By Fredy Ramirez

After being sold for $121,212, Bring a Trailer donated the Bronco's transaction fee of $5,000 to the final bid, bringing the grand total raised to a total of $126,212.

SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others in the industry came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that was recently auctioned by Bring a Trailer (BaT) to benefit Childhelp. With a winning bid of $121,212, Jeff Mosing won the fierce bidding war that erupted as the auction came down to the wire. Bring a Trailer's Randy Nonnenberg explained just how special and exciting this unique Bronco project was for all parties involved.

"We were very pleased to be selected by Childhelp and SEMA to auction this Bronco for charity," said Nonnenberg. "The strong $120k+ result came from a buyer within the BaT Community of enthusiasts who was highly motivated by the great cause and the work that Childhelp does on behalf of children in need." In addition to hosting the auction, BaT donated its transaction fee of $5,000 to the final bid, bringing the grand total raised to a total of $126,212. Nonnenberg explained why the company gifted the fee. "We are very happy to also be able to contribute to that worthy cause, and look forward to many more charity auctions on Bring a Trailer.”

The origin story of this special Bronco began as SEMA members learned about the charity build project and started donating parts, helping with installation and in some cases designing custom one-off pieces to accommodate the bold restomod.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

The design concept was simple: to keep the classic look and operational simplicity of a ’66 Bronco, but build one that delivers up-to-date driving capabilities and improved off-road utility. The team’s first step was to assess the vehicle’s condition. “We had to strip the entire vehicle down to the frame,” Project Lead Luis Morales said. “We started taking things apart to see what could be salvaged and what needed to be replaced.”

After the assessment stage, the Bronco received a systematic, frame-up makeover from tail to bonnet. Solo Motorsports installed a rollcage and new radius arms developed specifically for the Bronco. While at the paint and body shop, the chassis and all the underpinnings were sandblasted and repainted. LGE-CTS Motorsports painted the body a color reminiscent of WD-40 blue, with PPG Industries providing the paint. The team also added a Rhino Linings flooring liner to create an interior that could be easily cleaned and resist rust and abrasion.

When the rolling chassis returned to SEMA Garage, the team began to work on the suspension, which employs Skyjacker Suspensions springs and shocks. A set of 4.56-ratio Currie front and rear axles with Yukon Gear and Axle gears provided ideal strength and gearing for off-road use. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in., and the front is a Dana 44; locking hubs are from Warn.

When the newly painted body pieces returned to the SEMA Garage, they were fitted to the chassis. “Joining those things when there had been modifications to each of them independently was challenging,” Morales said, but in the end the Bronco’s clean, purposeful appearance and overall stance was exactly what the build called for.

Next came work on the exterior, with lighting and trim provided by Drake Automotive Group. Lund International donated fender flares, and AMP Research provided powersteps. BCR Custom Wiring installed the wiring.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The EcoBoost is a bigger engine than the inline-six that originally powered the ’66 Bronco. To make the swap work with space at a premium, the team engineered a custom cooling system using Mishimoto components, relocated the Optima battery, and worked with GReddy to install an air-induction system to fit the cramped engine bay.

With a bigger power unit came a custom driveshaft rated to handle the output. Wilwood installed new brakes and contributed a plan to optimize the rear brake lines. Summit Racing provided an original-spec fuel tank. New wheels from American Racing Wheels and 35-in. tires from Toyo Tires were also added. MagnaFlow dropped by the SEMA Garage to create and install a one-off exhaust system.

The Bronco features a number of one-off parts, many of which were 3-D printed. The center console, the ECU cover and some of the dash covers are 3-D-printed, one-off designs. Two companies, Stratasys and Dinsmore Inc. helped print parts for the Bronco. The interior also features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors interior panels and upholstery.

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the purpose of Childhelp has been prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since its establishment, Childhelp has grown to become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations. For donation and volunteer information please visit www.childhelp.org.

For more information about upcoming charity auctions, please visit www.bringatrailer.com.

By Fredy Ramirez

After being sold for $121,212, Bring a Trailer donated the Bronco's transaction fee of $5,000 to the final bid, bringing the grand total raised to a total of $126,212.

