Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” Park said.  

Paula Argiropoulos (left), international sales manager for Rigid Industries, met with a buyer while her colleague, Robert Park (black shirt), met with other buyers. Rigid Industries personnel previously traveled to the Middle East and China with SEMA. The company is interested in exploring how to grow the market for its lighting products.

The SEMA event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. As with the first SEMA overseas programs in the Middle East and China, the exhibiting companies displayed their products in a hotel ballroom. Each company on this inaugural trip to Russia was assigned a 6-ft. table. Buyers such as this Novossibirsk, Russia-based (more than 2000 miles from Moscow) installer/retailer traveled to the event from throughout Russia. David Borla (center), vice president of sales and marketing for Borla Performance Industries, was clearly impressed and excited about the opportunities for his company. “The automotive enthusiast culture in Russia is fostered by the powerful and combined effect of a unique set of circumstances,” Borla said. “You find the opulence of China, the deep-rooted automotive proficiency of Germany, the brand consciousness of the Middle East, the limited government regulation of the United States and a fairly easy parts importation process. It really is a perfect storm for our industry.”

Debbie Sweet (back to camera), international sales manager for Penda Corp., talked with a buyer interested in the company’s bedliner products. The Wisconsin-based firm offers bedliners for U.S. and international pickups. As in many other markets, Russians buy large pickups such as one might find on U.S. roads, but the vehicles are often brought in through the gray market and are not official imports. The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 are among the pickups that are sold in Russia and around the world but not in the United States or Canada. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, SEMA has purchased a HiLux and Ranger. The vehicles are available to members to measure in order to create export-ready products. The newest vehicle—due to arrive at the SEMA headquarters in September—is a Mitsubishi L200. Mitsubishi recently reported that more than 1.1 million of these compact pickups, produced in Thailand and known as the Triton in some markets, have been sold since 2005.

Sources: AEB, PWC, Rosstat, U.S. Consulate calculations published in a recent report Russia: “Automotive Industry Update” by Alexander Kansky, U.S. Consulate St. Petersburg.

•Borla Performance Industries
•Bully Dog Technologies
•Dee Zee Inc.
•Injen Technology
•Penda Corp.
•Rigid Industries LED Lighting
•Royal Purple
•SCT Performance

Adrian Croot (second right), marketing director of Idaho-based Bully Dog and sister-company SCT Performance, based in Sanford, Florida, talked with buyers about the potential for the tuning products that both firms produce.

Royal Purple’s George Shepherd (right) talked with a buyer at the SEMA mini trade show.

In post-event feedback, the exhibitors appreciated the chance to get to meet so many buyers in a smaller-scale setting.

Many of the buyers said that they planned to visit the 2014 SEMA Show to follow up with the visiting U.S. companies and see what other new products might sell well in Russia.

The first event was an informal roundtable discussion between a representative group of buyers and the SEMA delegation. Debbie Sweet (center, light blue shirt) met with buyers at the opening dinner. “The biggest misconception that I found with Russian buyers is that U.S. companies do not adapt their products for markets outside of the United States. Many of us carry an extensive number of models for vehicles made outside the United States and will continue to work to grow both our U.S. and international product offerings. Our visit to Moscow was the first step to enlighten the buyers to the fact that we are able to sell them products for the vehicles in their market,“ noted Sweet.

Buyers from throughout Russia were waiting at the door when the SEMA mini trade show opened. In addition to buyers from Moscow, retailers, wholesalers and installers traveled from other top Russian cities, including St. Petersburg (439 miles), Rostov-na-Donu (670 miles), Nizhny Novgorod (263 miles) and Novossibirsk (2,116 miles). Ed Rossi (far right), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, said that his company travelled to Russia with a bit of skepticism due to the Crimea takeover. “We had reservations about how Americans would be treated in light of our contradictory political stances, but the people of Russia were overwhelmingly kind and very openly happy to meet us. From the moment we landed and the initial meet-and-greet dinner, the potential buyers were eager to find ways to facilitate importing American aftermarket products for their market, which is in the infancy stages.”

Russia is the third country added to SEMA’s Business Development Conferences. SEMA sponsors a trip to China each September (Beijing and Shanghai this year) and to the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) in March. The new program to Russia will be held each May. These low-cost, turnkey programs include a chance to meet formally with buyers (in a booth or at a table-top display), networking events with buyers, briefings by the U.S. government and a chance to visit shops. Exhibitors are encouraged to avoid the high cost of shipping products and instead carry them along. Pictured here setting up their display are Ed Rossi (left), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, and Ron Delgado (right), president of Injen.

The delegation visited six retailers and installers during the last day of the program. Pictured are George Shepherd (center), export sales manager for Royal Purple, and Ed Rossi (far right) of Injen. The shops the delegation visited sold and installed products for a wide range of vehicles, including Jeeps and both U.S. and internationally popular pickup models, such as the HiLux and the Mitsubishi L200 as well as GT-Rs, Subarus, Mitsubishi Evolutions, BMWs and local Russian brands, such as the UAZ Patriot and Hunter.

At a networking reception with buyers, SEMA’s Bill Miller (left) and Peter MacGillivray (right) chatted with Michael Kasakov, a co-owner of Rennsport Imports, a Massachusetts-based wholesale distributor of OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories for the automotive and powersports industries with offices in Moscow.

