Student-Built Wrangler TJ Online Auction Now Underway
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 09:09

By Chad Simon

Week of Customs
All five customized Jeeps are currently being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

Five high-school auto-shop programs across the United States participated in the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program by customizing five ’96–’06 model-year Jeep Wrangler TJs during the spring semester. All five customized Jeeps are now complete and being auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer during an event called “SEMA Week of Customs.”

The online auction event launched Monday, July 15, with the release of one vehicle per day for five days. Each Jeep will be live for bidding for seven days following its launch date. Proceeds from the vehicle sales will be reinvested back into the program to fund another round of builds and the overall expansion of the program.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program aims to introduce high-school students to the automotive customization hobby and lifestyle through real-world, hands-on educational experiences. The vehicles were delivered to the participating schools in early February. Students have since learned about automotive customization by working with donated aftermarket products and interacting with 14 industry members who have visited the schools.

“The build helped to enforce what is already taught here—problem-solving skills and schedule management,” said Ed Stevens, automotive instructor at C.D. Hylton High School—one of the participating schools. “The students gained much insight into what it takes to do these sorts of projects correctly. The build also helped to create new partnerships that will continue with us, and it also helped strengthen the ones we already had. Every year we take another step up and continue making the program and its impact on the community stronger.”

Each Jeep build features between 40–60 products and all of them have custom Katzkin leather interiors. The following are some of the highlights of each build and the names and locations of the participating schools:

Santa Fe ECO, Santa Fe, New Mexico

’05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport

SEMA partnered with Santa Fe ECO in 2018 to pilot the high school vehicle build program in which they built a ’15 Jeep Wrangler that was auctioned off for more than $56,000. The sale of this vehicle allowed the program to expand to five builds in 2019. The students of Santa Fe ECO turned out another awesome build—a ’05 Jeep Wrangler that uniquely features a vented hood, trail doors, a 3.5-in. suspension kit with a 5-in. stretch from Rock Krawler Suspension and has undergone a full body repaint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 22.

Santa Fe

Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan

’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

The Comstock High School auto-shop class in Kalamazoo Michigan, made excellent use of local resources and connections for their ’04 Jeep Wrangler build, including a program alumnus that is now a local body shop business owner. This is the program’s only hard-top Jeep that even includes a locally sourced donated roof rack from Just Jeep’N Stuff. Other unique features include LED headlights, full carpet replacement, bumpers, tire carrier and rock sliders from JcrOffroad, a 4-in. Skyjacker suspension kit and a fresh coat of paint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 23.

Comstock Jeep

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Santa Ynez, California

’97 Jeep Wrangler Sport

The ’97 Jeep Wrangler from Santa Ynez sits on 37-in. Atturo Off-Road Tires with Black Rock Wheels and topped with an American flag-themed bikini top. This build is fully outfitted with Rugged Ridge products and also features a T-REX grille, Superlift Suspension 4-in. lift kit and LLumar window tint. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 24.

Santa Ynez

C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge, Virginia

’02 Jeep Wrangler Sport

The students of C.D. Hylton performed a frame-off restoration on their ’02 Jeep Wrangler; they even painted the vehicle’s chassis. Along with the customization, the students did extensive work under the hood to ensure this Jeep runs with no issues. It has received a full body repaint, brand-new windshield from Safelite, front-door weatherstrip from Steele Rubber Products, a new hood from LQK/Keystone and a Rancho Suspension 3.5-in. short arm suspension kit. This Jeep’s auction is live through July 25.

CD Hylton

R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton, Texas

’04 Jeep Wrangler X

The ’04 Jeep Wrangler from the students of R.L. Turner caught the attention of Dennis Collins of Collins Bro’s Jeep, who visited the school and donated the build’s winch and front bumper. The build also features custom seatbelts from Seatbelt Planet, Rolling Big Power wheels and a Painless Performance trail rocker. This Jeep’s auction will be live July 19, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT) through July 26.

RL Turner

The program notably generates support from aftermarket industry companies that sponsor the builds through product donations and scheduled visits to the schools to perform product demos or talk about the industry with the students. The 2019 program’s Jeep Wrangler TJs were sponsored by 32 companies that donated 220 products. They included:

Program partners included the following:

Auction

Photography

Leather Installation

Volunteers

In its inaugural year, the 2018 student custom Jeep build program between SEMA and the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) Auto Shop Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, raised $56,175 to help fund this year’s project.

Learn more about the program at www.sema.org/student-builds.
 

The Best Way to Get Your Products in Front of SEMA Show Buyers
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination, the New Products Showcase is the most valuable resource for exhibitors seeking additional product exposure and company outreach. SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 6, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The Best Way to Get Your Products in Front of SEMA Show Buyers
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination, the New Products Showcase is the most valuable resource for exhibitors seeking additional product exposure and company outreach. SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 6, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The Best Way to Get Your Products in Front of SEMA Show Buyers
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:58

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination, the New Products Showcase is the most valuable resource for exhibitors seeking additional product exposure and company outreach. SEMA Show management reports that more than half of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor after seeing their product in the New Products Showcase.

As one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to build on their Show investment and generate more publicity, the New Products Showcase pays dividends year-round. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed and featured in SEMA News and on www.SEMAphotos.com. Every product entered in the showcase features detailed product information, as well as traditional descriptive signs, adding a layer of convenience for buyers and media.

In addition to highlighting the industry’s newest releases, the New Products Showcase includes a Featured Products category for exhibitors to highlight their signature products or best sellers. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as new.

The first product entered in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 6, after which, the fee is $150 per product. Note: Entries submitted on-site will be accepted based on space availability.