SEMA Garage, WD-40 and many others in the industry came together in order to create a custom ’66 Ford Bronco that was recently auctioned by Bring a Trailer (BaT) to benefit Childhelp. With a winning bid of $121,212, Jeff Mosing won the fierce bidding war that erupted as the auction came down to the wire. Bring a Trailer's Randy Nonnenberg explained just how special and exciting this unique Bronco project was for all parties involved.

"We were very pleased to be selected by Childhelp and SEMA to auction this Bronco for charity," said Nonnenberg. "The strong $120k+ result came from a buyer within the BaT Community of enthusiasts who was highly motivated by the great cause and the work that Childhelp does on behalf of children in need." In addition to hosting the auction, BaT donated its transaction fee of $5,000 to the final bid, bringing the grand total raised to a total of $126,212. Nonnenberg explained why the company gifted the fee. "We are very happy to also be able to contribute to that worthy cause, and look forward to many more charity auctions on Bring a Trailer.”

The origin story of this special Bronco began as SEMA members learned about the charity build project and started donating parts, helping with installation and in some cases designing custom one-off pieces to accommodate the bold restomod.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

The design concept was simple: to keep the classic look and operational simplicity of a ’66 Bronco, but build one that delivers up-to-date driving capabilities and improved off-road utility. The team’s first step was to assess the vehicle’s condition. “We had to strip the entire vehicle down to the frame,” Project Lead Luis Morales said. “We started taking things apart to see what could be salvaged and what needed to be replaced.”

After the assessment stage, the Bronco received a systematic, frame-up makeover from tail to bonnet. Solo Motorsports installed a rollcage and new radius arms developed specifically for the Bronco. While at the paint and body shop, the chassis and all the underpinnings were sandblasted and repainted. LGE-CTS Motorsports painted the body a color reminiscent of WD-40 blue, with PPG Industries providing the paint. The team also added a Rhino Linings flooring liner to create an interior that could be easily cleaned and resist rust and abrasion.

When the rolling chassis returned to SEMA Garage, the team began to work on the suspension, which employs Skyjacker Suspensions springs and shocks. A set of 4.56-ratio Currie front and rear axles with Yukon Gear and Axle gears provided ideal strength and gearing for off-road use. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in., and the front is a Dana 44; locking hubs are from Warn.

When the newly painted body pieces returned to the SEMA Garage, they were fitted to the chassis. “Joining those things when there had been modifications to each of them independently was challenging,” Morales said, but in the end the Bronco’s clean, purposeful appearance and overall stance was exactly what the build called for.

Next came work on the exterior, with lighting and trim provided by Drake Automotive Group. Lund International donated fender flares, and AMP Research provided powersteps. BCR Custom Wiring installed the wiring.

Under the hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that develops 375 hp and a whopping 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The EcoBoost is a bigger engine than the inline-six that originally powered the ’66 Bronco. To make the swap work with space at a premium, the team engineered a custom cooling system using Mishimoto components, relocated the Optima battery, and worked with GReddy to install an air-induction system to fit the cramped engine bay.

With a bigger power unit came a custom driveshaft rated to handle the output. Wilwood installed new brakes and contributed a plan to optimize the rear brake lines. Summit Racing provided an original-spec fuel tank. New wheels from American Racing Wheels and 35-in. tires from Toyo Tires were also added. MagnaFlow dropped by the SEMA Garage to create and install a one-off exhaust system.

The Bronco features a number of one-off parts, many of which were 3-D printed. The center console, the ECU cover and some of the dash covers are 3-D-printed, one-off designs. Two companies, Stratasys and Dinsmore Inc. helped print parts for the Bronco. The interior also features Distinctive Industries/Roadwire Interiors interior panels and upholstery.

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the purpose of Childhelp has been prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Since its establishment, Childhelp has grown to become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations. For donation and volunteer information please visit www.childhelp.org.

For more information about upcoming charity auctions, please visit www.bringatrailer.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. The bill requires new car dealers to provide purchasers written notice that it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed, or because someone other than the dealer performed service. The law takes effect immediately.

For details, contact Caroline Fletcher, SEMA’s state legislation manager, at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. The bill requires new car dealers to provide purchasers written notice that it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed, or because someone other than the dealer performed service. The law takes effect immediately.

