The Shop November 16

THE SHOP

NOVEMBER 2016

PROJECT VEHICLES • HITCHES & TOWING • STREET PERFORMANCE

10/5/16 1:24 3:39PM PM 9/30/16

Untitled-3 11 TSNOV-FC.indd

TS_MOTV_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:51 PM

Texas: 866.520.1929 Florida: 866.520.1932

Tennessee: 800.251.0331 Kansas City: 866.520.1927

The RHP 2000 Series Push Lock Hose Ends are cut from 6061 T-6 aluminum on CNC machines to provide superior thread strength and leak proof performance. Redhorse's custom alumi designed hose nipples and unique aluminum collars allow quick and easy assembly and smooth snag-free performance.

RHP's famous hand polishing and color consistent anodizing add the final touch of quality that professional engine builders have come to expect from Redhorse.

• One gallon, high strength, composite fuel cell that can be mounted in most factory battery trays without modification.

• Pump will support 700 nitrous horsepower at 5 psi and up to 500 horsepower at 45 psi on gasoline or race fuel, 350 nitrous horsepower on Methanol at 5 psi and up to 250 hp at 45 psi • Comes preassembled with a high output internally mounted fuel pump and an adjustable external regulator • Regulator is boost referencing at the rate of 1:1 for boosted applications Regula • Fuel pressure can be adjusted from 3 to 60 psi (no special jetting is required).

• Tank dimensions are 13L x 6W x 8H

The gasoline Stage 1 System kit is very versatile. It can be used in naturally aspirated or forced induction applications. The system includes an adjustable boost activated switch for forced induction applications as well as a Wide Open Throttle switch for naturally aspirated applications.

O peration is very simple: the system starts injecting when the boost or WOT switch is activated and it injects a fixed amount of fluid through the nozzle until the switch opens again. This makes it a good choice for low to medium horsepower setups looking for an octane enhancement and cooler intake charge.

www.nickelsperformance.com TS_NKLP_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:23 PM

CONTENTS // November 2016 // Volume 19 Number 6

FEATURES \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 8 TALKIN’ SHOP WITH JASON ENGEL Meet the owner & CEO of Classic Recreations.

By Regis Finn

14 THESHOPMAG.COM

By Brett Solomon

By Anthony Bowe

RESTYLING

Solicited advice and insights on serving the towing market.

Compiled by Eddie Wieber

Components and upgrades for 4x4s.

26 WORKING ‘VACATION’ Unsolicited advice for travelers to trade shows.

By Josh Poulson

34 TAILGATE PROJECT: MINNESOTA STYLE

How we turned a plain van into a tailgating legend.

By Dino Perfetti

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 62 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

42 AN ALL AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

Truck & SUV center celebrates a quarter-century of steady success.

By Jake Rishavy

24 OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS

56 CAPTURE THE ACTION

Automotive camera setups: now we’re rolling!

Highlights from THE SHOP’s daily online newsletter.

17 A HITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

50 A NOD TO TRADITION Ten questions for master trimmer Sid Chavers.

By Naseem Muaddi, TheHogRing.com

54 RESTYLING PRODUCTS

Truck, car & SUV parts that add style and utility.

A roundup of garage bay must-haves.

PERFORMANCE 65 MAIN STREET MUSCLE

80 PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

By John Carollo

112 WHEELS & TIRES

Technology & regulations are affecting the late-model performance market.

72 SAVE OUR RACE CARS

What the heck is the RPM Act, and what does it have to do with my business?

By Les Rudd

76 DIESEL PERFORMANCE ROUNDUP

From the street to race events, new power levels continue to impress.

PAG E

34

By Ron Knoch

The latest power and control upgrades.

Components for when the rubber meets the road.

116 UNDERSTANDING CRANKSHAFT BALANCING, PART 2

More on a weighty subject that can affect performance.

By Mike Mavrigian

122 THE NEW MILLENNIAL HOT ROD

Sport compacts are helping to drive the next generation.

By John F. Katz

2

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 2

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 9:14 AM

Bryant Goldstone Winner 2016 Drag Week Ultimate Iron Class Powered By MSD Ignition

Motor State Stocks The Entire MSD Line WWW.MOTORSTATE.COM

800-772-2678 Visit Us At SEMA Booth #20641 / PRI Booth #2525 Ask About Our

Sponsor of:

Like Us On

Interactive price guide, on-line ordering software

TS_MTST_1611A - FP.indd 1

10-16_ShopMSDMS Final_FullPage.indd 1

9/29/16 3:24 PM

9/22/16 8:02 AM

CONTENTS // November 2016 // Volume 19 Number 6

FEATURES \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION PA G E

82 AWAKE AT THE WHEEL

122

Head to the heart of the Texas Hill Country with Good Ol’ Days Garage.

By Eddie Wieber | Photos by Jim Campbell

DEPARTMENTS \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ DRIVER’S SEAT ..................................................6 The Work You Don’t See.

AD INDEX ......................................................143 Alphabetical listing of this month’s advertisers.

ONE MORE THING ..........................................144 Electrifying the Big Apple.

The performance automotive aftermarket has always served a unique culture. Today, more than ever, our market is participating in a lifestyle more than a hobby.

David Page, Sales Manager, Fuel Air Spark Technology On the social aspects of being a gearhead in 2016. See article on page 65

COMING NEXT MONTH

88 2016 PROJECT VEHICLE SKETCHBOOK Where motion meets imagination.

• Turbos • Circle track • Hood accessories • Metalworking

BUSINESS 130 SURVIVING SOCIAL MEDIA 101

138 WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME

By JoAnn Bortles

By Phil Foster

Cutting through the clutter to find business basics.

136 NASCAR BRANDING & YOU

We’re all looking for an identity.

By John Carollo

Why small businesses need branding, and how to build it.

140 GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EMPLOYEES

Developing a company policy and training program.

By Tom Smisek

4

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 4

LAST MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS ON THE COVER

Each autumn, automotive artists unveil their latest creations in the form of unique project vehicles. Offering a glimpse of what’s possible when motion meets imagination, they can serve as inspiration the next time a new opportunity comes through your front door. (Cover rendering by Matt Bernal/Bernal Auto Style) See the Project Vehicle roundup beginning on page 88.

• Data logging • Cargo solutions • Customer relations • ‘Precision Engine’ supplement

Never Miss an Issue!

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 9:17 AM

Trust Your Business to the Experts at Diesel Performance Parts Inc. - Competitive Guaranteed Wholesale Pricing, Unsurpassed Knowledgeable Support, & the Industry’s Best Manufacturers.

866.455.7788 | dieselperformanceparts.com Diesel Performance Parts Inc. | 411 Allied Dr, Nashville, TN 37211

TS_DPPI_1511A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:26 PM

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ DRIVER’S SEAT

The Work You Don’t See

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I

n his “10 Questions” interview this month, master trimmer Sid Chavers offered a quote I thought was worth repeating. Asked about working with customers on designs for their interiors, he repeated a line he says he uses often: “We do a lot of things you don’t see; but if we didn’t do it, you would see it.”

That idea seems particularly appropriate this month, as the industry turns its attention to the upcoming trade show season and, as a part of it, the latest batch of project vehicles preparing to hit the event circuit.

As I write this in early autumn, all across the country builders, technicians and mechanics are working on vehicles headed to the SEMA Show and elsewhere. All, I suspect, will be doing small extras— adding a color-matched bolt, for instance, or maybe re-routing a wire out of sight, or touching up a small scratch—that would never be noticed unless they weren’t done.

Long-time readers know I annually beat the drum for show attendees Jef White to take some time and really look at the projects that grace shows like Executive Editor SEMA, where the sheer number of vehicles alone means that some really amazing cars and trucks can sometimes go unnoticed or underappreciated.

This year, I’m joined by columnist Josh Poulson, who in his article on maximizing the trade show experience says that one of his goals as an attendee is “to get new ideas and inspiration for future business. This can be done by seeing finished car and truck projects that are at the show and taking notes and photos.”

The project vehicle builders I’ve met over the years have all had the same goal.

Whether their designs are outlandish or understated, aggressive or subtle, classic or modern, they all want the vehicle to look natural—like it was meant to be the way it is all along.

So, the next time you view their completed work, see if you can spot the three things these builders try to incorporate to make their projects look natural: • Theme. Again, it can be hit-you-over-the-head obvious or just the smallest hint of elegance, but every great project vehicle has an identifiable theme. In this month’s project vehicle roundup, for instance, there are designs inspired by vintage race cars, a World War II bomber and a handgun, to name just a few.

• New Products. Often the main goal of project vehicles is to highlight new products—sometimes dozens of them at once. Look carefully to see what’s new, so you’ll know what’s next.

• Fun. No matter how much of a pain they were to make happen, no project vehicle is ever completed without a certain amount of enjoyment and satisfaction. “It’s just plain fun,” says Casey Miser, sales and marketing manager for Oregon-based All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers, of working in this industry. So smile and recognize all of the hard work that went into making it a great project.

After all, even if you can’t see it, you know it’s there.

PUBLISHER REGAN DICKINSON rdickinson@nbm.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MICHAEL MURRAY mmurray@nbm.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR JEF WHITE jwhite@nbm.com MANAGING EDITOR EDDIE WIEBER ewieber@nbm.com DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR ANTHONY BOWE abowe@nbm.com ART DIRECTOR IVETH GOMEZ igomez@nbm.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA CRANSTON linda@nbm.com EASTERN TERRITORY SALES MANAGER MICHAEL MURRAY mmurray@nbm.com WESTERN TERRITORY SALES MANAGER RYAN WOLFE rwolfe@nbm.com SALES SUPPORT KRISTINA STEINER ksteiner@nbm.com TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTOR MIKE MAVRIGIAN birchwdag@frontier.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOANN BORTLES, JOHN CAROLLO, REGIS FINN, PHIL FOSTER, JOHN F. KATZ, RON KNOCH, NASEEM MUADDI, DINO PERFETTI, JOSH POULSON, JAKE RISHAVY, LES RUDD, TOM SMISEK, BRETT SOLOMON NATIONAL BUSINESS MEDIA PRESIDENT & CEO ROBERT H. WIEBER JR. VICE PRESIDENT/INTEGRATED MEDIA JOHN BENNETT VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHING DAVE POMEROY VICE PRESIDENT/FINANCE KORI GONZALES, CPA VICE PRESIDENT/NBM EVENTS SUE HUEG, CEM, CMP VICE PRESIDENT/AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT LORI FARSTAD DIRECTOR OF IT WOLF BUTLER MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER ANDREW BENNETT

© 2016 National Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved. THE SHOP (ISSN 2380-7415) is published monthly by National Business Media, Inc., 2800 W. Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020; (303) 469-0424; FAX (303) 469-5730. Subscription rates in the U.S.: One year, $45; Two years $80; Three years $108. Canada: One year, $76; Two years, $142; Three years, $201 (U.S. Funds). Mexico/International: One year, $98; Two years, $186; Three years, $267 (U.S. Funds). Periodicals Postage Paid at Broomfield, CO 80020-9998 and additional mailing offices. USPS/National Business Media Automatable Poly. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to THE SHOP, PO Box 460651, Escondido, CA 92046-0651.

All items submitted to THE SHOP become the sole property of THE SHOP and National Business Media, Inc. and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Advertisers and/or their agencies, jointly and severally, assume all liability for printed advertisements in THE SHOP. Opinions expressed in THE SHOP may not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine’s editor, its management or its advertisers.

Letters, photographs and manuscripts welcome.

6

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 6

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 9:19 AM

From the exclusive soft top provider to Jeep® Discover more at: www.Bestop.com or call 1-800-845-3567

• • • •

Fits 2007-current Wrangler JK models with factory hardtop All-purpose, all-weather, year-round replacement for bulky Freedom Panels Completely assembled, ready to install with all hardware included Unique folding design lets you flip the panel back for an open-sky ride, or simply pull it forward and latch to the windshield header just like the original panels • Choose ultra-premium Black Twill fabric or factory-style Black Diamond Sailcloth fabric • No drilling, no special tools required to install or remove • Bestop® UMAP item Sunrider™ for Hardtop 2007-current Wrangler JK 2-door & JK Unlimited: Black Twill - #52450-17 Black Diamond - #52450-35

• For 2007-current Jeep® Wrangler JK models • Industry-first hard rear glass hatch on a soft top with gas assist struts and integrated defroster connector • Bestop’s Sunrider™ flip-back panel for open air driving • Sliding glass side windows for extra ventilation • With side panels and rear glass removed, Trektop Pro becomes a Safari Bikini® • OEM quality premium twill pattern triple-layered fabric Trektop™ Pro for 2007-current JK Unlimited 4-door - #54853-17 Trektop™ Pro for 2007-current JK 2-door - #54852-17

• • • • •

For 1997-current Wrangler TJ/JK models Includes everything necessary for installation Premium-quality multi-layer sailcloth fabric Allows opening tailgate without unzipping the rear window Fits factory full steel hard doors – also compatible with any Bestop door kit (sold separately) • Also available for 04-06 TJD Unlimited • Two Year warranty Trektop™ NX for 2007-current JK Unlimited 4-door - #56823-35 Trektop™ NX for 2007-current JK 2-door - #56822-35 Trektop™ NX for 19977-2006 TJ - #56820-35 Additional applications available. Please check our master catalog or website.

Bestop® is a registered trademark of Bestop, Inc.

TS_BSTP_1609A - FP.indd 1 1 Bestop_TheShop_Sept16.indd

10/4/16 7/19/16 11:56 9:43 AM AM

TALKIN’ SHOP

TALKIN’ SHOP WITH JASON ENGEL Meet the owner & CEO of Classic Recreations.

By Regis Finn

J

MEET...

ason Engel is the owner and CEO of Classic Recreations in Yukon, Oklahoma. His company specializes in recreating state-of-the-art, high-performance versions of early Ford Shelby Mustangs (licensed by Carroll Shelby).

Recently he’s added a first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, the CR1 Camaro, to the Classic Recreations product lineup.

Engel’s cars feature highly modified, high-horsepower, late-model, fuel-injected engines along with modern transmissions, tubular suspension components and luxury leather interiors.

Classic Recreations cars are built to be both reliable and fast, with the good looks of classic 1960s muscle cars.

So, let’s learn more about Jason Engel.

TS:

JASON ENGEL TS: What was your first car?

JE: My first car was a 1978 Camaro.

TS: If you could pick any car, what would be your dream ride?

JE: A 1967 Shelby Super Snake.

TS: What’s on your computer/phone wallpaper?

JE: The Classic Recreations 1967 Mustang GT500CR. TS: Jason, who is the person you’d most like to meet?

JE: Chris Angel

Hi Jason. Thanks for taking some time with us as we approach the busy SEMA season. What got you interested in the automotive aftermarket?

JE: I enjoy a personalized automobile. Something that is different. I have never owned anything stock in my life. This started with a go-kart when I was 7 years old. I stripped it and painted it red a week after I got it for Christmas.

TS:

How did you end up in the position you have today?

JE: Hard work and dedication.

Dream big and work toward that dream. It hasn’t been easy, but it pays off.

TS:

Please tell us about your company and its place in the performance aftermarket.

JE: Classic Recreations has chiseled a niche in the classic car business. We produce a high-quality, hand-built and customizable

Jason Engel is the owner and CEO of Classic Recreations in Yukon, Oklahoma. His company specializes in recreating state-of-the-art, high-performance versions of early Ford Shelby Mustangs.

turnkey classic car unlike anything else on the market.

Customers can customize their cars from the engine, to the horsepower, to the color and then sit back and watch the magic happen.

TS:

What’s a typical day like for you?

JE: I get up at 5 a.m., drink three shots of espresso, check my email, Engel believes that “innovation and availability are the keys to the aftermarket.”

TS: Please complete this sentence: “If I wasn’t in the performance aftermarket, I’d probably be …”

JE: An automotive designer or software engineer.

8

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 8

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 1:39 PM

TS_PMNT_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:27 PM

TALKIN’ SHOP

and then head to work to oversee the dayto-day operations.

TS:

What’s the best thing about your job?

JE: Providing my employees a good wage and being able to see their lives affected in a positive way. Nothing makes me happier than to see our employees excel and learn the ins and outs of the business.

Classic Recreations has chiseled a niche in the classic car business.

TS:

What’s the biggest challenge?

JE: Our vendors. It’s a daily fight to evaluate quality and demand with our parts vendors.

TS:

The company produces handbuilt, customizable turnkey classic cars.

How do you see the current state of the performance aftermarket?

JE: If aftermarket parts continue to be outsourced, I could see a decline in quality products on the market and even a decline in jobs. The more we innovate and create here in the U.S., the larger and better the aftermarket will become.

TS:

Where do you think the aftermarket industry will be in 10 years?

JE: Innovation and availability are the keys to the aftermarket. I feel it will increase 10 times what it is today if innovation continues like it has.

TS:

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

JE: Creating cars that are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. It is so gratifying

Customers can customize their cars from the engine, to the horsepower, to the color and then sit back and watch the magic happen.

10

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 10

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:15 AM

TS_HYPR_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:27 PM

TALKIN’ SHOP

CR’s mission is in creating cars that are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Engel’s advice is simple: Dream big and work toward that dream.

when people say, “If it’s a Classic Recreations car it’s worth more.”

be ups and downs, but if you stick with it, you can achieve success.

TS:

TS:

What’s your next big goal to achieve?

JE: Increase production while maintaining quality.

TS:

What’s your advice for speed shops seeking long-term success in the performance aftermarket?

JE: Save, save, save! Put your money back into your business and let it flourish.

It takes time to build your business and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. There will 12

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 12

If you could change one thing about the performance automotive aftermarket, what would it be?

JE: When you call a parts manufacturer for tech support on a failed part and they say “That’s the first time that’s happened.”

TS:

What’s one thing most people in the automotive aftermarket don’t know about you?

JE: I’m a green thumb. I really enjoy gardening in my down time.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 9:37 AM

TS_ARMV_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:28 PM

THESHOPMAG.COM

Once in a LYFE-Time Race & ‘Do Not Sell’ A roundup of online news.

By Anthony Bowe \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

SHOP RACES THROUGH ADVERSITY Anthony Bowe is THE SHOP’s Digital Content Editor, overseeing content on the website (www. theshopmag.com) and in the daily eNewsletter. Send news tips or other inquiries to abowe@nbm.com.

The greatest accomplishments sometimes are made in the face of unexpected adversity.

That much was true for a Utah-based performance shop that recently took part in a Time Attack race event in California.

That article is just one of the many great stories published last month in THE SHOP’s eNewsletter.

Here are some highlights from September.

You can get THE SHOP’s eNewsletter delivered directly to your inbox every morning. Sign up by visiting our website, www. theshopmag.com, and scrolling until you find the “Get the eNewsletter” box on the right-hand side—plug in your email address, click “Sign Up,” and the eNewsletter will be promptly delivered the next business day.

http://shopmag.biz/RaceLyfe

Cole Powelson had a Eureka moment 12-years ago that he said changed the course of his life.

Powelson, already a big fan of Japanese rally-car racing, attended an event at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California in 2004 that included some of the big-time Japanese racing teams.

It was the first Time Attack event he had seen firsthand.

“A lightbulb went off for me at that event,” Powelson said. “It pretty much is the reason why I ended up getting into the industry. It’s important for Time Attack to continue—it’s a great event for the spectators, the teams and the drivers.”

Cole Powelson and the LYFE Motorsport team celebrated a Time Attack win in California.

THE SHOP Powelson and two business partners now own LYFE Motorsport, a racing performance shop open since 2014 in Salt Lake City. The shop, which employs eight, is a one-stop destination for all things motorsports.

Services provided include engineering, fabrication, chassis and aero design, race prep, driver coaching and race car development.

“It’s challenging but it’s exactly what I wanted,” Powelson said. “It’s a serious load and we have more work than I can manage.”

THE RACING LYFE Powelson also races Time Attack events, which is why he was naturally drawn to a new event created this year by warehouse distributor Motovicity. The Motovicity Speed Ring Motorsports Festival, powered by HKS, was held in August at Auto Club Speedway, the same California track where Powelson once found inspiration to follow his shop dreams.

As extra incentive for Powelson, one of the racers he idolized back in 2004, Nobuteru “Nob” Taniguchi, was set to race at the Motovicity Time Attack on behalf of HKS. The two would actually compete head-to-head in the Unlimited GT-R class, featuring a $20,000 grand-prize purse.

“It was short notice and I wish I had more time to prepare. I knew we had a really good chance

Powelson was excited to race one of his heroes, Nob Taniguchi.

14

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 14

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:16 AM

On the trails, track, or in town, our tuners are all-in-one units that will take your business to the next level. With thousands of applications and more on the way, we’re sure to have the right product for your shop.

VISIT US AT SEMA 2016

INSIDE BOOTH 21339 | OUTSIDE BOOTH 61018 A full list of vehicle applications available at bullydog.com. All vehicle make/model names and vehicle manufacturer names and related marks are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Derive Power, LLC (“Derive”). These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the vehicles of those manufacturers with which Derive’s products may be used. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT LEGAL FOR SALE OR USE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ON POLLUTION CONTROLLED VEHICLES. Designed for U.S. vehicles sold in the U.S.

TS_BULY_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:29 PM

THESHOPMAG.COM

The LYFE Motorsport team faced its share of challenges before ultimately coming out on top.

at competing with those guys and potentially winning the money. With a $20,000 prize, it got a lot of people’s attention,” Powelson said.

MURPHY’S LAW For the LYFE Motorsport team, whatever could go wrong during the Motovicity Time Attack pretty much did. The 2012 Nissan R35 GT-R piloted by Powelson was running four seconds behind the HKS car in warm-ups and in qualifying heats. The 2.8-mile NASCAR race course was also very demanding, with 21 total turns— some of which cut in and out of the track’s infield.

“It was a struggle-fest—problem after problem,” Powelson said. “At the end of Day One, my stomach was in knots.

We weren’t making the progress we had hoped and weren’t achieving the power we wanted. We were also having braking issues.”

Disaster struck early on the final day of the Time Attack when a tire blew out on the LYFE Motorsport GT-R.

DO NOT SELL The AAM Group internally publishes a Do-Not-Sell Master List that consolidates dozens of do-not-sell lists created by sponsoring AAM Group vendors. The list gives member warehouse distributors a single reference for identifying sellers who violate MAP and Unilateral Pricing policies, according to the group.

16

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 16

“When the tire blew out on me in the second session I didn’t completely lose hope, but it was a really low point because I knew we didn’t have another set,” Powelson said. “Luckily we were able to find a new set in Anaheim from a place an hour from the track. We got them bolted on a half-hour before the last session. It was a bit of a Hail Mary running on a new tire that I was unfamiliar with.”

FINAL SHOWDOWN Motovicity estimates that 1,200 to 1,500 people attended the weekend’s festivities, which also included a car show. Many in attendance made their way over to the Auto Club Speedway stands for the Time Attack finale.

In the Unlimited GT-R Class competition, Nob put down his fastest time for HKS at 1:33.386. The HKS car—with its behemoth 1,252 hp and 900 foot-pounds of torque—topped out at 203 mph on the straightaways, much faster than Powelson knew he could push the struggling LYFE Motorsport GT-R.

The consistently formatted resource, available in either an Excel or a commaseparated value (CSV) file, is sortable by vendor, seller name, and various location data, helping warehouse distributors to filter retailers that have been disqualified from purchasing a particular brand’s products and bolstering the aftermarket industry at all levels of commerce.

“I took the wings off the thing and we optimized it the best that we could,” he said. “Even though we didn’t have the best of everything, we made it work with what we had. We took away the weaknesses and trusted the car’s strengths—trusted the tires and the downforce.”

Powelson also had a driving strategy in mind.

“I took some off of the corners and just tried to drive real smooth and get the infield lap put together.”

The LYFE Motorsport car topped out at just 180 mph, but here’s the crazy thing: Powelson posted the top time, 1:32.534, for the win.

But it gets even crazier.

“We came around and took the checker—then lost our engine,” Powelson said. “We did it, but the car was not 100 percent. The fact that we lost the motor— there was literally not another lap we could turn. The transmission was also going out on us.”

The LYFE Motorsport team suspected the car’s engine was already going soft before the last run.

“We don’t know yet exactly what happened. It was smoking heavily—maybe it burned a hole in the top of the piston,” Powelson said. “We tried to turn the power up and it was hesitating quite badly. It got worse until the motor went.”

Either way, LYFE Motorsport walked away with $20,000 and Motovicity could celebrate the amazing finish to a great weekend.

A full photo gallery documenting the time attack event can be found at: http://shopmag. biz/RaceLyfe

The list’s inclusion of addresses, where available, can additionally help identify violators who use multiple business aliases to cloak their purchases. Warehouse distributors access the Do-Not-Sell Master List through AAM’s Insight account system and the DMS portal.

For more information, visit http://shopmag. biz/AAMinLine

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:17 AM

RECover.indd 1

9/30/16 1:20 PM

TS_EGR_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:52 PM

A Hitch in Time Saves Nine Advice and insights on serving the towing market.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Compiled by Eddie Wieber

W

hen customers come to a shop looking for a hitch, they expect the people in the shop to explain what’s available, what it’s for, who makes it, and how it works. They also more than likely expect those shop people to know about and recommend accessories and related items that together become the package they need for safe towing.

As straightforward as it may seem, there are plenty of choices of hitches, which means that there are plenty of different versions of the “right” hitch package.

THE SHOP recently posed a few questions to help readers sort some of it out...

(Photos courtesy B&W Trailer Hitches)

B&W Trailer Hitches

Humboldt, Kansas www.turnoverball.com Beth Barlow, Marketing Manager Beth Barlow: One example is that our THE SHOP: What improvements have been made recently to the products available for towing? How are these improvements better than what was available before?

Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount is now available with a 2.5-inch shank to accommodate the larger receiver hitches on some heavy-duty trucks. With this change, our maximum weight rating went from 10,000

pounds Gross Towing Weight to 14,500 pounds GTW. Hitch manufacturers are working hard to provide hitches that will stand up to the crazy high ratings the “towing wars” between the truck manufacturers are creNOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 17

THE SHOP

17

10/3/16 11:18 AM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

A Hitch in Time Saves Nine

(Photo courtesy B&W Trailer Hitches)

ating. For instance, even though most people would never attempt to tow over 30,000 pounds with a pickup, we have beefed up our gooseneck hitches to accommodate the 32,500-pound capacity of some of the new 2017 Ford Super Duty models at the J2638 SAE standards.

TS: What should every shop understand about weight limits and vehicle towing capacities?

BB: Shops should familiarize themselves

with where to find weight limits so they can help their customers not exceed capacities. For instance, with the larger trucks that come with 2.5-inch receiver hitches, shops should understand how using the factory sleeve in those receivers reduces towing capacity.

TS: What advice can you offer to shops to help guide customers toward purchasing the right hitch?

BB: It’s important for shop personnel

to ask how the customer intends to use the hitch and what they will be towing.

Many times, after a hitch is installed, the customer learns that the product didn’t

(Photo courtesy Cequent Group) 18

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 18

have a high enough tow rating, or there wasn’t enough towing clearance for turning.

With bedsides getting taller, side clearance is sometimes an issue with gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches. This is something you want to address before the purchase.

Cequent Group

Plymouth, Michigan www.cequentgroup.com Tom Romero, Director of Education and Technical Training THE SHOP: What improvements have been made recently to the products available for towing? How are these improvements better than what was available before?

Tom Romero: We have made significant

has fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck balls available for the factory-installed OE under-bed rail systems.

Both the rail kits and hitch are compliant with SAE J2638 testing standards, which is the highest testing standard in the industry.

On the electrical wiring side, we have improved the products for tow vehicle to trailer light wiring, most notably with the introduction of the our new Tekonsha ZCI Zero Contact Interface Universal Powered Modulite tow vehicle to trailer wiring kit that uses our “Snap, Don’t Snip!” patented sensor technology.

The Tekonsha ZCI is the only product in the industry that has zero contact with the vehicle’s lighting system. Instead of a direct connection, which can lead to interference or damage to the vehicle’s lighting system, the ZCI uses sensors that simply snap around the wires with no direct contact.

These sensors detect if current is present and illuminate the trailer lights. Because ZCI is not directly connected, there is zero chance of feedback to the vehicle, zero draw on the vehicle’s light system and zero interference with the vehicle’s lighting system.

It works with all known vehicle systems, including standard two- or three-wire systems, PWM (pulse width modulation) systems, multiplexing (two- or three-wire systems) and low side switching.

(Photo courtesy Cequent Group)

improvements to our Draw-Tite class III, IV and V receiver hitches, receiver ball mounts, Reese fifth wheel hitches, and Reese fifth wheel rail mounting systems.

Our new Draw-Tite class III, IV and V receiver hitches and receiver ball mounts have higher ratings to keep up with the ever-increasing towing capacities of today’s trucks and weights of trailers. On receiver hitches we have increased the weight-carrying tongue weight capacities from 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight hitch capacities, along with increasing ball mount weight ratings.

Reese now offers a Reese Elite fifth wheel hitch that has a 26,500-pound gross trailer weight capacity to fit its aftermarket Reese Elite underbed rail kits for the Ford Super Duty, Chevy/GMC HD trucks and even Ram HD trucks prior to 2013. Reese also

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:19 AM

Vi

sit

us

at

Bo

ot

h#

30

08

7

Proud Sponsor of Daniel Hemric & Brad Keselowski Racing

www.teambkr.com TS_CQNT_1611A - FP.indd 1

www.draw-tite.com 9/29/16 3:29 PM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

A Hitch in Time Saves Nine

(Photos courtesy CURT Mfg.)

TS: What advice can you offer to shops to help guide customers toward purchasing the right hitch?

TR: Remind them that they have made

a large financial investment in both their tow vehicle and trailer, not to speak of the fact that their family and/or friends will be along for the ride and they are priceless.

Do the right thing and protect them all by purchasing the right hitch.

CURT Manufacturing

Eau Claire, Wisconsin www.curtmfg.com Joe Thompson, VP Sales and Marketing THE SHOP: What improvements have been made recently to the products available for towing? How are these improvements better than what was available before?

Joe Thompson: We have introduced an

exciting new TruTrack weight distribution system. This advanced WD hitch combines precise weight distribution with integrated sway control to deliver the smoothest, safest towing possible. This year, in addition to our current TruTrack (rated at 10,000 pounds GTW), we have added a new model rated for 15,000 pounds. This new TruTrack also has longer spring bars, allowing the hitch to fit a wider variety of trailers.

Also, we have expanded our fifth wheel OEM puck system options. In addition to the OEM puck system fifth wheel legs that we offer for Ford, GM and Ram, we are introducing legs for the new Nissan 20

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 20

Titan XD. These legs easily drop into the truck bed pucks and secure with simple quarter-turn anchors. We also continue to offer our OEM puck system roller products for short-bed trucks.

For gooseneck towing, we have expanded our OEM puck system gooseneck ball and safety chain anchor kits. We now offer kits for Ford, GM, Nissan and Ram. These kits include a quarter-turn gooseneck ball, forged safety chain anchors, a rubber ball hole cover and a durable storage case.

Dealers should also know that we have added kitted part numbers for our Double Lock EZr gooseneck hitches, offering the center section and installation brackets under one part number. The Double Lock EZr is designed to be installed by one person, and it requires no measuring with our patented Center Locator. The EZr is now even easier to order with our new kitted part numbers.

TS: What marketing and/or sales tools do you make available to shops to help them help their customers understand weight limits and other safety issues?

JT: One of the most exciting tools CURT

has developed is CURT B2B University, an online training program for our dealers, installers and shop owners. This tool was developed to help educate our customers on our products and marketing assets available to them.

The program is available to store owners as well as their employees. As an incen-

tive to completing lessons, customers are awarded prizes for completing multiple milestones throughout the course.

In addition to B2B University, CURT offers printed literature available for all major product lines, making it easy to walk consumers through the features and benefits of CURT products. In an effort to support our customers, CURT has also invested in an on-site product training program.

CURT offers a full line of in-store product displays, making it easy to demonstrate product features and benefits of typical back-of-the-store items in the front of your store or shop.

Our website is continually being updated with content, photos and videos, making it easier than ever to find the right towing products your customer needs. This year, we have made significant updates to our “Understanding Towing” asset on our website. This page features our very own “Towing 101” and “Towing Glossary.”

TS: What advice can you offer to shops to help guide customers toward purchasing the right hitch?

JT: Most trailer hitches are designed to be

vehicle-specific, making selection easy. One of the best ways to find the right fit for your customer’s vehicle is to use CURT’s Quick Vehicle Lookup tool, located at the top of every page of the website. Simply enter the year, make, model and style of the vehicle.

The search results will show all receiver hitches that are compatible, including front mount and rear mount options. It will also show the custom wiring harnesses that are able to fit the specific vehicle.

For a general guide to choosing a trailer hitch, customers can go to our YouTube page (youtube.com/curtmfg.com) and watch our “How to Select a Trailer Hitch” video.

Customers can also use our application guides to look up vehicle-specific trailer hitches, custom wiring, gooseneck hitches and fifth wheel brackets. These spreadsheets show which part numbers will fit which vehicles, based on the year, make, model and style. All of our application guides are updated regularly and can be accessed at www.curtmfg.com/page/application_guides.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 12:58 PM

AA

MA

X BOO TH# 26

BOOTH# 34

Brand new camper.

TruTrack™ installed.

Enjoying the trip.

WE ARE FIRST IN DEALER SUPPORT • • • •

FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST

in same-day shipping and order fill in advanced, real-life product safety testing to have new hitch applications on the shelf in online and in-print marketing resources

All CURT custom hitches are made in the USA

Industry's most rust, chip and UV-resistant finish

Industry-leading safety and performance testing Scan to view our entire product line

Learn more about our products and how they help you Bring It ! curtmfg.com | 877.287.8634 ®

2016.11.01 - CURT - Full Page, The Shop.indd 1 TS_CMFG_1611A - FP.indd 1

83

SE

PE

81

17 0

VISIT US AT AAPEX AND SEM SE

BOOTH# 34

AA

SE

MA

VISIT US AT SEMA AND AAPEX

X BOOTH# 12 PE

79

VISIT US AT AAPEX AND SEMA

BOOTH# 340 MA

17

X BOOTH# 26 PE

81

AA

PROUDLY MANUFACTURING TRAILER HITCHES IN THE USA

Connect with us!

10/4/2016 14:24:02 10/4/16 1:48 PM

0

A Hitch in Time Saves Nine (Photo courtesy Westin Automotive Products)

Westin Automotive Products Inc.

San Dimas, California www.westinautomotive.com Mike Stickney, National Sales Manager

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

THE SHOP: What should every shop understand about weight limits and vehicle towing capacities?

Mike Stickney: It’s crucial to consult the

A Shop’s Perspective Hitch Corner Littleton, Colorado www.hitchcorner.com Harold Kiefer, President THE SHOP: What are the important first questions you will ask a customer regarding a new hitch sale?

Harold Kiefer: For a hitch sale, we will

always ask the customer for the year, make and model of the vehicle. We then ask what the hitch will be used to do.

If it is just for a bike rack, the customer may not want trailer wiring. If they are towing, we ask what kind of trailer plug is on the trailer, if it has a battery that needs to be charged while towing and whether it has electric brakes or not. At this time, we ask how heavy the trailer is to determine if they need a weight distribution system and verify that the vehicle they own can handle what they are planning on towing.