George Shepherd checked out the UAZ (Ulyanovskiy Avtomobilnyi Zavod, which means Automotive Factory of Ulyanovsk) Hunter, a popular locally built and branded vehicle. The delegation visited a UAZ dealer and saw the UAZ Hunter and newer UAZ Patriot—both of which are popular for off-roading, hunting and fishing. UAZ was founded in the 1941. UAZ’s best-known product is the 469, which has seen wide use as a military vehicle in the Eastern Bloc and around the world. Located 550 miles from Moscow on the Volga River, the UAZ factory started production in 1941 as part of the Soviet World War II effort. With its aggressive image, affordable cost and ease of do-it-yourself maintenance, the Hunter has an enthusiastic support base. The Hunter costs approximately $14,000 USD, and the Patriot is about $19,000 USD. SEMA is importing a UAZ Hunter for member manufacturers to measure.

Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez (second from right), deputy minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy, briefed the delegation on current U.S./Russia political relations.

Robyn Kessler (fourth from right) commercial attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and Alexander Kansky (fifth from right), commercial specialist for the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, also briefed the group on commercial issues.

Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” Park said.  

Paula Argiropoulos (left), international sales manager for Rigid Industries, met with a buyer while her colleague, Robert Park (black shirt), met with other buyers. Rigid Industries personnel previously traveled to the Middle East and China with SEMA. The company is interested in exploring how to grow the market for its lighting products.

The SEMA event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. As with the first SEMA overseas programs in the Middle East and China, the exhibiting companies displayed their products in a hotel ballroom. Each company on this inaugural trip to Russia was assigned a 6-ft. table. Buyers such as this Novossibirsk, Russia-based (more than 2000 miles from Moscow) installer/retailer traveled to the event from throughout Russia. David Borla (center), vice president of sales and marketing for Borla Performance Industries, was clearly impressed and excited about the opportunities for his company. “The automotive enthusiast culture in Russia is fostered by the powerful and combined effect of a unique set of circumstances,” Borla said. “You find the opulence of China, the deep-rooted automotive proficiency of Germany, the brand consciousness of the Middle East, the limited government regulation of the United States and a fairly easy parts importation process. It really is a perfect storm for our industry.”

Debbie Sweet (back to camera), international sales manager for Penda Corp., talked with a buyer interested in the company’s bedliner products. The Wisconsin-based firm offers bedliners for U.S. and international pickups. As in many other markets, Russians buy large pickups such as one might find on U.S. roads, but the vehicles are often brought in through the gray market and are not official imports. The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 are among the pickups that are sold in Russia and around the world but not in the United States or Canada. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, SEMA has purchased a HiLux and Ranger. The vehicles are available to members to measure in order to create export-ready products. The newest vehicle—due to arrive at the SEMA headquarters in September—is a Mitsubishi L200. Mitsubishi recently reported that more than 1.1 million of these compact pickups, produced in Thailand and known as the Triton in some markets, have been sold since 2005.

Sources: AEB, PWC, Rosstat, U.S. Consulate calculations published in a recent report Russia: “Automotive Industry Update” by Alexander Kansky, U.S. Consulate St. Petersburg.

•Borla Performance Industries
•Bully Dog Technologies
•Dee Zee Inc.
•Injen Technology
•Penda Corp.
•Rigid Industries LED Lighting
•Royal Purple
•SCT Performance

Adrian Croot (second right), marketing director of Idaho-based Bully Dog and sister-company SCT Performance, based in Sanford, Florida, talked with buyers about the potential for the tuning products that both firms produce.

Royal Purple’s George Shepherd (right) talked with a buyer at the SEMA mini trade show.

In post-event feedback, the exhibitors appreciated the chance to get to meet so many buyers in a smaller-scale setting.

Many of the buyers said that they planned to visit the 2014 SEMA Show to follow up with the visiting U.S. companies and see what other new products might sell well in Russia.

The first event was an informal roundtable discussion between a representative group of buyers and the SEMA delegation. Debbie Sweet (center, light blue shirt) met with buyers at the opening dinner. “The biggest misconception that I found with Russian buyers is that U.S. companies do not adapt their products for markets outside of the United States. Many of us carry an extensive number of models for vehicles made outside the United States and will continue to work to grow both our U.S. and international product offerings. Our visit to Moscow was the first step to enlighten the buyers to the fact that we are able to sell them products for the vehicles in their market,“ noted Sweet.

Buyers from throughout Russia were waiting at the door when the SEMA mini trade show opened. In addition to buyers from Moscow, retailers, wholesalers and installers traveled from other top Russian cities, including St. Petersburg (439 miles), Rostov-na-Donu (670 miles), Nizhny Novgorod (263 miles) and Novossibirsk (2,116 miles). Ed Rossi (far right), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, said that his company travelled to Russia with a bit of skepticism due to the Crimea takeover. “We had reservations about how Americans would be treated in light of our contradictory political stances, but the people of Russia were overwhelmingly kind and very openly happy to meet us. From the moment we landed and the initial meet-and-greet dinner, the potential buyers were eager to find ways to facilitate importing American aftermarket products for their market, which is in the infancy stages.”