For details, contact Caroline Fletcher, SEMA’s state legislation manager, at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

Legislation (S.B. 1712) that requires consumer notification of vehicle warranty for aftermarket and recycled parts was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. The bill requires new car dealers to provide purchasers written notice that it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed, or because someone other than the dealer performed service. The law takes effect immediately.

For details, contact Caroline Fletcher, SEMA’s state legislation manager, at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump recently signed into law a bipartisan bill to fund federal government agencies for fiscal year 2020, which included the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act” (SECURE Act), which expands retirement savings programs. The new law represents the most comprehensive change to U.S. retirement policy in more than a decade, as it simplifies the process for small businesses to join multiple employer plans by not requiring businesses to be affiliated, increases tax credits for small businesses adopting a retirement plan, permits part-time employees to enroll in 401(k) plans, increases the age when individuals must start withdrawing money from an IRA from 70½ to 72, repeals the age cap on contributing to an IRA (currently 70½) and protects employers offering annuities from liability if the insurance company administering the plan is not able to make payments.

While many of the SECURE Act provisions are favorable for small businesses and workers, the new law eliminates stretch IRAs, which are an estate planning tool that has allowed individuals to pass their retirement funds to their children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. The law now limits the amount of time individuals inheriting a retirement account have to fully withdraw funds from the account to 10 years, although there is an exemption for surviving spouses, the disabled and chronically ill, and children under the age of 10. SEMA and other businesses groups also objected to a SECURE Act provision that increased penalties charged to businesses that fail to file retirement plan returns, which will largely impact small businesses.

If you would like to learn more about the new law’s significant changes to retirement savings programs, the Small Business Legislative Council will host a webinar January 28, at 12:30 p.m. (EST). The webinar will include a special emphasis on the elimination of the stretch IRA, changes you may need to make in your estate planning documents and ways to reduce the loss in the value of retirement benefits you plan to leave to your children. SEMA is a long-standing SBLC member, so the webinar is free of charge for SEMA-member companies.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump recently signed into law a bipartisan bill to fund federal government agencies for fiscal year 2020, which included the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act” (SECURE Act), which expands retirement savings programs. The new law represents the most comprehensive change to U.S. retirement policy in more than a decade, as it simplifies the process for small businesses to join multiple employer plans by not requiring businesses to be affiliated, increases tax credits for small businesses adopting a retirement plan, permits part-time employees to enroll in 401(k) plans, increases the age when individuals must start withdrawing money from an IRA from 70½ to 72, repeals the age cap on contributing to an IRA (currently 70½) and protects employers offering annuities from liability if the insurance company administering the plan is not able to make payments.

While many of the SECURE Act provisions are favorable for small businesses and workers, the new law eliminates stretch IRAs, which are an estate planning tool that has allowed individuals to pass their retirement funds to their children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. The law now limits the amount of time individuals inheriting a retirement account have to fully withdraw funds from the account to 10 years, although there is an exemption for surviving spouses, the disabled and chronically ill, and children under the age of 10. SEMA and other businesses groups also objected to a SECURE Act provision that increased penalties charged to businesses that fail to file retirement plan returns, which will largely impact small businesses.

If you would like to learn more about the new law’s significant changes to retirement savings programs, the Small Business Legislative Council will host a webinar January 28, at 12:30 p.m. (EST). The webinar will include a special emphasis on the elimination of the stretch IRA, changes you may need to make in your estate planning documents and ways to reduce the loss in the value of retirement benefits you plan to leave to your children. SEMA is a long-standing SBLC member, so the webinar is free of charge for SEMA-member companies.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Trump recently signed into law a bipartisan bill to fund federal government agencies for fiscal year 2020, which included the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act” (SECURE Act), which expands retirement savings programs. The new law represents the most comprehensive change to U.S. retirement policy in more than a decade, as it simplifies the process for small businesses to join multiple employer plans by not requiring businesses to be affiliated, increases tax credits for small businesses adopting a retirement plan, permits part-time employees to enroll in 401(k) plans, increases the age when individuals must start withdrawing money from an IRA from 70½ to 72, repeals the age cap on contributing to an IRA (currently 70½) and protects employers offering annuities from liability if the insurance company administering the plan is not able to make payments.