We will then lay out the best package for their needs.

TS: What should every potential towing customer understand about towing safety? How do you help educate those customers?

HK: Towing safety is huge. The customer

must know if their vehicle can handle what they are planning on towing.

We ask them to check their owner’s manual and check what the fully loaded weight of the trailer is. We educate them as to what is required by law (like a brake control if the trailer has electric brakes) and what else we may recommend.

One example is extended mirrors.

Most people don’t even think about

22

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 22

this, but then realize they cannot see around their trailer when towing.

TS: What do installers need to know about electrical wiring for hitches?

HK: Electrical wiring is a big issue. We

do a lot of repair work on jobs done by people who may not have used the correct parts or have installed them incorrectly.

A lot of new vehicles require a ModuLite when being wired. This is a box that is still spliced into the vehicle’s wiring, but it requires power from the vehicle’s battery to run the lights on the trailer. Newer vehicles’ computers know exactly how many amps every bulb takes, so simply tapping into existing wires doesn’t always work.

One item we always utilize when possible is a T-connector. This is a vehiclespecific wiring kit that does not require any splicing at the back. It connects directly into factory connections. This avoids a lot of issues and if we do not have to splice, we would prefer not to.

TS: What additional suspension options are necessary and what is involved with installing them?

HK: The most popular add-on for

then hooking up and disconnecting adds only a couple of minutes to the process.

For heavy-duty towing like fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches, we usually recommend air bags so that the rear end of the truck goes back to its stock height.

Most of these are no-drill applications, so relatively easy to install. You can also add a compressor and wireless control to increase and decrease air pressure whenever you want.

TS: What engine performance upgrades are appropriate to improve overall towing performance?

HK: For engine improvements, we have

three of the most common add-ons. The first is a tuner that connects to the vehicle’s DB connector. Through the tuner you can adjust the computer for optimum gas mileage. For towing, people will use it to increase horsepower and torque to increase towing capabilities.

You can also change out the air filter to get more air into the engine, and you can change the exhaust tube to a bigger one, which will enable the vehicle to have more horsepower.

towing a rear trailer is a weight distribution system. If you hook up a trailer and the rear of the vehicle sags, then you need a weight distribution system, which distributes weight to the vehicle’s front axle so all four wheels are pulling the weight.

Moreover, it also puts some of the trailer weight back onto itself. So the weight is distributed throughout the vehicle and the trailer.

These take about an hour to install and

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:20 AM

TS: What marketing and/or sales tools do you make available to shops to help them help their customers understand weight limits and other safety issues?

MS: Westin offers an in-depth applica-

tion guide with specifications listed for the many different towing products we offer that will ensure the proper products for the customer’s vehicle.

TS: What advice can you offer to shops to help guide customers toward purchasing the right hitch?

MS: The best options are displaying the

Westin towing products in their retail stores with our P.O.P. displays. They show our products very nicely.

Extra Security for the Tow Considering the amount of cash customers invest in their tow vehicles, trailers and hitches, it’s a no-brainer that an extra bit of security to protect those investments might be a good idea.

One example of a convenient way to do that is the Fifth Wheel King Pin Locking System offered by BOLT Locks. The locking system works with BOLT’s 5/8-inch Receiver Lock (sold separately) and features a U-shaped black powder-coated hardened steel collar that wraps around the fifth wheel king pin and attaches to a BOLT 5/8-inch receiver lock to securely hold the fifth wheel in place in the bed of the pickup.

Used together, the system acts as a visible theft deterrent, allowing the trailer to be secured with the owner’s truck key.

BOLT’s 5/8-inch Receiver Lock is a stainless steel pin featuring a double ball bearing locking mechanism with a weather-resistant lock shutter to keep out dirt and moisture. Once the vehicle ignition key is inserted into the lock cylinder, springloaded plate tumblers move up and down until they are matched exactly to that key.

The first time the key is rotated, the cylinder is uniquely coded to that key.

TRUCK COVERS USA, SAN DIEGO, CA.

888-808-2872

WWW.TRUCKCOVERSUSA.COM NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 23

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

application guides to ensure you have the right products for your vehicle and needs. The hitches are vehicle-specific and designed to the specs of the vehicles they are listed for.

Never use a hitch with a rating lower than the trailer it is pulling.

THE SHOP

23

10/3/16 11:21 AM

OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Tacoma Off-Road Light Bar

Westin Automotive, San Dimas, California, offers an Off-Road Light Bar for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The bar features a patented bolt-on mounting technique that makes it a quick and easy way to add a post-mounted LED bar or up to four 8-inch auxiliary lights for most applications. Light mounting tabs are welded on the inside of the front-facing tube to allow an additional 2 inches of clearance in front of mounted lights. The bars are available in polished stainless steel or black powder-coated steel.

Wrangler Front Bumper

Paramount Automotive, Ontario, California, presents its new 2007-’16 Jeep Wrangler JK Full Width Front Bumper with LEDs. The bumper features a sleek, updated design that includes four 3-by-3-inch cube LEDs along with a 20-inch LED light bar secured in injection-molded light housings, with tabs for additional lighting options. Manufactured from 5/32-inch steel, the bumper protects vehicles from on- and off-road hazards and includes high-strength D-ring mounts welded inside and out, and a built-in winch plate that will mount up to a 12,000-pound winch.

Adjustable Control Arms

Rancho, Long Beach, California, offers its Front and Rear Upper and Lower Adjustable Control Arm Upgrade Kits, available for 19972006 stock or lifted Jeep Wrangler JKs, TJs and LJs. Engineered to work on a range of lifts from stock to 4 inches, they allow adjustment for caster and pinion angles. Rancho control arms are constructed from heavy-duty, 0.188 DOM wall tubing for improved strength when traversing off-road obstacles and feature forged ends. Each control arm includes Rancho’s new D2 Synthetic, self-centering, higharticulation bushings.

Titan XD Leveling Kit

Daystar Products, Phoenix, introduces its 2016-’18 Nissan Titan XD 2-inch Leveling Kit. Offering looks that match the truck’s performance, the leveling kit allows for the use of larger wheels and tires without compromising ride quality or stability. Made in the USA, the kit requires no cutting for installation, with no metal-onmetal contact. Aftermarket wheels are not required.

F-150 Lift Systems

Superlift, West Monroe, Louisiana, presents its allnew Lift Systems for 2015-’16 Ford F-150s. The systems offer increased ride height to run a larger wheel and tire combo without having to sacrifice ride quality or making the suspension difficult to align. Made in the USA, the systems were designed from OEM-supplied models using the latest 3D CAD software. They offer two ride height options—4-1/2 and 6 inches—and a choice of rear shock absorbers: the SUPERLIFT Superide or the SUPERLIFT Superide SS by Bilstein.

24

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 24

TJ/LJ Wrangler Light Mount Options

Rugged Ridge, Suwanee, Georgia, introduces three new Lighting Mount Options for 1997-2006 TJ and LJ Jeep Wranglers. Designed to help Jeep owners easily add auxiliary LED lighting, the mount options feature a long-lasting, textured black finish.

The Windshield LED Light Bar Mount is constructed from sturdy 2-inch welded steel tubing. The Hood Mount Light Bar supports up to five LED auxiliary lights. And the Dual A-Pillar Light Mount brackets are constructed from heavy-duty steel and use existing lower windshield mounting bolt holes.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:26 AM

TS_RNHN_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:31 PM

WORKING ‘VACATION’

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Unsolicited advice for travelers to trade shows.

By Josh Poulson

Set your goals, make a list and work your plan to ensure a successful trade show experience.

T

his is the time of year that if you’re in any way affiliated with the automotive business, you can’t help but feel the excitement in the air. No doubt, that first week of November is plenty exciting, as 100,000 people are enticed into spending it in Las Vegas to see the best of the past and the future of the auto industry.

But, with so many things to see and do, how should you, the shop owner, spend your time at the SEMA Show and/or other major industry events?

PREPARATION Years ago I would just show up to the show and start looking around. I would see a lot of neat things and cool cars—but when I returned home, I didn’t have as much to show for it as I thought I would.

So, nowadays it’s important for me to set some goals on what I want to accomplish.

If you are attending a show alone, it all falls on you to accomplish your goals. If this is the case, make sure you are disciplined in what you need to do and stay focused while at the show, since your time is limited.

26

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 26

One way I do that is by scheduling any needed meetings with manufacturers and other suppliers ahead of time. Usually 20-30 minutes is plenty for such meetings; sometimes 10-15 minutes is enough.

It depends on how much needs to be discussed.

Having questions or concerns down in writing ahead of time can serve as a type of agenda for each meeting, so that you don’t leave anything out and can stay on topic.

Also, I try to make a mental or even literal list of products or services I am looking for at the show. With a tablet or phone you

Project cars are part of the “fun” of attending a trade show, but they can also spark real ideas that turn into profits for your shop.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:27 AM

WATCH US ON

SEMA BOOTH #30171

600+ TRUCK AND JEEP ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE WITH UPDATED DATA AVAILABLE THROUGH SEMA DATA CO-OP & DCI

www.paramount-automotive.com TS_PMRA_1611A - FP.indd 1

10/4/16 10:16 AM

WORKING ‘VACATION’

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Education seminars and workshops offer ideas and information on top industry trends.

Trade events are your opportunity to connect with—and even influence—your industry.

can easily make lists or reminders so that nothing is missed.

Then I reach out to vendors of those three or four really important products or services (if I know them) to schedule appointments to meet with them. This 28

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 28

is important because the show is just as busy—if not more so—for exhibitors, with everyone vying for their time. So to respect their efforts and time I like to make appointments.

Of course, I won’t always know who

it is that can help me with items on my list, so I stay on the lookout for them as I travel the show. If I am not sure of the right person to connect with, I will try to touch base with the booth on Tuesday to set up a meeting later in the week with the appropriate person.

But maybe you’re not going to a show all alone. Some shops like to send senior management, sales reps, and/or installers to a trade show. Some or all of these are great options.

When I have done this in the past, the employees looked at it as a bonus, because they get so excited. Make sure you tap into this excitement by giving any employees

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:28 AM

NOW INCLUDED WITH PRESTIGE PROCORE

connect to convenience optimize your journey

CONTROL

connect bluetoothÂŽ and remotely access your vehicle or connect further and remotely access your vehicle anywhere with cellular. *Additional hardware and installation required (ASCLBT and ASCL5 Cellular Device)

CONNECT

connect further with cellular and set up your user account for safety alerts and assistance with a 24/7 call center to protect you on the road. *Additional hardware and installation required.

(ASCLBT and ASCL5 Cellular Device)

LOCATE

www.carlinkusa.com/BT Download your Carlink BT transmitter from your smartphone app store.

TS_AVEC_1604A - FP.indd 1

iTunes App Store and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

connect further with cellular and track your vehicle, ability to assist with stolen vehicle recovery by sharing your vehicles current location. *Additional hardware and installation required.

(ASCLBT and ASCL5 Cellular Device)

Š2016 VOXX Electronics Corporation - A VOXX International Company

9/29/16 3:32 PM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

WORKING ‘VACATION’

Shows allow an opportunity to see the latest new products and services up-close.

that attend a show with you some goals to accomplish (such as products to look for, technical information to find out, etc.)

But just as important, let them enjoy themselves as they look around. They will value this perk for as long as they work with you.

It may be tough to shut your entire shop down for several days, but it might be possible to split up the week and send some people early and others late. Or, you could send some people one year and others the next year.

AT THE SHOW While out at the show I like to focus the majority of my time on three things: First is meeting with existing suppliers and seeing what is new, and also ironing out any issues that might have come up during the past year.

As for new products, I’ll be looking for...

Since the 2017 Ford F-350 got a complete makeover, I will be looking for who has what products available—everything from chrome and lighting to full lift kits.

Since we do a lot of work for dealers, we need to have these parts available ASAP. Second is to get new ideas and inspiration for future business. This can be done by seeing finished car and truck projects that are at the show and taking notes and 30

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 30

photos. I also find ideas by visiting booths and seeing what’s new.

Third is attending seminars and trainings (more on this later).

After these three main objectives, my next priorities are to network, to document the trip through photos and posts on social media—and, of course, have fun!

This can all be a lot to do, but that is what a trade show is about, so embrace it. Don’t let too much of what goes on back home interrupt you. Try to put off the unnecessary phone calls and emails—like you do while on vacation.

Remember that you have invested in being at the show and it will pay dividends—if you focus while you’re there.

EDUCATION … ... is the key to growing and getting better at the things you do. It is no different in the car business.

It might not be obvious to some show attendees just how many educational opportunities are available at a show.

These include not only structured presentations and seminars, but also a plethora of roundtable discussions and workshops on a variety of topics.

In fact, this has come to be a hidden gem and has grown to be one of the most important reasons why I go to the show.

Whether it is just a presentation on motivating yourself or a seminar on a new product or marketing technique, it can be found at the show. For example, when attending the SEMA Show, I make it a priority to first look at the class/seminar schedule. I look for topics that I know my business needs help with. I also look for new or upcoming trend topics and try to include one or two seminars on something I personally need and can benefit from.

Being engaged in the education events usually requires me to get to the show earlier (by Monday morning) than I used to, but I find the extra effort well worth it.

Specifically, over the years I have gained a lot of insight on social media, marketing for our showroom, over-the-phone customer service, future trends, health care and tax advice, business finances, and also recommendations from experts on how they run their business.

This year, for example, I’m looking forward to “Keeping Your Peak Performers.”

I’m also interested in “10 Steps to Operating a Successful Restyling Shop,” and “5 Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow.”

WALKING THE SHOW After a full Monday of motivating education, I am usually pretty excited to hit the show floor running on its first day. My

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 1:40 PM

Scan to view our website

AA

MA

83

X BOO TH# 26

VISIT US AT AAPEX AND SEMA SE

AA

PE

81

VISIT US AT SEMA AND AAPEX

X BOOTH# 12 PE

79

BOOTH# 340 MA

31

SE

DRIVEN BY INNOVATION.

BOOTH# 34

0

At ARIES, we get revved up about going off the beaten path. We understand the passion that drives you because it is the same passion that inspires us.

Our focus on innovation and service gives you the competitive edge. From our Jeep ® bumpers and tube doors to our security cargo lid and

Jeep® one-piece front and rear bumpers • Shackles with 12,500 lbs. rating • Hawse fairlead • Stinger attachment • • • •

Jeep® modular bumper upgrades Corners with LED lights Winch mounting plate and fairlead bracket Stinger attachment D-rings with anti-rattle grommets

fender flares, our complete line of Jeep ® Wrangler

Jeep® roof and hood LED mounting brackets

products offers you the freedom to take your ride

Jeep® inner fender flares

from road-worthy to trail-ready. Start customizing

Jeep® swing-away spare tire carrier

today with ARIES.

Jeep® roof cargo brackets

Check out our complete product line at ariesautomotive.com Or call us at 888.800.2743

2016.11.01 - ARIES - Full Page, The Shop.indd 1 TS_CMFG_1611B - FP.indd 1

Connect with us!

10/4/2016 14:19:43 10/4/16 1:52 PM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

WORKING ‘VACATION’

main goal this first day is to cover as much of the show as possible, looking for things on my list but also new or improved things that I can include in my business.

Also as I go through the show, I make another list of exhibitors/booths where I can come back later in the week and spend some more time. This would include spending more time with current vendors discussing new products/pricing/specials.

I make a point to spend the first day-anda-half quickly walking through as much of the show that pertains to my business as possible.

As the week goes on (by Wednesday evening), planning a strategy of where I need to go and who I still need to see becomes a priority. Ultimately, if I can meet with current vendors and find a few new products and also new contacts on current products, then it is a success.

Oh, and don’t forget to do what everyone thinks you are doing this week and take some time to check out the cool cars and trucks!

NETWORKING Another great benefit of the show is the networking that can be done. I bring a 32

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 32

healthy supply of business cards for this very reason.

Meeting peers can be a great benefit, especially when you talk with them and find out they have the same problems you do. I have been able to develop a number of good relationships with fellow shops across the country due to networking and staying in touch.

In fact, this was one big reason why Restylers United (the group I am part of ) was formed—networking and sharing ideas.

It is great to hear what others are doing to meet the current market challenges.

The events best for networking are usually the after-show parties and receptions thrown by manufacturers or sponsored by one of the SEMA councils. These events can engage you with a number of industry professionals, so be on the lookout for the events and feel free to attend. They would all love to have you.

GIVING BACK When you think about trade shows like the SEMA Show, it is usually from the perspective of what you can gain by going; but try to take a small part of your time to give back as well.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:30 AM

This week is as exhausting as it is exciting; and with a little bit of planning and execution you can turn these four or five days into a successful, productive, enjoyable week of “work” that will pay dividends for the rest of the year.

BACK HOME When you return home make sure you follow up with leads and ideas sooner than later. If you don’t, those great ideas will go by the wayside and anything that sits on the back burner long enough ends up getting thrown away.

So, work on these ideas right away. Make contact with the companies in the booths, because even though they have your information it may take months before they can follow up with everyone at the show who has scanned their badge.

I also try to have a meeting with the people at our shop who didn’t go but need to be caught up on new products, services, etc. I usually compile a list and hold an

hour-long meeting two weeks after the show so that it is still fresh in my mind.

Lastly, set a goal date on anything you hope to accomplish such as investigating a new product and how you can incorporate it into your business. Holding yourself accountable will reap benefits.

If you can follow up and put into place just two or three ideas, the trip was well worth the money and time investment, and you will certainly maintain and grow a healthy business.

JOSH POULSON is the principal of Auto Additions in Columbus, Ohio, which was named Restyler of the Year, 2012-’13.

Auto Additions offers a complete line of product upgrades, including 12-volt and appearance packages with a specific focus on the dealership segment. Josh currently serves on the SEMA PRO council and was named 2015’16 “Person of the Year” at the 2015 SEMA Show.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

What do I mean? It could be taking some first-time attendees (usually students) around and showing them the ropes, or it could be by becoming involved in legal issues threatening the industry.

One way I have found beneficial is being involved in one of the councils that applies to my business. SEMA currently has seven councils that as a SEMA member you can join and be as involved as you like. It could be just attending the general membership meeting and getting the free breakfast and finding out the latest on which direction the industry is heading; or you could be more active by volunteering time to the council on a project or even more so by being an actual select committee member of the specific council.

As a member of a council you will benefit from inside information and be closely linked to what is going on in the industry.

Also having a voice as to the direction of the industry is something not to be taken lightly.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA DIGITAL MARKETING WEB DESIGN SEO VIDEO PRODUCTION MODERN MARKETING SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE RESULTS. CREATED AND EXECUTED BY CAR PEOPLE.

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.KAHNMEDIA.COM | 818.881.5246

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 33

THE SHOP

33

10/4/16 4:07 PM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Tailgate Project:

Minnesota Style How we turned a plain van into a rolling showstopper.

By Dino Perfetti

W

hen an NFL organization in your hometown calls saying, “We have an idea that we would like to bounce off you,” “When and where?” is the only appropriate response. This was the starting conversation to a 10-week span that would ultimately result in a vehicle that the most seasoned tailgater could only dream of.

Taking that Monday morning call in early June was bound to affect the adrenaline level of any sports enthusiast. Driving

to the Minnesota Vikings headquarters the next morning, which happens to be across the street from the newest, most technically advanced stadium in the country, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why us?”

Was it the numerous custom vehicles built over the years for Pat Williams himself, or the dozens of other team members’ custom rides that got us the recognition all the way to the fifth floor marketing department?

Maybe it helped that we added window decals with our logo and website to these players’ vehicles—always in hope of future business. Picking up and delivering players’ SUVs such as Adrian Peterson’s candy apple red Escalade at the practice field was always a treat, too, in hopes to get a glimpse at the team running some plays.

So I had to ask shortly after meeting the marketing director, “How did you hear about us?” His response wasn’t at all what

Displayed on the plaza before each Vikings home game, this ultimate tailgating vehicle was a great addition to the team’s new high-tech stadium, which is also the site for the 2018 Super Bowl.

34

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 34

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:32 AM

TS_STLC_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:33 PM

Tailgate Project:

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Minnesota Style

Our technicians used wood and fiberglass resin to form and mold the enclosures needed to house the many electronic components required to execute lead technician Tao Thao’s great designs.

The van was an empty canvas, ready to be transformed into a tailgate party wonderland.

The audio/ video components along with satellite and gaming systems were all brought together with the combined efforts of Eric Procter, Jordan Beecham and Tao Thao.

I had expected.

“I just Googled ‘custom rides in Minneapolis’ and there you were.”

Much thought went into the challenge of mounting twin 42-inch outdoor televisions on the rear swing-out cargo doors, which also needed to properly store the 68 pounds of equipment without incurring damage during road travel.

THE PLAN The concept was relatively simple, at first.

They were looking for a vehicle to promote the team to all age groups.

36

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 36

It would include youth programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60 (a school nutrition and exercise program launched by the National Dairy Council and the NFL in collaboration with the USDA to improve health and wellness). Youth football camps and pre-game youth activities outside the stadium were the premise for this project.

With the thought of being interactive, gaming systems was the lead topic. Though Madden NFL 16 videogame competitions would be a big draw, the concept was to include enough power generated from the vehicle to supply huge blowup goalposts and football throwing targets for active competitions in the surrounding areas of the vehicle.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:33 AM

c

Designing and building truck packages for the past three decades provided a sound resume for embarking on a project that would prove to be a challenging assignment.

POWER UP It was obvious early on in the planning that the power to supply the enormous amount of electrical draw would be the heart of the project. Utilizing the expertise of companies like Northern Supply in Lino Lakes, Minnesota would be key to a successful build.

This company supplies equipment to the RV, marine and powersports industries throughout the country and they would definitely steer us in the right direction.

The Samlex power inverter was used to control all the inputs and outputs of both the 110-volt components as well as the

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

The interior of the vehicle was to be used for multiple purposes. A dressing room for the team mascot, Victor, required an extreme amount of head room. A VIP area for autograph signing and inside gametime viewing and seating made the Ford Transit high-top vehicle a great choice.

12-volt system requirements.

With the help of Best Buy, another Minnesota-based company, we were provided with the best components for this type of project. The fact that the new U.S. Bank

stadium was just upfitted with literally thousands of Best Buy televisions didn’t hurt the cause.

The outdoor element concerns were overcome by the two 42-inch Sunbrite televi-

f

THE PERFECT FIT, EVERY TIME.

ACCESSCOVER.COM NEW LOMAXCOVER.COM

TESTED. TRUSTED. GUARANTEED.

AMERICAN MADE

TESTED. TRUSTED. GUARANTEED.

AMERICAN MADE NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 37

THE SHOP

37

10/3/16 11:33 AM

Tailgate Project:

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Minnesota Style

The steel structure was designed to house the power inverter/ charger that became the heart of the project. This component allowed for multiple charging options. The factory alternator feeds power through this unit to the battery bank, along with the option of a portable generator and shore power. It even allows for a rooftop solar panel.

sions mounted on the rear cargo doors.

Viewing these outdoor weatherproof televisions in direct sunlight is truly an amazing experience.

Challenged with the task of possibly running the vehicle for three to four hours

38

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 38

without a power source led us to AAA Battery in Minneapolis, where the power storage experts reside. After calculating the load requirements for four televisions, two Xbox units, satellite receivers, charging ports, multiple audio amplifiers—just to

name a few—we landed on four 120-pound deep cycle batteries that would prove to be an excellent fit.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT With the hardware requirements dialed in, it was now time to put the design in motion.

Several technicians throughout the company put their skills to work in their areas of expertise.

Electrical technicians focused on the wiring schematics to see that the

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 9:42 AM

Rem-

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

needed power was distribnants left over from the original uted throughout the vehicle. artificial turf installed Upholstery techs glued and in the new U.S. Bank stretched yards of select vinyl, Stadium were used for the floor covering. Being able leather and suede over wood to touch and walk on and fiberglass structures. The this turf was a treat cabling required to matrix all for many sports fans. the components together was equivalent to most high-end home audio video systems.

LED lighting was used for an ambient feel in the VIP area along with a series of underbody LEDs to cast a Viking Purple glow on the road below. A Test-fitting the programmable PA system was black leather installed to allow the team’s sofa in the VIP area fight tunes to be broadcast over prior to trimming out the interior walls the roar of the most boisterous with black and tailgaters. purple suede.

For game-time viewing, the roof-mounted satellite system was required. With the touch of a button the satellite dish motors up to position and rotates for as long as it takes to lock into three satellites, enabling high-definition

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 39

THE SHOP

39

10/4/16 9:42 AM

Tailgate Project:

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Minnesota Style

With all the components in place, the next step was to wrap all the custom-built structures in team-colored vinyl, leather and suedes. Jeff Goodwin led the way in pulling all the colors together, which proved to be a big hit.

The hard work paid off for our lead designer and technician Tao Thoa. There is nothing better than treating your friends to a home football game.

Nate Godzala, our co-project manager, and I were all smiles on delivery day! The hard work performed by our entire team was reason to celebrate!

Inside the VIP area is a 32inch LED television connected to HD satellite and an Xbox gaming system. This area will also be utilized for one-on-one conversations with players and autographs.

broadcasting of ESPN or any other network for all the NFL action.

A plus-sized wheel and tire package with custom Vikings insignia wheels was the finishing touch for the exterior, followed by some awesome vehicle graphics. The vehicle wrap was designed to be the main focal point: a dominating team spirit, along with the introduction of a new team slogan, “Shield the North.”

In the few times I have driven the vehicle to the stadium and back, football fans taking photos along the way were too numerous to count.

DINO PERFETTI is a 29-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry and a member of the SEMA PRO council. He joined Automotive Concepts in 2005 and now serves as sales manager, leading a sales team 40

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 40

responsible for customizing vehicles for more than 200 dealerships in the Midwest. Contact him at dino@ac-mn.com.

LED lighting was added throughout the interior as well as underbody with the options of color changing or just “Viking Purple!”

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:34 AM

Amazing any way you look at it.

Create wraps your customers will flip for.

Introducing the newest colors in the 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 portfolio.

The polychromatic effects of these NEW Color Flip films add distinction to any design, creating multi-color dimensions that change when viewed at different angles or lighting. So create a buzz with Electric Wave. Give onlookers chills with Glacial Frost.

And turn up the heat with Caribbean Shimmer.

• Gloss Flip Electric Wave

• Satin Flip Glacial Frost

For samples, see your installer or visit 3Mgraphics.com/1080.

• Satin Flip Caribbean Shimmer © 3M 2016. All rights reserved. 3M is a trademark of 3M. Used under license in Canada.

TS_3MCS_1611A - FP.indd 1

10/5/16 11:56 AM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

An

ALL AMERICAN Success Story

By Jake Rishavy

Truck & SUV center celebrates a quarter-century of steady success.

F

or Casey Miser, sales and marketing manager for Oregon-based All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers and its affiliated business, All American Auto Restyling, becoming a leader in the automotive aftermarket was almost a foregone conclusion.

Miser’s father, Ralph Miser, was a pioneer in the camper shell manufacturing business in California for years and was a founder of the predecessor organization that ultimately became the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA,) a part of SEMA’s national resource networks for aftermarket professionals.

After many years of distributing to

retailers and acquiring the associated wealth of knowledge about manufacturing in the automotive accessory business, the elder Miser was inspired to start his own retail outlet, says Casey.

“With that experience and our relationships with many manufacturers, we were able to have key brands like LEER and SnugTop right away,” says Casey.

Seeking a first physical location was fairly straightforward. Ralph’s wife and Casey’s mom, Rebecca Miser, was originally from Portland, Oregon. Since she was going to run the accounting for the new venture, the choice was easy: The Misers would be heading up the West Coast to Oregon.

Oregon-based All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers is celebrating a quarter-century in the automotive aftermarket.

42

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 42

FIRST SMALL SHOP In 1991, the family opened its first small shop in Salem, Oregon.

“We were fortunate to grow rapidly by offering a wide range of products, services and awesome service,” says Casey, who notes that the first location went through many iterations over the years.

“This shop has gone through no fewer than three remodels and finally a complete tear-down and rebuild, resulting in a retail store with five bays and a distribution warehouse,” he adds.

During that time, the company opened a second location in Portland, a third in Eugene, and then additional stores in Beaverton, Springfield and Redmond, giving the company a presence that spanned across the state of Oregon.

Today, each of the company’s six shops offer a wide range of products and services and share a focus on providing a great customer service experience, says Casey.

As for Casey, who started in 1991 at age 13, joining the family business was always in the cards. He spent countless childhood evenings reporting directly from school to the shop. First he was cleaning up around the shop, and then he moved on to basic installation jobs.

Over the years he progressed through the sales department and then became a store manager. Today, he runs sales and marketing efforts for All American, which has grown to around 40 employees across the state.

The company has added key positions throughout the years, including hiring a general manager, Jeff Stillwell, to oversee

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:38 AM

100XL AND 100XR

RIDGELINE READY We’ve customized two of our most popular truck caps — the 100XL and the 100XR — for the

redesigned 2017 Honda® Ridgeline. Both have matching style lines and other design elements so that you can offer customers the Ridgeline’s ideal road companion.

For more information call 800.430.9597 or visit LEER.COM

For information, visit LEER.com or call 888.430.9598 TS_TAG_1611A - FP.indd 1

LIVE LARGER

10/4/16 10:26 AM

An

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

ALL AMERICAN Success Story

The company now operates six locations across the state of Oregon, with around 40 full-time employees.

the company on the finance and accounting side as well as retail operations. Stillwell, like many others in the company, had run a successful retail store of his own before joining the All American team. In his case, it was a LEER retail store in Clackamas, Oregon.

Other key additions were formal accounting, sales and marketing, and IT departments and positions, as well as a cadre of store managers, each of whom are passionate automotive enthusiasts themselves.

“And then there are salespeople and, the nuts and bolts of our operation, our highly skilled mechanic team, whom we can’t thank enough,” says Casey.

GROWING PRODUCT LINES As All American Truck and SUV Acces-

EXTREME PROTECTION. EXTREME CLEARANCE.

SEMA BOOTH

#34081

44

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 44

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:39 AM

sory Centers grew physically, it also evolved in regards to the products and services it counts as specialties. In the early days there was a large focus on highprofile project vehicles for events like the SEMA Show, which paid large dividends but also took a toll on the shop and its staff.

“We use to do SEMA builds annually, which got us a lot of great press,” he

says. “The time in doing these projects is extreme, even though it’s fun and it is a great advertisement. Among my favorites were an Avalanche for General Motors many years ago and a Viper SRT-10 for SEMA’s LTAA that garnered a lot of attention. I still find company-built show vehicles important; it just takes a great deal of time and energy.”

Today, Casey sees elaborate builds

becoming more common on the street, making show vehicles less strategically important to the company.

“With clients spending more and really personalizing their vehicles, it is more common to see something with a lot of cool products added to it,” he says, noting that recent elaborate client builds have ranged from a Jeep JK to a Lexus LS460, Hummer H2 and an El Camino.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Founder Ralph Miser was a pioneer in camper shell manufacturing and was a founder of the predecessor organization that ultimately became the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA).

A MONSTER OF A TRUCK, NEEDS A MONSTER OF A MUD FLAP. KICKBACK™ MUD FLAPS HAVE A 1.5" OFFSET to create 1.5"

clearance for oversized tires.

Anti-Spray™ Micro-Grooves™ funnel the rain, mud, rocks & debris back down to the road.

“GIT’ YOURS NOW!”

For more information: HuskyLiners.com or give us a call 800.344.8759

GUARANTEED…FOR R LIFE.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 45

THE SHOP

45

10/3/16 11:39 AM

An

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

ALL AMERICAN Success Story

FOR DIVERSE CUSTOMERS Today the company is trying to expand its offerings to be relevant to all types of customers.

“We try to be everything to everybody,” says Casey. “Some say this is a bad omen, but we feel it helps to be very diversified.”

Along with that diversification comes challenges, however. While in the early 1990s the company could easily stock basic truck caps and tonneau covers, body kits, steps and other accessories, today the process of choosing which products to carry in stock has become more complicated.

The company specializes in a wide variety of truck and SUV accessories including performance upgrades and parts, suspension lift and lowering kits, wheels and tires, lighting and custom interior accessories, and more.

46

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 46

“Knowing what to inventory was much simpler back then,” he says, noting that styles are changing rapidly in today’s business, trending toward the high-end.

While customers used to prefer flashy, chrome products, now they’re more into a “premium look,” says Casey.

“I feel the shiny, flashy products have almost drifted away,” he says. “The highend items are all the rage. Clients want better quality and more premium stuff that looks clean—and more gadgets too.

“We used to sell a ton of inexpensive $40 floor mats; now we can’t hardly give those away,” he adds as an example. “Most people want high-end custom molded Husky or Weather Tech mats at $120 a set. It’s interesting.”

The same trend holds true for wheels.

Whereas a basic set of aluminum or chrome five-stars used to be sufficient, now customers’ tastes have evolved into ever largerdiameter wheels and multi-piece wheels with custom accents.

“People want better stuff now,” he says.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:40 AM

“Society as a whole seems more style-conscious now, where that used to be primarily a California theme.”

While having a broad product and service offering requires more training, Casey says it’s worth it as it allows the shops to handle projects ranging from “a high-end luxury car needing window tint, wheels and exhaust; to a standard-cab Chevy needing to be slammed on large billets; to a Jeep

wanting to hit the off-road trails with gears, lift kit, bumpers, winch and lighting.”

Casey says he relies heavily on longrunning relationships with distributors like Keystone, Meyer and Competition Specialties—along with regular visits to SEMA and other trade shows—to keep the company on the cutting edge of what products are trending and what needs to be in stock.

“Guessing at what to stock is tough,” he says. “We stock lighting products, winches, step options, trailer wiring and accessories, toolboxes and more, but a lot of other products are special-ordered. It’s a challenge explaining why products need to be ordered and not on the shelf, but we thankfully have a lot of cool displays and a display vehicle, all of which helps.”

In addition to retail accessory work,

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 47

THE SHOP

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

The company carries an extensive line of toolboxes, racks, interior van shelving, along with external appearance products such as grilles, steps, off-road accessories and winches. All American does a brisk business in fleet and commercial work, including local municipalities and construction companies.

47

10/4/16 1:34 PM

An

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

ALL AMERICAN Success Story

The company’s primary location “has gone through no fewer than three remodels and finally a complete tear-down and rebuild, resulting in a retail store with five bays and a distribution warehouse,” says Casey Miser.

the company also does a brisk business in commercial fleet work, up-fitting fleets of any size, ranging from municipalities and governments to a growing number of construction companies, among others.

“We do a lot of shelving, safety lighting, toolboxes, lift kits and we also have a sprayin bedliner booth,” says Casey. “And of course we do commercial and custom fiberglass LEER, SnugTop and Lifetime canopies, as they are called here in the Northwest.

“Local car dealerships are still a good source of business as well,” Casey adds.

“We have car dealers we have done business with for 25 years. It’s more referrals these days as opposed to working our products in on the deal, although that still happens too.”

48

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 48

GROWING PAINS While a quarter-century of consistent growth surely indicates that things have gone well for the team at All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers, the company has also experienced some significant growing pains also.

Maintaining consistency and quality throughout six stores across an entire state geography isn’t without its challenges.