Russia is the third country added to SEMA’s Business Development Conferences. SEMA sponsors a trip to China each September (Beijing and Shanghai this year) and to the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) in March. The new program to Russia will be held each May. These low-cost, turnkey programs include a chance to meet formally with buyers (in a booth or at a table-top display), networking events with buyers, briefings by the U.S. government and a chance to visit shops. Exhibitors are encouraged to avoid the high cost of shipping products and instead carry them along. Pictured here setting up their display are Ed Rossi (left), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, and Ron Delgado (right), president of Injen.

The delegation visited six retailers and installers during the last day of the program. Pictured are George Shepherd (center), export sales manager for Royal Purple, and Ed Rossi (far right) of Injen. The shops the delegation visited sold and installed products for a wide range of vehicles, including Jeeps and both U.S. and internationally popular pickup models, such as the HiLux and the Mitsubishi L200 as well as GT-Rs, Subarus, Mitsubishi Evolutions, BMWs and local Russian brands, such as the UAZ Patriot and Hunter.

At a networking reception with buyers, SEMA’s Bill Miller (left) and Peter MacGillivray (right) chatted with Michael Kasakov, a co-owner of Rennsport Imports, a Massachusetts-based wholesale distributor of OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories for the automotive and powersports industries with offices in Moscow.

George Shepherd checked out the UAZ (Ulyanovskiy Avtomobilnyi Zavod, which means Automotive Factory of Ulyanovsk) Hunter, a popular locally built and branded vehicle. The delegation visited a UAZ dealer and saw the UAZ Hunter and newer UAZ Patriot—both of which are popular for off-roading, hunting and fishing. UAZ was founded in the 1941. UAZ’s best-known product is the 469, which has seen wide use as a military vehicle in the Eastern Bloc and around the world. Located 550 miles from Moscow on the Volga River, the UAZ factory started production in 1941 as part of the Soviet World War II effort. With its aggressive image, affordable cost and ease of do-it-yourself maintenance, the Hunter has an enthusiastic support base. The Hunter costs approximately $14,000 USD, and the Patriot is about $19,000 USD. SEMA is importing a UAZ Hunter for member manufacturers to measure.

Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez (second from right), deputy minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy, briefed the delegation on current U.S./Russia political relations.

Robyn Kessler (fourth from right) commercial attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and Alexander Kansky (fifth from right), commercial specialist for the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, also briefed the group on commercial issues.

Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” Park said.  

Paula Argiropoulos (left), international sales manager for Rigid Industries, met with a buyer while her colleague, Robert Park (black shirt), met with other buyers. Rigid Industries personnel previously traveled to the Middle East and China with SEMA. The company is interested in exploring how to grow the market for its lighting products.

The SEMA event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. As with the first SEMA overseas programs in the Middle East and China, the exhibiting companies displayed their products in a hotel ballroom. Each company on this inaugural trip to Russia was assigned a 6-ft. table. Buyers such as this Novossibirsk, Russia-based (more than 2000 miles from Moscow) installer/retailer traveled to the event from throughout Russia. David Borla (center), vice president of sales and marketing for Borla Performance Industries, was clearly impressed and excited about the opportunities for his company. “The automotive enthusiast culture in Russia is fostered by the powerful and combined effect of a unique set of circumstances,” Borla said. “You find the opulence of China, the deep-rooted automotive proficiency of Germany, the brand consciousness of the Middle East, the limited government regulation of the United States and a fairly easy parts importation process. It really is a perfect storm for our industry.”

Debbie Sweet (back to camera), international sales manager for Penda Corp., talked with a buyer interested in the company’s bedliner products. The Wisconsin-based firm offers bedliners for U.S. and international pickups. As in many other markets, Russians buy large pickups such as one might find on U.S. roads, but the vehicles are often brought in through the gray market and are not official imports. The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 are among the pickups that are sold in Russia and around the world but not in the United States or Canada. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, SEMA has purchased a HiLux and Ranger. The vehicles are available to members to measure in order to create export-ready products. The newest vehicle—due to arrive at the SEMA headquarters in September—is a Mitsubishi L200. Mitsubishi recently reported that more than 1.1 million of these compact pickups, produced in Thailand and known as the Triton in some markets, have been sold since 2005.

Sources: AEB, PWC, Rosstat, U.S. Consulate calculations published in a recent report Russia: “Automotive Industry Update” by Alexander Kansky, U.S. Consulate St. Petersburg.

•Borla Performance Industries
•Bully Dog Technologies
•Dee Zee Inc.
•Injen Technology
•Penda Corp.
•Rigid Industries LED Lighting
•Royal Purple
•SCT Performance

Adrian Croot (second right), marketing director of Idaho-based Bully Dog and sister-company SCT Performance, based in Sanford, Florida, talked with buyers about the potential for the tuning products that both firms produce.

Royal Purple’s George Shepherd (right) talked with a buyer at the SEMA mini trade show.

In post-event feedback, the exhibitors appreciated the chance to get to meet so many buyers in a smaller-scale setting.

Many of the buyers said that they planned to visit the 2014 SEMA Show to follow up with the visiting U.S. companies and see what other new products might sell well in Russia.

The first event was an informal roundtable discussion between a representative group of buyers and the SEMA delegation. Debbie Sweet (center, light blue shirt) met with buyers at the opening dinner. “The biggest misconception that I found with Russian buyers is that U.S. companies do not adapt their products for markets outside of the United States. Many of us carry an extensive number of models for vehicles made outside the United States and will continue to work to grow both our U.S. and international product offerings. Our visit to Moscow was the first step to enlighten the buyers to the fact that we are able to sell them products for the vehicles in their market,“ noted Sweet.

