Fuels X85 racing fuel. A Nitrous Outlet NO2 system is on hand for still more oomph, and a BMR ice tank keeps intercooler temps down during the race. All that power turns a set of Mickey Thompson tires mounted on Race Star wheels.
Submitted by: Luis Zschocke Vehicle: ’69 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS This resto’d classic Camaro gets its motive power from a Holley-fed GM Performance Parts 396 V8 that’s been outfitted with a Competition cam and assisted by Mallory electrical components. Power is transferred to a set of BFGoodrich tires wrapped around Vintage Wheels. Inside the cab, many original components such as lap belts are still utilized, but many other have been replaced by OE replacement parts, including a Vintage Air HVAC system and a Classic Industries  steering wheel while a Hurst shifter engages the four-speed transmission. Outside, the vehicle sports Pilkington glass and coat of Glasurit BASF Hugger Orange paint.
Submitted by: ProTech Industries Vehicle: ’03 Ford F-250 XLT 4x4 Wearing a custom wrap, this build makes an already-capable 4x4 an ever more versatile performer, on-road and off. The stock PowerStroke engine and drivetrain were left alone in favor of a raft of exterior parts from ProTech Industries including the aluminum flatbed that utilizes 6061 T6 alloy crossmembers. Also riding in the back are a set of underbody boxes, a dog box, storage boxes for tools, rear fenders, running boards and a removable and configurable lumber rack with an integrated storage basket. A Warn M12-S winch provides entree into the far backcountry, and the Ford’s frontend has been retrofitted to accommodate a set of Warn premium manual-locking hubs.