Maintaining the same image and sales style while accommodating distinctly different customer bases—and staff—for each store is among the most challenging parts of growing an accessory business, Casey says.

“It’s a big psychological game, to achieve the common goal of having a happy staff and customers, great service and continually more business,” he says.

Another significant challenge relates to attracting and retaining a strong and talented workforce.

“That’s our biggest hurdle right now,” he says. “We have key people that have been with us for years, but we also have sales and tech positions that come open pretty regularly.

“We use Craigslist, the Oregon Unemployment site and local auto schools (as sources of talent), but we are seeing very few application submissions, and even less when it comes to quality applicants,” he adds. “Many of the qualified applicants just don’t seem to want to work. There’s more incentive to collect unemployment.

It’s tough.”

To address this unfortunate reality, Casey and the management team have increased pay and made other adjustments to make the company a better place to work, “but locating the right incentives to motivate today’s prospective staff in the automotive field is much harder than it was.”

Another challenge arises in trying to consistently market and promote the now sprawling, statewide company. For that effort, Casey turns to trade shows and some radio advertising, but increasingly that also means utilizing social media platforms.

“We’re on Instagram, Facebook and Pin-

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:41 AM

tive scene. That flows through to how our company runs. I want to see each style of vehicle come in and for our name to be thought of for each category, whether it’s for the person taking the Jeep on the trail or a client with a brand-new truck wanting it to be show-ready.”

At the end of the day, for Casey it really comes down to feeling like All American is contributing to all the fun aspects of working in the automotive aftermarket.

“As a company we all like going to SEMA and other car shows and checking out all the custom rides and new products. It’s just plain fun,” he says. “I want our stores to have that feel every day—where someone might cruise by and stop in just to see what cool car we are working on. It’s fun!”

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

terest, and we also have a YouTube channel and we focus on our presence on Google and Yelp as well,” he says. “We also have our website (www.allamericancanopies. com), which is due for a revamp.”

KEEPING IT FUN Even with those considerable challenges, however, Casey says he enjoys both the positive and negative aspects that come with growth.

After all, that’s what everyone is in business to do.

“The best part of my job is that there is something new every day,” he says. “I enjoy diversifying the business. I have pushed for years to widen our product range and staff capabilities because I like a lot of everything in the automo-

5.3908 | 093016

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 49

THE SHOP

49

10/4/16 9:54 AM

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

O A NOD TO TRADITION Ten questions for master trimmer Sid Chavers.

By Naseem Muaddi, TheHogRing.com

ur quest to bring you exclusive interviews with leaders in the craft of auto upholstery has led us to none other than legendary hot rod interior guru Sid Chavers.

With over three decades in the industry, there’s very little that Chavers hasn’t already seen, done and mastered. He’s an excellent craftsman, a teacher to many and a regular fixture within the hot rod community.

And while he’s best known for creating stunning custom interiors, he’s also found tremendous success with the Bop Top—a convertible top and frame he created for 1928-’29 and ’32 Ford Roadsters.

Having won countless awards and graced the pages of numerous magazines, Chavers’ work has garnered him praise the world over. It’s no surprise that celebrities like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck trust him with their personal vehicles.

Operating out of Sid Chavers Company (www.sidchaverscompany.com)—a three-man, 2,000-square-foot shop in Santa Clara, California— Chavers’ team manages to complete about 25 top-level custom interiors each year. They even find time to squeeze in small jobs and repairs in between.

One day before setting out on a crosscountry Rodfather/Goodguys Road Tour, Chavers took some time out of his busy schedule to be interviewed for this installment of our 10 Questions series.

The Hog Ring: Why did you choose to start

a career in auto upholstery and how did you learn the craft?

Sid Chavers: My father and uncle started a small business manufacturing motorcycle buddy seats, sissy bar back pads and motorcycle seat covers while I was in high school. I learned from them how to run a staple and stretch vinyl.

Sid Chavers opened his upholstery shop in 1976 and has been at it ever since.

50

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 50

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:42 AM

WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY?

UltraGrooveTM shown with optional Thule Tracker II rack system

UltraGroove™ With built-in RES™ , rail expansion system, the two new Pace Edwards retractable covers make it easy to carry a wide range of recreational and construction gear.

Dealers benefit immediately and later from add-on accessory sales.

The cover accommodates nearly any Thule® or Yakima® rack, making it ideal for: • Bikes • Surfboards • Cargo boxes • Kayaks • Winter sports • Ladders and building materials Remove racks and you have a great retractable tonneau that’s versatile, easy-to-use and secure.

ArmorTek vinyl over aluminum panel

UltraGroove Metal™

Matte black powder-coated aluminum extrusion

Stop by and see us at SEMA (booth #35039) or visit Pace-Edwards.com

TS_TAG_1611B - FP.indd 1

10/4/16 10:12 AM

A NOD TO TRADITION

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

A mark of styling: accessories to match the car interior.

Sid nova al sty only also tion, wo

Seduced by plush, luxurious exotica...

One of my friends from school asked me if I could upholster his Chevelle seats. I told him I wasn’t sure; let’s give it a try. And as they say, the rest is history. I consider myself self-taught.

After a short tour in the Navy, I bounced around through a few jobs, and in 1976 I opened the upholstery shop.

THR: What aspects of the craft took you

the longest to master? How were you able to finally get it right?

SC: There are plenty of things in this trade that are very complicated to master— there’s no one thing that was the hardest necessarily. As you know, we do a lot more than just upholstery—we do metal fab, fiberglass, woodworking and a fair amount of Bondo work.

I guess the best thing to say about mastering anything is to stay persistent and don’t give up until you get it right.

THR: The auto upholstery industry has tra-

ditionally been secretive, with professionals reluctant to share tips and tricks of the trade. However, you’ve released a series of instructional DVDs. What inspires you to share your knowledge so openly? Were you at all apprehensive about sharing your trade secrets?

SC: Let’s be honest here, our first thought was financial. That being said, our other thought was most of the people buying the DVDs are not going to use the pros anyway.

As it turns out, we have sold many to the pros, and its seemed to help everyone 52

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 52

Sid Chavers’ impeccable craftsmanship in a classic ’55 Nomad.

out. We have gotten amazing feedback on the DVDs, from beginners to the pros. We have no regrets in releasing the information. If it helps the industry, why not?

No, the customer is not always right, but it’s usually not a problem educating them on what looks right in their car.

THR: Finding a balance between function-

THR: How do you balance satisfying cus-

tomers’ wants with your envisioned design for their interiors? Have you ever refused a job because you didn’t like the customer’s plans for the interior—or is the customer always right?

SC: We’re very lucky. Most of our customers come to us because of our designs and the quality of work we do. Traditionalstyle interiors seem to be the bulk of what comes our way.

ality and design can sometimes pose a problem. Are you willing to sacrifice one for the other? Which do you choose?

SC: I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but form does follow function in most cases.

But let’s not forget the cars we deal with are all show cars at some level, so there are some sacrifices that have to be made.

We do our best to make everything serviceable for the customer. A line I use a lot in the shop about taking something back

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:43 AM

Sid Chavers’ innovative traditional style includes not only upholstery, but also metal fabrication, fiberglass and woodworking.

THR: You changed the hot rod industry

when you created the BopTop convertible top for 1928-’29 and 1932 Ford Roadsters.

How has its success changed your business? What was the inspiration behind it and how long did it take to go from design to finished product?

SC: The biggest change is working a lot more hours. The upholstery shop and the top business are two separate businesses and both require a lot of attention.

Inspiration for the top came when I was building myself a ’32 Ford Roadster.

George Atkins, who later became my partner in the top business, and I were talking about getting a top to fold down into a top well, before it was available. He said, “How about a top that comes apart and stores in the trunk?”

After a couple of prototypes, the BopTop was born. It took just about a year to go from idea to market. It has been a huge success for us.

THR: You’ve described your style as “inno-

vative tradition—a desire to honor what has gone before and is now recognized as classic, while bringing new refinements and style to these same classic designs.”

Do you ever experiment with other styles like Period, Modern, Tech, Luxury, Sport or Original?

SC: Like I said previously, we do a lot of traditional hot rods, and the classic designs are what work well for us. It gets harder and harder to come up with new designs, especially doing so many traditional cars.

We do get our fair share of customers who want modern or high-tech and we are

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

apart is, “It doesn’t have to be easy, it just has to be doable.”

Another line I use a lot is, “We do a lot of things you don’t see, but if we didn’t do it, you would see it.”

very capable of meeting their needs as well.

THR: What’s the best business advice that

you’ve ever received? If you could share advice with current or aspiring auto trimmers, what would it be?

SC: Some of the best advice I’ve received has as much to do with life as it does with business: “Do what you say you’re going to do,” and “Your word means everything.”

The best advice I can give to guys coming up in the industry would be, “Don’t sell yourself short. You are a craftsman, which is a dying breed.”

THR: You’ve been an auto trimmer for

three decades. Surely you’ve seen a lot.

How has the industry changed since you first started, and how do you feel about these changes?

SC: The biggest change I’ve seen is in the quality, design and craftsmanship. What we thought was a great job 35 years ago looks pretty plain compared to today’s standards.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail that’s going on today is amazing.

STOP BY OUR SEMA BOOTH TO GET AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK AT THE LATEST CCI RESTYLING & WHEEL ACCESSORIES!

THR: What does the future hold for Sid

Chavers Company? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

SC: I hope the future holds a few more products for us. We are just coming out with an opening rear window for convertible tops and we’ve got a few more ideas brewing.

At the upholstery shop we always try to do the next job a little smarter and better than the last. As far as legacy, I just hope I’m remembered for being a hard-working craftsman.

IWCGI136

UPPER SOUTH HALL

TheHogRing.com is the auto upholstery industry’s leading news website and online community.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 53

THE SHOP

53

10/3/16 11:44 AM

RESTYLING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Gloss Effects Film Color

Arlon, Placentia, California, introduces eight Ultimate PremiumPlus Gloss Effects colors for its automotive film.

The Gloss Effects colors are: Daytona Blue, Thundercloud Metallic, Hornet Metallic, Gunmetal Metallic, Bronze Metallic, White Metallic, Black Metallic and Metal Gear Blue. Features include: superior gloss retention upon stretch, improved repositionability during installation, and conformability into deep channels.

Combined with the company’s automotive-grade pigments and flakes, they provide a paint-like finish.

Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

TITAN Fuel Tanks, Idaho Falls, Idaho, presents the new Travel Trekker 50-Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank. The tank’s material won’t rust or corrode and is flexible to absorb impacts and pop back into shape. The material is 415-times less heatand cold-conductive than aluminum and exceeds DOT standards. An in-cab controller allows the driver to activate fuel transfer with a simple push of a button on the fly. The tank stands 19.25 inches tall and 17.5 inches deep, leaving room for fifth wheel balls and goosenecks. It holds 50 gallons.

Heavy-Duty Sway Control with Weight Distribution

Cequent Performance Products, Plymouth, Michigan, introduces the all-new Heavy-Duty Steadi-Flex Sway Control system with Weight Distribution. The new system is the latest in the Reese line, offering tapered spring bars, stylish cast components and automotive-style friction material. The heavy-duty Steadi-Flex system has wide spring bars and a simple pin-and-clip assembly to reduce wear in the head and on the friction pads. It is available in 1,000/10,000, 1,200/12,000, and 1,400/14,000 pounds tongue weight/gross trailer weight.

Toolboxes

ProMaxx Automotive Accessories, Jasper, Indiana, presents its Yellow Label Toolboxes. The rugged, weather-resistant boxes include a structured lid design that has an outer shell, an insulating middle layer and a unique reverse-beveled-edge lid liner for strength and rigidity. The toolboxes feature a high-strength body design with wider top rails.

ProMaxx toolboxes also include built-in storage on both ends, self-aligning lid latch pins, heavy-duty gas shocks and lockable handles.

Clear-Lens Truck & Trailer Lights

Super Bright LEDs, Earth City, Missouri, offers new oval and round LED truck/trailer lights with clear lenses. Both LED lights meet DOT FMVSS 108 requirements for use as brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, parking lights, and taillights. The dual-function LED fixtures have clear lenses for a clean look on trucks and trailers, and their red or amber LEDs increase in brightness as brakes or turn signals are activated. They operate within a wide 9 to 14.8-volt DC range, draw no more than 0.4 amps of power and use standard three-pin connectors.

Versatile Side Bar Brackets

ARIES Automotive, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, presents the new VersaTrac mounting system. Using a single set of vehicle-specific brackets, a variety of side bar and running board options can be installed or swapped out when desired. The company’s AdvantEDGE side bars and RidgeStep commercial running boards feature the VersaTrac mounting system—using the same set of mounting brackets on the vehicle, allowing them to be interchangeable. The boards can simply be unbolted from the brackets, and a new set of boards installed at any time.

Window Film Installation Training

Johnson Window Films, Carson, California, presents Johnson Window Films University, designed to train technicians in two weeks to install automotive window film. Window film installation creates profit for aftermarket shops, and courses are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced installers. Class availability is limited.

54

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 54

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 11:45 AM

Steel & Aluminum Truck Bed Protection

Retractable Tonneaus

Pace Edwards, Centralia, Washington, offers its new UltraGroove and UltraGroove Metal retractable tonneau covers. The versatile tonneaus feature the Pace Edwards Rail Expansion System for quick and convenient installation of a wide variety of racks, including Thule or Yakima models, in seconds. Users can conveniently and securely store cargo beneath the tonneau, and haul bulkier items like bikes, kayaks, skis and more above.

FUEL YOUR PROF PROFITS...

PRO FITS...

F ITS...

Sell S ell Transfer Transfer Flow Fuel T Tanks! anks!

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

LINE-X, Huntsville, Alabama, offers its impact-resistant Spray-On Bedliner with scientifically advanced compounds for protection against dents, scratches, outside elements and even harsh chemicals like gas and oil. LINE-X uses specially formulated polymers that permanently bond to both aluminum and steel surfaces to deliver durability under the most extreme conditions. Additionally, the product enhances the truck bed’s appearance through a variety of customizable colors, and provides extra grip to keep cargo from sliding.

Visit us at SEMA! Booth 34052 For 33 years, Transfer Flow has been trusted by many of the most successful automotive retailers and service providers to fuel their success.

Mustang Pre-Painted Scoop Kits

Airdesign USA, Oceanside, California, presents its Pre-Painted Scoop Kits that are ready to install on 2015-’17 Ford Mustangs. Available pre-painted to match factory colors with no additional prep needed, the scoops are made of rugged, molded polyurethane with black honeycomb grilles for added detail. Hood scoops, quarter-window and side scoops are offered.

We engineer and manufacture a full line of fuel tank systems for you and your customers: refueling tanks, larger replacement tanks, and in-bed auxiliary tanks. Transfer Flow fuel tanks come with everything you need for installation, and include our 24/7 tech support and 6 year warranty.

Start fueling your profits by selling and installing Transfer Flow’s premium fuel tank systems.

Call us today at (800) 826-5776 to get started!

REFUELING TANKS

REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS

IN-BED AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS

(800) 826-5776

Made in the USA

www.TransferFlow.com

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 55

THE SHOP

55

10/3/16 11:47 AM

C

apture the Action Automotive camera setups: now we’re rolling!

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

E

xterior vehicle camera setups bring a whole new meaning to the phrase, we’re rolling.

Why be a star just among a few people at the racetrack or on the trail when you can become a YouTube celebrity? Although you can fabricate an ad-hoc smartphone mount to record the action, a dedicated action camera setup is something that your customers are going to crave.

After all, they did go seek the wisdom of a specialist for the creation of their ride.

Why not help them add to their celebrity and sell them the goods and installation to create professional quality videos?

And there’s a bonus—their antics will only help further promote your shop on the never-ending quest for social media cred. Every race won or trail conquered is a testament to your shop’s dedication to quality.

WHERE THE ACTION IS In the world of action cameras, the GoPro is the most well-known. As such, the company even sought to create an OEM vehicle partnership.

In June, GoPro and Ford Motor Co. launched the Original Entertainment Series: Unstoppable Life. The series profiled GoPro athletes Aaron Chase and Sasha DiGiulian in two separate videos that were shared with both GoPro and Ford communities across global channel platforms, further anchoring the brands.

The GoPro units are proven for taking great-quality video while surviving the rigors of harsh racing environments. Those looking for the ultimate quality will probably be lured by the Hero4 Black, although the lower-priced Hero4 Silver offers the convenience of a touchscreen display. For novice users, navigating the touchscreen

56

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 56

makes setup easier.

GoPro’s competitors have been taking note and some even have tie-ins with the automotive aftermarket world. For example, WASPcam is owned by stalwart radar detector manufacturer Escort.

As such, they looked at the environmental conditions created by the car when designing their camera, and for a relatively low price it is a very reasonable product for your customers to purchase and leave in the vehicle—especially considering the price of an all-out build.

In fact, savvy integrators can create custom mounts to facilitate quick and easy attachment that will provide great camera angles.

I was able to test the WASPcam and came away very impressed at the price point. For the retailer who may not be versed in selling action cameras and consumer electronics products, some of the features include HD video recording for quality, a wireless wrist

By Brett Solomon

remote to start and stop recording, an autoloop function if the customer wants to use it as a dashcam, built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing online, and two LED lights (not necessarily for automotive use but a nice function for close-up video at night).

The WASPcam also includes a variety of mounts to get the customer going, but a serious shop would want to suggest a permanently mounted solution.

Pyle has always been well-known for its mobile electronics offerings, and now it is jumping into the market with the recently introduced High Speed 4K HD Action Camera.

The SLDV4KBL unit is the perfect companion for action sport enthusiasts looking to re-live every hairpin turn or monster jump, while sharing their HD photos and videos with family and friends. The High Speed 4K HD Action Camera includes what Pyle calls CMOS image sensor technology.

The unit records at 120 frames-per-second to produce high-speed, high-quality videos fit for video production.

Features such as 4X zoom and invertible screen display are controlled via the 2-inch LCD touchscreen. The camera can also be operated by a Wi-Fi remote

The Hero4 Black is the top of the GoPro family.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 2:42 PM

The Silver’s builtin LCD makes it easy to operate.

control or smartphone to wirelessly snap pictures and record video.

Similar to WASP, the unit includes a waterproof case and multiple mounts and clips, allowing the compact camera to be mounted to motorcycle handlebars, armbands or helmets. With a two-hour lithium rechargeable battery and included USB or car charging cables, the camera/camcorder is also customer-ready right out of the box.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

GETTING THE BEST SHOT We were able to speak with Chris Kooistra, director of global marketing for WASPcam, who had some tips and tricks retailers can pass onto their customers for getting the best shots: • Shoot at a higher frame rate when shooting footage for slow-motion purposes, • Set up several camera angles to give your action-sports edits more variety, • Always format your MicroSD card before you begin filming; this ensures no footage will become corrupted, • Use the manual exposure, ISO and white balance settings to help get a better shot, • Always make sure your mounting setup is secure, tighten all screws fully and ensure all buckle mounts are completely secured, • Use your camera’s Wi-Fi functionality to ensure your shooting angle is correct.

You should be seeing the shot on your smartphone, • Use your camera’s LCD screen to play back footage to make sure you got the right shot.

ACTION CAMS & THE OEMS… Although OEMs have a tremendous lead time when it comes to engineering product, they recognize that the action cam market is here to stay. Some OEMs have begun to integrate these products into their rides

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 57

THE SHOP

57

10/3/16 2:44 PM

Capture the Action

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

The WASPcam 9905 Wi-Fi with wristband that can start or stop recording so you do not have to fumble with the touchscreen while wearing gloves.

with both hardware and software solutions.

For example, all 2016 and up Toyota Tacomas already have a GoPro mount integrated into the windshield, strategically placed for catching all the action. (It’ll be hard to not opt for the factory windscreen if Safelite has to be called in because of a rogue stone kicked up on the highway!)

BMW has actually had GoPro integration since 2011. However, just this summer BMW and GoPro have taken it to the next level by offering the BMW M Laptimer app.

It includes the ability to control a GoPro camera on iOS devices, using BMW’s factory iDrive controller and high-resolution screen.

With this enhancement, when BMW drivers start and stop the BMW M Laptimer they simultaneously start and stop the recording of the connected GoPro camera. In addition to the video stored on the GoPro camera, a low-res version is saved on the phone so that it can be played back next to the map view on the BMW M Laptimer app.

58

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 58

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 1:42 PM

automatically calculate laps and times for the user without the need for pre-installed track map data.

The BMW M Laptimer can be used as a training aid to become a faster, safer driver.

According to GoPro, a Comparison Mode gives users the ability to view individual or dual runs in real-time. Users can select their The Pyle Dual Camera Monitor and DVR.

Adam Silver, a director at GoPro notes “The GoPro and BMW collaboration set a new standard in the category when it launched. Since then, BMW has continued to innovate, demonstrating a passion for creating a cutting-edge user experience to enable drivers to capture and share their driving experience.”

The BMW M Laptimer provides highly visual depictions of throttle, speed, brake input, steering angle, engine rpm, fuel level and G-force. Users can easily zoom in and out, and rewind or fast-forward through track recordings. BMW M Laptimer will

own laps or compare against a lap sent by another BMW driver.

Users may also share track day results with friends to compare data. Additionally, users can post results through social media integration, including Facebook and Twitter.

(Although we think the slowest laps of the day will probably not be subject to sharing!)

The Toyota Tacoma GoPro mount seamlessly integrates the GoPro device into the vehicle’s windshield, providing a clear view of the trail.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 59

THE SHOP

59

10/3/16 2:46 PM

Capture the Action

A rendering of the new K&G Cycles being constructed in Florida. Action cameras will be a part of the accessory offerings.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

With the BMW Laptimer GoPro integration, it’s easy to start rolling footage when you start rolling.

ON THE RETAIL FRONT Typically motorcycle retailers have a similar, yet unique, client base compared to vehicle enhancement shops. But George Marakas of K&G Cycles is in a unique position. He successfully runs an internet retail store, and now wants to jump into the brick-and-mortar world. So, he is building a 7,000-square-foot motorcycle accessory superstore at the end of the Florida Turnpike.

According to the demographics, roughly 2 million vehicles pass by the site annually, and nearly one in four are motorcycles. But instead of taking the route of the typical cycle shop, he turned to aftermarket vehicle retailers for inspiration to build out his new destination.

“There will be monitors everywhere to give customers information and show what’s possible,” Marakas notes. “In fact, 32 40-inch display monitors can be continuously updated with product information and sales specials.”

Additionally, Marakas gave a special section to electronics, which are typically not marketed very well in the motorcycle

60

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 60

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 1:43 PM

world. The section includes lighting, audio, and action cameras—an area Marakas believes retailers (automotive and motorcycle) should not neglect.

“I looked into all of the models and came away especially impressed with WASPcam,” Marakas says. “Their Point-of-Purchase display is great, and we intend to take it to the next level customizing it in our display next to audio and LED lighting. About my only product criticism that is being worked on, is in the motorcycle world, some guys want even their keychain in chrome or black denim finish to match their motorcycle. I would like to see some flat black and triple-chrome-plated mounts from all the manufacturers to match owners’ tastes.”

As a retailer, Marakas also expressed an interest in forming partnerships with other vendors at the conceptual level during the planning process. As always, customization is key.

And so it goes in the exciting world of automotive action cameras. If your shop caters to customers who live on the wild side, this is definitely a market to look into.

Telemetry data and run times can be easily shared.

You can see where you are on the track in the video.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 61

THE SHOP

61

10/3/16 2:47 PM

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Wheelie Bar Wheel Wrench

Allstar Performance, Watervliet, Michigan, introduces its Wheelie Bar Wheel Wrench, designed for adjusting wheelie bar height. A highly visible scale printed on the wrench helps to quickly measure height between 2 to 7 inches in 1/8-inch increments. Overall wrench length is 9-by-3/8-inches-thick. Sizes include P/N ALL 1195 3/4-inch jam nut, P/N ALL11196 15/16-inch jam nut and P/N ALL11197 1-inch jam nut.

Click Clamp Pliers

T

Jump Starter

Weego, Westampton, New Jersey, presents the Weego Jump Starter 44, an all-new portable jump starter.

Safe and reliable, it provides power to start a gas engine up to 6.4 liters as well as charge mobile electronics including phones, tablets, laptops and other USB devices. Offering a unique design, ergonomic form and intuitive functionality, it features: a highly visible orange exterior; styling reminiscent of an automobile front grille, a premium, high-quality, lithiumpolymer battery; Smarty Clamps that help guide the jumping process; and more.

KNIPEX Tools, Arlington Heights, Illinois, offers Hose Clamp Pliers designed to easily and efficiently open and close click clamp applications in all positions. The pliers eliminate the need to replace OEM clamps with screw clamps and are built to not damage the compressed clamps, allowing the clamps to be used over and over again. Designed for work on fuel hoses, vacuum pipes, suction nozzles and many other applications, the series features maximum leverage for opening and closing clamps. Rotatable tips reliably grip click clamps in all positions.

Wire Clamp Tool

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Assenmacher Specialty Tools, Boulder, Colorado, presents its new Wire Clamp Tool, designed to hold wires in place during soldering. The tool clamps down onto wires from either side, holds them firmly and may be used with various wire gauges.

Made in the USA, it includes a diecast aluminum frame, and a steel magnetic base is available separately.

Weighing 8.6 ounces, its 6-inch flex cable arm reaches difficult areas, while spring-loaded, articulating claws clamp onto wires firmly. (Neodymium magnet may interfere or damage electronics and pacemakers.)

Hose Press

KOULtools, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, presents the EZ-ON Hose Press, a fast, portable press that assembles straight and angled push-lock fittings. Simply clamp the fitting into the stationary vise, the hose into the travelling carriage, and turn the feed screw with an impact gun. The EZ-ON Hose Press will install the hose onto the barb in a matter of seconds. Made of investment cast steel, the press is built to last and works for -4 to -16 hose sizes. It comes with a custom carrying case for easy, on-site hose assembly.

62

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 62

Aluminum Welding Guide

Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, introduces an updated guide for Aluminum Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). The newest version of the manual features a reader-friendly layout with updated information and photos of products and processes related to aluminum MIG welding.

It offers a detailed look at filler metal types, filler metal selection considerations for welding, tips for welding on aluminum materials and a discussion on the causes and cures of defects in aluminum welding.

General welding safety guidelines are also included.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 2:47 PM

F i F c c b b ( p t e 4 r a C t e e a t r r p o t v

e

Forward Lift, Madison, Indiana, introduces its new, heavy-duty F12 Two-Post Lift. Designed as a competitively priced, 12,000-poundcapacity, two-post lift, the F12 has been third-party tested and certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) to meet industry safety and performance standards. It features two-stage front and rear arms equipped with low-profile, 4.75-inch oversized rubber-pad swivel adapters.

Combined with the standard extra height extensions (3.5 and 5 inches), the arms can reach the recommended pickup points of most cars, trucks and vans.

all aluminum

CARTS CABINETS and DRAWERS WWW.CTECHMANUFACTURING.COM - 715.355.8842 - WESTON, WISCONSIN

gins

the adventure be

after dark LED Light Bars, Work Lights & Mini-Aux’s

Engine Pre-Lube Tank

Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders, Winona, Minnesota, presents its redesigned Engine PreLube Tank. The new tank holds 10 quarts and includes a patent-pending filler cap designed to safely release any residual pressure. An upgraded ball valve features a stainless steel ball and heavy-duty on/off lever, while the corrosion-resistant aluminum tank eliminates contamination from rust. A large 1-3/4-inch-diameter filler hole allows filling right from the oil bottle with no funnel needed, and an 8-foot, 1/4-inch-diameter hose complete with fittings is included.

Where there’s a need for powerful, durable lighting, there’s a Super Bright LEDs Off-Road Light Bar, Work Light, or Mini Auxiliary Light.

Enhanced Vehicle Bulb Finder Finding replacement bulbs is quick and easy with our interactive Vehicle Bulb Finder. Simply select your vehicle’s year, make, and model for an extensive listing of compatible LED bulb types from headlight to brake light bulbs and everything in-between.

866-590-3533

Off Road LED Rock Lights Rough terrain, dirt, and even water are no match for LED rock lights. The tough little LED undercarriage lights are great for offroading at night in your truck or Jeep.

Order by 2:00 p.m. CST for same-day shipping

In stock for immediate delivery through our online store.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 63

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

a

Two-Post Lift

THE SHOP

63

10/3/16 2:49 PM

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Low-Profile Double-Section Scissor Lift

Rotary Lift, Madison, Indiana, introduces the new, space-saving Rotary Lift RLP77 DoubleSection Scissor Lift. The lift’s twin extra-wide platforms feature hinged ramps that fold up and lock in place to extend the vehicle pick-up point surface. The ramps also can fold 65-degrees down and away to give technicians more access to perform wheel and brake service. Providing more than 78 inches of clearance when installed above ground, the RLP77 incorporates a patent-pending, fully mechanical hydraulic system that does the lifting work equally for both platforms.

Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers with Memory

OTC, Warren, Michigan, introduces 4597 Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers with Memory.

Designed to access hard-to-reach areas including flat-type hose clamps with less frustration, the memory cable can be bent and positioned—retaining its shape—to fit around and underneath hoses to remove clamps.

The pliers include a locking mechanism to hold clamps open, making removal and installation easier and faster.

Automated Lapping Machine

Sunnen, St. Louis, Missouri, offers its new SVL-2115 multi-stage Automated Lapping Machine, designed to bring increased productivity and part consistency to what is traditionally a manual process. Based on the same machine platform as the popular SV2100 honing system, the SVL-2115 provides single setup processing of hydraulic valves, sleeves, fuel system components and other parts that are prone to distortion when honed. The walkaway system uses an index table to automatically lap and air gage bores throughout the cycle.

T Shrinker/Stretcher

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Woodward-Fab, Hartland, Michigan, offers its Super Duty Shrinker/ Stretcher. Model WFSS-SD features a heavy, reinforced cast iron frame to prevent deflection. The working 3-inch throat depth reaches deeper, and it can be used on up to 18-gauge mild steel or 1/16-inch aluminum. It is ideal for forming complex shapes such as windshield channels, wheel well openings or patch repair panels.

Parts & Tool Storage

Shure Manufacturing Corp., Washington, Missouri, offers its Quick Lube Express Lane Dual Bay Dual Drawer Parts & Tool Storage Cabinets, manufactured to provide storage for tools, parts and supplies to support your Express Lube Service facility. All models include full-extension locking drawers with drawer liners that open from either side. A drawer latch prevents the drawer from traveling through the cabinet. The steel cabinets are designed for use between two bays for easy access to high-volume consumables, and are available in 22 colors.

64

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 64

Cordless Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand Power Tools, Davidson, North Carolina, introduces the IQV20 W5132 Impactool—a powerful, cordless 3/8-inch impact wrench. It offers 550 foot-pounds of torque and 365 foot-pounds of max reverse torque. The tool has four power and control settings ranging from max power to hand-tight, so technicians don’t need to switch tools to remove a stubborn fastener, saving time and money.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 2:51 PM

PFCover.indd 1

10/6/16 3:03 PM

TS_JFYT_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:53 PM

PERFORMANCE

Many street performance customers are looking for race carlevel performance with street car driving manners. (Photo courtesy COMP Cams)

Technology & regulations are affecting the late-model performance market. e all know the street performance market is complicated. After all, it’s one of the largest segments we deal with, and services numerous types of cars and trucks.

That’s a good reason to stop, call in some friends and take a closer look at this farreaching area of our industry.

Despite being handed some difficult questions, our experts tell us how the market has changed, what threats it is facing and how it could play out in the long run.

And, to wrap it up on a high note, we talk about some hot new products.

CHANGES Late-model street performance, like any market, has seen its fair share of changes.

And technology has probably had the biggest effect.

Keith Jessee, marketing and PR coordinator for Holley Performance Products, tells us it’s no different than life outside our industry.

“We’ve seen huge advancements in the world of computers in general in the past

10 years. Utilizing this technology, we are able to create EFI systems that are 100-

times more capable than systems we were making 10 years ago.”

Brian Murphy, CEO of BBK Performance, agrees that EFI adoption has been a huge factor in the past decade.

By John Carollo

“In the last 10 years, I would say the biggest change would be the continued trend toward performance fuel injection products. And with it, things like performance throttle bodies, air intakes, tuners, etc., that not nearly as many enthusiasts understood 10 years ago,” he explains. “Today, even

The line between “race” and “street” is not nearly as clear as it used to be. (Photo courtesy COMP Cams) NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 65

THE SHOP

65

10/3/16 2:57 PM

PERFORMANCE

Technology is an important player in the street performance market, and constantly changing.

(Photo courtesy Hypertech)

Quality manufacturers work hard to make their products safe, legal and fun. (Photo courtesy Hypertech)

street rod and classic car owners understand (the benefits of electronic fuel injection), as many are swapping engines for modern crate motors with EFI.” Will Vance, tech specialist at TCI Automotive, says such technology improves the owner’s experience.

“The ability to have fuel injection and overdrive makes the older cars so much more fun to drive. Technology has opened the door for more cars to enter the performance world, and be competitive.”

Going deeper inside performance, Aaron Mick, sales specialist for COMP Cams, talks about engine hard parts.

66

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 66

“Advances in spring technology and cam lobe designs have really helped us be able to meet the lofty goals set by our customer base, allowing us to offer race car-level performance with street car driving manners,” he notes. “Also, advances in surface finish on cam lobes and material advancements allow us to offer parts that can take the added abuse of these setups for greatly increased amounts of time.”

Chris Fairless, regional sales manager for Hypertech, notes that technological changes in the street performance market are often interrelated.

“Technology is all around us and con-

stantly changing,” he says. “We, as an industry, are evolving with technology.

Today’s automotive computers are so advanced that products like performance tuners are the heart of increasing horsepower, torque and drivability, plus help enhance other performance modifications like cold air intakes and cat-back systems.”

CAUTIONS It’s no secret that aftermarket street performance upgrades can become targets of government regulations, even as they become attractive options to OEM carmakers.

When asked what the market needs to watch out for, Fairless answers, “Number one, government controls with the EPA. Number two, auto manufacturers trying to lock out aftermarket companies from making products for their vehicles. These are by far the two biggest factors.”

Mick agrees.

“In my opinion, the EPA and other government regulations are the largest outsidethe-industry factor that is affecting the street performance market. Any regulations passed can vastly affect current products, as well as what we can offer in the future.”

Jessee points out another regulatory concern.

“The biggest thing we’ve seen problems with is the quality of fuel available at the pump. The government is mandating more and more ethanol blended into the fuel, and this can really wreak havoc on the fuel system in a street car.”

David Page, sales manager at Fuel Air Spark Technology, talks about the social aspects of being a gearhead in 2016.

“The performance automotive aftermarket has always served a unique culture.

Today, more than ever, our market is participating in a lifestyle more than a hobby.

Social media and specialized events have a huge influence on buyers’ decisions. As manufacturers, we recognize this and are significantly involved in both.”

The growing demand for instant gratification is also a factor, Vance believes.

“Everyone wants bolt-in parts,” he says.

“The trend is to add/support power quickly and easily, rather than building what you need on your own.”

