By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, where Brady Ranweiler's ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon was named the winner of the annual competition.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, November 6, during SEMA360, where Brady Ranweiler was named the winner of the annual competition. As per competition rules, the Top 12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers on the quality of their builds.

The Top 4 finalists for 2020 were narrowed down just prior to the winner announcement. Top 4 finalists were Brady Ranweiler and his ’63 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon (Hot Rod), Mark Giambalvo and his ’65 Chevrolet C10 (Truck/Off-Road), Chip Foose and his ’74 Jaguar E-Type (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Cody Medeisis with his ’68 Chevrolet Camaro. This marks the first time in the seven-year history of the competition that a wagon has taken home the title.

Ranweiler's ’63 Custom Chevrolet Wagon.

The four finalists of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a nationwide television special airing in 2021. The TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” is scheduled to air on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2021 (time and date to be announced).

The 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included more than 330 submissions from a talented pool of builders from around the globe. These individuals are the best of the best, showcasing their extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category remains a fan favorite, culminating the next generation of builders who are eager to show off their creations.

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Members have until the end of today, Friday, November 6, to submit their exhibitor applications for the 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place entirely online January 26-28, 2021.

The annual conference brings together MPMC member manufacturers with editorial staff from various media publications and is designed specifically for reporters and journalists to conduct interviews and obtain a year’s worth of content in just one place. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Members have until the end of today, Friday, November 6, to submit their exhibitor applications for the 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place entirely online January 26-28, 2021.

The annual conference brings together MPMC member manufacturers with editorial staff from various media publications and is designed specifically for reporters and journalists to conduct interviews and obtain a year’s worth of content in just one place. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By John Stewart

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

“The revolution is now, it’s being live-streamed today,” said moderator John Waraniak. “Once to grow, you could run a different race, or you could run the same race faster. Today, you have to do both.”

Carla Bailo, president and CEO, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), told how COVID-19 has propelled change and changed thinking in transportation and associated manufacturing. The assembly line of the future will include a lot more automation, and manufacturers will need to pivot to adjust their business models as the health crisis continues. There will be more demand for home delivery and manufacturers need to be prepared for supply-chain disruptions, and the days of three-year, five-year product-development cycles are over. “COVID-19 is giving us opportunities as never before…Think about how you can delight the customer.”

Mouse McCoy (HackRod Studio MFG) made the point that manufacturing has become digital and virtual. The ”digital twin” process, in which teams around the country work on a digital file in the cloud, make it possible do develop and simulate a complex product such as a car digitally before production. Once the digital product is tested through simulation, the file can be transferred to an advanced production facility and produced. This will lead to mass customization and personalization for customers—an exponential opportunity.  

Nigel Francis, CEO and executive director, ALMMII/LIFT, runs a non-profit that enhances collaboration between industry, academia, and the department of defense. He revealed ground-breaking processes, such as linear friction welding and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), that are already in use, enabling the joining of dissimilar materials and flexible joining. These processes will enable mass-customization of product for small- and medium-size companies.

“Any color you like as long as it’s black doesn’t work any more,” he said. Personalization must increase, and the customer will dictate their preferences. That trend drives the opportunities in manufacturing of the future.

This session is available on demand on the SEMA360 platform. 

By John Stewart

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

In a one-hour panel discussion on SEMA360, panelists presented insights on how fundamental shifts in industry and society will create new opportunities for manufacturing businesses, large and small.

“The revolution is now, it’s being live-streamed today,” said moderator John Waraniak. “Once to grow, you could run a different race, or you could run the same race faster. Today, you have to do both.”

Carla Bailo, president and CEO, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), told how COVID-19 has propelled change and changed thinking in transportation and associated manufacturing. The assembly line of the future will include a lot more automation, and manufacturers will need to pivot to adjust their business models as the health crisis continues. There will be more demand for home delivery and manufacturers need to be prepared for supply-chain disruptions, and the days of three-year, five-year product-development cycles are over. “COVID-19 is giving us opportunities as never before…Think about how you can delight the customer.”

Mouse McCoy (HackRod Studio MFG) made the point that manufacturing has become digital and virtual. The ”digital twin” process, in which teams around the country work on a digital file in the cloud, make it possible do develop and simulate a complex product such as a car digitally before production. Once the digital product is tested through simulation, the file can be transferred to an advanced production facility and produced. This will lead to mass customization and personalization for customers—an exponential opportunity.  

Nigel Francis, CEO and executive director, ALMMII/LIFT, runs a non-profit that enhances collaboration between industry, academia, and the department of defense. He revealed ground-breaking processes, such as linear friction welding and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), that are already in use, enabling the joining of dissimilar materials and flexible joining. These processes will enable mass-customization of product for small- and medium-size companies.