Enter your products here.

For more information about the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

To register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Support Children in Need—Last Chance to Sponsor a Pinewood Car
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:50

The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.

Support Children in Need—Last Chance to Sponsor a Pinewood Car
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:50

The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.

SEMA Seeks Young Vehicle Builders in Seattle
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:39

By SEMA Editors

SEMA’s search for young vehicle builders moves to the Pacific Northwest, as the SEMA Young Guns Regional Program joins Formula DRIFT at Evergreen Speedway, July 20.

The stop marks the fifth in a nine-city tour where top young vehicle builders (age 27 and under) will win all-expenses-paid trips for two to the trade-only SEMA Show, including transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.


Find out what young builders have to say about the possibility of winning a trip to the SEMA Show, and having their vehicles displayed at the 2019 event. 

SEMA Battle of the Builders is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the competition expanded in 2017 to provide exposure for a limited number of rising young builders. This year’s program includes partnerships with nine venues, with one winner from each venue awarded a Golden Ticket into the competition.

“We’ve already seen some amazing young builders on the SEMA Young Guns Regional Tour,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “The talent, creativity and craftsmanship from the younger generation has been phenomenal. We’re looking forward to seeing what Seattle brings.”

Since March, four competitors from across the country have won regional competitions and will compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders in November.  

A fifth builder will be selected at Formula DRIFT’s event on July 20 in Monroe, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle. It marks the third Formula DRIFT event of the year in SEMA Young Guns Regional Competition.

“The SEMA Young Guns program has brought an exciting energy to the Formula DRIFT events,” said Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT president. “We’re excited to see the regional winners compete at the SEMA Show and look forward to supporting them in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.”

Participants for the Seattle competition will be selected from qualified applicants who enter at www.semayoungguns.com. For additional details, visit the website or contact marketing@semaignited.com.

SEMA Seeks Young Vehicle Builders in Seattle
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:39

By SEMA Editors

SEMA’s search for young vehicle builders moves to the Pacific Northwest, as the SEMA Young Guns Regional Program joins Formula DRIFT at Evergreen Speedway, July 20.

The stop marks the fifth in a nine-city tour where top young vehicle builders (age 27 and under) will win all-expenses-paid trips for two to the trade-only SEMA Show, including transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.


Find out what young builders have to say about the possibility of winning a trip to the SEMA Show, and having their vehicles displayed at the 2019 event. 

SEMA Battle of the Builders is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the competition expanded in 2017 to provide exposure for a limited number of rising young builders. This year’s program includes partnerships with nine venues, with one winner from each venue awarded a Golden Ticket into the competition.

“We’ve already seen some amazing young builders on the SEMA Young Guns Regional Tour,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “The talent, creativity and craftsmanship from the younger generation has been phenomenal. We’re looking forward to seeing what Seattle brings.”

Since March, four competitors from across the country have won regional competitions and will compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders in November.  

A fifth builder will be selected at Formula DRIFT’s event on July 20 in Monroe, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle. It marks the third Formula DRIFT event of the year in SEMA Young Guns Regional Competition.

“The SEMA Young Guns program has brought an exciting energy to the Formula DRIFT events,” said Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT president. “We’re excited to see the regional winners compete at the SEMA Show and look forward to supporting them in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.”

Participants for the Seattle competition will be selected from qualified applicants who enter at www.semayoungguns.com. For additional details, visit the website or contact marketing@semaignited.com.

SEMA Seeks Young Vehicle Builders in Seattle
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:39

By SEMA Editors

SEMA’s search for young vehicle builders moves to the Pacific Northwest, as the SEMA Young Guns Regional Program joins Formula DRIFT at Evergreen Speedway, July 20.

The stop marks the fifth in a nine-city tour where top young vehicle builders (age 27 and under) will win all-expenses-paid trips for two to the trade-only SEMA Show, including transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.


Find out what young builders have to say about the possibility of winning a trip to the SEMA Show, and having their vehicles displayed at the 2019 event. 

SEMA Battle of the Builders is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the competition expanded in 2017 to provide exposure for a limited number of rising young builders. This year’s program includes partnerships with nine venues, with one winner from each venue awarded a Golden Ticket into the competition.

“We’ve already seen some amazing young builders on the SEMA Young Guns Regional Tour,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “The talent, creativity and craftsmanship from the younger generation has been phenomenal. We’re looking forward to seeing what Seattle brings.”

Since March, four competitors from across the country have won regional competitions and will compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders in November.  

A fifth builder will be selected at Formula DRIFT’s event on July 20 in Monroe, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle. It marks the third Formula DRIFT event of the year in SEMA Young Guns Regional Competition.

“The SEMA Young Guns program has brought an exciting energy to the Formula DRIFT events,” said Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT president. “We’re excited to see the regional winners compete at the SEMA Show and look forward to supporting them in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.”

Participants for the Seattle competition will be selected from qualified applicants who enter at www.semayoungguns.com. For additional details, visit the website or contact marketing@semaignited.com.

Opportunity for Owners of ’15 and ’17 Ford F-150, ’10 Chevrolet Camaro
Thu, 07/18/2019 - 08:36

By Della Domingo

SEMA is seeking specific vehicles to use for short-term testing in exchange for free products and/or monetary compensation. The vehicles will be used for emissions testing at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. While there are dozens of vehicles in need, immediate demand is for the following:

  • ’17 Ford F-150 5.0L
  • ’15 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
  • ’10 Chevrolet Camaro 6.2L

For a complete list of vehicles needed, visit the SEMA Garage website. For information or details, contact Peter Treydte at petert@sema.org.