And from a business direction, Murphy says, “The main outside challenges facing today’s shops are a very competitive land-

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 2:57 PM

TORCHMATE® 4400 | 4800

Free Welder With Purchase At SEMA 2016 | Booth #24643

Now you can have all the tools you need to make your fabrication projects come to life – from one brand. The new Torchmate 4400 and 4800 cutting tables give you up to 65% faster cut speeds, improved cut quality, and exceptional repeatability.

And now, when you buy one of these tables at SEMA 2016, you’ll be able to take your pick between getting a FREE Power MIG® 210 MP, the original “Ready. Set. Weld.®” multi-process welder, or the easy-to-use Square Wave® TIG 200. With either of these machines and a Torchmate table, the only thing limiting your projects is your imagination.

This offer is available only to attendees of the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Visit us at booth #24643!

Join The Conversation at www.FabricationForum.com AR16-52 © Lincoln Global, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.lincolnelectric.com

TS_LECS_1610A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:44 PM

PERFORMANCE

Finding employees who understand the wide range of products being offered can keep street performance shops at the top.

(Photo courtesy BBK Performance)

scape online where many products not covered by MAP policies are sold just above cost and don’t allow shops to even compete.

In addition, the government continues to create confusing laws that impact the aftermarket in regards to emissions legality, etc.”

CHALLENGES Focusing a little tighter, we talked about the top challenges shops face selling to this market. COMP’s Mick brings up a big one.

“Meeting customer expectations. These days, customers want to go just as fast (or at least real close) as the race cars, but they want to drive their car on the street and for it to have good manners. The line between race and street is not nearly as clear as it used to be, and customers expect these setups to not only make big power and be very drivable, but to also be extremely reliable.”

But, while customers know they want performance, says FAST’s Page, they don’t always know how to get there.

“The main challenge for shops serving street performance customers is educating the consumer on the right parts for their application, and providing technical support for installation of these parts,” he believes. “As manufacturers, we share in that challenge by educating installers, tuners and resellers.”

Dale Dotson, VP of marketing for Driven Performance Brands, says challenges often come down to money and sales.

“The biggest challenge used to be pricing, but that has been addressed with the implementation of MAP pricing evening the field,” he says. “I think the challenge now 68

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 68

is being able to close the deal quickly by having product on hand, or having quick access to get it to the customer fast. Customers are less patient today and want it now more than ever. If they can’t get if from a shop quickly, they will find it somewhere else that has it on the shelf waiting to be picked up, or shipped.”

Along with having the products readily available, BBK’s Murphy says staying on top of all of today’s options is a priority for successful professionals.

“Some of the main challenges facing shops would be keeping up on all the product data, which has gotten better via both DCI and SEMA data,” he says. “Also, finding employees who understand the wide range of products being offered.”

And when you have all that, there’s also the challenge of getting the word out, he adds.

“With advertising changing so much in recent years, I think it’s hard for shops to understand how to balance print, digital and local advertising.”

Then there’s always the challenge of making sure everything is on the up-andup, adds Hypertech’s Fairless.

“CARB emissions and the EPA are the main challenges we are facing in the performance aftermarket. We, as an industry, need to pay attention to this, as it affects us all. Study up on the RPM Act and learn all you can.”

COMING SOON So, what do our experts say about the future of the late-model performance market and everything it faces?

“I believe the long-term outlook is bright for this market, but it has and will continue to change,” Page predicts. “Our consumer today expects more of his car than ever before. Many of our customers see their cars as multi-use (vehicles). They may want to drive their car daily, take it on long trips, compete at autocross events and drive to their local dragstrip and race it. This is a tall order and creates a lot of opportunity for aftermarket parts that are up to the task. I believe this will drive the development of better parts, lighter parts, stronger parts, and more powerful components for the current generation, and future generations of enthusiasts.”

Vance believes all these new products and innovations are leading to exciting times.

“As technology continues to advance, so will the adaptability of newer drivetrains and engines into old cars, keeping them on the road that much longer and bringing in a new breed of high-tech younger people.”

Air intake systems are among the first upgrades many enthusiasts make to their street machines.

(Photo courtesy BBK Performance)

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 2:58 PM

TS_PRPR_1611A - FP.indd 1

10/4/16 10:06 AM

PERFORMANCE

The latest street performance products continue to produce more power. (Photo courtesy Holley Performance Products)

Having the proper parts on hand allows shops to close the sale quickly. (Photo courtesy Driven Performance Brands)

HOT PARTS FOR COOL CARS Driven’s Dotson agrees.

“I think the future of the street performance market looks really good for performance parts and accessories, with customers demanding high-quality products for their cars and trucks.”

Murphy says the country’s political climate will continue to affect the direction of our industry.

“I think the long-term market will have a lot to do with politics at the federal and state level, as each year additional pressure is put on the industry—which, thankfully, has risen to the challenges. Fortunately, SEMA, for example, has really stepped it up in recent years to help companies with things like CARB (compliance) and product data.”

Cooperation is the key to navigating those uncertain waters, Fairless advises.

“It’s vital that we, as an industry, work with the EPA to understand and engineer products that meet and comply with EPA and CARB rules. Also, we need to work with the EPA and CARB to allow aftermarket companies to comply and receive the EO CARB numbers in a timely manner,” he says. “This will allow aftermarket manufacturers to bring these products to market in a timely manner. It is a partnership and vital to the growth of our industry and our country’s economy.”

Finally, Mick is watching Detroit for future developments.

“I think we’ll continue to see it grow and expand as more and more advancements are made. As we see more advancements like direct injection, variable valve timing and other possibilities coming out in the new OE engines, our industry will be called on to continue to figure out how to increase performance, even further utilizing these advancements.”

70

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 70

Here’s a wrap-up of hot-selling parts for street cars.

“LS custom grind cams are for sure our top-selling street performance product.”

Aaron Mick Sales Specialist COMP Cams

“A performance programmer like Hypertech. By optimizing the tune of your vehicle, you gain horsepower, torque and better drivability, making your vehicle perform at its best. For the money, a tuner gives the most power, torque and drivability.”

Chris Fairless Regional Sales Manager Hypertech

“Our hottest product for the street performance market is the XFI Street EFI system. It uses the proven EZ Fuel throttle body, with a fully tunable ECU. This fuel-only kit combines the ultimate in easy installation with the flexibility needed to handle the fuel demands of any application.”

David Page Sales Manager Fuel Air Spark Technology

“Our hottest products are still our air intakes, throttle bodies and tunedlength headers that we offer for Mustang, Camaro and Challenger/Charger owners, as they all provide very solid performance gains and most are also 50-state EPA legal.”

“It’s really a tossup between our LS series machined flexplates, which allow the use of any converter or trans, and the EZ-TCU transmission controller, which allows for maximum electronic control over shift points, shift firmness and shift speed.”

Will Vance Tech Specialist TCI Automotive

“The hottest products in the Flowmaster line are our stainless steel catback and axle-back exhaust systems, along with our newly expanded directfit, 49-state catalytic convertor line. We have all the most popular late-model cars and trucks covered with exhaust systems offering multiple sound choices to custom-tailor the customer’s wants and needs at an affordable price.”

Dale Dotson VP of Marketing Driven Performance Brands

“Our hottest product is probably the Sniper EFI throttle body fuel injection unit. This is a quality EFI system at an affordable price that brings EFI into the reach of a much larger demographic.”

Keith Jessee Marketing & PR Coordinator Holley Performance Products

Brian Murphy CEO BBK Performance

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 1:44 PM

Global Wholesale SEMA

D I S T R I B U T O R

OVER 1,400 BRANDS

November 1-4 Booth #23613

• Password Protected, 24/7 Online Ordering

HIGH PERFORMA NCE & RACE LATE MODEL

• Huge Inventory—We Stock It So You Don't Have To • FREE Standard Shipping—Contact Us for Details

TRUC K & DIESEL

• FAST, Reliable Shipping; Saturday Delivery

JEEP & OFF-ROA D STREET ROD & RES TORATION PREMIUM & STOCK REP LACEMENTS

Ate

• Expert Tech Advice, Knowledgeable Customer Service

• No-Hassle Special Orders • Drop Ship Service at No Additional Fee • Phones Open Until 10 PM EST—Order by 10 PM EST

for Same Day Shipping on In-Stock Items • We Export at Competitive Rates

om c . s t r o p s ORE chMotor

ERFORMAN P T E E R T S R E FO YOUR SOURC 800.517.1040

1.330.630.0888

1 2 0 0 S O U T H E A S T AV E N U E

CE AND M

FA X : 1 . 3 3 0 . 6 3 0 . 5 3 6 5

TA L L M A D G E , O H I O 4 4 2 7 8

SOME PARTS ARE NOT LEGAL FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA OR OTHER STATES WITH SIMILAR LAWS/REGULATIONS. PLEASE CHECK YOUR STATE AND/OR LOCAL LAWS/REGULATIONS. Typographical errors and errors in description or photography are subject to correction. ©2016 AUTOSALES, INC. S OURC E C ODE : WHSE16TS

TS_ATEC_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:44 PM

PERFORMANCE

SAVE OUR

RACE CARS What the heck is the RPM Act, & what does it have to do with me and my business?

By Les Rudd

M

any threats and challenges have come along against our industry. Natural disasters, recessions, weak dollars, global competition and wars have all taken their respective tolls against us.

We have always stood together as an industry, weathered these storms and come through to the other side as a better, more profitable and more prepared group than when these challenges first faced us.

Now, we have something new brewing.

It poses a greater threat than any of the previously mentioned challenges. It could have devastating effects to the lifeblood of the industry. It could easily affect hundreds of thousands of jobs and thousands of small businesses in the U.S. What is this threat? It is from our own government through the long arm of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

No, this isn’t the diesel programming issue of a couple of years ago. This is the EPA’s direct focus on the historical center of the automotive aftermarket—namely, the performance racing industry and the nation’s autos, trucks and motorcycles used solely for competition.

verted into a race vehicle to be used solely on the track.

The proposal extended EPA’s reach to include any automobile manufactured with a VIN number since 1968 and motorcycles manufactured since 1978. Oh yeah, that’s a lot of vehicles.

The gray area that caught our industry off guard was that the Clean Air Act was enacted some 46 years ago. In all that time, our industry leaders are not aware of a single instance in which the EPA took the position that any part of the Act targeted raceonly vehicles. Heck, converting street cars, motorcycles and trucks to race-only vehicles is just about as American as you can get!

Now, when this proposal was discovered, a large industry outcry came very quickly.

This immediate opposition convinced the EPA to remove the listed provision from the final Greenhouse Gas Standards rulemaking.

RACE CARS UNDER ATTACK You see, back in July 2015, the EPA released a proposal included inside the Medium and Heavy Duty Greenhouse Gas Standards (yep, that’s right, Medium & HD) that would outlaw emissions-related modifications to a street vehicle that’s being con72

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 72

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:29 PM

PERFORMANCE

But, the EPA did not change its “new” interpretation of the Clean Air Act. This new interpretation still exists, focusing on these two key points: • It is illegal to sell legitimate racing parts for use on a vehicle originally produced with a VIN number if those parts will then take the vehicle out of its emissionscertified configuration; • Installation of those parts will be considered tampering under the Clean Air Act. These violations would be subject to fines up to $44,000 per instance.

Now, if your business doesn’t work directly on competition vehicles, you may think you are out of the woods. However, this issue really does affect all of us, so please stick with me.

WE ARE ALL MOTORSPORTS Sit back for a moment and think of every VIN number-produced vehicle from 1968 until today. Now, think of every type of possible “motorsports” that exist.

I know earlier when it read “solely for competition” you immediately thought of the obvious top-line racing series—NHRA, NASCAR, ARCA, IHRA and the like. Please keep in mind, however, that this issue does not apply to purpose-built race vehicles. The EPA is only targeting those vehicles originally produced with a VIN number.

Most every major sanctioning body has entry-level competition classes where the vehicles start out as original OEM-produced NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 73

THE SHOP

73

10/3/16 3:30 PM

PERFORMANCE

SAVE OUR

RACE CARS

If it came with a VIN number and was removed from emissions compliance for motorsports competition, the vehicle is deemed to be in violation of the Clean Air Act, according to current EPA interpretations. Wording in the now-proposed RPM Act would assist the racing and performance aftermarket by confirming that modifying these vehicles for exclusive track use would not be considered tampering.

Aftermarket shops should do their homework and consider supporting the Act.

street cars and trucks with a VIN number.

Then remember the truck pullers, road racers, OPTIMA Challenge vehicles, mud boggers, sand draggers, hill climbers, local dirt trackers, local drag racers, and don’t forget Bubba’s CJ with a 350 that he trailers to the local rock crawler event.

So, have I touched your business yet?

ously engineered race-only product. For years, racing has been a testing and proving ground for new technology that ultimately makes its way to production cars as well as the aftermarket.

So, in short, this EPA position could be devastating to your friends, your industry and even your own job!

WHAT IS THE IMPACT? Our industry has often been referred to as the “largest group of small businesses in North America.” This makes us an easy target for the EPA if we don’t bind ourselves together for a common cause.

We are speaking of a threat to tens of thousands of small shops and hundreds of manufacturers. Many estimate the racing products business exceeds $1.4 billion annually. However, this calculation doesn’t include the crossover items that may fit into other market segments and it absolutely does not include all of the wheel and tire segments.

We as an industry must remember the amount of innovation and technology that trickles down to the street and truck markets that begin as a “child” to a previ-

NOW, THE SOLUTION! I am going to guess that most of you are a lot like me: you love what you do. You love this industry. You have a passion for just about anything automotive—possibly only excluding a self-driver or something that doesn’t run off of dead dinosaurs.

We have a solution to this attack by the EPA. As in many things these days, it will not come easy; it is a slow process, yet— with all of us together—we will achieve a victory on this issue.

Fortunately, we have “car guys” in Washington, D.C. that quickly worked with industry leaders to produce and launch both a House bill (H.R.4715) and a Senate bill (S.2659) known as the RPM Act – Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016.

74

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 74

The RPM Act was originally introduced

by U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). This bill clears up any misconceptions about the Clean Air Act and will produce a plumb line for the future that will soften all doubts and concerns of the regulation of race cars and the race car industry.

The RPM Act focuses on three key points: 1) Confirms that it has always been Congress’ intent that racecars are not included in the Clean Air Act’s (CAA) definition of motor vehicle; 2) Makes clear that it has always been legal to modify a street vehicle into a racecar used exclusively at the track; 3) Confirms that manufacturing, selling, distributing and installing emissionsrelated race parts and equipment for exclusive track use would not be considered tampering.

At the time of this writing we have more than 115 cosponsors in the House for this bill and more than two dozen in the Senate.

This sounds like a decent number but we need more support!

We need you and your employees to contact your senators and representatives and

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:35 PM

PERFORMANCE We need you to press your senators and representatives to get these bills passed and, if that doesn’t happen, we will need you to push hard in early 2017 to ensure we maintain this momentum and save our race cars and preserve our industry.

get them on board. If your congressmen and U.S. senators are already on board, then congratulate and thank them. If they are not, let them know your passions—let them know the risk to your livelihood and let them know you need someone representing you in this fight.

The next move is to ensure that this cause

doesn’t die in Washington, like many issues can. By the time you are reading this we will either be right on the cusp of electing our next President of the United States or it may have already happened. Since 2016 is an election year, most things were put on hold in D.C. so representatives and senators could campaign in their local districts.

LES RUDD is the president of Bob Cook Sales, which has received numerous SEMA, PWA and industry recognitions. He currently serves on the SEMA Board of Directors and the PWA Board. Les has worked in most every facet of the industry from jobber/dealer to manufacturing to a manufacturer’s rep. He is an enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman and a regular volunteer inside the industry and at his local church.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 75

THE SHOP

75

10/3/16 3:35 PM

PERFORMANCE

Johnny Gilbert in his Stainless Diesel truck ran 159.89 mph at the East Coast Diesel Nationals.

From the street to race events, new power levels continue to impress.

E

very year after the season and before the SEMA Show, I report on the trends I’ve seen with diesel trucks.

DIESEL M otorspor ts holds regional shows from April to October from Nebraska to the east side of Pennsylvania. So, we get a pretty good idea of what everyone is doing with their trucks across the country.

The majority of diesel performance is in the Midwest and Corn Belt states. Why those states?

Farmers use diesel trucks because they pull loads easier than gas-powered pickups, get better mileage pulling and last longer when pulling. So there are a lot of diesel trucks in the rural areas of these states.

When the original buyer takes his truck to 300,000 miles and decides to get another one, the old truck goes to the used truck market.

Or, they just see a new model they have 76

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 76

to get in order to be the best in the county.

Regardless, there are a lot of used diesels that can be bought and customized to fit each driver’s needs—for work or pleasure.

CHANGES TO THE MARKET A few years ago it was nothing to just start bolting on the performance upgrades in order to get more power out of your diesel.

By Ron Knoch

Now trends have changed because the EPA has cracked down on the most popular bolt-on upgrade, which was the electronic programmer.

Programmers are still available for the older trucks, which is a good market, but the newer trucks cannot be easily changed.

What many of the early diesel performance truck owners found was that once

Lavon Miller ran 159.84 mph at the Buckeye Diesel Blast in Ohio.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:39 PM

TS_CELA_1611A - FP.indd 1

10/4/16 12:11 PM

PERFORMANCE Bruce Block won all three regional races in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio, reaching speeds of 145-149 mph in the quarter-mile.

Jordan Kinderman’s turbo upgrades produced many wins for his Fleecesponsored Dodge.

they cranked the electronics up for power, the OEM parts easily busted.

The engine’s head gasket, pistons, rods, pumps, turbo and transmissions often failed under high horsepower and torque.

So, many diesel shops Jake Slingluff’s Dodge “Empty Pockets” took second and are now building the first at Regionals this season and won the 2.6/3.0 Points diesel truck’s engines Championship for 2016. from the ground up with stronger-than-OEM parts in order to handle the higher horsepower The transmission business is big in the and torque. It was the same way for the diesel aftermarket, as well. Even under older gas performance market: build it good conditions, most transmissions last from the ground up for power. between 150,000-200,000 miles. With new power and torque being added, they let go WHAT THEY’RE BUYING much quicker. So diesel shops can easily Street trucks are adding bigger and more rebuild them or find a shop that specializes efficient turbos along with hotter injectors. in the rebuilds as a nice profit center.

Some have gone to twin-turbo setups and Wheels and tires are still in high demand even triple-turbos on high-end race trucks. for the 8-lug market, since many of the Bigger injection pumps with high-output diesel trucks are used for work or towing. lift pumps are added to the new systems.

Believe it or not, many of these guys need As the truck owners add bolt-on perfornew tires every 12 months. Diesels are mance upgrades, they are now making sure made for driving high miles and many the truck’s engine can handle the horsecertainly put them to the test—driving power and torque by changing out the rods, well over 100,000 every year. pistons, gaskets, head bolts, damper and We saw many of the high-end, heads-up ported manifolds! racers starting to understand that if you 78

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 78

want to go fast, lose some weight! So they are looking for lighter parts and cleaning out the trucks’ interiors.

Many are keeping the truck frame intact (because of the racing rules) but backhalfing the bed using tube frame and fiberglass fenders, hoods and other body parts.

Some of these trucks are now running 145-160 mph in the quarter-mile, with times in the low 8 and 9 seconds. That is fast for a diesel truck!

The sled-pulling trucks have gone through a transformation since a tractor organization changed the rules so they could limit how many trucks can pull. Now each state has its own separate set of rules, which limits the number of pulling trucks per state.

This action in the pulling classes made many high-powered trucks keep their 2.6 turbos, and change to a solid rear-end, or they dropped the turbo size to the 2.5 class.

Only a few jumped to the 3.0 smooth bore because of the added expense.

The Work Stock Class continues to grow with street trucks and is the new 2.5 class with many high-powered trucks competing with OEM-looking turbos. DIESEL Motorsports will be changing the rules to include these new street pulling trucks next year.

SEASON IN REVIEW The DIESEL Motorsports events started this year in Nebraska, and we saw more sophisticated and upgraded diesel trucks than the previous year. In Missouri we had a few street trucks that are the new fast trucks, with times in the 10s in the quarter-mile, along with some higher-horsepower trucks racing and pulling.

At the Thunder in Muncie event (where it all started in 2001) we saw many highpowered heads-up diesel race trucks with new speeds in the upper 8s and low 9s in the quarter-mile. Also, there was a lot more power out of the street truck division, with trucks easily running in the 12s.

Pulling was mixed in the 2.6/3.0 class, with some old and some new trucks fighting for the win, but they all stepped up to compete on a nice track. Again we saw a huge change in the Work Stock Class, with many of the 2.5 trucks dropping down to have some fun pulling.

The East Coast Diesel Nationals is the largest diesel-only event on the East Coast and it was well attended by diesel enthusiasts from New Jersey to Ohio to the upper New England states. And yes, in racing and pulling, the East Coast states have upped

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:43 PM

Overall, diesel performance is still out there, and it has a new life starting from the ground-up builds to new turbos and injectors. Your shop can capitalize by learning about these upgrades and connecting with your local enthusiasts.

If you want to know more about Rich Strube makes a 1-ton Dually look mean what’s happening and what’s and fast with his custom upgrades and still drives it to the events. expected in the diesel performance market, come to the PRI Show in Ohio is the best example of what diesel Indy in December. DIESEL Motorsports performance is all about, and many diesel will have a booth there, along with many of shops showed what they can do to up the our sponsors displaying some of the newest bar at every event. diesel performance parts.

Finally, in October, DIESEL Motorsports We’re ready to build on what has been a went back to Missouri for a season-ending great year in 2016! drag race, and several trucks from the surrounding states now want to come and knock out the new, fast diesel racers. One RON KNOCH is president of change here in the Midwest is we are used DIESEL Motorsports (National to seeing a Dodge Cummins truck take the Association of Diesel Motorsports), a sanctioning body top power spot, with an occasional Duramax formed in 2007 for diesels that truck; however, the newer Ford Power promotes all diesel motorsports Strokes are now demanding attention and associations, clubs and events, respect with newfound power and speed. and hosts diesel drag racing, sled pulling and Yes, you read it right—Fords are now going dyno competitions. Learn more at www.diefast in the quarter-mile, with times in the 9s! selmotorsports.us.

PERFORMANCE

their game by rolling out some very powerful new trucks.

When DIESEL M otorsports started this event eight years ago, we had to bring in trucks to show the power of diesels, but not now— the East Coast trucks can compete and beat the Midwest trucks. This shows the growth of diesel performance as it moves to the coastlines, and the diesel shops are learning to build their customers’ trucks for power.

In August we took events to a couple of new areas in the East and South in Tennessee with the same results: new trucks with impressive power turned out. In both areas we saw some new trucks and people interested in building the sport in their areas.

Diesel trucks are growing in the rural markets very quickly and bleeding over into the suburbs of the bigger cities.

September found DIESEL Motorsports back to Ohio, where some of the most powerful trucks in the country are produced.

Racing trucks with speeds of 145-159 mph is a normal run in the quarter-mile. Work Stock trucks easily reached 1,000 hp and pulled like a 2.5 truck two years ago.

SAVES BATTERIES OTHER CHARGERS CAN’T! HIGH PERFORMANCE AGM select

HIGH PERFORMANCE LITHIUM 12.8V 9.5A 16V 7.5A

12V 10A

9 STEP program includes Low volt save Desulfation

9 STEP program includes Low volt save Cell recovery Cell test

Selection: 14.4V OR 14.7V SAVES from as low as 0.5 Volts. t° regulated charging 13.6V 8A battery support when troubleshooting

Since 1994!

tecmate.com

Selection: 12.8V (13.2V) OR 16V SAVES from as low as 0.5 Volts.

Charge acceptance monitoring Pulsed cell balancing

booth 37012 NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 79

THE SHOP

79

10/3/16 3:45 PM

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS Seatbelt Repair

Seatbeltplanet.com, Midwest City, Oklahoma, introduces its Seatbelt Repair/Re-Webbing Service.

The service is designed for customers with worn or damaged seatbelts, as well as vehicle remodels where the interior may be changing color but the owner wants to use the original hardware. The company can repair webbing, push-button buckles, end-release buckles and even unfired pre-tensioning retractors. A Jobber Discount Program is available.

A-Body Coilover Conversion Kits

Aldan American, Carson, California, presents its growing line of Bolt-In Suspension Applications for 1964-’72 GM A-body vehicles. New, rear coilover conversion kits replace the rear factory shocks and springs with rideheight-adjustable coilovers. The Aldan coilover kits lower the vehicle, improve ride quality and handling, and maintain the integrity of classic vehicles. Several options are available for street performance and racing use. The 100-percent bolt-on kits are made in the USA and designed for easy installation using basic hand tools.

Exhaust Insulating Wraps

Thermo-Tec, Greenwich, Ohio, offers its Exhaust Insulating Wraps, an ideal and efficient method of controlling exhaust heat. Made in America since 1987, the exhaust wraps can withstand 2,000 degrees, and the company’s traditional e-glass wraps are available in Original, Graphite Black and Gen II Copper. New offerings—Carbon Fiber and Platinum wraps—are both produced using lava rock and offer a hightech, modern appearance. The wraps are offered in 15- and 50-foot lengths, in both 1- and 2-inch widths.

1966-’71 Chevy Clutches

Centerforce, Prescott, Arizona, offers a new Clutch System for classic Chevy/GMC muscle cars. The fresh Centerforce II kit fits 1966-’69 Corvette 427-ci; 1970 El Camino, Monte Carlo, Chevelle, Malibu and Malibu SS 400-ci; and 1971 GMC Caballero and Sprint 400-ci models.

Street-friendly, the Centerforce II system comes complete and uses patented technologies to increase holding power while providing light pedal feel. The signature Centerforce centrifugal weight system increases holding capacity as rpms rise.

Camaro Radiator

C&R Racing, Indianapolis, introduces its 2016 Camaro V-8 LT Street Performance Radiator. The aluminum radiator offers the latest in cooling system technology, with a single continuous tube for more tube-to-fin contact, aiding in better heat transfer.

The USA-made radiator features a reinforced Race-Fin design and sub-headers for increased durability, and includes a fiveplate all-aluminum transmission oil cooler for automatic or manual transmissions. It is designed to use the Camaro’s factory electric cooling fan and is capable of handling up to 700 hp.

Camaro Notched Corner Fuel Tanks

Aeromotive Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, presents new Camaro Stealth Fuel Tanks that bring the fuel system technology found in late-model EFI cars to classic Camaros. By placing the fuel pump inside the tank, hot fuel handling issues such as vapor-lock and cavitation are eliminated. The tanks feature the fuel pump built into the tank itself, as well as an internal baffling system to ensure the pump is submerged in fuel, even at low fuel levels and in extreme driving conditions. The notched corners on the tank provide extra space for wheel tubs and bigger exhaust.

80

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 80

Steel Positive Locking Tie Kit

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), Avon Lake, Ohio, presents its Stainless Steel Positive Locking Ties, designed to tighten wrap for automotive applications—especially for high-heat applications such as exhaust wrap.

DEI’s Positive Locking Ties are made of 316 stainless steel in a ladderstyle design with a ratchet tightening system and low-profile clasp. They can withstand heat in excess of 2,500 degrees and are resistant to abrasive chemicals. The ties can also be used to secure electrical wires, cables, hoses and fluid lines, and a free Locking Tie Tool is available.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:50 PM

TSNOV.indd 81

10/4/16 4:10 PM

AWAKE AT THE WHEEL

Head to the heart of the Texas Hill Country with Good Ol’ Days Garage.

HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION

By Eddie Wieber Photos by Jim Campbell

T

ommy Eure’s interest in automobiles started way back with his grandfather, who was a machinist/mechanic and worked in the shipyards in Newport News, Virginia. His father got into hot-rodding as a hobby and Tommy followed along in the family tradition.

“I started turning wrenches as a paid job at age 16,” he says—and then begins a discourse on how building cars for a living can and should be passed on to the next generation. “Those guys my dad hung around with started showing me some of the ropes.”

He recalls that they were like family.

When he couldn’t figure out how to get the master cylinder off of his 1953 Chevy, “six hot rodders—my father’s friends—showed up in my parent’s driveway on a Sunday morning and helped me get it off.”

That was back in the early 1970s.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Tommy Eure says. “It’s good to get younger guys in the business. I was way young and I’ve been doing this for a living now for over 30 years.”

Eure later migrated to Texas and started the Good Ol’ Days Garage just outside of San Antonio, then later relocated a couple hours away to the Texas Hill Country town of Kerrville, where the shop has been for the past 10 years.

PUTTING THINGS TOGETHER Eure describes himself as “a ’49 through ’54 Chevy automobile freak who wasn’t born in the fifties but is lost in the fifties.”

He still owns and drives the ’53 Chevy he’s had since age 15.

But for customers, the shop will take on all kinds of projects—unless he feels it’s a waste of somebody’s time and money.

“We do our own sheet metal work; our own painting; our own wiring; our own mechanical,” says Eure. “The only thing we don’t handle in this shop is upholstery.”

And that’s done by none other than Danny’s Classic Upholstery, a mom-andpop upholsterer in San Antonio that Eure has been doing business with for more than 20 years.

Good Ol’ Days Garage is also an Eckler’s dealer, a Heidts Suspension dealer, an Old Air dealer, a New Port Engineering dealer and a dealer for several motorcycle parts companies.

82

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 82

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:54 PM

AWAKE AT THE WHEEL

Tommy Eure still owns and drives the ’53 Chevy he’s had since age 15.

HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION

Ed Eure, Tommy Eure’s father, owns and drives this 1956 Chevrolet 210 twodoor sedan that he, Tommy and Brandon restored. The original 235 six-cylinder is still under the hood, pushing the car along at “70-75 mph all day long.”

Brandon Eure is the fourth generation of the family to work in the custom car business.

The Texas Edition of a two-door Ford sedan—powered by a Corvette engine.

THE CLIENTELE Customers come to Good Ol’ Days Garage from all over the place.

“We just finished a car this past Friday that went to Germany,” says Eure. “We’ve got a Mercury in Japan; and of course a few vehicles around the state of Texas and a few others across the USA.” Mostly customers find the shop by word of mouth, but he also runs an ad in Hill Country Car Culture, a local publication that caters to the enthusiasts in the Hill Country.

He says most new customers show up just wondering if the old jalopy that’s been collecting dust in the garage or sitting forever in some field will even run again. When 84

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 84

they do indeed start running again, a new vision of the car begins in the customer’s eyes.

Then, as the car sits in the shop, the list of what else can be done starts growing.

“We think something’s going to be here a couple of weeks and it ends up staying six months,” Eure says. “They start seeing things progress and envision what it looked like when it was new. Then the car basically gets rebuilt. It happens a lot.”

NOT REALITY TELEVISION Eure finds it challenging to explain to some people why Good Ol’ Days Garage doesn’t even try to get a car built in a week like they do on some TV shows.

Those shows seem to suggest people are getting seriously rich—claiming they are getting up to $100,000 for an automobile that cost them only $1,500—and getting it done from start to finish in a couple of weeks (or less).

“The problem is, since we’re creatures of habit, we begin to believe that,” Eure says.

“People are jumping on the bandwagon, expecting to get rich within the first six months and that’s not going to happen.

Over the last 30 years I’ve seen my business spike and I’ve seen it hit below the Grand Canyon and keep on sinking. But it’s like, ‘hey, I’m gonna grin and bear it.’

That’s where your persistence and patience comes in. Don’t expect to get rich quick.

It’s not a get-rich-quick deal.”

Even more challenging is keeping up with technology.

“You might get something in here that you installed 10 years ago, but it’s got a

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 3:58 PM

new piece to it now that’ll just blow you out of the window.”

Or explaining why some parts are hard to come by, so it might take a while to get an important part that needs to go on before the job can move ahead.

Eure says it’s important to just be upfront about those things with customers.

Grandpa’s

Good Ol’ Days Garage is “a big happy family,” says Tommy Eure.

a 3-speed transmission; Fenton headers; Smitty mufflers; and electronic ignition.

“It’ll run 70-75 mph all day long,” he says. “That one sticks in my mind because of who it was for.”

Another is a Mercury that turned out “very, very nice” for a customer in Japan.

Other recent projects of note include a ’69 Ford pickup that had the twin I-beam suspension upgraded to a Heidts Mustang II suspension and was given the “whole nine yards” of treatment including crossmember, disc brakes and lowering. It now “handles like a dream.”

Dad’s

HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION

A DRIVE DOWN MEMORY LANE Eure’s most memorable project is a 1956 Chevrolet 210 two-door sedan he and his son Brandon helped build with his father, who finished and drove it when he was 75 years old. The three restored it doing all the mechanical and paint work together; his dad still owns it and all three drive in it to car shows frequently.

The 210 is built old-school style and is powered by the original 235 six-cylinder.

(His dad says, “the car was born with it; the car is staying with it.”) A few other customizing tricks include it being lowered 4 inches all the way around; air conditioning;

Son’s

To become a dealer, go to the website listed below and download the dealer application.

Custom Autosound has been supplying car enthusiasts with custom audio systems since 1977.

Over 400 applications by year and model are available and ready to install. No modification to the dash is required.

Licensed by Ford and GM.

800-888-8637

www.casmfg.com NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 85

THE SHOP

85

10/4/16 10:29 AM

AWAKE AT THE WHEEL

A ’54 Chevy belongs to Kerrville’s police chief.

HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION

The shop began working on and building custom motorcycles 10 years ago.

And on its way to Georgia during the last week of July was a just-completed “dropdead gorgeous ’66 Mustang—a little white car with an oxblood interior that just made the car pop.”

A smattering of other projects were also

86

THE SHOP

TSNOV.indd 86

going on in the shop this summer: putting a 1970 Corvette big-block together; turning a ’69 Camaro into something like a COPO car with fender flares and wider tires; putting two model A’s together—one is a roadster that’s going back to Henry

Ford stock and the other is a ’31 two-door sedan that’s being built into a street rod; a 1940 two-door sedan that’s getting some upgrades; two Willys station wagon Jeeps; and the finishing touches on a ’57 Bel Air and a ’72 Olds 442.

That’s all inside the building. Sitting waiting to come in as soon as a little room opens up are two K5 Blazers, a ’73 Nova and a ’70 Nova.

“I’ve been doing this all my life and hanging around my father, I’ve seen just about everything,” he says. “I’ve lowered ’em; I’ve raised ’em. Back in the ’70s it was big to raise the back ends; we used to do a lot of that. But I’m still old-school; I like hearing the pop of the sixes and I love the custom automobiles.”

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:02 PM

“I think the industry will hang tight and keep on doing what it’s doing. As far as I’m concerned, number one, it’s United States history, our heritage. It’s a generational thing and we just need to keep it going. That’s why if we’re in a restaurant and some kid and his parents are walking around the automobile, I open the door

and let the kid get in behind the steering wheel. When I see someone looking at an old automobile—no matter how old or young—they seem to smile.”

And that’s why Tommy Eure builds drivers, not show cars: “I love getting in them and driving them.”

OVER FIVE DECADES OF CARING

HOT ROD & CUSTOMIZATION

GOOD DAYS AHEAD “I’m all for the young guys coming in here,” Eure says, disappointed a little that he doesn’t see more of them, but acknowledging that the hobby has gotten more expensive.

“When you go to the rod runs and custom shows, most of the guys you see are in their late fifties, sixties, seventies; some are in their eighties, like my dad.