“Any color you like as long as it’s black doesn’t work any more,” he said. Personalization must increase, and the customer will dictate their preferences. That trend drives the opportunities in manufacturing of the future.

This session is available on demand on the SEMA360 platform. 

By SEMA Editors

With SEMA360 wrapping up today, enthusiasts and attendees are invited to visit the event’s photo site to see hundreds of vehicles and parts that appeared in Manufacturer Showcases throughout the week.

There are currently four categories on the photo site: 2020 SEMA360 New Products, 2020 SEMA360 Feature Vehicles, 2020 SEMA360 Builder Vehicles, and 2020 SEMA360 General Photos. The photos of new products are available by category. The photos of the SEMA360 New Product Award winners are also available on the site.

Visit sema360.semaphotos.com and see some of the most innovative, trendsetting custom vehicles and products that the specialty automotive market has to offer.

By SEMA Editors

With SEMA360 wrapping up today, enthusiasts and attendees are invited to visit the event’s photo site to see hundreds of vehicles and parts that appeared in Manufacturer Showcases throughout the week.

There are currently four categories on the photo site: 2020 SEMA360 New Products, 2020 SEMA360 Feature Vehicles, 2020 SEMA360 Builder Vehicles, and 2020 SEMA360 General Photos. The photos of new products are available by category. The photos of the SEMA360 New Product Award winners are also available on the site.

Visit sema360.semaphotos.com and see some of the most innovative, trendsetting custom vehicles and products that the specialty automotive market has to offer.

By Douglas McColloch

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

Submitted by: Chad Whitlock Vehicle: ’70 Chevrolet C10 The recipient of a Duramax diesel swap, this ’70 rides on a Roadster Shop chassis and rolls a set of Nitto Tires wrapped around Rotiform wheels that are halted by a Baer Brake kit. Under the hood, Wehrli Fab turbos feed the engine, Profab Performance headers handle exhaust chores, and an American Autowire harness runs the electrical system with the aid of an Optima battery. Billet Rides mirrors, Oracle lights and BASF paint provide exterior dazzle, and inside, Dakota Digital gauges, Relicate Leather and Vintage Air A/C enhance creature comforts.
Submitted by: Jeffery Allison Vehicle: ’64 Chevrolet Chevelle It may be plain-looking on the outside, but this Chevelle is built to perform, starting with the 6.2L LS3-spec engine underhood that’s equipped with a FAST intake, a Comp cam and LS3 throttle body. Backing that is a Tremec T56 transmission running a  Hurst Driveline Conversions shift kit that send power to a 9-in. rearend that houses a Truetrac limited-slip. The car rides on a  Detroit Speed suspension and rolls BFGoodrich tires wrapped around Grip Equipped Rebel wheels that are stopped by a Wilwood brake kit. Inside, Recaro seat and g-Force front harnesses keep the driver secure, and Vintage Air keeps him comfortable.
Submitted by: Jonas Neels Vehicle: ’08 GMC Sierra This tall-riding GMC sits atop an all-custom Machine Tech suspension that’s outfitted with remote-reservoir King coilover shocks. Under the hood, aFe headers and up-pipes assist with exhaust, and Wehrli Custom Fabrication provided turbo piping. PSC hydro-assist steering makes directing the large tires easier, and Powerstop brakes bring the truck to a stop. Royal Hooks bumper hooks adorn the front end, and the Gen-Y hitch rests in back. Seating from leatherseats.com provide comfort, and a set of Horn Blasters air horns lets you know when the truck is near.
Submitted by: Maxlider Brothers Vehicle: ’72 Ford Bronco Finalists at last year’s Battle of The Builders, this team returned this year with this ’72 two-door. A Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote sends motive power to a Bowler racing transmission and Atlas II transfer case, which helps turn BFGoodrich tires that are steered by IDIDT and braked by Wilwood. The interior boats gauges from Classic Instruments, climate control from Vintage Air, and two-tone seating courtesy of Twin Cities Upholstery. The custom blue paint is from PPG and was applied by the experts at A&B Paint Supply.
Submitted by: Rod Neilson Vehicle: ’64 IH CO 1700 This unique forward-cab, which is coated in Sherwin-Williams Candy Orange and Silver paint, rides on a set of Mickey Thompson tires that are braked by a Wilwood disc kit. An AEM cold-air intake aids the engine with aspiration while an RCI fuel cell stores the go-juice that’s delivered via an Aeromotive fuel pump. Painless Wiring provides an electrical upgrade, and Flaming River  components handle steering chores. Inside, Arc Audio and JW speakers supply tunes on demand, Dakota Digital gauges monitor underhood functions, and parts from Energy Suspension help ensure the ride is quiet and rattle-free.