Buyers from throughout Russia were waiting at the door when the SEMA mini trade show opened. In addition to buyers from Moscow, retailers, wholesalers and installers traveled from other top Russian cities, including St. Petersburg (439 miles), Rostov-na-Donu (670 miles), Nizhny Novgorod (263 miles) and Novossibirsk (2,116 miles). Ed Rossi (far right), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, said that his company travelled to Russia with a bit of skepticism due to the Crimea takeover. “We had reservations about how Americans would be treated in light of our contradictory political stances, but the people of Russia were overwhelmingly kind and very openly happy to meet us. From the moment we landed and the initial meet-and-greet dinner, the potential buyers were eager to find ways to facilitate importing American aftermarket products for their market, which is in the infancy stages.”

Russia is the third country added to SEMA’s Business Development Conferences. SEMA sponsors a trip to China each September (Beijing and Shanghai this year) and to the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) in March. The new program to Russia will be held each May. These low-cost, turnkey programs include a chance to meet formally with buyers (in a booth or at a table-top display), networking events with buyers, briefings by the U.S. government and a chance to visit shops. Exhibitors are encouraged to avoid the high cost of shipping products and instead carry them along. Pictured here setting up their display are Ed Rossi (left), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, and Ron Delgado (right), president of Injen.

The delegation visited six retailers and installers during the last day of the program. Pictured are George Shepherd (center), export sales manager for Royal Purple, and Ed Rossi (far right) of Injen. The shops the delegation visited sold and installed products for a wide range of vehicles, including Jeeps and both U.S. and internationally popular pickup models, such as the HiLux and the Mitsubishi L200 as well as GT-Rs, Subarus, Mitsubishi Evolutions, BMWs and local Russian brands, such as the UAZ Patriot and Hunter.

At a networking reception with buyers, SEMA’s Bill Miller (left) and Peter MacGillivray (right) chatted with Michael Kasakov, a co-owner of Rennsport Imports, a Massachusetts-based wholesale distributor of OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories for the automotive and powersports industries with offices in Moscow.

George Shepherd checked out the UAZ (Ulyanovskiy Avtomobilnyi Zavod, which means Automotive Factory of Ulyanovsk) Hunter, a popular locally built and branded vehicle. The delegation visited a UAZ dealer and saw the UAZ Hunter and newer UAZ Patriot—both of which are popular for off-roading, hunting and fishing. UAZ was founded in the 1941. UAZ’s best-known product is the 469, which has seen wide use as a military vehicle in the Eastern Bloc and around the world. Located 550 miles from Moscow on the Volga River, the UAZ factory started production in 1941 as part of the Soviet World War II effort. With its aggressive image, affordable cost and ease of do-it-yourself maintenance, the Hunter has an enthusiastic support base. The Hunter costs approximately $14,000 USD, and the Patriot is about $19,000 USD. SEMA is importing a UAZ Hunter for member manufacturers to measure.

Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez (second from right), deputy minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy, briefed the delegation on current U.S./Russia political relations.

Robyn Kessler (fourth from right) commercial attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and Alexander Kansky (fifth from right), commercial specialist for the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, also briefed the group on commercial issues.

Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” Park said.  

Paula Argiropoulos (left), international sales manager for Rigid Industries, met with a buyer while her colleague, Robert Park (black shirt), met with other buyers. Rigid Industries personnel previously traveled to the Middle East and China with SEMA. The company is interested in exploring how to grow the market for its lighting products.

The SEMA event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. As with the first SEMA overseas programs in the Middle East and China, the exhibiting companies displayed their products in a hotel ballroom. Each company on this inaugural trip to Russia was assigned a 6-ft. table. Buyers such as this Novossibirsk, Russia-based (more than 2000 miles from Moscow) installer/retailer traveled to the event from throughout Russia. David Borla (center), vice president of sales and marketing for Borla Performance Industries, was clearly impressed and excited about the opportunities for his company. “The automotive enthusiast culture in Russia is fostered by the powerful and combined effect of a unique set of circumstances,” Borla said. “You find the opulence of China, the deep-rooted automotive proficiency of Germany, the brand consciousness of the Middle East, the limited government regulation of the United States and a fairly easy parts importation process. It really is a perfect storm for our industry.”

Debbie Sweet (back to camera), international sales manager for Penda Corp., talked with a buyer interested in the company’s bedliner products. The Wisconsin-based firm offers bedliners for U.S. and international pickups. As in many other markets, Russians buy large pickups such as one might find on U.S. roads, but the vehicles are often brought in through the gray market and are not official imports. The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 are among the pickups that are sold in Russia and around the world but not in the United States or Canada. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, SEMA has purchased a HiLux and Ranger. The vehicles are available to members to measure in order to create export-ready products. The newest vehicle—due to arrive at the SEMA headquarters in September—is a Mitsubishi L200. Mitsubishi recently reported that more than 1.1 million of these compact pickups, produced in Thailand and known as the Triton in some markets, have been sold since 2005.

Sources: AEB, PWC, Rosstat, U.S. Consulate calculations published in a recent report Russia: “Automotive Industry Update” by Alexander Kansky, U.S. Consulate St. Petersburg.