But the whole thing about it is we just need people in my age group to get more involved with the guys in their teens and their twenties. From the ‘making a living’ standpoint, it’s hard and it’s costly to get started; and it’s costly to stay, but it’s persistence and honesty that pays off.

“I’ve been turning wrenches for over 40 years. I’ve made my share of boo-boos.

Trust me; that’s part of it. And the technology part of it is changing every day, too. But I love doing what I’m doing; love seeing what comes in here and love seeing what it looks like when it gets finished.”

Eure believes persistence and patience are what eventually pay off.

“I’d rather see them out on the road,” says Tommy Eure, (or at least out and about, if not on the road).

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation New Name, Same Mission.

The AACF is about taking care of its own.

After all, if we don't take care of our own, who will?

In life, sometimes the unexpected can turn your world upside down. It may be a sudden death in the family, a catastrophic illness, or a life changing accident. For those individuals and families of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry that have fallen on hard times, the AACF provides resources, guidance, financial support and perhaps most important of all, hope when it’s needed most.

For more information visit us online at AACFI.org NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV.indd 87

THE SHOP

87

10/3/16 4:06 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

WHERE MOTION MEETS IMAGINATION.

I

f working on cars and trucks ever gets dull, monotonous or boring, simply take a moment to admire the beauty of vehicle design.

Four wheels and places for the engine, driver/ passengers and cargo. It sounds simple, yet there are so many incarnations it’s almost impossible to count.

Whether your tastes trend toward low and sleek or big and burly; outlandish or understated; modern or classic; we can all agree there’s beauty there to be admired.

Designers and builders take things a step

further each autumn when they unveil the latest project vehicles headed to the SEMA Show and other events. Expanding on the originals, these creations are where motion meets imagination.

So, if you’re in need of some inspiration—or just a break from the everyday—enjoy this collection of the latest project cars, trucks and related vehicles ready to hit the show floor, trail or local cruise-in. One thing’s for sure— there’s nothing dull, monotonous or boring about them.

2007 NISSAN GT-R HKS USA is proud to showcase the HKS R35 GT-R Time Attack car, piloted by Nobuteru Taniguchi.

The 2007 Nissan GT-R is a purposebuilt Time Attack car from HKS Japan and was featured at Motovicity Distribution’s SpeedRing event this past summer, competing to be the world’s fastest GT-R. The car produces 1,253 hp and 969 footpounds of torque from a variety of parts under the hood, as well as a suspension that keeps the car glued to the ground. The car will be displayed in the HKS USA booth #71000 at the SEMA Show.

Participants include: HKS (4.3-liter High Capacity Upgrade Kit, head gaskets, valves, valve springs, cams, oil cooler, exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, blow-off valves, downpipe, exhaust, intake manifold, injectors, fuel management, clutch 88

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 88

kit, transmission gear kit, coilovers); WPC (engine bearings); Nismo (differential); Koyo Radiator Co. (radiator); Bosch (fuel pumps); Dodson Motorsports (control arms); Endless Brake Technology

(calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake lines); Yokohama (tires); Advan (wheels); BenSopra (aero kit); Bride (racing seat); Takata Racing (racing harness); and Nardi (steering wheel).

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:00 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1972 DE TOMASO PANTERA

A 1972 De Tomaso Pantera built by Gas Monkey Garage will be on display in the SCT/Bully Dog inside booth #21339 at the SEMA Show.

While the original styling of the car was great from De Tomaso/Ghia, Gas Monkey wanted to give it a modern approach with a twist. The original 351 Cleveland small-block Ford engine was

swapped for a Ford 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost platform from a 2013 F-150 pickup. With the help of QuickTime/ Hays Clutch, a one-off bellhousing and clutch assembly was made to adapt the EcoBoost to the ZF gearbox that came in the car.

A handful of custom one-off parts were fabricated including custom headers to

relocate the turbos behind the motor to clear the shock towers, and a custom sheet metal intake manifold that faces backward for clearance and ease of charge pipe routing. The exhaust, intercooler and charge pipes were also hand-fabbed.

Styling cues that were updated include shaving the factory muffler windows in the rear and running the exhaust through a custom center grille, and fabricated rocker extensions and a front splitter, as well as restyling the front grille opening.

On the rear deck lid, a fabricated scoop was made to take airflow from the roof and force it to the intercooler in the back of the car.

Participants include: SCT Performance (custom tuning); Aeromotive (dual Phantom 340 fuel pumps); RTR (custom high-pressure pump); RideTech (coilovers and stops); Wilwood (14-inch drilled and slotted rotors with 6-piston calipers on all four corners); Rotiform Wheels; Nitto Tire; and Ron Davis Radiators.

1946 DODGE & 1938 DIAMOND T HAULER

Warehouse distributor Premier Performance’s 1946 Dodge SixPak rat rod will be returning to booth #21451 at the SEMA Show, this time on the back of a custom-built 1938 Diamond T hauler.

Also under Cummins power, the Diamond T was built by Weaver Customs in Salt Lake City.

“The duo of SixPak and the Diamond T are a testament to Premier’s enthusiast employee base, loyal dealer network and talented technical staff,” the company writes. “While SixPak has an Industrial

Injection-built 12-valve, the Diamond T utilizes a 24-valve and both roll on American Force wheels, are equipped with air ride suspension systems and have the ability to manually adjust their fueling with the Attitude Performance Attitude Adjuster.”

SixPak participants include: ARP, CP-Carrillo, ATS Diesel, B&M, Diamond Eye Performance, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Vision X, Truck-Lite, Hellwig Products, Firestone, Heatshield Products, Air Lift Co., Mickey

Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, SSBC, Hawk Performance, Flex-a-Lite, Nitrous Express, Vibrant Performance, Yukon Gear & Axle, AutoMeter, FASS Fuel Systems, Synergy Manufacturing, Artec Industries, Painless Performance, Edge Products, MAHLE Original and McGaughys.

Diamond T participants include: BorgWarner, Air Lift Co., WARN, FASS Fuel Systems, American Autowire, ARP, Ogden Chrome, KICKER, J.W. Speaker, RideTech and ididit.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 89

THE SHOP

89

10/4/16 3:01 PM

1960 FORD P300

It’s a special delivery for a project from Centerforce, a 1960 Ford P300 bread van that has been swapped onto a 2001 Dodge 3500 chassis equipped with a RideTech suspension. The CF Express features a 2005 5-liter twin-turbo Cum-

90

mins built by BD Diesel and a G56 6-speed transmission paired to a Centerforce diesel twin-disc clutch and billet flywheel assembly.

The truck was built by Hot Rod’s Restos in British Columbia, Canada. It will serve as the Centerforce show rig and mobile meeting center.

Participants include: Royal Purple (lubricants); MagnaFlow (stainless exhaust tubing hangers, mufflers); Mishimoto (aluminum radiator); J.W. Speaker (lighting); American Eagle Wheel Corp. (Eagle Alloy wheels); Falken Tire (tires); Baer (brake rotors); Painless Performance (electrical harness, wire loom); Dakota Digital (dash

cluster components, side fender markers & lights); Mac’s Custom Tie Downs; Legacy Products (sunroof ); Design Engineering Inc. (Boom Mat); Kenwood (head unit); ARC Audio (amplifiers, speakers); Wet Sounds (speakers, wiring, controller, RGB LED lighting); Wilwood (brake & clutch pedals); Sherwin-Williams (paint); Prismatic Powders (powder-coating); Lokar Performance (E-brake components, drive by wire fuel pedal, shifter boot trim bezel); AEM (diesel water/meth injection system); Flaming River (steering wheel, column, steering joints); Vintage Air (front & rear AC); OPTIMA Batteries; Energy Suspension (bushings, universal body mounts); Rogue4 LED Lighting (cargo area & rear lighting); and Rick Wojdak of Axe Graphics (hand-laid pinstripe work, vinyl decals).

Z71 CHEVY COLORADO CREW CAB

2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED

Performance tuning specialist Hypertech plans to give away a fully customized 2016 Z71 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab pickup.

It can be seen in Hypertech’s booth #20613 at the SEMA Show, as well as at the L.A. Auto Show, the new Off Road Expo in Scottsdale, Arizona in March, and both Keystone Big Shows.

The Colorado features the company’s Max Energy 2.0 power programmer; 5.5-inch BDS lift kit; Hellwig rear sway bar; MagnaFlow exhaust; AIRAID cold air intake; Yakima bike rack; Bullet Liner spray-in bedliner; Pro Comp wheels and tires; Roadwire custom leather seat covers; AMP Research power steps; Bushwacker fender flares; Axalta paint; BOLT locks; KICKER amps, speakers and subs; Hushmat sound deadening material; Scosche installation kit and wiring; and T-Rex grille inserts.

Hypertech plans to give the truck away on July 4, 2017.

Bestop presents its under-construction 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited project vehicle, designed to be a trail rig that shows off the company’s off-road products. See it in the South Hall at the SEMA Show.

Participants include: Nitto Tire (Ridge Grappler tires); Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels (Deegan 38 Pro 2 wheels); Dynatrac (front & rear axles); JKS (3.5inch lift, ECM programmer, flex-connect sway bar links, Sector Shaft Reinforcement Kit); ARB USA (HD compressor, tire pump-up kit); JcrOffroad (rocker guards, Mauler fenders, skids, transmission crossmember, inner fender liners); sPOD (8-switch system); Baja Designs (off-road lights, light bar); Superwinch (Talon 12.5 winch); and Tuffy Security Products (security deck enclosure).

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 90

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:02 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

2016 DODGE RAM

2016 TOYOTA TACOMA

Airdesign USA presents its 2016 Dodge Ram. The project truck showcases the company’s full styling kit, including: front bumper guard, fender flares, hood scoop, door moldings, floor liners, rear spoiler and rear appliqué.

Participants include: Cord (P4 running boards); ReadyLIFT (4-inch lift); CGS Motorsports (dual cat-back exhaust with black ceramic-coated tips); and Fuel Off-Road Wheels (20inch Coupler rims, 33-inch Gripper M/T tires).

Truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer SNUGTOP will unveil its new GB Sport shell on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. See it at the SEMA Show in the company’s booth #33075 in the South Hall.

The distinctive GB Sport cap features a scalloped side window treatment and a molded-in LED brake light-equipped spoiler.

Other features of the Inferno-colored Tacoma include a pedal box, a black wrap on the bottom of the truck, a leveling kit and a special grille.

Participants include: Black Rhino (wheels); Toyo Tires; WeatherTech (floor mats); Lund International (Terrain steps); and Katzkin (leather seats)

2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO

FUEL ALTERED (AA/FA)

Suspension kit maker ProRYDE has completed its 2016 Chevrolet Colorado show truck, featuring the company’s patented adjustable lift kit. The truck is now making the rounds to the largest trade shows and events in North America.

Participants include: ACCESS Covers (ACCESS Original Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover); BFGoodrich (T/Z KO2 275/70/R17 all-terrain tires); and Transport Graphics, Rogers, Minnesota (vinyl graphics).

The Quarter Mile Foundation will be teaming up with Rat Trap Racing of Franklin, Tennessee, to show the Rat Trap, a classic Fuel Altered (AA/FA) car owned by Ron Hope. See it in the Foundation’s concourse booth #11000 at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The car is an exact reproduction (built in 1995-’96) of the final Dennis Watson chassis built in 1968, which began to race in 1969. It uses an Austin Bantam roadster body shell mated to the Watson chassis.

The late Don Green was the originator of the Rat Trap, and built the original supercharged, nitromethane-fueled Chrysler 392 engine. He also built, and provided the tune for, the current engine. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Rat Trap.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 91

THE SHOP

91

10/4/16 3:02 PM

2015 FORD MUSTANG

1941 DODGE POWER WAGON

HP Tuners will feature the 2015 HP Tuners Mustang in its booth #24029 at the SEMA Show.

Built to showcase HP Tuners products, the Mustang is an all-around performance car that has competed in the finals of the Search for the Ultimate Street Car event. With the stock clutch and transmission, it ran 161 mph in the half-mile with WannaGOFAST, on a road race setup.

Participants include: ProCharger (D1SC supercharger making 821 hp on E85 with an Injected Engineering tune); Livernois (pistons, rods); Infinity Injectors; American Powertrain (Magnum transmission); Mantic (triple-disc clutch); Wilwood Engineering (brakes); Dusold Designs (suspension & aero package); Nitrous Express (fogger); Forgestar (18x11 wheels); BFGoodrich (Rival S tires); and American Racing (exhaust).

Coming Soon: ProCharger F1A to produce over 1,000 hp on boost alone, and a Tiger Racing Clear Carbon Fiber Hood from Chicane23.

It took the employees of Daystar Products just 50 days to complete Bootlegger, a 1941 Dodge Power Wagon fueled by a 720-hp supercharged engine and built for the Xtreme Off-Road Whiskey & Wheelin Adventure.

The theme was to create a truck keeping its old-school looks, but with new-school benefits, according to the company, including a full copper bed and copper accents, and leather interior.

Participants include: Summit Racing (Edelbrock LS3 supercharged engine), Skyjacker Suspensions, Magna, ARB USA (lockers), Aeromotive, Interco Tire Corp. (Super Swamper tires), Warn Industries, Truck-Lite, Painless Performance Products, Barnes 4WD, RCV Off-Road Performance Products, Dakota Digital, Hutchinson Industries (beadlock wheels), XTC Power Products, Dynamat, Performance Steering Components (PSC), Offroad Design (Magnum Doubler), K&N Filters, Hughes Performance (4L80E), FST Motorsports, Rugged Radios, sPOD, OPTIMA Batteries, JE Reel Driveline (driveshafts), G2 Axle & Gear, Vintage Power Wagons, TMR Customs and Voodoo Off-Road.

SHELBY GT40 MKII Champion Oil will display a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Shelby GT40 MKII in booth #24423 at the SEMA Show.

Shelby American, headquartered in Las Vegas, is offering only 20 Shelby GT40 MKIIs to celebrate the original car’s 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The 50th Anniversary Shelby GT40 is a continuation of the original Ford big-block MKII model.

“Carroll Shelby’s involvement in Ford’s Le Mans program is one of the best-known chapters in our racing history,” said Joe Conway, co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American. “Carroll Shelby shared Henry Ford II’s desire to defeat Ferrari on the international stage to earn American automakers worldwide respect.”

The new GT40s are built on an original-style steel monocoque chassis and fully independent suspension. The continuation car is 163 inches long and 40 inches high—the exact dimensions of the original.

92

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 92

They use the same twin 10-gallon gas tank setup and originalstyle 15-inch Halibrand pin drive wheels. Shelby says more than two-thirds of the parts can be interchanged with the original GT40 MKII racecar.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:03 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1948 FORD F-5 COE HAULER Diesel exhaust products company Diamond Eye Performance presents a 1948 Ford F-5 Cab Over Engine (COE) Hauler project vehicle. Plans call for converting the gas engine to a mid-engine P-pump 12v Cummins diesel with an Allison 6-speed transmission and custom hauler bed.

Designed to pull or haul anything, upgrades include air bags and four-link suspension for a bold, lowered look. New wheels, tires, interior and Diamond Eye exhaust will finish off the clean feel while staying true to the vintage COE characteristics.

Participants include: Greg’s Custom Creations (paint); Per formance Authority; Dynomite Diesel Performance (P-pump, injectors); American Force Wheels (22-inch wheels); Toyo Tires; Cordray’s Performance Transmission; ATS Diesel (Stage 6 trans kit/ deep pan); Firestone Ride-Rite (air bags); FASS Fuel Systems; ARP (head studs); XS Power (batteries); Choppin’ Block (front suspension); Roadwire (leather);

Kleinn Automotive Air Horns; Vision X (LED lighting); BD Diesel Performance (Super B twin-turbo kit, stainless exhaust manifold); Warn Industries (Zeon 10-S winch); Industrial Injection (intake plate, tappet cover, freeze plugs); MAHLE (pistons); Flaming River (steering column &

wheel); Cummins Allison Conversions; Ron Francis Wiring; Perma-Cool (remote trans cooler); Dakota Digital (gauges); HPS Performance Products (hoses & tubing); and 369 Custom Fabrication.

See it in the Diamond Eye booth #20137 in the Central Hall at the SEMA Show.

CADILLAC CTS-V

Automotive battery company XS Power introduces its Cadillac CTS-V project vehicle. See it at the SEMA Show in booth #12061, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show booth #3621.

Participants include: D3 Cadillac, Nitrous Express, Toyo Tires, Vengeance Racing, COMP Cams, Trax Customs, R1 Concepts, ORACLE Lighting, Stainless Works, Rennen International, Extreme Racing (New York), Black Moon Products, Tire Stickers, B Rod or Custom, Trick Flow Specialties, Holley Performance Products, Mont Motorsports, DEI, The Driveshaft Shop, VIAIR Corp., J&A Auto Accessories and Quick Time Performance.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 93

THE SHOP

93

10/4/16 3:04 PM

2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON

1965 CHEVY C10

FearOne LLC offers its 2017 Hyundai Tucson SEMA build for H.M.A.—the third straight year the builder was awarded such a project. See it in the Covercraft booth #23531 in the Central Hall at the SEMA Show.

“H.M.A. challenged SEMA builders to create a design concept that captures a widely diverse audience aside from their target market,” FearOne reports. “We believe our urban off-road concept accomplishes that. Originally designed by Hyundai to be reliable and economical as an everyday driver; we’ve enhanced the Tucson’s capabilities to complement its hidden undertones to be rugged, powerful and productive.”

The build is being documented by LINE-X, which sprayed the entire outside of the vehicle as well as interior accents.

Participants include: ARIES Automotive, Covercraft, Husky Liners, Hyundai, LINE-X, MHA Creations, ODYSSEY Battery, Premier Tint, Prescott Auto Center, Prescott Tire Pros, SwitchPros, Thule, TIS Wheels, Toyo Tires, WASPcam and Wet Sounds.

The vehicle will appear at a variety of local and national shows.

Diesel modifications company Performance Authority presents its 1965 Chevrolet C10 Duramax Pro Street Truck project. The plan is to convert the classic ’65 Chevy into a “lean, mean Pro Street drag truck featuring a wicked twinturbo, dual-fueled 6.6-liter Duramax.”

The project will feature a variety of engine, fuel/oil system, rear end/suspension, safety, interior and exterior modifications.

Participants include: Ron Francis Wiring, Pyrotect, Diamond Eye Performance, Octane Industries, Vision X, Industrial Injection, FASS Fuel Systems, ARP, XS Power, 369 Custom Fabrication, ProFab Performance, Nitrous Express, Wilwood, Dynomite Diesel Performance, HPS Performance Products, Perma-Cool, B&M, Chris Alston’s Chassisworks, Strange Engineering and Corbeau Seats.

See it in the Diamond Eye booth #20137 in the Central Hall at the SEMA Show.

HONDA GROM 125 Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs submits a cool pit bike named Squeeze Box, featuring the latest technology from the Honda Grom 125 reconfigured to match the classic architecture of the Honda Trail 70.

94

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 94

Being a formally trained Industrial Designer, Pfaff started the build with a series of drawings that explored the layout of the new frame, packaging of the engine, swing arm, moving the gas tank to under the seat blister, and rearrangement of other vital components. From there he focused on the style and color development of the graphics.

And as far as that shock? “I love rockeractuated shocks and since the Trail 70 had all that extra space on the backbone, I decided to use it. It gives the bike a signature element, and gave me a name for the project.”

Participants include: TredWear Tire Graphics; K&N Filters; PPG Automotive Refinish; J.W. Speaker (lighting); EBC Brakes; That’s Minor Customs; SPC Interiors; Supreme Powder Coatings and MotorCity Power Sports.

See it at the SEMA Show in the TredWear booth #61019 in the Silver Lot.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:11 PM

presented by 2016 JEEP JK UNLIMITED

Aries Automotive and Starwood Customs are collaborating on a 2016 Jeep JK Unlimited build for the family of fallen soldier Army SPC Stephen P. Downing II, who volunteer and participate with Folds of Honor and Gold Star Teen Adventures. See it in the Aries booth #34031 at the SEMA Show.

Starwood is providing custom Kevlar coating and all installation of a variety of products, including Aries Jeep rocker steps, front replacement bumper, rear replacement bumper, aluminum fender flares, aluminum tubular doors, six-piece cargo enclosure, windshield light bracket, hood light bracket, LED lighting, swing-away tire carrier and StyleGuard floor liners.

Participants include: KEG Digital Garage; Skyjacker Suspensions (6-inch coilover suspension system); Interco Tire; Grid Off-Road Wheels; Warn Industries (Zeon winch); sPOD; J.W. Speaker; RKSport; MagnaFlow; S&B Filters; UnderCover (NightHawk light brow); KICKER and Alea Leather.

SEMA BOOTH #24621

2016 FORD F-150 LARIAT FX

Aries Automotive and Starwood Customs present a 2016 Ford F-150 Lariat FX crew cab with 5-1/2-foot bed project pickup. See it in the Aries booth #34031 at the SEMA Show.

The F-150 will feature AdvantEDGE lighted bull bar, running boards and headache rack with accessories, Rocker Step, and Aries StyleGuard floor liners, Seat Defenders and LED lighting products.

Participants include: CURT Mfg. (hitch, fifth wheel); MagnaFlow (dual cat-back exhaust); Skyjacker Suspensions (lift, shocks); Atomic Offroad (custom grille); FURY OffRoad Tires; Wheels Pros (KMC 20-inch wheels); BedRug (bed protection); and Bak Industries (Revolver X2 hard rolling cover).

1934 SEDAN DELIVERY FORD To commemorate the panel tool trucks that paved the way for the company’s success, OTC has partnered with the experts at Fuller Hot Rods to design and restore a 1934 Sedan Delivery Ford into a vintage OTC Tool Truck to be unveiled at the SEMA Show.

Reuben Kaplan founded OTC in 1926 and as the company gears up to celebrate its 90th anniversary, OTC will pay homage to one of its most endearing sales tactics from the late 1920s and early ’30s—the OTC Tool Truck. In the early years as OTC was just getting started, salesmen would travel door-to-door nationwide in panel trucks bearing the OTC name, equipped with catalogs to sell tools directly to service stations and garages.

Fuller Hot Rods and OTC envision a tool truck that embodies the traditional grandeur of the past, paired with the innovation of the OTC brand today.

Shown here in its beginning stages, the OTC Tool Truck will be completely reconstructed including a rebuilt chassis and engine, implementation of new electrical systems and extensive body work— completed exclusively with OTC tools and products.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 95

THE SHOP

95

10/4/16 3:13 PM

2016 CHEVY SILVERADO

A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Street Series project truck will be on display in booth #12751 at the SEMA Show for Airdesign USA and industry veteran Billy Longfellow.

Submitted by Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style, it will feature a variety of Airdesign styling products including side skirts, hood scoop, front air dam and 24-inch rims.

1967 CADILLAC

Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style sends along information on Sinister, a 1967 Cadillac project owned by Rick Abate of Classic Car Marketing and built by Cambra Speed Shop.

Participants include: Meguiar’s, American Racing, PPG, Original Parts Group Inc. and Z Autosound.

See it in the Featured Vehicles section of the SEMA Show.

2016 FORD FOCUS ST

A 2016 Ford Focus ST from 281 Motorsports will feature aftermarket upgrades including a unique front LED light setup.

Participants include: Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style, Ford and Option Lab wheels. See it in the Featured Vehicles section of the SEMA Show.

2004 JEEP WRANGLER

Kevin and Michelle Davis of Detailers Helper own the distinctive Sugar High Rebelle Rally 2004 Jeep Wrangler.

Participants include Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style. See it in the Whistler Group booth #11777 in the North Hall at the SEMA Show.

JEEP WRANGLER A Jeep Wrangler project highlights a variety of products from aftermarket company Paramount Automotive.

Sent along by Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style, the Jeep features Paramount’s 50-inch LED light bar mount kit, steel front fenders, Armor rear fenders, LED front bumper and tubular rock slider.

See it in the Paramount booth #30171 at the SEMA Show.

96

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 96

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:13 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1968 CHEVROLET C10 Mark Giambalvo of Creative Rod & Kustom, Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, sends along a rendering by Pfaff Designs of a 1968 Chevrolet C10 that will be displayed in the AMSOIL booth #24659 at the SEMA Show.

“This vehicle is being built for one of our good customers and owner of Patriot Chevrolet in Limerick, Pennsylvania. The concept was to clean up the lines of the factory truck without losing the classic look the truck originally had, along with modern suspension, brakes, and drivetrain. There has been a tremendous amount of subtle modifications throughout the entire truck that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye, but that is part of the fun of it—making something look better without people realizing what was done to it and why it looks better,” he writes.

The truck will be painted in PPG Mocha Black Metallic and feature a custom interior by Bux Customs. It will also include a satin engine bay, satin

accents, brushed and chromed parts by Advanced Plating, and one-off wheels

by Boze Alloys.

Participants include: DEI/Boom Mat, Wilwood, Lokar, Bowler Performance Transmissions, Precision

Replacement Parts, XS Power Batteries, Covercraft, Ultimate Headers, Hot Rod Interiors, ididit, Vintage Air, Roadster Shop, Classic Instruments, TREMEC, Strange Engineering, SLP and Meguiar’s.

1970 CHEVROLET NOVA

SpeedTech Performance USA presents the 1970 Chevrolet Nova project car. It is designed to be simple and white with black wheels, with serious autocross-ready upgrades.

Underneath the smoothed and perfected body is a new Speedtech ExtReme front subframe and suspension, a Speedtech Torque Arm rear suspension, Viking Performance race-valved coilover shocks, huge Baer brakes and Falken tires wrapping wider Forgeline wheels.

A full custom interior enhances the inside, while a GM crate 525-hp LS3/T-56 combo will turn the Dutchman Motorsportsprepped 9-inch Ford rear.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 97

THE SHOP

97

10/4/16 3:14 PM

TOYOTA-POWERED T-BUCKET

1967 CHEVY C10

Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style submits info on a T-Bucket project with a Toyota Supra power plant, owned by Joe Weaver and built by Weaver and Cambra Speed Shop.

Participants include: TRD, House of Kolor, Hoosier, WELD, Wilwood, Goodridge and Black Flys.

Eric Baneck from Fueled Customs, Lake Mills Wisconsin, sends along info of his 1967 Chevrolet C10 project truck.

The shop built the custom chassis that includes triangulated 4-link rear suspension with coilovers, custom-built rear frame rails and mid crossmember.

The front end was cut off and replaced with a ’75 C10 front stub and raised 1.5 inches. The truck is lowered 6.5 inches and has a built LS2 with a retro look and a 4L60E transmission. The chassis is powered-coated.

Participants include: Holley Performance Products, Belltech, QA1, Strange Engineering, Vision Wheel, COMP Cams, Wilwood, Gibson Performance Exhaust, DuPont, MSD and Summit Racing.

PAUL WALKER TRIBUTES Matt Bernal of Bernal Auto Style presents a pair of tribute cars to Paul Walker—a Nissan GT-R and a Toyota Supra—with Billy Bautista of Cars Without Limits and Level Up Auto.

See them at the SEMA Show, including the GT-R in the Smart Polish Pro booth #34257.

98

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 98

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:14 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

2016 CHEVROLET CAMARO

1958 BELVEDERE

John Wargo of The Custom Shop, Flanagan Illinois, presents a 2016 Camaro convertible project car. See it in the ProCharger booth #20379 at the SEMA Show.

The Camaro features a ProCharged-LT1 with an RKSport hood and ground effects, Pro-Spray paint with custom airbrushed graphics, TSW Alloy Wheels and Continental tires, MBRP exhaust, Sony audio system, and Alea Leather interior.

Participants include: AMSOIL, Badger Airbrush, Eastwood, Husky Liners, Lloyd Mats, 3M, ODYSSEY Batteries, PriorityStart, SATA, SPAL, TredWear Tire Graphics, Thermo-Tec, U.S. Chemical and Valspar.

John Wargo of The Custom Shop, Flanagan Illinois, introduces the Furious 58 1958 Belvedere project, a ProCharger Hemi-powered Pro-Tourer with coilovers and a 4-link suspension.

It features American Racing custom wheels, MagnaFlow exhaust, a radical Sony audio system, and a custom red paint job with airbrushed Fury chrome trim.

Participants include: Alea Leather, AMSOIL, Auto Custom Carpets, Badger Airbrush, Clayton Machine Works, CON2R, Custom Cargrills, Eastwood, Eduratex, Flaming River, Hedman Hedders, The Hoffman Group, Holley Performance Products, HotWire, J.W. Speaker, Keystone, Lloyd Mats, 3M, North Star Plating, ODYSSEY Batteries, Painless Performance, PMI, POR-15, PriorityStart, SATA, Seatbelt Planet, SPAL, Thermo-Tec, U.S. Chemical, Valspar and Wilwood.

1977 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM The Custom Shop is building a 1977 Trans Am named Ruby Fire that will be on display in the Valspar booth #10851 at the SEMA Show.

The Pro-Touring build features an LSX with stacked injection, RideTech suspension, American Racing wheels, new Goodmark sheet metal, custom Targa roof and ZR1 clear shaker scoop. It boasts a Wild Ruby Red quad-coat paint job with airbrushed Trans Am bird using Pro-Spray/Valspar paint, all built in-house

by John Wargo and The Custom Shop crew in Flanagan Illinois.

Participants include: AMSOIL, Badger Airbrush, Clayton Machine Works, Continental Tire, Custom Cargrills, Dakota Digital, DIGI-TAILS, Domination Motorsports, Eastwood, Eddie Motorsports, Flaming River, Hedman Hedders, The Hoffman Group, Holley Performance Products, J.W. Speaker, Keystone, Lloyd Mats, MagnaFlow, Moser, 3M, Nu-Relics Power Windows, ODYSSEY Batteries, Painless Performance, PMI, POR-15, PriorityStart, SATA, Seatbelt Planet, SPAL, Speedmaster, Sony, Thermo-Tec, TMI, TSW, TredWear Tire Graphics, Tuff Stuff, U.S. Chemical, Vintage Air and Wilwood.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 99

THE SHOP

99

10/4/16 3:15 PM

2016 FORD F-150 XLT

1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO

On the heels of last year’s NSF1 Jeep Wrangler, built to benefit the Navy Seal Foundation, The AAM Group and Total Truck Centers are hard at work on the Freedom Ford, a 2016 Ford F-150 wrapped in a custom black digital camo blended with an American flag graphic.

Outfitted by many of the biggest names in the truck aftermarket—headlined by primary sponsor LUND—the Freedom Ford will be exhibited at LUND’s #C03 booth at this year’s SEMA Show.

The F-150 XLT boasts 35-inch tires and a 7-inch lift courtesy of Joey Yokum at Atomic City 4x4 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Print and wrap services are courtesy of Pat Shell of Shell SWAG (Signs, Wraps, and Graphics) in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Other primary sponsors are: AMP Research, AVS, Bushwacker and Roll-N-Lock.

Participants include: BedRug, BFGoodrich, CURT Mfg., Edge Products, Flowmaster, Go Rhino, Husky Liners, K&N, Putco, Raceline Wheels, ReadyLIFT, Royal Purple, Vision X and WARN.

The Hedman Performance Group is unveiling the Intro Wheels Camaro built by Rob Phillips of PCHrods at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Commissioned by Jose Moreno, the owner of Intro Wheels, the one-of-a-kind 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was built to combine modern luxury with Pro-Touring performance. The result is a car with the class, sophistication and performance to rival any modern luxury sports car.

The unveiling will be Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hedman booth #22343 and will also be broadcast live on the Hedman Nation Facebook page.

Participants include: MagnaFlow, Centerforce Clutches, Ringbrothers, BFGoodrich, Detroit Speed Inc., Spectre Performance, ARC Audio, AutoMeter, Baer Brakes, TREMEC, Holley Performance Products, Currie Enterprises, Marquez Design and Dynamat.

2013 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN AWD It is Ironman—Project Ironman, that is, a 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman AWD built by Mark Catania and M7 Speed in Mooresville, North Carolina, from a concept by Pfaff Designs. See it in the HELLA Lights booth #23213 at the SEMA Show.

The stock 1.6-liter 4-cylinder has been significantly upgraded. Air enters through an M7 Speed CARB-approved MAXXFLO intake system feeding into a Precision Turbo upgraded KO3 unit. The boosted air is pumped through a set of high-flowing M7 Speed Turbo Charge Pipes connected to a Wagner Tuning competition intercooler. An M7 Speed Turbo Heat Shield and M7 Exact-Fit Oil Catch Can System are included.

Bolt-on modifications start with a M7

100

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 100

Speed brand 2-inch suspension lift kit, front, rear and underbody chassis stiffening kits and a front aluminum skid plate. The suspension has been upgraded with MAXX-G heavy-duty suspension links with hybrid urethane/ mono-ball bushings, heavy-duty and adjustable sway bar links and a 25mm rear anti-roll bar.

Wheels are 17-inch KMC X-D Holeshots wrapped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR A/T G015 all-terrain 28.5-inch-tall tires. The brake system was upgraded by adding large onepiece slotted and drilled brake rotors on all four corners with stainless steel brake lines and EBC Brakes performance brake pads, all supplied by ECS Tuning.

An M7 Speed Front Bull Bar Kit mounts 3 HELLA R4000X LED driving lamps and one HELLA LED driving light bar.

Participants include: Rimz One, Rally Armor, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions and H.M. Elliott Powder Coating.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:15 PM

presented by 2016 NISSAN TITAN XD

Hellwig Products and Lance Camper have combined on a 2016 Nissan Titan XD ultimate overland rig for the SEMA Show.

See it in booth #34075 in the Upper South Hall.

“The goal was to build a versatile rig that can be used to travel to shows and also be the ultimate overland and camping truck.

We chose the 2016 Nissan Titan XD platform because it’s a brand-new truck and the Cummins V-8 diesel makes a ton of power,” Hellwig reports. “The Titan is a tough-looking truck and we thought it would make a great overland rig.”

Participants include: Icon Vehicle Dynamics; MagnaFlow; Torklift International; Method Race Wheels; Falken Tire; N-Fab; Fab Fours (bumper); WARN (winch); Baja Designs (lights); Hypertech (programmer) and BOLT Locks.

SEMA BOOTH #24621 1968 GMC C10

Truck Covers USA rolls out its featured vehicle for the SEMA Show—a 1968 GMC C10. Spearheading the build are Kevin Diehl and Travis Ybarra out of Reno, Nevada.

“This year we wanted to try something new; we wanted to bring back a classic. We got together with Jimmy Johnson, owner of Elite Customs, and our good friend Joe Kwapich and started throwing ideas around; that’s when we came up with Just Cherry.”

Participants include: Wellman’s Upholstery; R & E Fasteners; Choppin’ Block; Bayshore Truck; Hot Rods

by Boyd; Classic Instruments; Slam Specialists; Classic Industries; Diamond Eye Performance; Classic Performance Products; Eddie Motorsports; Painless Performance; Continental Tire and AccuAir Suspension.

‘GIBSON 47’ PROJECT TRUCK

Gibson Performance Exhaust presents the Gibson 47 project truck, featuring a small-block Chevy 383 stroker, Dana 60 axles and custom Gibson exhaust with MWA muffler Participants include: Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels (46-inch tires); RHS (intake manifold); FAST (EFI); TCI (Turbo 400 transmission); PRP Seats (Deegan 38 seats); Grant Products (steering wheel, quick-disconnect hub); Atlas (transfer case); PowerBass USA (exterior cannon speakers, interior components); FOX (coilover shocks); Daley Visual (wrap); Gates (belts, hoses); Steele Rubber Products (window & door gaskets); and Vintage Air (AC system).