While many of the SECURE Act provisions are favorable for small businesses and workers, the new law eliminates stretch IRAs, which are an estate planning tool that has allowed individuals to pass their retirement funds to their children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. The law now limits the amount of time individuals inheriting a retirement account have to fully withdraw funds from the account to 10 years, although there is an exemption for surviving spouses, the disabled and chronically ill, and children under the age of 10. SEMA and other businesses groups also objected to a SECURE Act provision that increased penalties charged to businesses that fail to file retirement plan returns, which will largely impact small businesses.

If you would like to learn more about the new law’s significant changes to retirement savings programs, the Small Business Legislative Council will host a webinar January 28, at 12:30 p.m. (EST). The webinar will include a special emphasis on the elimination of the stretch IRA, changes you may need to make in your estate planning documents and ways to reduce the loss in the value of retirement benefits you plan to leave to your children. SEMA is a long-standing SBLC member, so the webinar is free of charge for SEMA-member companies.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Curt SecureLatch Series Lunette Ring Curt Manufacturing announces the release of its SecureLatch Lunette Ring. The ring’s vertically offset base is designed for maximum height adjustment. The ring is engineered to allow for 40,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. SecureLatch channel (PN 48651) is required for installation (sold separately). 877-287-8634 www.curtmfg.com PN: 48626
Holley Universal MPFI Terminator X System Holley introduces of its universal MPFI Terminator X System. Terminator X comes with base maps for common V8 engine combinations. Also included is Holley EFI's software suite that allows full laptop access for advanced users. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 550-936
Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Intake Flowmaster releases of the Delta Force Performance Air Intake system for the ’17–’19 Nissan Titan with the 5.6L engine. The Delta Force system contains a custom molded black cross-linked polyethylene high-flow intake tube designed to maximize airflow. Other features include a large diameter high-flow conical shaped eight-layer cotton gauze air filter engineered to trap more dirt than six-layer designs. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 615198
Mishimoto Radiator Hoses Mishimoto announces the release of its radiator hoses for the ’14 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The hoses are manufactured with high-grade silicone and four layers of heat-resistant embedded fibers designed to provide increased pressure and temperature tolerance. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHOSE-K2-14
Aeromotive Variable Speed Controller Aeromotive introduces its True Variable Speed (TVS) Controller for its line of brushless gear fuel pumps. This controller is designed to adjust the pump speed to improve fuel system efficiency and reduce fuel temperatures. Utilizing a 0-5-volt DC analog input from the ECU or the vehicle’s Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Aeromotive’s controller is engineered to decrease fuel pump speed during low-demand periods, reducing current draw and cycle rate and resulting in cooler fuel temperatures. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18047

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Curt SecureLatch Series Lunette Ring Curt Manufacturing announces the release of its SecureLatch Lunette Ring. The ring’s vertically offset base is designed for maximum height adjustment. The ring is engineered to allow for 40,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. SecureLatch channel (PN 48651) is required for installation (sold separately). 877-287-8634 www.curtmfg.com PN: 48626
Holley Universal MPFI Terminator X System Holley introduces of its universal MPFI Terminator X System. Terminator X comes with base maps for common V8 engine combinations. Also included is Holley EFI's software suite that allows full laptop access for advanced users. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 550-936
Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Intake Flowmaster releases of the Delta Force Performance Air Intake system for the ’17–’19 Nissan Titan with the 5.6L engine. The Delta Force system contains a custom molded black cross-linked polyethylene high-flow intake tube designed to maximize airflow. Other features include a large diameter high-flow conical shaped eight-layer cotton gauze air filter engineered to trap more dirt than six-layer designs. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 615198
Mishimoto Radiator Hoses Mishimoto announces the release of its radiator hoses for the ’14 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The hoses are manufactured with high-grade silicone and four layers of heat-resistant embedded fibers designed to provide increased pressure and temperature tolerance. 877-466-4744 www.mishimoto.com PN: MMHOSE-K2-14
Aeromotive Variable Speed Controller Aeromotive introduces its True Variable Speed (TVS) Controller for its line of brushless gear fuel pumps. This controller is designed to adjust the pump speed to improve fuel system efficiency and reduce fuel temperatures. Utilizing a 0-5-volt DC analog input from the ECU or the vehicle’s Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Aeromotive’s controller is engineered to decrease fuel pump speed during low-demand periods, reducing current draw and cycle rate and resulting in cooler fuel temperatures. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18047