•Borla Performance Industries
•Bully Dog Technologies
•Dee Zee Inc.
•Injen Technology
•Penda Corp.
•Rigid Industries LED Lighting
•Royal Purple
•SCT Performance

Adrian Croot (second right), marketing director of Idaho-based Bully Dog and sister-company SCT Performance, based in Sanford, Florida, talked with buyers about the potential for the tuning products that both firms produce.

Royal Purple’s George Shepherd (right) talked with a buyer at the SEMA mini trade show.

In post-event feedback, the exhibitors appreciated the chance to get to meet so many buyers in a smaller-scale setting.

Many of the buyers said that they planned to visit the 2014 SEMA Show to follow up with the visiting U.S. companies and see what other new products might sell well in Russia.

The first event was an informal roundtable discussion between a representative group of buyers and the SEMA delegation. Debbie Sweet (center, light blue shirt) met with buyers at the opening dinner. “The biggest misconception that I found with Russian buyers is that U.S. companies do not adapt their products for markets outside of the United States. Many of us carry an extensive number of models for vehicles made outside the United States and will continue to work to grow both our U.S. and international product offerings. Our visit to Moscow was the first step to enlighten the buyers to the fact that we are able to sell them products for the vehicles in their market,“ noted Sweet.

Buyers from throughout Russia were waiting at the door when the SEMA mini trade show opened. In addition to buyers from Moscow, retailers, wholesalers and installers traveled from other top Russian cities, including St. Petersburg (439 miles), Rostov-na-Donu (670 miles), Nizhny Novgorod (263 miles) and Novossibirsk (2,116 miles). Ed Rossi (far right), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, said that his company travelled to Russia with a bit of skepticism due to the Crimea takeover. “We had reservations about how Americans would be treated in light of our contradictory political stances, but the people of Russia were overwhelmingly kind and very openly happy to meet us. From the moment we landed and the initial meet-and-greet dinner, the potential buyers were eager to find ways to facilitate importing American aftermarket products for their market, which is in the infancy stages.”

Russia is the third country added to SEMA’s Business Development Conferences. SEMA sponsors a trip to China each September (Beijing and Shanghai this year) and to the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) in March. The new program to Russia will be held each May. These low-cost, turnkey programs include a chance to meet formally with buyers (in a booth or at a table-top display), networking events with buyers, briefings by the U.S. government and a chance to visit shops. Exhibitors are encouraged to avoid the high cost of shipping products and instead carry them along. Pictured here setting up their display are Ed Rossi (left), vice president of sales for Injen Technology, and Ron Delgado (right), president of Injen.

The delegation visited six retailers and installers during the last day of the program. Pictured are George Shepherd (center), export sales manager for Royal Purple, and Ed Rossi (far right) of Injen. The shops the delegation visited sold and installed products for a wide range of vehicles, including Jeeps and both U.S. and internationally popular pickup models, such as the HiLux and the Mitsubishi L200 as well as GT-Rs, Subarus, Mitsubishi Evolutions, BMWs and local Russian brands, such as the UAZ Patriot and Hunter.

At a networking reception with buyers, SEMA’s Bill Miller (left) and Peter MacGillivray (right) chatted with Michael Kasakov, a co-owner of Rennsport Imports, a Massachusetts-based wholesale distributor of OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories for the automotive and powersports industries with offices in Moscow.

George Shepherd checked out the UAZ (Ulyanovskiy Avtomobilnyi Zavod, which means Automotive Factory of Ulyanovsk) Hunter, a popular locally built and branded vehicle. The delegation visited a UAZ dealer and saw the UAZ Hunter and newer UAZ Patriot—both of which are popular for off-roading, hunting and fishing. UAZ was founded in the 1941. UAZ’s best-known product is the 469, which has seen wide use as a military vehicle in the Eastern Bloc and around the world. Located 550 miles from Moscow on the Volga River, the UAZ factory started production in 1941 as part of the Soviet World War II effort. With its aggressive image, affordable cost and ease of do-it-yourself maintenance, the Hunter has an enthusiastic support base. The Hunter costs approximately $14,000 USD, and the Patriot is about $19,000 USD. SEMA is importing a UAZ Hunter for member manufacturers to measure.

Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez (second from right), deputy minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy, briefed the delegation on current U.S./Russia political relations.

Robyn Kessler (fourth from right) commercial attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and Alexander Kansky (fifth from right), commercial specialist for the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, also briefed the group on commercial issues.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.

AutoTrickz
Touch-Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and Other Accessories
951-310-1035
www.autotrickz.com
PN: 81740

A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems or operating other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side of the windshield/vehicle.
 

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Del City
Wooven Wire Loom
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 830

Woven, self-wrap wire loom is a flexible braided sleeving that provides superior protection against abrasion of wires, cable and cords. The overlap ensures complete protection of sensitive wiring systems.
 

Del City
Metri-Pack Tangless Terminal Kit
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 75052

Metri-Pack tangless terminal and seal kits provide all the essential MetriPack 280 male and female terminals, seals and cavity plugs.

Del City
Fusion Lugs
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 91940164

Del City’s Fusion battery terminals and lugs are the next generation of their kind. The premium line is said to offer strength that is twice that of typical crimp or compression connectors. They provide efficient power connections for applications in automotive, heavy trucking, construction, marine and agriculture.