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 101

THE SHOP

101

10/4/16 3:16 PM

1965 FORD MUSTANG The Vicious Mustang is a custom 1965 Mustang build sitting on an Art Morrison Enterprises chassis by Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California. The power plant is a Ford Performance 5.1-liter Aluminator engine that is compound-charged by a Magnuson Supercharger and two Precision Turbo turbochargers mated to an EMCO Gears sequential transmission.

Vicious was built to be the ultimate track machine with just enough civility to be driven on the street. The car will be unveiled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the MagnaFlow booth #23543 at the SEMA Show.

Participants include: Centerforce Clutches (DYAD clutch); MoTeC (ECU); Manley Performance (con-

necting rods, pistons); ARP (fasteners); QMP Racing Engines (machine work); Aeromotive (fuel pump, regulator); AVIAID (dry sump); DJ Safety; Flu-

idyne (radiator); MagnaFlow (exhaust); Forgeline Motorsports (wheels); and RePlay XD (cameras).

1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO

2006 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION RS

SpeedTech Performance USA presents the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Sicario project car. It starts with a custom 720-hp, full-race dry-sump oiling LS3-based engine with an 8,000-rpm redline, backed a T56 Magnum transmission.

It features the company’s ExtReme front subframe, suspension and subframe connectors, and a Speedtech Torque Arm fitted with a 9-inch Ford rear. Race-valved Viking Performance Crusader coilovers handle dampening while Forgeline wheels sporting 315-30 and 335-30-18 BFGoodrich Rival S tires keep it glued to the tarmac.

Several subtle body mods include the functional 2015 Camaro Z/28 louvers fitted into the steel cowl induction hood, and a 6-point custom roll cage. To stick with the name and theme, the full custom interior and engine bay host design cues borrowed from different types of handguns.

Participants include Dutchman Motorsports-prepped 9-inch Ford rear axle and Baer 14-inch rotor/6-piston caliper brakes.

Brakes company Wilwood presents the 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution RS Black Widow project car owned by Ken Thwaits.

See it in the Wilwood booth #24943 at the SEMA Show.

Thwaits and his Showtime Motorsports team took on a complete transformation of the EVO over the course of 2016, customizing and adding a variety of products, including Wilwood’s Forged Superlite 6R 6-piston front calipers, Forged Superlite 4R four-piston rear calipers, Spec37 GT rotors and forged aluminum hats, and SmartPad BP-40 and PolyMatrix 15H brake pads.

Participants include: Forgeline (monoblock wheels); BorgWarner (turbo); Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes (sequential gearbox); Jet-Hot Coatings (ceramic-coated custom exhaust); Ultimate Performance (prototype JRi Shocks); and Pennzoil (lubricants).

102

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 102

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:16 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1969 PONTIAC GTO SpeedTech Performance USA presents the 1969 GT-GO Pontiac GTO project car. It starts with a dyno-ed 840-hp, supercharged, 416-ci LS3 stroker and modified 4L80E. It features Speedtech’s new ExtReme full chassis, forged spindles and suspension systems front and rear for performance on the road course as well as the drag strip.

Participants include: Viking Performance (Crusader autocross valved coilovers); Dutchman Motorsports (9-inch Ford rear axle); Forgeline (19x10 & 20x12 wheels); Baer (14-inch rotor, 6-piston caliper brakes); and Michelin (tires).

1930 CUSTOM Trick-Tools has partnered with Brycen Smith of Scott’s Hot Rods ’N Customs on a WWII aircraft-themed build named the Ruptured Duck. The war bird tribute car will resemble a B-25 Mitchell bomber while incorporating a 1930s fender-less car design with modern performance and technology.

Smith incorporates many B-25 war bird features such as the glass greenhouse design that houses and exposes the Ford 2.3-liter EcoBoost power plant. The independent suspension and custom wheels will imitate the plane’s landing gear, while the curved windshield and rear window add to the bomber feel.

The bare aluminum and military green colors complement each other and give the build an industrial feel. It will ultimately be auctioned in support of various causes including Homes For Our Troops and the American Aeronautical Foundation to help operate and maintain its 70-plus-year-old B-25 bomber named Executive Sweet.

See it in the Trick-Tools booth #20151 at the SEMA Show.

1967 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK Wilwood presents the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Tomahawk project car built by Lucky 7 Speed Shop in Sutter Creek, California. The car is owned by Lucky 7 owner Robert Dalton, who did much of the work himself. See it at the SEMA Show outside the Central Hall.

The vehicle has been widened 5.5 inches and lengthened 6 inches. All glass has been flush-fit and the car includes custom rocker panels. The platform chassis was built by B Rod or Custom and features four-wheel independent suspension with JRi Shocks by Ultimate Performance.

Brakes are carbon-ceramic by Wilwood, and the Mustang also features the company’s calipers, rotors, master cylinder, brake fluid and more. Power comes from an Edelbrock-supercharged Coyote motor. Transmission is a T-56 Magnum 6-speed.

Participants include: Infinity-Box (Intellitouch wire system); Lucky 7 Speed Shop (machine work, custom gauges, interior panels, dash); Restomod Air (AC, custom vents); PPG Vibrance

(paint); Bodylines by Nickel (bodywork); Ogden Chrome (blasted nickel plating); Ron Mangus Interiors (upholstery); ARC Audio (audio system).

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 103

THE SHOP

103

10/4/16 3:17 PM

2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA

RHINO XT

The 2016 Toyota Tundra Projekt Full Metal Jacket is being built for Rolling Big Power and will be positioned close to the main entrance at the 2016 SEMA Show, showing off various vehicle aesthetics and protection components manufactured

by RBP. The truck is also slated to take part in a “builder’s competition” hosted by RBP. Participants include: RBP (20x12 wheels); Tri-ace Tires (37x13.5 Mark Ma); Bulletproof Suspension (8-inch lift); Icon (front coilovers, reservoirs front & back); Atlas Suspension (leaf springs); Bully Dog (tune); Corsa (performance exhaust); Volant (cold air intake); T-Rex Grilles; Avec Lighting (LED bars); Spyder Auto (headlights, taillights); Airdesign USA (fender flares); Baja Graphics (hydro-dipping); Switch Pros (panel controller system); Innovative Creation Inc. (Magnum bumpers, RT steps); Wilco Off Road (tire gate); WARN (10-S platinum winch); Factor 55 (ProLink); BOLT (locks); Spyder Industries (Big Haas Hook, headache rack); Fiberwerx (4.5-inch-wide front fenders, fender extensions, bedsides); R1 Concepts (performance rotors & pads); MGP (brake caliper covers); PowerBass USA (speakers, subs, amps); and Husky Liners (floor mats).

The new Rhino XT is fresh from filming Furious 9. Manufactured by US Specialty Vehicles, Southern California’s largest automaker, the up-armored-appearing vehicle is based on a Jeep 4-door JK chassis.

The Rhino XT’s body and interior were designed, manufactured and installed by US Specialty Vehicles. Interior features include a custom 3D digital instrument cluster with carbonfiber trim pieces, a custom console and premium Europeanstyle Napa leather-upholstered interior with folding rear bench seat. The roof is removable for open-air versatility, and the composite fender flares also remove easily. Detail items include LED headlights and taillights.

Participants include: Alpine (premium Ultimate Jeep Wrangler sound system with 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth); Toyo Tires (35x13.50R20 Open Country A/T tires on custom USSV 20x9 alloy wheels); and Sprintex (3.6-liter Jeep supercharger).

See it in the US Specialty Vehicles booth #30293 at the SEMA Show.

2015 MUSTANG GT A play on words, the owner of this 2015 Mustang GT Projekt Soldier’s Mettle is one of the very few to receive the U.S. Army’s Soldier’s Medal, which is given to active duty members who save a life.

The build is one of 19 SEMA Show booth vehicles for Projekt Cars and one of three vehicles to be used to acquire funding for the Fallen Soldier Memorial. The memorial will represent Fort Bliss soldiers who have given the final sacrifice to their country.

Projekt Soldier’s Mettle’s frost white exterior guards copious amounts of carbon fiber aesthetics, white leather and carbon fiber interior, block party sound system and supercharged 780-hp Coyote.

Participants include: Advanti Wheels (Cammino 20x10.5); Toyo Tires

104

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 104

(275/35/20 & 315/35/20); K&N (intake system); SCT Performance (tune); KW (coilover suspension, Variant 3); Eibach (sway bars); DeatschWerks (injectors); Diode Dynamics (LED lights); Power-

Bass USA (speakers, subs, amps); Roadwire Leathers (leather & suede seats); Clarion (DVD, navigation head unit); G-Force (half-shafts, driveshaft); and R1 Concepts (performance rotors & pads).

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:18 PM

presented by 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE

Neil Tjin and Pennzoil present the Tjin Edition 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, featuring a custom Axalta orange paint job by LR Auto Body, custom Katzkin orange, blue, and black interior, and custom Scosche audio including subs, amps, mids and highs.

Participants include: Baer (custom blue & orange calipers, cross-drilled rotors); Rotiform (custom 20-inch, three-piece wheels); Falken (Wildpeak A/T3W 275/55/20 tires); Traxda (suspension); MagnaFlow (custom exhaust); and OPTIMA Batteries.

A matching Honda ATV (TRX250X) features custom FOX suspension, custom Scosche audio, custom Axalta paint job and a custom rewrapped seat.

SEMA BOOTH #24621 1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Neil Tjin and Tjin Edition present the WD-40 1967 Chevy Camaro featuring a custom Axalta paint job by LR Auto Body and Eckler’s Camaro products including headlights, taillights, bumpers, trim and moldings.

Participants include: Falken (Azenis RT615K tires); Budnik Wheels (Pivot wheels with titanium faces and brushed lips); Baer (6-piston blue & yellow front & rear calipers with crossdrilled rotors); Eibach (suspension bars, springs, shocks); and OPTIMA Batteries.

2017 HONDA CIVIC

Gene Tjin and aLL STaR present the Tjin Edition 2017 Honda Civic, featuring a custom Axalta Sunrise Yellow paint job, 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 Rotiform OZT wheels and Falken RT615 tires.

Participants include: BC Racing (BR Series coilovers); MagnaFlow (cat-back exhaust); Baer (custom 6-piston brakes); and Katzkin (custom interior).

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 105

THE SHOP

105

10/4/16 3:18 PM

1952 CHEVY TRUCK With the help of Findlay Customs (assembly and paint), Retro Manufacturing is building a custom 1952 Chevy truck that will be unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show. Many sponsors have helped with this project, which honors House of Kolor’s 60th anniversary.

HoK founder Jon Kosmoski will be signing the truck at the show unveiling and House of Kolor has created a custom color.

The truck is powered by a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter Corvette engine with an ATI 4L65E automatic transmission kit with a 3,200-rpm stall torque converter.

The truck features a Dynacorn body with sheet metal from Bitchin Parts by Absolute Sheet Metal, a TCI aluminum frame with RideTech high-performance coilover suspension, Wilwood disc brakes

and Boyd Coddington wheels supplied

by American Republic Wheels.

The interior boasts modern conveniences such as air conditioning by Old Air Products, a custom steering wheel from CON2R, collapsible steering column from ididit, Dakota Digital gauges, custom leather interior by Corona Concepts, power windows and a Retro-

Sound audio system that features a Long Beach radio with built-in Bluetooth hands-free technology, Apple iPod/iPhone compatibility, GM licensed screen protector and SiriusXMReady compatibility.

A Stereophonic 3-channel amplifier powers the speakers, and kick panels custom-made

by SpeakerWorks hold R-65N premium neodymium speakers, while R-TB8 truck boxes hold two powerful 8-inch speakers behind the seats.

Other participants include: Corona Concepts (custom upholstery & door panels); Currie Enterprises (rear-end with 3.00 gears & 31-spline axles); LMC Truck (interior/exterior & parts); and RetroMat (sound dampening, hood liner/ headliner).

sion with an Eaton Detroit Truetrac rear differential.

Chassis mods include: Porterbuilt Fabrication front and rear drop members, AccuAir e-Level air ride with dual VIAIR compressors, QA1 double-adjustable shocks, Toyo Tires, MP Brakes Pro Driver big brake kit and Energy Suspension cab mounts.

It is painted House of Kolor Blood Orange and Ice Pearl White with Jet Black trim and includes Slosh Tubz front inner fender wells and Slosh Panelz firewall and fender filler panels, custom “Strike Out ALS” ribbons and emblems from Billet Badges, United Pacific LED lighting, POR-15 chassis paint and a Covercraft custom car cover.

Interior participants include: Design Engineering Inc. Boom Mat heat and sound deadener; Dakota Digital HDX gauges; ididit tilt column; CON2R steering wheel; Painless Performance wiring; Precision Replacement Parts weatherstripping and window gaskets; Vintage Air AC; KICKER Livin Loud audio system; and Rostra seat warmers, and backup and front view camera parking system.

1975 CHEVROLET C10 Finish Line Speed Shop, Bremerton, Washington, sends along information on its latest Project Giving Back build, a 1975 Chevrolet C10 pickup created to “Strike Out ALS.” See it in the Covercraft booth #23531 at the SEMA Show.

The truck is powered by an all-aluminum L33 5.3-liter LS with: MSD Ignition; AIRAID cold air intake and PowerAid throttle body spacer; Stage 8 locking header bolts on Hedman Hedders; Trans-Dapt Performance oil pan and pickup and valve cover adapters; Driven Racing Oil; Black Widow mufflers with Jet-Hot coatings; DC Power Engineering 270-amp alternator; XS Power Vintage battery; Mishimoto radiator, cooling fan and oil cooler; and a 4L65E automatic transmis-

106

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 106

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:19 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1966 ECOBOOST GT350CR SHELBY MUSTANG

1948 CADILLAC

Jason Engel and the team at Classic Recreations present a 1966 EcoBoost GT350CR Shelby Mustang. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo Ford Racing EcoBoost engine turning a 9-inch solid axle from Strange Engineering.

Participants include: Detroit Speed (power rack and pinion, chassis, front & rear suspension, sway bars); Flaming River (steering column); Royal Purple (power steering fluid); Sparco (seats); Classic Instruments (Shelby gauges); Old Air Products (AC); Vintage Sounds (head unit); KICKER (speakers, amplifier); American Racing (forged wheels); BFGoodrich (245/35/18 front, 305/30/18 rear tires); BASF (Glasurit YZ White/CR Blue paint); VaporWorx (fuel pump); Rick’s Tanks (fuel tank/cell); Wilwood (6-piston front & rear brakes); OPTIMA Batteries; MagnaFlow (exhaust); Be Cool (radiator); SPAL (fans); and JRi Shocks.

Ringbrothers presents the Madam V 1948 Cadillac Fastback Series – V project car, owned by Wes and Vivian Rydell. See it in the Driven Performance Brands/Flowmaster booth #22351 at the SEMA Show.

Participants include: Gary Ragle of Ragle Design (renderings); Royal Purple (engine, transmission & differential oil, power steering fluid); RECARO (seats re-upholstered by Upholstery Unlimited); Focal (speakers); HRE (wheels); Michelin (tires); BASF (Vivi White paint); Global Finishing Solutions (Ringbrothers Performer paint booth); Aeromotive (fuel pump, fuel tank/cell); Baer (brakes); OPTIMA Batteries; Flowmaster (exhaust); AFCO (radiator, shocks); SPAL (fans); Prestone (antifreeze); Detroit Speed (suspension, sway bars); ARP; Bowler Performance Transmissions; Classic Instruments; Dynamat; Heatshield Products; Holley Performance Products; John’s Industries; Miller Electric Mfg. Co., MSD; Painless Performance (wiring); and Vintage Air.

1971 BRAVE WINNEBAGO Ringbrothers presents the 1971 Brave Winnebago Happy Camper project vehicle owned by Chris McPhie with photos by John Jackson of NotStock Photography. See it in the Prestone booth #30327 at the SEMA Show.

The camper features interior styling cues that harken to a WWII bomber with a Sony flat-panel television in front, an electric fireplace in the rear and a glass floor panel made by Cardinal Glass. The airplane propeller is owned by Jim and Mike Ring’s father, Clete Ring, who traded a gallon of gas in 1957 when he owned his Skelly gas station for it.

Other amenities include a pizza oven and popcorn maker, inside and outside bars, seats from a 1970 Ford bus and a Bose surround sound system. The Winnebago weighs approximately 9,000 pounds and will run 0-50 mph in 3.2 seconds.

Participants include: Wegner Motorsports (LS 408 Wegner ported LSA heads); Magnuson (forced induction); Royal Purple (oils & fluids); Callies Performance Products (crank, Ultra rods, Inconel exhaust valves); Manley Performance (valves); John’s Industries (rear end); Dynotech (driveshaft); Restoration Hardware (front seats); Classic Instruments (Bomber gauges); Vintage Air (AC); Pioneer (head unit, speakers, amplifier); Michelin (tires); BASF (Matte Clear paint); Global Finishing Solutions (Ringbrothers Performer paint booth); Aeromotive (fuel pump, fuel tank/cell); Holley Performance Products (Domi-

nator fuel management); OPTIMA Batteries; Flowmaster (headers, exhaust); AFCO (radiator, shocks); SPAL (fans); Be Cool (antifreeze); 3M; AM Hot Rod Glass; ARP; Baer (brakes); Bowler Performance Transmissions; Dynamat; Heatshield Products; HRE Wheels; Miller Electric Mfg. Co.; MSD; and Racepak.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 107

THE SHOP

107

10/4/16 3:20 PM

2016 FORD GT350

1969 CHEVY CAMARO

A black 2016 Ford GT350 Projekt IronCore with carbon fiber flourishes and other eye candy fabrication tricks is being built for Mutoh USA to demonstrate its printing capabilities for vehicle wraps. It can be seen at this year’s SEMA Show in the North Hall and will also be used in various advertisements and videos.

Sponsors include: Advanti Wheels (20 x10, 20x11 wheels); Nitto Tire (275/35/20 & 315/35/20); Anderson Composites (carbon fiber body enhancements, vented hood, upper & lower grille, heat shroud, rear diffuser, side skirts, rear trunk, rear trunk panel); SCT Performance (tune); K&N (cone filters); Diode Dynamics (LED lighting); Whipple (twin-screw polished supercharger, compressor housing polishing, gear cover, inlet, drive, discharge, motor intake, 1900cfm billet elliptical blade throttle body, electronic dual fan upgrade, high-flow fuel rail); Kooks Headers & Exhaust (headers, cross-pipe, performance catalytic converters, exhaust); R1 Concepts (performance rotors & pads); and Mishimoto (coolant reservoir, coilovers, sway bars).

Ringbrothers presents the G-Code 1969 Chevy Camaro project vehicle, owned by Don Atkinson with renderings

by Gary Ragle of Ragle Design. See it in the Royal Purple booth #23057 at the SEMA Show.

The Camaro sports an LS3 engine from Wegner Motorsports with Whipple forced induction, Royal Purple lubricants, a TREMEC 6-speed, GM 12-bolt rear from John’s Industries and QA1 driveshaft.

Participants include: Detroit Speed (rack and pinion, chassis, front & rear suspension, sway bars); ididit (steering column); Upholstery Unlimited (custom seats); Classic Instruments (gauges); Vintage Air (AC); JL Audio (head unit, speakers, amplifier); HRE (wheels); Michelin (tires); BASF (Glasurit 90 Line Blue Print paint); Global Finishing Solutions (Ringbrothers Performer paint booth); Aeromotive (fuel pump, fuel tank/cell); Holley Performance Products (Dominator fuel management); Baer (brakes); OPTIMA Batteries; Flowmaster (exhaust); AFCO (radiator, shocks); SPAL (fans); Prestone (antifreeze); 3M; ARP; Bowler Performance Transmissions; Dynamat; Heatshield Products; Miller Electric Mfg. Co.; MSD; and Painless Performance (wiring).

1965 WIDE BODY MUSTANG Ringbrothers presents the 1965 Wide Body Ford Mustang Convertible Ballistic project car, owned by Greg Avra.

See it in the Ringbrothers booth #23283 at the SEMA Show.

It is powered by a 5.8-liter Ford with a Bowler Performance Transmissions TREMEC T-56 Magnum 6-speed and Royal Purple lubricants, tuning a 9-inch Ford rear from John’s Industries and QA1 driveshaft.

Participants include: Detroit Speed (rack and pinion, chassis, front & rear suspension, sway bars); ididit (steering column); Upholstery Unlimited (upholstery); Classic Instruments (gauges); Vintage Air (AC); Pioneer (head unit, speakers, amplifier); HRE (wheels); Nitto (tires); BASF (Glasurit 90 Line Blu By

108

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 108

U paint); Global Finishing Solutions (Ringbrothers Performer paint booth); Aeromotive (fuel pump, fuel tank/cell); Baer (brakes); OPTIMA Batteries; Flowmaster (exhaust); AFCO (radiator,

shocks); SPAL (fans); Prestone (antifreeze); 3M; AM Hot Rod Glass; ARP; Dynamat; Heatshield Products; Holley Performance Products; Miller Electric Mfg. Co.; MSD; and Racepak.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:20 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

2014 FORD MUSTANG

I946 OLDSMOBILE

Yellow. Wrapped. With a custom twin-turbo, custom interior and full of carbon fiber body enhancements by Anderson Composites, this modified 2014 Ford Mustang Projekt Monster will be used as a marketing initiative for Anderson Composites, targeting the S197 platform; and will also be used in Advanti Wheels advertisements.

Participants include: Advanti Wheels (20-inch Cammino wheels); PowerBass USA (speakers, subs, amps); Anderson Composites (carbon fiber body enhancements, vented hood, upper grille, lower grille, splitter, diffuser, rear wing, heat shroud); K&N (cone filters); SCT Performance (tune); Mishimoto (coolant reservoir, downpipe, catch can, oil cooler, hoses); R1 Concepts (performance rotors and pads); and MGP (brake caliper covers, coilovers, sway bars).

ICON 4x4 presents the ICON I946 Oldsmobile Derelict project car. See it in the OPTIMA Batteries booth #20323 at the SEMA Show.

The Olds may look beyond salvation, but that is part of the fun. Built up as an ICON Derelict, it boasts a bespoke leather and gabardine interior, plus modern creature comforts.

Participants include: OPTIMA (Yellow Top battery); Art Morrison Enterprises (chassis); Wilwood (hydroboost fourwheel disc brakes); Currie Enterprises and Strange Engineering (Ford 9-inch rear end); Hilborn Fuel Injection (fuel-injected 502-ci V-8); Dakota Digital (instruments); Focal (audio); and BFGoodrich (tires).

1967 MUSTANG FASTBACK

1927 FORD MODEL T SEDAN

Fusion Luxury Motors presents an official Eleanor 1967 Mustang Fastback project car. See it in the Nitto Tire booth #41135 at the SEMA Show.

The only officially licensed Gone in 60 Seconds Eleanor in production, Fusion hand-builds the 1967-’68 GT500 Fastbacks in Los Angeles.

Participants include: Nitto Tire (NT555 tires); Roush (427-ci V-8 engine); Ron Davis (radiator); TREMEC (TKO transmission); Detroit Speed (Aluma-Frame front suspension); Currie Enterprises (Ford 9-inch rear end); Wilwood (disc brakes); AutoMeter (instruments); Flaming River (steering column); RECARO (seats); SpinTech (mufflers), Vintage Air (AC), Dynamat (sound-deadening material), OPTIMA Batteries and PIAA (lights).

Jason Ludwin of Rodz by Ludwin, Ft. Johnson, New York, sends along this 1927 Ford Model T Sedan he built in 31 days. It features a hand-built frame with 2x4 3/16 wall, 6-inch chop top, 10-bolt rear, a blown 454-ci engine and a Turbo 400 transmission.

Participants include WELD (racing wheels) and Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels (tires).

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 109

THE SHOP

109

10/4/16 3:21 PM

1950 FORD F-5 COE

1955 CHEVY TASK FORCE

This 1950 Ford F-5 Cab Over Engine (COE) cab-over quad-cab conversion was built last year by Jason Ludwin of Rodz by Ludwin, Ft. Johnson, New York. It is a combination of a ’50 F-5 COE cab and nose and a ’52 Ford F-3 pickup used for the back of cab and box, all sitting on a 1990 Chevy R30 dually frame.

The truck was Z-ed and four-linked with a direct-ride suspension at all four corners. It’s powered by a 350 Chevy with Turbo 400 transmission and includes a Saab leather interior with custom floor and copper headliner.

Bill Jacob presents his under-construction pickup, a 1955 Chevy Task Force called The Pearl.

Participants include: Inglese (eight-stack fuel injection); Vintage Air (front runner system); PRC (radiator, firewall, condenser); TCI (front & rear suspension); Rick’s Tanks (stainless fuel tank); American Autowire (Highway 22 wiring harness); Dakota Digital (VHX gauges); MSD (ignition components); Lokar (shifter, pedals, transmission dipstick); and a custom exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers.

1955 CHEVROLET WAGON Tommy Perkins of Seams Ridiculous Upholstery sends along this write-up on a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon project owned by Durwood and Betty Walton of Mattaponi, Virginia.

“Ten years ago, while living in Hickory North Carolina, we embarked on a journey to find a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon.

After searching for months, we finally

110

THE SHOP

TSNOV88-111.indd 110

found a two-door 150 Handyman Wagon at the Charlotte Auto Fair.

“Shortly after purchasing the car we moved back to Virginia, where other than the occasionally small project the car sat mostly untouched until last fall.

It wasn’t until earlier this year we began actively working to transform the car into a modern-day, electronically advanced

car with the look and feel of yesteryear.

“The transformation began by replacing the floorboards and re-quarter openings.

After the structure was updated and returned to its original form, the 396-ci engine was sent to the engine shop for a top-to-bottom overhaul. While waiting on the 396 to be completed, the engine compartment was painted.

“Once the engine returned, it was lowered into the car, slowly bringing it back to life. The installation of a Flaming River rack and pinion came next. Body work and paint followed this spring.

“After the exterior cosmetic work was completed, we began wiring the car.

While the wiring was being installed, additional interior touches were also added including (products from) Vintage Air, a Lokar shifter, and Dakota Digital dash gauges. The interior is now being taken care of by Tommy Perkins, owner of Seams Ridiculous Upholstery.”

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 3:21 PM

presented by

SEMA BOOTH #24621

1963 THUNDERBIRD LE MANS CONCEPT

1970 DODGE CHARGER

Bob Hancock of Hot Rod Alley, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, presents the finished product of the what-if concept of a 1963 Ford Thunderbird imagined as a Le Mans racer instead of a Cobra. The project debuted in the Builders Showcase at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville this summer.

Participants include: Art Morrison Enterprises (complete GT Sport Chassis); Lentech Automatics (transmission); FAST (EFI, ignition systems); Dynotech (driveshaft); Vintage Wheel Works (GT 40 wheels); Kirkey Racing Seats (vintage style aluminum seats); Powermaster (starter, alternator); Davies Craig (electric water pump system); Be Cool (radiator, electric fans); Matrix System Automotive Finishes (paint & body materials); Coach Controls (wiring system); and SpeedHut (gauges).

Award-winning builder Bruce Harvey and Pro Comp Custom in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, show their handiwork on a 1970 Dodge Charger project car.

The Charger sports a 3-inch chop in the roof and a 3-inch sectioning of the body. The hand-built tube chassis and roll cage feature shockwaves on all four corners. It also has a custom, hand-built sheet metal dashboard and center console, along with hand-built custom engine bay sheet metal.

Under the hood is a 730-hp, Dodge R5 NASCAR engine mated with an American Powertrain TKO600 transmission.

On the motor is a hand built, custom intake manifold with a Borla LS3 individual throttle body setup, along with a set of hand-built stainless headers.

Out back is a hand-built exhaust with Borla crate mufflers, as well as a Moser Dana 60 rear end. Litespeed Racing supplied a set of one-off wheels—18x9 up front, 19x12 in the rear.

1958 CHEVY CAMEO Alan Langston of Palatine, Illinois, sends along information on his 1958 Chevy Cameo project: “The short story is the Cameo was a truck that was owned by my friend and president of our truck club Early Hauler Truck Club of Illinois. His wife Jan wanted it to stay in the club and she knew I would finish it the way Vic would want it.

“The 1958 Chevy Cameo was originally an Air Force truck out of San Diego and Vic found it in a body shop that was going out of business 30 years ago— mostly original, but not the motor. They only made 1,571 Cameos in ’58 and it was the last year before changing to the El Camino.

“I started with a complete media blasting, a Fat Man Fabrication MII front end and 4-links rear. The Chevy 409 with four deuces and a custom set of ceramic headers fills the engine bay.

PPG and BNC Quality Auto Body in Schaumburg did all the body work and suicide doors.

“We also louvered the hood and smoothed the emblems and made a custom visor and aluminum tonneau cover on linear actuators. The body is lathered in Acid Green Spectra Hot Wheels color and black pearl, with multicolor flake on the roof and dash.

The custom 9-inch rear axle with a Winters Performance aluminum center was built by my friends at Attitude Performance.

“The sound system, wiring and sub box were installed and fabricated by Showtime Audio in Chicago. This has been a six-year project that is finally coming together.”

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV88-111.indd 111

THE SHOP

111

10/4/16 3:22 PM

PERFORMANCE

WHEELS & TIRES FOCUS All-Steel Wheel

Wheel Vintiques, City of Industry, California, offers its Magnum 500 wheel. Made in the USA, the wheel features an all-steel construction with a chrome-plated finish and painted details. Magnum 500 wheels originally rolled beneath millions of muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger and many more popular highperformance cars from the 1960s and ’70s. They are available in a variety of applications, from original fitments to larger sizes to fit modified muscle cars.

S Customizable Off-Road Wheel

Drag Racing Front Wheel

WELD, Kansas City, Missouri, offers the Full Throttle Drag Frontrunner. The new front wheel for the drag racing market is available in both a spindle-mount and lug-mount version, and comes in polished or black finishes with machined accents. Light and featuring a classic appearance, the wheel is a fully forged, one-piece design and available in a 15x3.5-inch diameter.

WELD also offers a 17x4.5-inch design in the lug mount version.

Wheel Pros, Buena Park, California, introduces its KMC Rockstar 3 wheel. The off-road wheel is built to be customized. Choose a matte black or satin black machined base and then add customized stars, rings, mid-spokes and split-spokes in a variety of colors. The wheels are offered in 17- to 22-inch sizes.

New Rugged Terrain Tire Size

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., Cypress, California, has added a new 15-inch size to its line of Open Country R/T (rugged terrain) tires— 31X10.50R15LT. Rated Load Range C, the new size fits wheel widths from 7 to 9 inches and is ideal for outdoor adventure vehicles.

It is designed to offer a blend of off-road traction, durable construction and aggressive styling, with less on-road noise and a longerlasting tread. Wide shoulder grooves, mudbiting blocks and stone and mud ejectors allow it to tackle dirt, sand and rocks, with a durable sidewall compound.

Six-Spoke Rims Modern Muscle Wheels

Cragar, Franklin, Tennessee, part of The Carlstar Group, introduces three new Wheel Designs styled for American muscle cars. Marking the classic Cragar wheel’s 50-year history, the three new styles—614, 615 and 620—come in sizes ranging from 18x8 to 22x9 and are available in four different finishes. They are particularly suited for 2005-’16 modern muscle car models.

112

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 112

LRG Rims, Compton, California, introduces its 111 Classico sixspoke rims. The wheels feature a slight twist in their unique split, six-spoke design with a bit of retro appeal. They are available in 20x9 and 20x12 sizes and 5-, 6- and 8-lug bolt patterns. The rims are offered in satin black and machined satin black finishes.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:14 PM

F t T l fi a c t t t a f T f c

PERFORMANCE

Light Truck Tire

Snowflake-Design Wheel

Forgeline, Dayton, Ohio, presents the highly styled Heritage Series TA3 wheel, now available with a flatlip reverse outer in 18- and 19-inch fitments, or with a stepped lip in 19and 20-inch diameters. Suited to any class of automobile, from muscle cars to performance and luxury vehicles, the wheels are built in America with true forged 6061-T6 aluminum centers and aircraft-quality ARP stainless steel fasteners (choose exposed or hidden).

The three-piece Heritage Series TA3 features a standard, powder-coated center finish with a polished outer rim.

Nitto Tire, Cypress, California, introduces the all-new Ridge Grappler light truck tire, featuring a dynamic hybrid tread pattern.

Available in 30 popular sizes, when taken off-road the alternating shoulder grooves help to clear mud quickly while the Lateral Z grooves give more biting edges for traction.

Reinforced block foundations also add rigidity to reduce tread flex and the integrated stone ejectors work to reduce stone drilling and help protect the bottom of the groove. The Ridge Grappler is also available in an F load range rating in select sizes.

New Wheel Designs

HRE Performance Wheels, San Diego, presents its most complex Monoblok wheel line, the Series P2. The series debuts with three new models: the 10-spoke mesh P200, the aggressive diamond five-spoke P201, and the V-5 directional-spoke P204. Features include unique twisted spoke geometry and complex 360-degree surfacing inspired by the latest supercars.

The all-new Series P2 wheels are available in diameters ranging from 20 to 22 inches and widths ranging from 8.5 to 13 inches. The Series P2 will also be available as a center lock.

k

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 113

THE SHOP

113

10/3/16 4:15 PM

PERFORMANCE

WHEELS & TIRES FOCUS Drag Tires

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Stow, Ohio, presents its expanded ET Drag tire line, including two new sizes: 24.5/9.013 and 33.0/15.0-15S. The tires feature the company’s proprietary X8 compound, designed for consistent, reliable performance in a variety of race environments. The ET Drag is engineered for maximum traction and consistent elapsed times.

Mustang Alloy Wheels Custom Engraved Wheels

American Force Wheels, Miami, offers Custom Engraved Wheels.

Ranging from tribal patterns to polka dots, engravings are essentially limited only by the customer’s imagination. The Engraved Series will be offered in 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-lug configurations.

The new engraving process puts more control in the buyer’s hands.

Scott Drake, Henderson, Nevada, offers its new Legendary GT7 alloy wheels for classic Mustangs. The GT7 is modeled after the 10-spoke alloy that was optional on 1967-’68 Shelby GT350s and GT500s. The enhanced design was created using state-of-the-art casting technology for added strength and precision. Each wheel features a CNC-machined face with natural cast accents and clear-coat finish. The GT7 is available in 15x7, 17x7 and 17x8 sizes.

Center caps and lug nuts are sold separately.

Wheelie Bars

S&W Performance Group, Spring City, Pennsylvania, presents its new high-performance, adjustable slip-tube Wheelie Bar— one of 33 unique models. The HiPo wheelie bar is purposebuilt for powerful and demanding drag race cars. The slip-tube construction bar features a floating X-member on the lower struts. It is offered in welded or un-welded kits, with a maximum length of 80 inches and a maximum width of 28 inches. Both length and width can be narrowed to suit the racer’s needs.

Upper and lower struts are made of 1-1/4 x 0.065 chromoly.