By Douglas McColloch

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

Submitted by: Chad Whitlock Vehicle: ’70 Chevrolet C10 The recipient of a Duramax diesel swap, this ’70 rides on a Roadster Shop chassis and rolls a set of Nitto Tires wrapped around Rotiform wheels that are halted by a Baer Brake kit. Under the hood, Wehrli Fab turbos feed the engine, Profab Performance headers handle exhaust chores, and an American Autowire harness runs the electrical system with the aid of an Optima battery. Billet Rides mirrors, Oracle lights and BASF paint provide exterior dazzle, and inside, Dakota Digital gauges, Relicate Leather and Vintage Air A/C enhance creature comforts.
Submitted by: Jeffery Allison Vehicle: ’64 Chevrolet Chevelle It may be plain-looking on the outside, but this Chevelle is built to perform, starting with the 6.2L LS3-spec engine underhood that’s equipped with a FAST intake, a Comp cam and LS3 throttle body. Backing that is a Tremec T56 transmission running a  Hurst Driveline Conversions shift kit that send power to a 9-in. rearend that houses a Truetrac limited-slip. The car rides on a  Detroit Speed suspension and rolls BFGoodrich tires wrapped around Grip Equipped Rebel wheels that are stopped by a Wilwood brake kit. Inside, Recaro seat and g-Force front harnesses keep the driver secure, and Vintage Air keeps him comfortable.
Submitted by: Jonas Neels Vehicle: ’08 GMC Sierra This tall-riding GMC sits atop an all-custom Machine Tech suspension that’s outfitted with remote-reservoir King coilover shocks. Under the hood, aFe headers and up-pipes assist with exhaust, and Wehrli Custom Fabrication provided turbo piping. PSC hydro-assist steering makes directing the large tires easier, and Powerstop brakes bring the truck to a stop. Royal Hooks bumper hooks adorn the front end, and the Gen-Y hitch rests in back. Seating from leatherseats.com provide comfort, and a set of Horn Blasters air horns lets you know when the truck is near.
Submitted by: Maxlider Brothers Vehicle: ’72 Ford Bronco Finalists at last year’s Battle of The Builders, this team returned this year with this ’72 two-door. A Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote sends motive power to a Bowler racing transmission and Atlas II transfer case, which helps turn BFGoodrich tires that are steered by IDIDT and braked by Wilwood. The interior boats gauges from Classic Instruments, climate control from Vintage Air, and two-tone seating courtesy of Twin Cities Upholstery. The custom blue paint is from PPG and was applied by the experts at A&B Paint Supply.
Submitted by: Rod Neilson Vehicle: ’64 IH CO 1700 This unique forward-cab, which is coated in Sherwin-Williams Candy Orange and Silver paint, rides on a set of Mickey Thompson tires that are braked by a Wilwood disc kit. An AEM cold-air intake aids the engine with aspiration while an RCI fuel cell stores the go-juice that’s delivered via an Aeromotive fuel pump. Painless Wiring provides an electrical upgrade, and Flaming River  components handle steering chores. Inside, Arc Audio and JW speakers supply tunes on demand, Dakota Digital gauges monitor underhood functions, and parts from Energy Suspension help ensure the ride is quiet and rattle-free.

By SEMA Editors

With more than 650 manufacturers, 2,200 products featured in the New Products Showcase, 300-plus custom vehicle builds showcased, exclusive education seminars and special announcements made throughout the five-day event, SEMA360 provides attendees a complete and immersive online event experience.

A resilient specialty-equipment industry continues to converge at www.sema360.com to conduct much-needed business in preparation for a successful 2021. Held online November 2-6, SEMA360 enables attendees all over the world to connect with top manufactures who are showcasing their latest products and technology.

The trade-only event was created as an alternative when uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the in-person SEMA Show in Las Vegas in 2020. The online platform makes it possible for manufacturers and buyers to connect in an effective and efficient manner.

"SEMA360 is a fantastic opportunity to digitally see new products, vendors and services that we would have missed due to the pandemic situation," said Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. "Our goal at SEMA360 is to find those new vendors and new products from our current vendors that will help us continue the growth curve that we are experiencing now through 2021."

With more than 650 manufacturers, 2,200 products featured in the New Products Showcase, 300-plus custom vehicle builds showcased, exclusive education seminars and special announcements made throughout the five-day event, SEMA360 provides attendees a complete and immersive online event experience.

“The SEMA Show has always been the best way to see new products before they hit the market, and SEMA360 continues that tradition alive,” said Barry Kellerman, owner of Truck Stuff And More. “This year I will miss the hands-on experience that the SEMA Show offers, but SEMA360 is the next best thing. Attending SEMA360 keeps us informed about the innovations and new products so we can better-serve our customers.”