American Autowire
’60–’65 Ford Falcon/
Mercury Comet Classic Update Kits
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 510379 & 510386

Two new complete wiring systems made specifically for ’60–’65 Falcons and Comets. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included. New ATO-style fuse panel is
included with extra circuits for power accessories. Gauge-disconnect and steering column adapter are included to connect to most gauge packages and columns. All terminals and connectors included.

TrimParts Inc.
’79 Corvette Gas-Lid Emblem
513-934-0815
www.trimparts.com
PN: 5966

This is a beautiful reproduction of the ’79 Corvette gas-lid emblem. Manufactured in the correct zinc die-cast material, beautifully chrome plated and painted with the correct colors, it fits the original gas lid with the correct mounting studs.
 

American Autowire
Highway 22 Universal Wiring System
800-482-9473
www.americanautowire.com
PN: 500695

American Autowire’s most powerful and versatile wiring system in a modular panel system. Designed to handle power demands of upgrades such as electric fans, A/C, most gauge combinations, aftermarket steering columns, updated powertrain combos, etc. Headlight/dimmer/ignition switches are included along with a gauge-disconnect system and 175-amp megafuse protection.

Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
’97–’06 Jeep Wrangler and Sahara Complete Carpet Kit With Snaps
800-633-2358
www.accmats.com
PN: 14468

Complete replacement carpet kit with snaps, All factory cut-outs. Installs in minutes. No seat removal required. No tools required. Full pad kit available. Accessory storage-box lid cover available. Custom-cut floor mats available.
ACC says that it has provided the best quality replacement carpet the industry has to offer for more than 35 years. Made in the U.S.A.

Runner-Up—Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product

Del City
Mini Fuse Panels
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 15303524

Del City’s sealed mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, heavy trucking and automotive applications.

Newer cars are becoming more attractive in the restoration market. One of the things that makes those vehicles more popular is accessibility of parts.

It’s a lot easier to restore a ’75 Camaro than it is to restore a ’75 Bricklin, for instance. Internet searches mean you no longer have to go to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get every component or flip through massive print publications looking for tiny classified advertisements and hoping that a part is still available. The Internet has also been a huge boon for restoration companies. Retailers such as LMC Truck, Ecklers and Auto Metal Direct can have their entire catalogs online now.

The biggest challenge—and SEMA addresses it very well—is educating politicians about the industry. They don’t see any harm in introducing higher percentages of ethanol into our gasoline, which can damage the engines of classic vehicles. It’s a case of getting politicians to not stick their fingers into areas that they don’t know and getting them to understand that not every car on the road rolled out of the factory in the last five years. Some of us want to preserve, drive and enjoy the classics.

—Dan Woods
Host “Chop Cut Rebuild,”
Executive Producer and President
WAS Productions

Technology has changed the world. The Internet allows consumers to shop at levels they’ve never been able to before, and data manipulation is much larger scaled now so that you can add product much quicker. However, there are also a lot of small Internet retailers now selling product at unprofitable prices. As a two- and three-step distribution retailer dealing with these Internet companies operating on tiny margins, we have to make ourselves manufacturers in as many instances as possible in order to gain the margins that we need.

As far as trends, most people modify their cars on some scale, whether it’s a full-tilt build or just putting on wheels and tires and better brakes. For instance, current trends include Pro-Touring cars with modern wheel sizes—17, 18 and 20 in.—in vintage designs such as Magnums, MOPAR Rallyes and Chevy Rallys.

The real challenge is the economy that has put a crunch on the automotive aftermarket. I don’t look for it to come back in force until other things change, such as housing and the banking industry. We’re seeing some positive signs here and there, but by and large, the racing industry—the true racer—is way down. That’s ancillary income given away, so there is a big hole there.

—David Gravley
Product Development Manager
Year One Inc.

LKQ Corp.
Impostor Wheel Skins
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastwheels.com
PN: IWCIMP352BLK

Impostor-series wheel skins are said to be the quickest, easiest and most economical way to chrome OEM wheels. Impostor-series wheel skins are specific to each application and wheel and install directly over the face of the wheel.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
’67 CRC Corvette Conversion
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 58-60CRC; 61-62CRC; 67CRC

CRC component Corvette. Custom body panels made from carbon fiber to replicate ’58–’67 Corvettes. The body panels are installed on a customer’s newer Corvette (’98–’13).

LKQ Corp.
CCI Grille Overlay
800-999-8987
www.coast2coastinternational.com
PN: IWCGI124

CCI grille overlays instantly upgrade and transform OEM grilles. Each CCI grille overlay literally snaps into place over the OEM grille, making installation quick and easy.

Classic Reflection Coachworks
Stingray Turbine Wheel/’58 Corvette Hubcap Wheel
206-390-3390
www.crcoachworks.com
PN: 6718/6719/6720/5818/5819/5820

Custom ’58 Corvette hubcap wheel with whitewall. Available in 18, 19 and 20 in. Fits C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Drake Automotive Group
Drake Off Road Differential Cover
for Dana 44
702-853-2060
www.drakeoffroad.com
PN: JP-110001-D44

Add character to a Dana 44 axle with this aggressive, patent-pending tread-design
differential cover by Drake Off Road. This cover offers increased oil capacity and features high-tensile nodular cast-iron construction, thick mounting flanges and recessed pockets to protect the Allen-bolt heads from damage. Powdercoated-gray finish; class 12.9 hardware.