Classic Michelin Radials Tire Shine

Meguiar’s, Irvine, California, introduces Hot Shine Reflect Tire Shine, an innovative, spray-on tire dressing that leaves tires with a reflective sheen that prevents cracking, browning and premature aging. Featuring retroreflective technology, in direct light Meguiar’s Hot Shine Reflect delivers a brilliance to the tire’s shine, while in the shade the special formula gives tires a black, wet look.

The product combines highly water-resistant polymers with anti-ozonant technology to ensure that tires stay a darker black longer.

114

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 114

Coker Tire, Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers two new specialty models in its popular line of Michelin radial tires: the X-series 125R12 and the XZX-series 145/70R12. The new sizes offer period-correct styling and modern radial tire performance for classic micro-cars. The Michelin X-series 125R12 is a direct-fit radial upgrade for 1957-’60 Fiat models.

For owners of the popular 19842000 Mini Mark V, VI and VII, Coker now offers the Michelin XZX-series tire in the Mini’s 145/70R12 size.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:16 PM

T

B G D a b p f d r f s f

PERFORMANCE

,

All Position/Steer Tires

Yokohama Tire Corp., Santa Ana, California, introduces its new 108R regional All-Position/ Steer Tire, now available to fleets in the U.S. and Canada. SmartWay-verified, the 108R comes in sizes 295/75R22.5, 285/75R24.5, 11R24.5 and 11R22.5, and is designed to give fleets a competitive edge for extended regional-haul and urban high-scrub applications. A deep 22/32-inch tread depth and 16-ply construction deliver more miles via a five-rib tread design. STEM-2 (StrainEnergy Minimization) technology helps extend the life of the casing.

Tire Wet

Black Magic, Houston, an ITW Global Brand, offers Black Magic Diamond Tire Wet, featuring an advanced formula powered by a blend of micro-hexagonal metallized particles. The motion-enhanced formula works by reflecting light at different angles as the tire rotates, resulting in added radiance. The formulation combines a blend of silicones and hydrophobic polymers for an extreme shine.

GRIPS AND GRIPS AND GRIPS

Shape doesn’t matter— the KNIPEX COBRA® will grip any fastener shape tighter and stay locked on until you let it go!

• Grips round, square, flat and hex shapes • Stays locked on the workpiece • Available in 7 different sizes (5" to 22") • Up to 4¾" capacity in the line

All-Terrain Tires

Falken Tire Corp., Rancho Cucamonga, California, presents its Wildpeak A/T3W all-terrain tires.

Designed to offer aggressive off-road ability and rugged-terrain driving without compromising on pavement, the tires include an optimized tread design and silica tread compound for improved wear and enhanced wet and winter performance. They are qualified for the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake symbol. The tires are available in 54 sizes.

KNIPEX – Tools Designed With Your Hand in Mind Water pump pliers for every application. The original push-button pliers with the thin head that fits easily into tight spots. German-engineered and precision manufactured. Pliers...it’s all we do.

See a video of this tool: http://plie.rs/cobra-us

STOP BY FOR SOME GREAT TOOL GIVEAWAYS TOOLS & EQUIPMENT SECTION BOOTH 10144

©2016 KNIPEX

KNIPEX Quality – Made in Germany

NOVEMBER 2016 KNI-158_CobraGrips-SEMA-TheShop.indd 1 TSNOV112-144.indd 115

THE SHOP

115

9/15/16 3:20 PM 10/3/16 4:16 PM

PERFORMANCE

Understanding Crankshaft Balancing

Part 2

A magnetic pickup attaches to the crank snout, relaying signals to the balancer’s computer.

More on a weighty subject that can affect performance.

By Mike Mavrigian EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a twopart series exploring the importance of crank balancing. Part 1 appeared in the October 2016 issue of THE SHOP magazine.

balance involves both ends of the crankshaft, where balance correction at one end directly affects balance at the opposite end.

The crankshaft is typically spun at a speed

of approximately 750-1,000 rpm—sufficient to develop forces that are measurable.

TAKE A SPIN Setting up the crankshaft on the spin balancer involves entering the radius from the crank’s centerline to the outer radius of the counterweights, as well as the distance between the centerline of counterweights.

A computer balancing machine then determines the balance condition at each front and rear counterweight and provides

T

he crank for a V-type engine must be dynamically balanced in order to compensate for the rotating force of the rod big ends and the reciprocating forces by the rods, pistons, rings, etc., in order to correct for centripetal force.

Centripetal force (not to be confused with centrifugal force) is created by crankshaft imbalance where the imbalance force tries to deflect the crank back and forth during operation. This back-and-forth stress can result in main bearing damage or even crankshaft fracturing.

By dynamically balancing the crank, we lighten the heavy side or add weight to the lighter side in order to eliminate centripetal force.

A dynamic balance involves balancing the crankshaft in two planes (as opposed to a single plane static balance). A dual-plane

116

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 116

Crankshafts are spun via a belt driven by the balancing machine’s electric motor. Always wear safety glasses during spin-balancing to protect your eyes from potential airborne particles.

If you have drilled the outer edge of a counterweight and have added a slug of heavy metal, spinning the crank before welding the slug presents a possible danger if the slug accidentally leaves the crank. If weight was added to a counterweight outer edge, don’t stand in front of the crank during spinning until the slug is secured with a weld. Some machinists will use a temporary sticky putty on the counterweight (creating a specific weight on the digital scale) in order to perform a test spin. Since the putty can sling off, this is another reason to avoid standing directly alongside the crank during the spin.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:19 PM

PERFORMANCE

Here an aftermarket crank for a big-block Mopar application is “kissed” on a lathe. The alternative would have been to drill a series of shallow holes along the edge of the counterweight.

the operator with the necessary informarial is also referred to as Mallory metal. tion regarding the amount of weight that In essence, this material is comprised of a needs to be added or removed, and the heavy tungsten alloy, which is a little more location of that modification. than twice the weight of steel of the same When weight removal is required from a dimensions. crankshaft counterweight, material may be For example, if a 1/2-inch hole is drilled removed by either drilling into the outer in a steel counterweight at a depth of 0.750 face of the counterweight or by removing (3/4-inch), a tungsten heavy metal plug of outer face material by turning the crankthe same size will achieve a weight gain of shaft on a precision lathe.

24 grams. The size of that hole removes 19 By drilling the outer face of a countergrams of steel, but the tungsten heavy metal weight, you create a potential windage plug weighs 43 grams, so by removing 19 drag. The advantage of using a lathe is grams of steel to make way for the heavy that you can remove weight and obtain metal plug, you end up adding 24 grams a smooth surface, theoretically reducing of weight. potential windage drag.

Since this material is heavier than steel, it If weight addition is required, you have allows you to use a smaller-dimension slug two choices: either drill a counterweight to provide the needed weight. outer face and insert and weld a tungsten slug; or by cross-drilling a hole through the front-torear of the counterweight and press-fitting a tungsten slug. If a heavy-metal slug is installed on the outer face—even if a press-fit is achieved—the weight must be welded to the counterweight in order to ensure that it won’t sling out during engine operation.

Installing heavy metal weights through a counterweight eliminates the potential for the slug Handy reference charts are available that tell you to be accidentally thrown out by what diameter and depth of hole is needed to remove centrifugal force. a specific amount of weight—pretty much eliminatWhen weight must be added ing guesswork. The balancer will tell you how much weight needs to be removed and at what location on a to a crankshaft, a special heavy counterweight. metal slug is used. This mateNOVEMBER 2016

THE SHOP

117

PERFORMANCE

Understanding Crankshaft Balancing

In this case, the rear counterweight required a heavy weight placed close to the crank centerline at a small radius. In order to drill the hole, a hole was required at the rear flange in order to access the counterweight. This was done with the crank anchored vertically on a drill press.

(Note: When you select an aftermarket performance crankshaft, you need to know the “target” bobweight. This is the approximate bobweight that the particular crank will likely require. If the target weight isn’t included on a spec sheet with the crank, consider calling the maker and asking. If your required bobweight is heavier than the crank’s target weight, you will likely need to add a bit of heavy metal. In that case, make sure that you have slugs of tungsten on hand. If your bobweight is the same or lighter than the crank’s target weight, you will likely only need to remove material in order to balance the crank.)

Here a slug of heavy metal is carefully interference-fit into a counterweight. The pass-through hole, required for drilling the affected counterweight and to install the heavy slug, will then be filled or another hole drilled to offset this first hole.

UNDER- & OVER-BALANCING For various racing applications, a common balancing trick is to under-balance or overbalance the crankshaft in order to best-suit a specific engine rpm range. While not suitable for a street performance application where engine balance needs to provide a suitable state of reduced harmonics from idle through occasional high-speed operation, under- or over-balancing allows the machinist to minimize harmonics in a predetermined engine rpm range.

This is applicable for engines that typically run only within a specific rpm range.

(For example, due to the nature of the racing series, the engine may operate only within 6,000 to 8,000 rpm.) A slight vibration or harmonic at idle or low rpm would be acceptable, since the vehicle won’t run at these lower engine speeds on the track.

Under- or over-balancing may or may not be beneficial on all race engines built for the same purpose, due to variations in valve

A close-up view of the installed slug of heavy metal. Installing tungsten through a counterweight enables you to work closer to the crank centerline and eliminates the potential for the weight slug to sling off of the crank during engine operation. If a tight interference fit isn’t possible, the weight is then tack-welded to the crank to make sure that it won’t dislodge.

118

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 118

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:28 PM

In this job, the initial spin revealed that, due to lightweight pistons and pins, balancing requires a removal of 98.18 grams at the rear counterweight and removal of 109.53 grams at the front counterweight.

spring stiffness, timing chain or timing gear harmonics, etc. Basically, in the case of certain race engine applications, we simply don’t care about vibrations at engine speeds that won’t be used on the track, as long as we can dial-in the balance to optimize engine operation at a very specific engine

speed that the engine will experience while it’s in competition.

Some race engine builders prefer overbalancing by 1 or 2 percent for a highrevving engine and are convinced that this produces more power. In theory, overbalancing can serve to dampen valvetrain

EXTERNAL VS. INTERNAL BALANCE A crankshaft, depending on engine design, may be internally or externally balanced.

Internal balance refers to a crankshaft where all balancing (removal or addition of weight) occurs on the crankshaft counterweights, and requires the use of zerobalanced crank damper and flywheel. Of course this assumes that the pistons, rods, etc., are already weight-matched.

When an internally balanced crankshaft is

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 119

PERFORMANCE

harmonics at a specific engine speed.

In order to over-balance, instead of using 50 percent of reciprocating weight when making the bobweights, you might use 52 percent of reciprocating weight. If under-balancing is desired, the bobweight’s reciprocating weight might be 48 percent.

Again, under- or over-balancing is often a trial-and-error approach, unless an engine builder has developed a specific routine in his or her builds (valvetrain geometry, spring pressures, timing system, camshaft, etc.) where under- or over-balancing has proven to be successful.

THE SHOP

119

10/3/16 4:29 PM

PERFORMANCE

Understanding Crankshaft Balancing discovered and corrected on the damper and on the flywheel, without any further correction to the crank itself.

If this approach is taken, the damper and flywheel must be reinstalled in exactly the same clock positions as used during balancing. If the crank snout is keyed, the damper will only install in one location anyway (examples of exceptions are OE LS engine crank dampers that are not keyed).

The flywheel may or may not be indexed to bolt onto the crank in one location only.

If not, place a permanent matchmark on the flywheel and crank flange.

If you purchase zero-balanced dampers and flywheels from reputable makers, checking them probably isn’t necessary, but if you really want to be picky and to verify balance, it’s worth considering.

After a final series of precision holes were drilled, the computer display revealed an imbalance at a mere 1.67 grams rear and 1.62 grams front. Considering that 1 gram equals the weight of a single dollar bill, and considering the variable of clinging and slinging oil, this is definitely close enough.

placed on the crank balancing machine, there is no need to attach either a front damper or flywheel, since an internally balanced crankshaft requires the use of a zero-balanced damper and a zero-balanced flywheel.

An external balanced crankshaft will utilize a weighted damper and weighted flywheel (where each features a balancing weight or pad). In this case, the damper and flywheel must be attached to the crankshaft during spin balancing of the crank.

With an internal balance, since the damper and flywheel are zero-balanced and do not affect crank balance, the damper and/or flywheel may be replaced during servicing at any time without affecting crankshaft balance (providing you always install a zero-balanced damper or flywheel).

(Note: Late-model computer-managed engines commonly feature a toothed reluctor wheel that provides a crankshaft position reference for electronic engine management. If the wheel was removed for any reason or a new crank did not feature an already-installed wheel, make sure that the wheel is installed onto the crank prior to balancing. Adding a wheel after balancing could result in an imbalance condition. If the crank is designed to use a reluctor wheel, it must be in place before attempting to balance the crank.)

120

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 120

BALANCING DAMPERS & FLYWHEELS If the crank is internally balanced, the crank damper and the flywheel must be zero-balanced. This can be done on the balancing machine with special arbor fixtures to secure the units separately.

However, a convenient approach is to mount them to the crank, after the crankshaft has been balanced corrected. If the damper and/or flywheel isn’t precisely zerobalanced already, any imbalance is then

VISCOUS DAMPERS If a viscous-type harmonic damper is to be used in place of an OE-type elastomerdamped unit, you need to be aware of certain aspects.

A viscous damper (ATI, Fluidampr, etc.) takes advantage of the centrifugal force created by a captive fluid inside the damper ring. While an elastomer ring-type damper is designed to only cancel a crankshaft’s harmonic vibrations at a predetermined frequency range, a viscous-type damper is designed to cancel harmonic vibrations at any rpm.

As far as crankshaft balancing is concerned, here’s what you need to know: if the engine is an internally balanced

Since this counterweight is fairly narrow, drilling large holes was impossible, so steel removal was spread out along the radius.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:30 PM

MIKE MAVRIGIAN owns and operates Birchwood Automotive in Creston, Ohio, where he builds custom engines, street rods and performs vehicle restorations. He has written thousands of technical articles, as well as nine books on automotive technology during the past 30 years. Mike can be reached at 330-435-6347 or birchwdag@frontier.com.

Visit Birchwood’s website at www.birchwoodautomotive.com.

PERFORMANCE

design (where all of the crankshaft balancing occurs at the counterweights and the damper and flywheel are zero-balanced on their own), the viscous damper itself is already balanced, so there’s no need to perform any balancing work on the damper at any time.

If the engine is an externally balanced design (where the front damper and the flywheel are integral components of crank balance), the viscous damper will consist of two parts—an outer damper ring and a center hub. Disassemble the damper to separate the ring from the hub. Mount only the hub to the crank snout (along with the flywheel at the rear crank flange) for crankshaft balancing. Do not attach the viscous damper ring to the hub for balancing!

Clutch pressure plates can be checked for balance and can be performed by mounting the pressure plate to an already zero-balanced flywheel on a balance arbor.

Any weight correction is made by welding weight onto the pressure plate cover.

Again, quality pressure plates should already be zero-balanced from the factory, but checking—and correcting, if necessary—eliminates a potential customer’s complaint of vibration.

Finally, if a torque converter is to be checked or corrected for balance, the fluid must be drained first. If the converter does not feature a drain plug, you may drill and tap a hole and install a plug, but if you do that, you should install an identical plug 180 degrees from the first plug in order to negate the weight of the first plug.

If fluid remains in the converter, your spin balance readings won’t be repeatable, as the fluid slings around inside. Quality torque converters should already be balanced, so you really shouldn’t need to spend time trying to balance them.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW LINE OF DIRECT FIT

QUALITYT AND FI N YOU CA !

TRUST

tro uci owmaster s co erters. he ta ar cata tic co erters factor tai ess tee co structio

ew i e of eco omica rice irect- t cata tic eries i e features eas recise tme t hi h flow ha ers fla es as ets whe a ica e a for o asti erforma ce ua it a ura i it .

Come see us at SEMA!

Racing & Performance Hall #22351 | Truck Hall #30337

flowmastermufflers.com - 707.544.4761 *Not all products are legal for sale in CA & NY

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (REQUIRED BY 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Title of Publication: THE SHOP. 2. Publication No: 2380-7415. 3. Date of Filing: 9-29-16. 4. Frequency of Issue: Monthly. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $45. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: National Business Media, Inc., 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. 8. Complete mailing address of the headquarters or general business offices of the publisher: National Business Media, Inc., 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor. Publisher: Regan Dickinson, 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. Executive Editor: Jef White, 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. Managing Editor: Eddie Wieber, 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. 10. Owner: National Business Media Inc., 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. Robert H. Wieber Jr., 2800 W Midway Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2016.

15. Extent and nature of circulation. Average No. copies each issue during preceding 12 months. A. Total No. Of copies (net press run): 17392. B. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution by mail and outside the mail: 1. Outside county paid/requested mail subscriptions: 16726. 2. In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0. 4. Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 16726. D. Nonrequested distribution by mail and outside the mail: 1. Outside county nonrequested copies: 0. 2. In-county nonrequested copies: 0. 3. Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0. 4. Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 320. E. Total nonrequested distribution: 320. F. Total distribution: 17046. G. Copies not distributed: 346. H. Total: 17392. I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 98.1%.

16. Electronic Copy Circulation: A. Requested and paid electronic copies: 1052. B. Total requested and paid print copies + requested/paid electronic copies: 17778. C. Total requested copy distribution + requested/paid electronic copies: 18098. D. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (both print & electronic copies): 98.2% 15. Extent and nature of circulation. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date. A. Total No. Of copies (net press run): 16397. B. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution by mail and outside the mail: 1. Outside county paid/requested mail subscriptions: 16087. 2. In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions: 0. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0. 4. Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 16087. D. Nonrequested distribution by mail and outside the mail: 1. Outside county nonrequested copies: 0. 2. In-county nonrequested copies: 0. 3. Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0. 4. Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 38.

E. Total nonrequested distribution: 38. F. Total distribution: 16125. G. Copies not distributed: 272. H. Total: 16397. I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 99.7%. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation. A. Requested and paid electronic copies: 945. B. Total requested and paid print copies + requested/ paid electronic copies: 17032. C. Total requested copy distribution + requested/paid electronic copies: 17070. D. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (both print & electronic copies): 99.7%. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Regan Dickinson, Publisher.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 121

THE SHOP

121

10/4/16 3:08 PM

PERFORMANCE

The New Millennial

Hot Rod Sport compacts are helping to drive the next generation.

By John F. Katz

122

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 122

W

e called them Sport Compacts, although nobody liked the name.

They ranged from mildly modified frontdrive Civics to tube-framed Pro Stocks.

They exploded onto the drag race scene around 1990, and spread faster than an election-year rumor through the early Oughts. Then the factory-backed teams took over, and the grassroots racers took their toys and went home.

And they’ve been having a great time playing with them ever since.

Today, the sanctions that kept the sport affordable, such as the Battle of the Imports (BOI), the Import Drag Racing Circuit (IDRC), and the Import Face Off (IFO) continue to thrive. IDRC’s annual Shootout, a three-day car show capped by a night of drag racing, drew 9,400 people to its 24th annual edition in August earlier this year.

The Carlisle (Pennsylvania) Import & Performance Nationals claims a regular roster of 2,000 show cars. IOF’s 2016 calendar lists over two dozen race and show events, cross-country and year-round.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 10:33 AM

PERFORMANCE

MORE COLORS MORE CHOICES Meanwhile, drift competitions, long popular in Japan, arrived here in the mid’90s and never left. Grassroots road racing has always favored light, nimble imports and continues to do so. And as small cars come to dominate the entry level of automobile ownership, they’ll inevitably carve out an ever-larger share of entry-level street performance, too.

The pioneer hot rodders favored Ford Model T’s and Model A’s because they were cheap and plentiful, and because performance parts were available for them. The Millennial rodder turns to Civics and Subarus for exactly the same reasons.

And maybe something more: “Imports are becoming preferred project platforms for their advanced technology, including turbocharging, all-wheel drive (AWD), and independent rear suspension,” observes Michael Ferrara, publisher of both the print magazine DSport and the digital-electronic dsportmag.com. “Now street, drag, circuit and drift setups are all explored with these vehicles.”

Other insiders we contacted added road

racing, autocross, and rallying to the list.

“There are young, affluent buyers, generally located in metropolitan markets, who prefer small cars for their fun-to-drive character,” says Christine Wright, GM’s marketing manager for small cars, “and for a low purchase price that leaves them more money for performance modifications.”

“The cars are cheaper,” adds Eddie Kim, owner of Dynamic Autosports in Santa Ana, California, “and the parts are cheaper.”

And there are far too many small-car enthusiasts for the industry to ignore.

We’ve been firing the finest rides in America since 1923!

MADE IN AMERICA

THE COMPACT HOT RODDER Who are these enthusiasts, specifically?

To answer that question, one needs first to understand that today’s compactperformance scene comprises a national confluence of several separate regional phenomena.

“The modern import or sport compact movement can be traced back to Southern California in the early 1990s,” Ferrara recalls, “and was influenced by the Asian-

• Universal Wire Sets • Race Fit Sets • Custom Wire Sets For 9 decades, Taylor has been delivering more power to your plugs so you get maximum horsepower and torque. We offer the largest selection of wires and many accessories to fit numerous applications. If your ride isn’t wired by Taylor - you are not getting every ounce of power you deserve!

h

t B oo A M SE 3935 #2

Formula DRIFT driver Dai Yoshihara in the Turn 14 Distribution-sponsored Subaru BRZ. (Photo courtesy Turn 14 Distribution)

www.taylorvertex.com 816-765-5011 NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 123

THE SHOP

123

10/4/16 10:34 AM

PERFORMANCE MX-5 Cup race cars at Road America. There are at least eight classes in the SCCA where you can race a Mazda MX-5 Miata. (Photo courtesy Mazda Motorsports)

American community. The Hondas that were given to kids as they went off to college quickly became the basis for project vehicles. Engine swaps, turbo kits and nitrous oxide systems transformed these 16-second stockers into 13-second—or quicker—street cars. The So-Cal street racing scene, along with the BOI, and later the IDRC, fostered the growth of this market.”

At the same time, a somewhat different import movement was emerging on the East Coast, “fueled by Latinos focused on used cars from the ’70s and ’80s”—just as Midwesterners were discovering that “turbo and AWD variants of the firstgeneration Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclipse were phenomenal performance platforms.”

Today, these various movements have more or less merged, resulting in a demographic that’s “more diversified than ever,” according to a spokesperson for the sales team at Launch Distribution, in Industry, California, with “widespread enthusiasm across the nation, typically spearheaded by young suburban males of all races.”

Ferrara characterized today’s compact-car enthusiasts as “predominantly male (90-95 percent), between the ages of 18-45, and 124

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 124

encompassing all demographic and racial backgrounds.”

Some of our experts refer to these enthusiasts as “affluent,” others found them less so.

“Oftentimes they are younger in age,” says Brett Kinsfather, sales and marketing manager for Motovicity Distribution in Madison Heights, Michigan, “and new to automobile ownership. Demographics and budget can vary, but many are working with more limited budgets, compared to traditional V-8 street rodders.”

And despite its bicoastal beginnings, the movement is now “pretty much nationwide,” believes Dean Case, communications officer for Mazda Motorsports in Irvine, California. “We have customers in 46 states, some of whom are teenagers, and some of whom are eligible for AARP.” Daryl Sampson, director of marketing for Turn 14 Distribution in Horsham, Pennsylvania, divides these entry-level enthusiasts into two sub-levels.

“The first level takes the usual path of modifying a used economy car. For the second level, entry is through sub-$30,000 new cars such as the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, the Ford Focus ST, and even the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Over the past few years the OEMs have learned to build cars

that offer what entry-level enthusiasts are looking for: performance, economy and practicality, all with a warranty.”

Also, as more expensive performance cars such as the E46 BMW M3, Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reach the usedcar lots, “entry-level enthusiasts have been quick to adopt these platforms, purchasing the performance these cars offered when new for a fraction of the cost.”

THE CARS THEY CHOOSE …

Our experts widely agreed regarding the particular cars these enthusiasts favor.

Much like traditional V-8 hot rodders, they prefer rear-wheel drive—although many consider all-wheel drive (AWD) an acceptable alternative.

Leading the rear-drive ranks are the Subaru BRZ (and its Scion/Toyota derivatives); the Mazda Miata; the Honda S2000; and the Nissan 240SX, 350Z, 370Z, and the derivative Infiniti G37 (Gs & Zs, in the lingo). AWD alternatives include the Subaru WRX; Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution; Subaru Forester, and the AWD versions of the Plymouth Laser, Eagle Talon and Mitsubishi Eclipse.

The only front-wheel drive cars whose

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 10:35 AM

PERFORMANCE

names came up over and over again were the Honda Civic and its up-market cousin, the Acura Integra.

“Because of cost and value, new-car buyers typically go for a Civic or maybe an FR-S,” notes the Launch Distribution team, while “an abundance of good deals are available on used 350Zs, WRXs and Evos. All of these are a lot of fun, and lots of upgrade parts are available.”

David J. Buschur, president of Buschur Racing in Wakeman, Ohio (and sponsor of the IDRC Shootout) lists “a wide field” of vehicles, adding the Chrysler Conquest/ Mitsubishi Starion and the Dodge Stealth/ Mitsubishi 3000GT. “Generally speaking,” adds Kinsfather, “all of these cars provide maximum value for street performance.”

Adrienne Peters, GM marketing manager for performance, cited the success of the Chevrolet Cruze in the World Touring Car Championship, and of the Chevy Sonic in SCCA racing.

The annual Shootout, sponsored by the Import Drag Racing Circuit (IDRC), is a three-day car show capped by a night of drag racing. (Photos courtesy Buschur Racing)

IDRC’s annual Shootout drew 9,400 people to its 24th annual edition earlier this year.

(Photos courtesy Buschur Racing)

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 125

THE SHOP

125

10/4/16 10:35 AM

PERFORMANCE In stock form the 2017 STI makes ~250 wheel horsepower. This car has been upgraded with a full turbo-back exhaust system, external wastegate, an AEM cold air intake, an IAG Air Oil Separator and a Flex Fuel kit, allowing it to run on both 93 octane fuel and E85. The result is a 100 horsepower gain over stock. (Photo courtesy Boost Controlled Performance)

“Just last year, Sonic topped Honda, Toyota, Mini, Ford and Mazda for the B/ Spec National Championship.”

Meanwhile, says Ferrara, “The dream car for just about everyone in this market is a Nissan GT-R, which rewrote the record books in 2009. But it’s ever-increasing price tag and high resale value keep it beyond most budgets.” ... & HOW THEY ARE MODIFIED According to many of our sources, most compact-car enthusiasts begin to customize their cars with larger wheels and tires. Suspension mods come next, and can become surprisingly sophisticated.

“Most start with suspension and wheels,” says the Launch Distribution team. The 126

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 126

former may consist of stiffer and/or lower coil springs, but “it’s pretty staggering how many people will opt for coilovers or air suspension.”

After that, “they usually go for easy bolton upgrades to the exhaust system. Air intakes are very strong sellers. And at this time they may also upgrade lighting and/ or braking.”

“The modification path is pretty much the same for all enthusiasts,” adds Sampson.

“The first parts they buy are usually intakes, exhausts, lowering springs and/or coilovers.

The next round usually involves the addition of power via forced induction—unless the car came with forced induction, and then the next step is increasing the boost by tuning the factory ECU—using either

a plug-and-play device with pre-set parameters or a vehicle-specific program prepared by a tuner familiar with that platform.”

Buschur’s drag-racing customers “usually start with an air filter, full exhaust systems, boost controller, fuel pump, and upgrades to injectors and tuning.” From there they move on to “front-mount intercoolers, upper and lower intercooler pipe upgrades, and bigger turbos.” Then they open up the engine, upgrading cams and heads.

Ferrara, however, sees the market evolving.

“In the early days, the first round of modifications generally included lowering springs, a cat-back exhaust, a performance intake system and, for turbocharged vehicles, a boost controller. Today, the list begins with flash reprogramming of the ECU, using products from COBB AccessPort and EcuTek. Then once the light round of tuning is done, about 75 percent of enthusiasts will take it a step further. Suspensions will benefit from adjustable coilover kits and stiffer anti-roll bars. Brake systems will get rotor and sometimes caliper upgrades.”

Engine performance is further enhanced via intercoolers and modifications to the fuel system. “Flex-Fuel conversions allow the use of E85, which allows more turbo boost with more aggressive ignition timing for big gains in horsepower and torque.”

Then at some point, Ferrara continues, “the limits of the stock engine block are

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 12:02 PM

PERFORMANCE

(Photo courtesy Turn 14 Distribution)

realized.” Depending on the platform, custom-built engines may feature “performance sleeves, forged pistons and connecting rods, stroker cranks, upgraded camshafts and valve train and even racingstyle intake manifolds and throttle bodies.”

Necessity will require the replacement of other parts.

“On manual transmission cars,” says Sampson, “the first part to fail will be the clutch, and most enthusiasts will replace

Red Line Oil_HalfFinal.indd 1

TSNOV112-144.indd 127

it with a performance unit that’s equipped to handle more torque. Then, as power increases, especially in older, highermileage cars, pistons and rods may need to be upgraded—when they break, or simply to increase the performance envelope.”

Kinsfather notes “a pretty good balance of DIY and DIFM that exists within this marketplace.”

Not surprisingly, many enthusiasts start out fairly hands-on, but usually at that

“second stage” that we’ve described most will pay a technician to install the parts for them.

“One thing that is common to all performance enthusiasts,” notes Peters, “is that once they start modifying a vehicle, they can’t seem to stop. More often than not, they continue adding components that enhance performance. That’s why it’s important to offer them a portfolio of performance parts and accessories.”

8:56 AM NOVEMBER 2016 9/26/16 THE SHOP 127

10/4/16 10:44 AM

PERFORMANCE There are young, affluent buyers, generally located in metropolitan markets, who prefer small cars for their fun-to-drive character.

The 2015 FRS comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.0 direct-injected engine, which offers roughly 160 wheel horsepower. This car features a Jackson Racing Centrifugal supercharger kit, which boosts the engine by almost 100 horsepower and a Flex Fuel kit by Delicious Tuning which offers the ability to run E85. The result is a gain of ~140 wheel horsepower.

(Photo courtesy Boost Controlled Performance)

In fact, says Ferrara, “Most people rotate to a different project platform every four to five years. Some will purchase a used vehicle to build as a dedicated race car, while others will upgrade to a more expensive new car that offers even more performance potential.”

Either way, it spells opportunity for anyone who can keep the parts on their shelves.

GETTING SMALL Even if you’re already running a thriving V-8 shop, breaking into the import performance scene may require some new equip128

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 128

ment and inventory. But it may be harder still to establish credibility and trust.

Buschur cites the advantage of being “a one-stop shop, where we design and manufacture our own parts—with all welding and fabrication done in-house. We build the engines, port the heads, build the transmissions and perform all installation and tuning here in the same building.”

Eddie Kim has experienced a serious challenge with at least some of his potential customers—that just in the past few years, name-band parts have gone out of fashion.

“The younger millennials are OK with buying everything off of eBay. And they are

OK with buying fake, copied or imitation parts,” he claims.

This situation, he adds, is “much worse with imports” than it is with domestic V-8 hot rodders.

“When we were young,” Kim continues, “we wanted parts made in Japan, or parts with U.S. brand names such as Edelbrock, Flowmaster and WELD. We ate cup ramen and peanut-butter-and-jelly so we had money to buy good parts. Now (drivers) buy $10 craft beer and fake wheels. And they think you’re kind of dumb if you pay the price for something authentic.”

In response, Dynamic Autosports has narrowed its focus to custom-order parts.

“For example, if we buy wheels, we’ll have the manufacturer make a special run that’s exclusive to us.”

Of course, we all know fake parts break.

And thanks to today’s social media channels, word about low quality travels fast.

Certainly, millennial hot rodders are active on the ’net—on “social media, forums and branded websites,” says Kinsfather, “in addition to word-of-mouth, shops, the race track and other events.”

“Most information is exchanged on vehicle-specific forums,” adds Sampson, “plus social media via Facebook groups and Instagram.”

Not surprisingly, Ferrara suggests DSport magazine and dsportmag.com as primary sources for “unbiased testing and tuning

NOVEMBER 2016

10/5/16 12:03 PM

NEW! information,” while “forums dedicated to a specific make and model are popular for sharing less technical topics.”

The key for retailers and installers, he says, is to build a reputation for knowledge and quality.

“In our experience, we have seen very few shops that do excellent installation work.

One reason is that there are many shops charging too little for the parts and labor just to earn the business,” he explains. “If every tech and mechanic treated every car as their own, and did exceptional work, more customers would come back for more modifications. It would also help if the shop installed only quality components made in the U.S. or Japan—and stopped selling inferior crap made in China.”

Retailers should immerse themselves in the markets they want to serve, Sampson agrees, “by attending local shows, sponsoring forums that cater to specific platforms, develop a social media presence and developing a partnership with a distributor who knows the market and inventories the parts it demands.”

All of which is beginning to sound like good advice when seeking to penetrate any new market.

“Service can’t be emphasized enough,” according to Launch Distribution.

“Product knowledge is imperative, along with expert installation and having the parts in stock or quickly available.”

Beyond that, “be personable. Get to know your customers. That’s why they are in your shop instead of shopping online.”

And as with any business, Buschur advises, “Be honest. Keep pricing at a profitable-yet-reasonable level. And treat your customers like you’d want to be treated.”

Just doing that much is huge—regardless of the size of the car.

“Passion for performance knows no displacement,” Peters concludes. “So keep supporting their passion.”

JOHN F. KATZ is a freelance automotive journalist and historian. He is a regular contributor to THE SHOP as well as other automotive industry publications. He lives and works in south-central Pennsylvania.

PRI Show booth #5313

Dead Stop Swaging Positioning System Makes running repeated parts quicker … and reduces collet marks!

• Attaches to your Huth bender or Model 1673 Swager!

• Supports tubing for swaging, reducing or expanding with defined end point.

800-558-7808 • huthbenders.com • Follow us on

• Made in the USA

Your Customers are Rotting... ...and don’t even know it. Factory OEM rubber bushings and mounts deteriorate and rot. Replace rotten rubber with hi-performance urethane.

See us at SEMA # 22537 Toll Free 888-PROTHANE

www.prothane.com SUSPENSION

/

DRIVELINE

/ CHASSIS

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 129

PERFORMANCE

SEMA Show booth #15722

THE SHOP

129

10/4/16 10:48 AM

Cutting through the clutter to find business basics.

By JoAnn Bortles

T

he internet saved my business.

Seriously, back in 1996, my shop would’ve closed down if not for having a website.

As I had moved over 800 miles from my hometown, I knew no one and had no

way of effectively reaching a new customer base. There were a few customers, but not nearly enough. For many years, promoting automotive-based businesses were mostly word-of-mouth. Having a website changed all that.

Then social media came along and completely changed the landscape again.

Twenty years later, getting and keeping customers by use of the internet has changed immensely and continues to do so at a mind-blowing pace.

For example, 50 Facebook has some very effective tools for business pages. Be percent of the visisure to take the time to thoroughly click on each link and investitors to my custom gate each one. For example, the Insights tab is a way to analyze auto painting webyour posts. How many hits they get, how often they’re shared, how people interact with each post and much more. site are using their

130

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 130

smartphones. Websites need to be mobile friendly! As for social networking, my social networking pages get more hits per day than my website.