Eastwood Co.
2K Aero-Spray Rat Rod
Matte Black
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14791Z

2K Rat Rod matte-black aerosol allows the user to paint with the durability and precision of a two-component coating without a paint gun. Formulated with Eastwood’s proprietary nano ceramic technology to provide a long-lasting and durable finish. Sprays like a gun with a broader pattern than conventional aerosols and no mess to clean up.

Dupli-Color/VHT
Carbon-Fiber Paint Kit
800-247-3270
www.duplicolor.com
PN: CFK100

Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is a two-can
system featuring a Dimensional Effex Template to create a carbon-fiber appearance on any metal or plastic surface. The Dupli-Color carbon-fiber kit is said to be ideal to create a carbon-fiber look on any project.

Eastwood Co.
Bench-Top English Wheel
877-304-0621
www.eastwood.com
PN: 14156

Fabricating compound curves in metal work pieces is easier when done on Eastwood’s bench-top English wheel. For metal fabrication of auto panels and general metal-shaping, the bench-top English wheel helps the user easily and efficiently shrink, stretch and custom-form shapes in up to 16-gauge steel. Features a 20-in. throat and an 18-in. internal height.

Station wagons and deliveries are trending up because they are less expensive to start with, and rat rods are also becoming popular, though I personally don’t like them because they can be very unsafe and I have a weird thing about bad art (LOL).

It’s sad to see street rods bringing more money than a quality restoration, but to each his own. I just prefer drivable, dependable cars and no trailer queens, and I hate to see a good original getting cut up. I like ’60s and ’70s classic musclecars.

One of the most significant hurdles for the restoration segment is the cost of painting a car and finding somewhere to do it. It’s hard to move to a new place without costing a fortune, and local governments don’t want painting facilities around. I would like to see more businesses start using U.S. companies to make quality products.

It takes just as much time to make a bad piece as it does to make a quality one. Quality restorers will pay a premium for U.S.-made parts because they see the value in them.

—Donald Hess Jr.
President
B&D Classics

This electronic heater valve is infinitely adjustable to control heater temperature by adjusting coolant flow through the heater core. When the valve is closed, coolant bypasses the heater core to reduce excess heat inside the vehicle. Kit includes bypass heater valve with electronic servo motor, wiring harness and rotary switch.
Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas have always been popular cars. There is so much available for those applications now that it’s easier to find the parts necessary to do a restoration on them, but we stock all the way back to the ’20s, and customers can always call us if they have technical questions that they can’t find the answers to elsewhere. We also have the ability to build what they’re looking for if it’s not already in the marketplace. If they need custom Pitman arms, tie-rod ends, ball joints or coil springs, we can do one-offs of them. That’s what sets us apart.

Still, my biggest concern is about the next generation getting into the restoration market. How do we attract young people? A lot of them want it now, and many of these older applications take a lot of work and a lot of patience to restore. When I talk with other businesses in the industry, we find that many younger people who are 16, 17 or 18 don’t even have a driver’s license yet. That puzzles me, but it may be that these kids have other ways to communicate, so is there no need for a car?

—Marshall Giorgi
Vice President
Rare Parts Inc.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’68–’70 Charger Padded Door Uppers
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO68CXU202SET

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these upper door pads feature original stamped metal cores with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. Complete sets include OEM window sweeps, door-lock ferrules and licensed Charger medallions. Upholstery and lower door panels also available.

Lloyd Mats
Vintage Trademark Logos on Custom-Fit Mats for Ford Vehicles
800-729-6001
www.lloydmats.com

Lloyd Mats offers classic Ford trademarks on its wide range of custom-fit carpet floor-mat products. Five carpet materials offer a choice for every need and budget. Restored and
classic vehicles can be enhanced with beautiful custom-fit mats featuring
authentic classic automotive badges.

Legendary Auto Interiors Ltd.
’70–’81 Camaro Pre-Assembled
Door Panels (’81 Camaro/Berlinetta/
Z28 Display)
800-363-8804
www.legendaryautointeriors.com
PN: DO81GCD010366G-PA

Available in factory-correct grains and colors, these panels feature stamped metal upper rails with industry-first roll-formed ends to provide proper fit and durability. OEM window sweeps and door-lock ferrules combined with correct cutouts and contours to deliver the quality expected from Legendary. Matching upholstery also available.

Del City
Marinco Spotlight
800-654-4757
www.delcity.net
PN: 19012120

Del City says that Marinco’s spotlights are the most versatile and durable spotlights on the market. They are designed for harsh environments and are tested for moisture, salt, shock and vibration. The lights have micro-touch pointing accuracy with a 370-degree sweep rotation.

Morris Classic Concepts LLC
Australia-Compliant Three-Point Retractable Seatbelts
864-987-0032
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
PN: MCSB1-1-BK-E4

Australia-compliant three-point retractable seatbelts for ’66–’73 musclecars, including GM, Mustang and MOPAR. Front belts mount in the stock factory mounting locations. Tags have the E4, AS2596 coding, and the buckles have the red press. There are 30 color choices to choose from. Australia-compliant lap belts and rear three-point belts are also available.

Newark Auto Products
Jeep CJ5 CJ7 ’76–’79 Manual Transmission Replacement Rubber Mat
973-677-9935
www.newark-auto.com
PN: 55-4993

Molded rubber replacement mat custom made for ’76–’79 CJ5/CJ7. Also available for other makes and models. Minimum order of 10 units required for some applications.