Savvy businesses need both a website and a strong social media presence.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE I have a love/hate relationship with social media. There are times when I completely despise it. And then there are times when it’s incredibly useful.

Recently, one of the most annoying aspects of the internet is how Google, Yahoo!, Facebook and others are changing the way they interact with businesses by making them pay to play. As soon as you think you have it figured out, it changes!

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, Yelp, Pinterest—which of them work effectively for a custom, collision or repair shop?

And how can we keep up with it all?

Several automotive marketing specialists

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 10:54 AM

Here is a screenshot of recent posts on my Facebook business page. The ability to quickly be able to analyze your posts makes it easy to see what is working and what isn’t. Other social networking platforms have similar tools for their business pages. There are also tools like Google Analytics for your website and it’s free to use. Not using these tools is a big mistake many people make.

Take the time to use analytical tools to keep track of how effectively your website and social media is working for you.

answered these questions and offered their best advice for navigating what can be very confusing at times. And a few business professionals and owners chimed in with some unexpected ideas on how they are making social media work for them.

There was so much great information that it had to be broken up into two parts!

This month we’ll hear from the marketing experts: Jody DeVere, a social media marketing expert, journalist, and car care expert, is the CEO of AskPatty.com Inc. (www.askpatty.com), a website, blog, and marketing agency. Shari McCullough-Arfons is founder and president of McCullough Public Relations (www. mcculloughpr.com).

Their answers were very interesting as they both saw advantages from different angles, both of them offering some great advice.

1

What are the best social network platforms for shop owners to reach their customers? (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, etc.) Why? Do you need to be on all of them?

Jody DeVere: Facebook is the one social media platform that I

say is a must for every shop to reach their customers and potential customers, especially women. Secondly, have a Google+ business profile for the benefit of being linked with the correct information to Google Maps and Google Reviews.

Having many social profiles on every social network is only good for your business if you are posting quality content with valuable information to customers or potential customers on a regular basis. I see many shops on Twitter or Instagram with zero posts and zero followers. Twitter can be a very good way to reach your demographic if done right.

Shari McCullough-Arfons: While you definitely do not need to be on all social media platforms as a small business, it would be beneficial to at least have one or two—however many you can manage. It’s more important to consider the audience and the message than to simply have a presence everywhere.

Before you launch a Pinterest or a Snapchat, stop to ask yourself: “Do my customers actually use those platforms, and are they really going to be interested in keeping so closely connected to my business on these more personal platforms?” Also, stop to consider the long-term staying power of each platform.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 131

THE SHOP

131

10/4/16 10:55 AM

less than the cost of lunch, you can ensure your post is shown to a demographic that will take genuine interest.

If you can’t commit that amount to boost your posts on a weekly or preferably daily basis, it’s not worth it to create content on Facebook in the first place. Instagram is headed that way, too: users see machineselected posts instead of posts in chronological order, and of course, as soon as you mark your Instagram profile as a business, the algorithm is much less likely to serve your post for free.

Right now, there are two workarounds: Instagram Stories are still served chronologically, so as long as you keep your Story updated with fresh and compelling content, your content is served on an even playing field without having to pay. Also, if you tap into popular or targeted hashtags to become part of specific conversations, people will search out your content—and you don’t have to pay for that.

4

How much time should a shop owner spend each day on social networking? Or should they hire someone? Or have someone in the office do it?

JD: The time factor is the real challenge

I’ve had an Instagram page for several years and did not use it much. Recently I committed to reaching out to customers and making effective use of my Instagram page. The results have been amazing. Over the past two weeks, my page has gained over 300 new followers.

But remember, it takes time to build an audience. Don’t be discouraged if your posts don’t quickly generate lots of likes or comments. It takes time and, more importantly, interesting and consistent posts to get people’s attention. And remember, social networking is mostly visual, so be sure to keep it colorful and also include some lighter, more personal postings.

For example, sometimes I post about things I do in my off time, like cooking or having fun at the lake.

2

3

changer. It is a wonderful tool for storytelling about your business. Businesses can use it to forge relationships with customers like never before.

SM: Audiences are more sensitive than ever to advertorial content: if it looks or sounds like blatant advertising, they’re going to scroll right past it, just like fastforwarding a DVR. Content has to be genuinely interesting or provide real value to audiences to be heard. It’s not enough to simply “pitch the deal.”

call to action like attending an event, news about the shop or employees, or taking advantage of a special offer. The tools for promoting Facebook-boosted posts or ads are a powerful way to reach your local demographic with Facebook contests, special offers or events.

SM: Pay-to-play is the nature of the business. Organic traction virtually does not exist on Facebook these days without a little seed money to nudge a post on its way. For

What is your best single piece of advice for shops using social media?

JD: Social media has become a PR game-

132

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 132

Is it worth it to pay to promote posts on Facebook or other platforms? Or is it more costeffective to have posts spread organically?

JD: Yes, for quality content that has a

to most shops when looking at a social media presence. Having the means to curate and create high-quality content and graphics is another.

There are tools like Hootsuite that help save time by allowing scheduling of content to multiple social networks ahead of time or once a week, once a month, etc. There are also services that can provide automated content like AutoNetTV. However, for the best results and for your social media to have an impact, you should have an experienced, dedicated social media-savvy person who can either be at the shop or can be an outside vendor who is an expert at taking over social media for automotive repair shops. (We do this at AskPatty.com).

SM: Creating great content takes time, and if you’re doing it right, it will take even more time to respond to the traffic and interest generated. Small businesses can dabble with social media marketing to see if their business is a good fit, and if customers are genuinely interested in hearing the stories that their business has to share.

As the social presence grows, keep an

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 10:56 AM

becoming an embedded reporter for your company.

5

Should a small business have a website or should they depend only on social networking?

JD: In this day and age where most con-

Here’s an example of a post that is too much of an advertisement. I made this post a few years back and quickly learned what a turn-off these kinds of posts are. I get the lowest amount of likes and viewer interaction when I make a post like this. It was a harsh lesson that I learned.

open mind to agencies who can handle the hour-per-post workload associated with capturing, posting, monitoring and

analyzing just one quality post. It’s important to select an agency and a social media professional who has a genuine interest in

sumers, especially women, are using mobile devices to locate business, read reviews and shop, not having a well-done professional, mobile-friendly website is really not an option anymore. This means don’t have your brother-in-law build it. Have it built by professionals who understand the automotive repair business. There are many companies that specialize in building websites for shops like Kukui.com and NetDriven.com.

SM: The best way to start may be via social media, since the purpose of all business social media should be to drive traffic to take action. But, then that action is taken on a website: scheduling service appointments, finding a price list, learning more about that business, and the like.

With PROFORM, you know what’s inside: Quality and Performance! ®

Factory Performance™ Parts

66448.1N

66445.1N

Scan to view video!

66256 66225BK

Individually Tested

by Us, Not You! NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 133

THE SHOP

133

10/4/16 10:58 AM

An example of a post that generated many likes but reached far past Facebook likes. Instead of immediately “liking” this post, many more people clicked on the link to watch this video. Check out the numbers, over 9,000 views, 42 shares, but only 167 likes. People have very short attention spans. By the time they watched the video, they were ready to move on to something else. And note the length of the video: 1 minute.

Not too long. I painted the frame for this bike and Jeff Yingling put the bike together and posted the assembly process. By linking to Jeff’s video, it gave me an outlet to the folks who watched the video.

However, each business is different. Businesses that exist simply to generate leads, for instance, might find that a healthy social media presence is all that’s needed to drive traffic to make a phone call. Most social media platforms (apps) have a way to generate leads directly in the app itself.

6a

What is your opinion of Yelp? Good or bad? Helpful or not?

JD: Most of my clients have a love/hate

relationship with Yelp. Customers expect to find shops on Yelp. So if you’re not listed there and someone looks them up, this could signal a red flag. They might assume the shop and credibility aren’t that great and they’ll go to a competitor.

The challenge for shops is that Yelp uses an algorithm (a process) on its website to filter some of the reviews posted about a shop as fake, even if they aren’t. This may be a large point of frustration to a lot of shop owners, because it makes it more challenging to keep a high-rated average.

Lastly, they place a lot of pressure on the shops to utilize their expensive sponsored ads, which leads to long and unwanted contracts.

6b

Some shop owners report that Yelp has taken down some of its 5-star reviews as they claim the shops 134

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 134

had too many great reviews and not all of them could be true.

SM: Regardless of what businesses think

Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews are just as important as Yelp for any nonrestaurant business.

of Yelp, customers tend to place their trust in user-generated reviews. Today, savvy customers recognize the need to take irate responses with a grain of salt. They understand that the most passionate reviews are from people who had negative experiences, and that positive reviews are naturally less prevalent.

Still, they place tremendous trust in what they read online. Don’t get tunnel vision:

7

What is your opinion of how Google, Yahoo! and others try to get businesses to sign up and pay monthly fees for business listings. Is it worth it for businesses to pay monthly fees for these business listings?

JD: It really depends on the return on

investment for paid listings. Each needs to be evaluated on expected results in traffic or referrals for new customers.

SM: It’s less important to pay for a sponsored business listing than it is to keep up with reviews and respond to customers with visibility and speed. Major online review platforms allow businesses to claim their pages and respond to reviews for free.

Sponsored listings aren’t always as important as they seem. These days, locationbased searches drive a healthy percentage of interest in a business.

8

What is the best piece of advice for business owners frustrated by social networking? (e.g., Finding time for it, keeping up with posts, dealing with negative posts, keeping up with the changes that these platforms make.)

JM: My best advice is this: Either commit

to make the time to learn to become social

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 10:58 AM

wherewithal to create that connection with customers, it is prudent to find a social media management agency that can maintain genuine conversations on their behalf.

Next time we’ll hear from business owners who explain how they are getting the most out of using social media. They offer up some very effective, extremely cost-effective, yet incredibly simple ideas! And we’ll find out how YouTube has changed the way customers search the internet and how to use this to make your shop stand out.

Social media makes it easier than ever for customers to rate your business. And these reviews make a big difference. Whenever I am shopping for products and services, whether online or locally, I usually check the reviews.

media-savvy and be committed to building a successful social media presence internally—or hire and work with a firm or an employee who is a social media expert.

SM: Business owners must adapt to the

way their customers live and shop in the modern age. If creating and maintaining a healthy social media presence is necessary to attract and keep customers, but a business owner doesn’t have the time or

JOANN BORTLES is an awardwinning custom painter, airbrush artist, welder/fabricator, tech writer and photojournalist with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. She is the author of seven books on automotive, motorcycle, and custom painting.

Her work has been featured in numerous automotive and motorcycle publications, NBC NEWS, THE TODAY SHOW, MuscleCar TV and MOTOR CITY MASTERS. She also serves on SEMA’s SBN Select Committee. JoAnn owns Crazy Horse Custom Paint.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 135

THE SHOP

135

10/4/16 11:00 AM

NASCAR

By John Carollo

T

&

Branding You

he end of the Sprint Cup is near.

NASCAR is on the last lap of its search for a new series partner.

Sprint, the current entitlement name, informed NASCAR that 2016 would be its last.

Now, while you may think NASCAR news doesn’t have much to do with your business, you might want to look a little closer.

NASCAR, as a business in the performance/ motorsports world, is very much like Joe’s Speed Shop. And Joe can learn from NASCAR’s search for a new, high-profile partner.

A TRUE PARTNER A number of factors make this search very different from the two most previous searches. After all, the uniqueness of having a corporate name placed onto a sports entity is pure NASCAR. No other major sport in the U.S. has a title name partner. And, like in NASCAR, it’s the elements of that deal that also work for Joe and his shop.

It’s all about the perfect match for special

“Partnership” is a word that works better when explaining the twosided nature of a good business/marketing deal where both parties win.

136

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 136

We’re all looking for an identity.

promotions to everyday tie-ins.

NASCAR and Joe both need a partner that fits their needs—a partner that will join in new opportunities for both and grow both the industry and the corporate names.

Let’s look at the matching points Joe and NASCAR consider when partnering up.

Loyalty. Racing (and automobile performance) enjoys a level of brand loyalty that no other sport has. Fans know the sport cannot function or grow without corporate involvement, so they are loyal to those that support it. Think back on the simple STP stickers seen in the 1960s and how they are still around today. It’s a proven fact that race fans factor in the names on the cars and events when they spend their money.

Joe and his partners can give fans a new name to include when they shop—even on a local basis. Good programs tap right into that loyalty quickly and effortlessly.

Common goals. Joe and his potential corporate partners have a number of common goals. They both want branding identity for current and new fans of the

event and industry. They both want to think long-term on this project so it can tap into that fan loyalty and grow virtually all their aspects. And fan loyalty goes for both spectators and participants. They both want to be a part of an event that grows in fan loyalty, too. They are partners in their respective brands to grow the sport and develop loyalty to the brand names and fans involved. The main objective is to deliver the package to current fans, attract new ones, aim them all to Joe’s shop and grow, together and respectively.

Define the events that give the most return. NASCAR elements such as the All Star Race, the Chase and Daytona’s Unlimited/Shootout have specific advantages for a name. They can also not have advantages.

Putting money into an event will not pay off in ROI if the event is not a match for both parties. So, the most effective way to proceed is to give each event a new look, making sure the fit is perfect and both parties can get the most out of them. This is part of giving what is needed for all parties. And regular revisiting of those goals is very effective.

Discover and use new marketing vehicles. Both Joe and any potential companies he works with need to look at new territories to market them. As silly as it sounds, what kind of a crowd would a Pokeman Go event attract? It might be as simple as capitalizing on a fad, trend or another popular event. Events are much more than just signing a check and hanging banners.

Dollars spent for promotion should equal initial investment to get the most possible return on investment. This may require one or both parties to change or modify their marketing strategy, both in long- and short-term aspects. All partners need to be active in their marketing and attractive to the events and its participants.

Looking outside your neighborhood.

Foreign companies looking to tap into the American market compare to Joe’s local companies not directly involved in motorsports. NASCAR is mostly known for working with Fortune 500 entities. But the truth is it works with other companies when the common goals of both line up.

And that includes internationals that may see NASCAR as an entry into the American market. Joe may also utilize partnering up with an out-of-state or offshore company when the goals for both are aligned. This

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 11:10 AM

Brian France and NASCAR are looking for a new title sponsor to move the sport forward while benefitting the company that signs on. What types of local partnerships are available to help your shop thrive?

would also include a new company or one that is changing its marketing targets. Up-and-coming companies often look for and use new marketing opportunities to make their introduction or strengthen a brand-new foundation.

Hospitality. Hosting customers, both by rewarding existing ones and courting new ones, is always a strong function of an event. It can also reward employees and friends of the business.

NASCAR calls this rights and activation and relies heavily on the company’s direction and goals to make it work. Yet, hospitality can be a program that stands on its own legs within the umbrella program. Give a potential customer a unique experience and you are starting the loyalty process.

Products. The product or service of the company is also a factor.

Can its product be given away economically? If not, contests to win products attract new fans and show loyalty to existing ones.

Also, they are a great way to introduce the product to the market and start generating word of mouth exposure. So what if it isn’t an automotive aftermarket product? Free is free to fans and nonfans alike. Bigger events often have some sort of manufacturer’s area for fans to interact with products firsthand.

Get ’em in the system and let ’em grow. NASCAR has plenty of corporate partners that came into the sport at one level and advanced into the next levels, increasing their investment for more exposure yield. Joe can do the same by using smaller programs to entice companies. Then, when they see the excitement firsthand, he can open the doors to bigger programs. Simple ideas such as including a new company’s logo pens or hats into swag bags can be the cornerstone of future full title programs later.

Types of money spent. Promotions utilize two different types of money. Companies spend money for naming rights and smarter companies also spend money on publicizing those named events.

It’s all about the balance of exposure that is returned to the company. The event is the main course. The added marketing of the event brings in the side dishes. The ROI is the tasty dessert.

The “S” word. Notice we did not use the word sponsor. It’s no longer a one-sided relationship where a company is just buying ad space on a race car. Partnership is the word that works better and shows the two-sided nature of a good business/marketing deal where both parties win.

Bottom line. It’s all about making sure all companies involved receive all the benefits and opportunities of the deal. Exploring all options and coming up with new ones works. And think about it. Does anyone do that better than NASCAR?

DEALER & DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES WELCOME

STYLE & PROTECTION

EASY LE OSLOEEM VE

SPLIT LIN

• Protects against abrasion, chemicals & the elements • Clean classy way to protect wires, hoses & cables • Superior in style & function to plastic tubing • Split design makes install easy • 8 sizes available

SEE US AT SEMA! BOOTH 20013 Trim Lok Restyler ad.pdf 1 7/22/15 12:44 AM 800.264.9472 • DesignEngineering.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

JOHN CAROLLO is a motorsports writer and author as well as owning his own automotive marketing business in Ohio. A former racer and track official, he has experience on both sides of the guardrail and has written about NASCAR and other forms of racing for over 25 years.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 137

THE SHOP

137

10/5/16 3:06 PM

A perfect branding isn’t something that you can achieve overnight, but it is something that you should put a great deal of thought into.

Where Everyone Knows Your Name Why small businesses need branding, and how to build it.

By Phil Foster

I

f you’re a start-up or a relatively small business, then it’s understandable if you don’t yet place a high value on the importance of branding for your future.

But branding isn’t just a huge buzzword reserved for the likes of giant corporations.

It is just as essential for small- and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs).

No matter what stage of growth your business is at, it’s important to perfect your branding from top to bottom. But knowing where to start can be tricky.

WHAT IS BRANDING? In a nutshell, branding is a business’ way of identifying what it is and what it does.

It represents your values and true business core.

So, whether you concentrate on a specific market niche—say, building race engines or serving the 4x4 market—or if you offer a variety of automotive services to a wideranging clientele, customers and potential customers know right away what they can

138

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 138

expect from your business.

Having a strong brand also helps you to build a good reputation. Whether you are starting out and have no reputation at all, or are looking to improve the profile you already have, a successful brand can help.

It’s all about building expectations about your services or products, which in turn can encourage your staff to exceed them as they are motivated to live up to the name you have nurtured.

WHY IS BRANDING IMPORTANT? The most successful companies keep branding at the very heart of everything they do. It is a way of defining your business’ identity—understanding exactly what your business is about, what it looks like, sounds like and how it appears to your customers.

Not only will it keep your customers coming back for more, but it will also ensure that your employees feel more at home and loyal.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/4/16 11:11 AM

Here are a few more reasons why branding is important for your small business: Recognition. When you see some of the most famous logos in the world, you instantly know the name of the company, what it does and what it stands for. Whilst you may not achieve that status straight away, by having a strong brand you will start to build a reputation that people will recognize you for.

Trust. Speaking of reputation, appearing professional and consistent in your branding improves your credibility amongst customers.

Being Found. If you sell off-line as well as online, having a well-established brand helps potential customers to find you wherever they may go.

Back to being recognized, logos are a good place to start. Your logo must represent you—tell people who you are, show the type of company you are, and communicate your values clearly all in one.

It’s a tough balancing act to perfect, but it can be done. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Name & Tagline. We may be stating the obvious, but make sure the name and slogan are clearly visible. That way your customers will remember your name and it becomes far easier for them to talk about you to other people.

What Do You Do? Does your logo represent the services or products you provide?

Your potential customers should be able to know they are in the right place at a single glance.

Show Your Personality. Maya Angelou once said, “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

How do you want your customers to feel when they see your logo? Home in on one particular emotion to avoid confusion, whether it’s fun, approachable or emphasising the fact that you’re an expert in your field. Otherwise, you may be forgettable.

FINDING YOUR BRAND’S VOICE Some of the biggest and most well-known and liked brands out there all have one thing in common: they have a very distinct voice.

For example, a luxury watch brand like Rolex is known for being classy and upmarket. Red Bull is daring, adrenalinespiking and exciting.

On the other hand, one brand that does social media particularly well is Innocent.

Its Twitter account is fun, cheeky and they write the way they speak.

A perfect branding isn’t something that you can achieve overnight, but it is something that you should put a great deal of thought into. While larger companies are, of course, able to spend more on their branding efforts, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Slapping your logo on everything you sell just won’t cut it anymore; your voice and message must be strong, consistent, and connect with your target customers.

Nail this and you’ll have them coming back for more.

PHIL FOSTER is Managing Director of Love Energy Savings, a leading UK home and business energy comparison website. He writes on small business topics.

150 O V E R

YEARS

OF RACING, PERFORMANCE & OFFROAD EXPERIENCE

Come see all of our new products in our two booths: Racing & Performance Hall #22351 | Truck Hall #30337

bmracing.com

flowmastermufflers.com

hurst-shifters.com

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 139

THE SHOP

139

10/4/16 3:09 PM

Getting the Most Out of Your Employees Developing a company policy and training program.

By Tom Smisek 140

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 140

Y

our employees are the image of your shop or store. From management to the gofer who does odd jobs, they are the representatives of your business.

So, it is important that all employees present a unified and positive image of your company. Most workers want to do a good job, but they need guidance and coaching on the company standards, philosophy and practices to make them more confident and efficient.

Well-trained employees are more positive, perform better and are more loyal.

If your company already has an employee policy and training program, great! However, you may find some helpful hints in this article to update your manual, improve implementation and enhance training.

If you do not have a written employee policy or handbook, here’s how to get started.

A HANDY GUIDE First, as the business owner and/or manager, pencil out an outline with the points listed below. Then meet with your entire management team to present your ideas and get their input. Then consolidate the

ideas into a written policy.

Start with an overall statement that identifies your business theme, goals, uniqueness and superiority. Everyone needs to understand the company’s position and goals for a unified team effort.

Setting standards eliminates misunderstandings, conflicts and problems.

Having an “open door” policy assures that employees with grievances can go directly to upper management to alleviate any problems.

What is included in a Company Employee Policy or Handbook? Issues related to attendance, breaks, holidays, along with drug and alcohol use should be spelled out. There are online sources that provide verbiage on these topics.

Being an old Air Force veteran, I suggest identifying the chain of command. In a small business it may be easy to list management and subordinate positions, but in larger or multi-location corporations, it is important for all to understand what division oversees what operation and who reports to whom. Names of individuals in businesses where the staff wears many hats, or job titles, can be used.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:31 PM

Written policies allow employees to understand what’s expected of them.

While many shop employees are required to wear uniforms or company T-shirts, it is still important to outline a dress code. You do not want an employee in front of a customer wearing a T-shirt with an obscene or political statement that will reflect poorly on your business. The dress code may also include safety-compliant requirements in shop areas. Safety glasses, ear protection and other safeguards are often required when operating machinery.

Certain safety requirements are government-mandated, but should still be referenced in company policy documentation.

INTRODUCTIONS ARE IN ORDER The introduction of a new or revised company policy can be made at a general meeting. This can range from a formal presentation, to an informal “pep rally” event.

The important thing is to make it an uplifting, positive announcement, emphasizing the beneficial aspects of the policy; and not appear to be a crackdown or enforcing new restrictions. This event may be combined with an Employee of the Month award, or employee recognition for outstanding service or longevity.

Handing out baseball caps, T-shirts or specialty items will enhance the presentation. Make it a fun experience.

At this policy presentation, you will also want to announce any new training programs being considered or offered.

There are three levels of employee training: Basic Training, Onthe-Job Training and Advanced or Specialized Training.

Basic Training is the orientation that a new employee receives.

This includes a verbal introduction to the company along with copy of the Company Policy. New hires are assigned to work under direct supervision of a superior during the initial probation period.

On-the-Job-Training is the continuation of training that advances

COOL SOLUTIONS Protect sensitive parts • Prevent Vapor Lock wire, line, and hose protection

EXPRESS SLEEVE #14030

24K Heat Barrier #13775

THERMO-SHIELD #14002 THERMO-SLEEVE

#14025 HEAT SLEEVES #18050

CALL (800) 274-8437 | ThermoTec.com GET A FREE CATALOG OR FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 141

THE SHOP

141

10/3/16 4:35 PM

It’s important that all employees present a unified and positive image of your company.

There are three levels of employee training: Basic Training, On-the-Job Training and Advanced or Specialized Training. All can benefit your shop and your employees, and are worth telling your customers about as well.

142

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 142

the employee to take on more responsibilities or additional jobs. This will depend on abilities and drive of the individual employee and should be considered in combination with a promotion.

Advanced or Specialized Training varies with the type of business. Advanced training may require the employee to enroll in special off-premise extension courses in order to expand the capabilities of the business. These courses vary from specialized high-tech processes to learning advanced skills. These outside training courses will be determined by the expanding needs or capabilities of the shop or store.

TAKING ADVANTAGE From a marketing standpoint, as a business grows and expands the capabilities and services of its employees, it is an advantage to announce and promote it to existing customers, and use it to attract new customers.

There are many ways to advertise new and enhanced services, including social media, signage, mailers and ads in local media.

To develop, produce and implement a company policy or training program, professional help is desirable. While employee policy information is available online, an experienced marketing or business consultant can be invaluable in working with you to structure and implement a comprehensive plan and program specifically for your business.

TOM SMISEK is a Certified Advertising Marketing Consultant based out of Orange County, California. Over the past five decades Tom has designed and implemented the advertising, marketing and PR campaigns for automotive aftermarketers like: PROTHANE, K&N, Dick Cepek, Bel-Ray, Bassani Mfg., Classic Industries, Original Parts Group and has worked with Art Carr Transmissions, Don-A-Vee Motorsports, Unocal Racing Gasoline and Currie Enterprises, to name a few.

Tom has helped with business operations and developed employment and management programs. For more information: www. smisek.com.

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:38 PM

ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER

PAGE #

ADVERTISER

PAGE #

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

PAGE #

3M Commercial Solutions ...................................

41

Motovicity Distribution.........................................

IFC

Allstar Performance .............................................

62

Access ................................................................

37

Nickels Performance ...........................................

1

Assenmacher Specialty Tools...............................

62

Access ................................................................

53

Omix-Ada Inc / Rugged Ridge .............................

61

Forward Lift .........................................................

63

Aeromotive Inc ....................................................

13

Pace Edwards .....................................................

51

Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders .....

63

Airdesign USA .....................................................

47

Packard Industries - Kanter Auto Products ...........

135

Ingersoll Rand Power Tools...................................

64

American Force Wheels .......................................

113

Paramount Restyling Automotive .........................

27

KNIPEX Tools .......................................................

62

American Powertrain ...........................................

75

Premier Performance ...........................................

69

KOULtools ...........................................................

62

ARIES Automotive................................................

31

PROFORM ...........................................................

133

Lincoln Electric Co...............................................

62

Arlon Graphics LLC..............................................

60

Prothane Motion Control .....................................

129

OTC.....................................................................

64

ATECH Motorsports..............................................

71

Race Ramps div of Brute Industries.....................

59

Rotary Lift ...........................................................

64

ATECH Motorsports..............................................

BC

Ranch Hand Truck Accessories ............................

25

Shure Manufacturing Corp...................................

64

Road Armor.........................................................

38-39

Sunnen ...............................................................

64

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation AACFI .............................................................

86

Scosche Industries ..............................................

57

Weego.................................................................

62

Bestop Inc ..........................................................

7

SPAL USA............................................................

73

Woodward-Fab ....................................................

64

BorgWarner Turbo Systems ..................................

119

Speedtech Performance ......................................

129

Canton Racing Products ......................................

131

Spray Nine ..........................................................

9

Centerforce Clutches div of Midway Industries Inc .

83

Steelcraft Automotive ..........................................

35

Aeromotive Inc ....................................................

80

Coast to Coast International ................................

53

Super Bright LEDs Inc .........................................

63

Aldan American...................................................

80

Consumer Electronics Association .......................

77

Taylor Cable Products Inc ....................................

123

C&R Racing ........................................................

80

CTECH.................................................................

63

TecMate North America .......................................

79

Centerforce .........................................................

80

CURT Manufacturing............................................

21

Thermo-Tec .........................................................

141

Design Engineering Inc (DEI) ...............................

80

Custom AutoSound Mfg Inc .................................

85

Transfer Flow Inc .................................................

55

Seatbeltplanet.com.............................................

80

Derive Power LLC .................................................

15

Trim-Lok Inc ........................................................

137

Thermo-Tec .........................................................

80

Design Engineering Inc (DEI) ...............................

83

Truck Covers USA LLC ..........................................

23

Design Engineering Inc (DEI) ...............................

137

Turn 14 Distribution ............................................

IBC

Diesel Performance Parts Inc...............................

5

VOXX International Corporation............................

29

American Force Wheels .......................................

Draw-Tite.............................................................

19

Weego Portable Power .........................................

58

Black Magic ........................................................

115

Driven Performance Brands .................................

139

Westin Automotive Products Inc...........................

49

Coker Tire ............................................................

114

EGR Inc...............................................................

16B

Energy Suspension .............................................

117

OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS

PAGE #

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

PAGE #

WHEELS & TIRES FOCUS

PAGE # 114

Cragar .................................................................

112

Falken Tire Corp ..................................................

115

Flowmaster .........................................................

121

Daystar Products .................................................

24

Forgeline .............................................................

113

HooVer Products .................................................

131

Paramount Automotive ........................................

24

HRE Performance Wheels ....................................

113

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow ....................................

81

Rancho ...............................................................

24

LRG Rims ............................................................

112

Husky Liners .......................................................

44-45

Rugged Ridge......................................................

24

Meguiar’s ............................................................

114

Huth Ben Pearson Intl LLC ...................................

129

Superlift ..............................................................

24

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels ....

114

Hypertech Inc......................................................

11

Westin Automotive...............................................

24

Nitto Tire .............................................................

113

Jiffy-tite Company Inc ..........................................

64B

Kahn Media ........................................................

33

Knipex Tools LP ...................................................

115

Airdesign USA .....................................................

LEER ...................................................................

43

ARIES Automotive................................................

Lincoln Electric Cutting Systems ..........................

67

Arlon...................................................................

Mahle Motorsports Inc ........................................

125

Cequent Performance Products ...........................

Motor State Distributing ......................................

3

Motor State Distributing ......................................

127

Motovicity Distribution.........................................

Motovicity Distribution.........................................

Motovicity Distribution.........................................

101

Super Bright LEDs ...............................................

54

Motovicity Distribution.........................................

105

TITAN Fuel Tanks ..................................................

54

S&W Performance Group ....................................

114

Scott Drake .........................................................

114

55

Toyo Tire USA Corp ..............................................

112

54

WELD ..................................................................

112

54

Wheel Pros .........................................................

112

54

Wheel Vintiques ..................................................

112

Johnson Window Films ........................................

54

Yokohama Tire Corp.............................................

115

LINE-X .................................................................

55

93

Pace Edwards .....................................................

55

97

ProMaxx Automotive Accessories .........................

54

RESTYLING PRODUCTS

PAGE #

The Advertiser Index is intended solely as a convenience for our readers and is not a written or implied part of any advertising commitment. As such, THE SHOP assumes no liabilities for unintentional errors or omissions.

NOVEMBER 2016

TSNOV112-144.indd 143

THE SHOP

143

10/5/16 9:31 AM

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ONE MORE THING... \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Electrifying the Big Apple

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I

If you’ve ever wondered how fast an electric vehicle could travel through the streets of New York, you can find out next summer.

Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty will provide a dramatic backdrop to the inaugural New York City ePrix, which the FIA Formula E Championship—the world’s first fully electric racing series—has confirmed will take place in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The New York City ePrix double-header in mid-July will be the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race to take place within the five boroughs of New York City in modern history, according to FIA – Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.

“To race in New York City is a historic moment—not only for Formula E, but for motorsport in general—and again highlights the philosophy of Formula E to bring fully electric racing to the world’s greatest

cities,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E. “When we originally started the project, we could only dream of bringing Formula E to a place like New York, with arguably the most recognizable skyline of any city in the world.”

The 1.21-mile circuit, which remains subject to FIA track homologation, features 13 turns and will wind its way around Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, officials revealed.

Jean Todt, FIA president, called the upcoming race “the best possible combination of the two pillars that form the basis of the Federation, namely sport and mobility. Just being able to bring a motor race to the heart of a great city like New York is already an amazing achievement in itself. New York joins a list that includes, among others, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Paris, Marrakesh and Montreal, proving just how vibrant and attractive this series

has become, even though it is about to embark on what is only its third season.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio welcomed the event as an example of New York’s ability to seamlessly combine technology, sustainability and commerce.

“Growing sustainable technology is core to New York City’s innovation economy, and to Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC plan,” added Maria Torres-Springer, president of the New York City Economic Development Corp. “This makes Formula E a perfect fit for New York, and we’re extremely excited to be welcoming this event—along with the economic investment it brings— to the Red Hook community.”

Ongoing coverage of electric vehicle news can be found on THE SHOP’S website and in the accompanying daily eNewsletter. Sign up today at theshopmag.com.

Lower Manhattan will provide a dramatic backdrop to the inaugural New York City ePrix, which the FIA Formula E Championship confirmed will take place in Red Hook, Brooklyn next July.

144

THE SHOP

TSNOV112-144.indd 144

NOVEMBER 2016

10/3/16 4:41 PM

ARP FASTENERS

PERFORMANCE SOLD HERE. LOOKING FOR A PERFORMANCE W/D TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? WITH 141,000 SQ. FT. OF SPACE DEDICATED TO ONLY PERFORMANCE PARTS, TURN 14 DISTRIBUTION IS COMMITTED TO SUPPLYING YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH ONLY THE BEST PARTS THE INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER. THE OTHER GUYS TALK ABOUT PERFORMANCE; WE LIVE, STOCK, SELL AND DELIVER PERFORMANCE!

100% WHOLESALE

// TURN14.COM // 877-7TURN14 SEMA BOOTH 30255

TS_T14D_1611A - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:53 PM

Global Wholesale SEMA

D I S T R I B U T O R

OVER 1,400 BRANDS

November 1-4 Booth #23613

• Password Protected, 24/7 Online Ordering

HIGH PERFORMA NCE & RACE LATE MODEL

• Huge Inventory—We Stock It So You Don't Have To • FREE Standard Shipping—Contact Us for Details

TRUC K & DIESEL

• FAST, Reliable Shipping; Saturday Delivery

JEEP & OFF-ROAD STREET ROD & RES TORATION PREMIUM & STOCK REP LACEMENTS

Ate

• Expert Tech Advice, Knowledgeable Customer Service

• No-Hassle Special Orders • Drop Ship Service at No Additional Fee • Phones Open Until 10 PM EST—Order by 10 PM EST

for Same Day Shipping on In-Stock Items • We Export at Competitive Rates

om c . s t r o p s chMotor ORE

M DUCTS AND O R P D A O R E FOR OFF YOUR SOURC 800.517.1040

1.330.630.0888

1 2 0 0 S O U T H E A S T AV E N U E

FA X : 1 . 3 3 0 . 6 3 0 . 5 3 6 5

TA L L M A D G E , O H I O 4 4 2 7 8

SOME PARTS ARE NOT LEGAL FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA OR OTHER STATES WITH SIMILAR LAWS/REGULATIONS. PLEASE CHECK YOUR STATE AND/OR LOCAL LAWS/REGULATIONS. Typographical errors and errors in description or photography are subject to correction. ©2016 AUTOSALES, INC. S OURC E C ODE : WHSE16TS

TS_ATEC_1611B - FP.indd 1

9/29/16 3:50 PM