Classic Industries/OER
’69–’71 Corvette Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9694

Reproduction dash gauges for ’69–’71 Corvette models. The set includes the speedometer (PN 6492696) with a push-on-type cable end (without speed warning), 6,500 redline tachometer (PN 6468712A) and clock (PN 6262640A) as well as fuel (PN 6431617A), oil (PN 6462928A), temp (PN 6490857A) and ammeter (PN 6473859A) gauges. Pre-calibrated and ready to install.

Classic Industries/OER
’71–’72 Duster Sharktooth Grille Assembly
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: MA1000

Reproduction complete grille assembly for ’71–’72 Duster 340 models. Set includes grille, upper and lower grille moldings, molding retaining clips, parking-lamp lenses, pigtails and gaskets. Headlamp bezels sold separately.

Classic Industries/OER
Chevrolet Air-Cleaner Emblem Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: 3874916

Custom die-cast air-cleaner emblem kit features engine size, horsepower rating and correctly painted crossed flags with a superb, chrome-plated finish. As shown, this set includes 396 flag emblem (PN 3874908) and Turbo Jet 375 emblem (PN 3874912). Other choices available include engine sizes 427, 454 and 502 and horsepower 400, 425 and 450.
 

Classic Industries/OER
’68 Chevelle Gauge Set
800-855-1511
www.oerparts.com
PN: K9693

Reproduction dash gauges for ’68 Chevelle models. This set includes speedometer (without speed warning, PN 6492545) and instrument cluster (PN 6481543), which includes a clock with fuel, oil, temp and battery gauges.
Pre-assembled, calibrated and ready to install.

Old Air Products
Dual Electric Fan Assembly
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com
PN: 50-187282-13SHP

Dual electric fan and shroud assembly featuring SPAL 13-in., 1,770-cfm fans and brushed-aluminum shroud with high-speed, ram-air bypass flaps. Designed to fit ’68–’72 GM A-body cars such as Chevelles, GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, Skylarks, 442s, Cutlasses and other vehicles with cross-flow radiator core size of 203/4 in wide by 17 in. tall.

Old Air Products
Dash Louvers With Aluminum Frame
817-531-2665
www.oldairproducts.com

The display is shaped to simulate a miniature hot-rod dash with single and dual aluminum framed louvers installed. Unique design has the larger dual louver mounted in center of dash, with the side louvers mounted both horizontally and vertically so customers can visually imagine how the louvers would look when installed in their vehicles.

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI)
’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal Door-Pull Straps
502-425-3766
www.pui.cc
PN: pull13gn01

New, original-style replacement door-pull straps for ’85–’87 Buick GN/Regal/T-Type models. Dielectrically sealed, color-matched vinyl with spring-steel reinforcement.

Quiet Ride Solutions
AcoustiHood
888-777-3410
www.quietride.com

AcoustiHood underhood cover and insulation shield kits protect and dress up the underside of the hood of popular Ford, General Motors and MOPAR cars and trucks. Specific to year, make and model and ready to install. Smooth covers for restoration and 3D molded graphics for custom vehicles. Officially licensed products through Ford, GM and MOPAR.

Later-model cars are starting to gain in popularity. Typical classic cars are getting more expensive and harder to find. That’s driving enthusiasts to more affordable and more readily available vehicles. On the General Motors side, that would be the ’78–’88 G-body cars that are easily modified. Performance and suspension components for them are also becoming more available.

At PUI, that’s driving the need for soft goods—seat covers, door panels and headliners. At TrimParts, it’s driving items such as emblems and weather stripping. But even though later models are becoming more popular, the amount of product that we’re selling for the typical classic car remains strong. That’s an indication to me that people are still finding older cars or they’re buying someone else’s project and redoing it.

We’re expanding our product range and our model range in manufacturing, and we’re getting more heavily involved in Mopar products. We recently acquired the assets of First Place Auto Products, which specialized in Mopar and Ford products, so we’re expanding in those two markets. As technology has grown in the manufacturing side, producing tooling and patterns has benefited us with increased quality as well as time to market. It has sped up our timeframe.

—Jim Pennekamp
National Sales Manager
TrimParts Inc. and Parts Unlimited Inc.

Though there is still a very respectable amount of original restorations being done, the trend is definitely strongly leaning to resto rods with tons of modern safety and comfort upgrades, and modern manufacturing technologies have opened opportunities to improve manufacturing speed, quality, cost and capabilities. For Danchuk, the entire marketplace seems to have grown, thanks in large part to the popularity of the Tri-Five Chevys and the addition of quality parts such as made-in-the-U.S.A. stainless trim and sheetmetal replacement panels that have enabled many swamp find wrecks to be completely restored rather than being destroyed or used for a few original parts.

The biggest hurdle that concerns me is the onslaught of lesser-quality parts being introduced by competitors for the sake of a quick buck, with no concern for the near-future happiness and satisfaction of the customer. If we could all realize that there is plenty of profit and growth available for everyone if we give customers what they expect and deserve, the entire industry would realize growth beyond most people’s expectations.

This industry offers the opportunity for true entrepreneurs to start and build their own businesses doing something that they love and have a passion for. People will always restore American classic cars, and the cars will always make money or hold their value.

—Steve Brown
General Manager
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc.