SEMA News—August 2020
NEW PRODUCTS
By Mike Imlay
Authentic Looks, Modern Performance
The Latest Restoration Products to Rejuvenate Cherished Vehicles
Resurrecting and restoring older vehicles to mint condition is a time-honored enthusiast tradition. No matter its age, a rejuvenated classic still has the power to turn heads—on the road, at a car show and wherever else it may materialize. In recent years, however, a new trend has taken hold in the restoration scene: returning a car to “better-than-new” condition through the addition of modern technologies. While exuding a spirit befitting their heritage, these “restomods” also exhibit the drivability, safety and conveniences of their present-day counterparts. This in turn has attracted new consumers into the restoration marketplace. For classic purists and restomodders alike, there were plenty of quality aftermarket products to fuel the hobby at the 2019 SEMA Show. The following pages offer a taste of the category’s latest offerings as seen in the Show’s New Products Showcase.
“These days logic and practice go hand in hand more than ever. The question is if the current public goes more for restoration or modification. The answer is the latter. There are more orders for modifications than full restorations. Although the stock exchanges are doing better than ever and new jobs are being created, the general mood is uncertainty. The pandemic, the subsequent closures and civil unrest do influence the private sector. People deal with such uncertainty by holding back, spending less money and doing shorter-term projects.”—Ittai I. Racine, CEO, Enicar Connected LLC |
“What’s exciting this year is all the newer body styles that are becoming more and more popular. The early to mid-’80s vehicles are building in available reproduced parts, so that will open another avenue to resellers. In terms of marketing technologies, the newest platforms such as I-Frames and configurators have helped manufacturers distribute the latest data to retailers. Even as I say that, I am sure something new is coming out to make those irrelevant. With companies like Amazon and eBay, end users have new windows and new expectations, but they have also opened our market to the mass public.”—Randall Bates, Sales Manager, Auto Custom Carpet |
“The restoration side of the industry is on fire. We saw a huge insurgence of new customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the majority of consumers stuck at home, online sales went through the roof. Many found the time to take the car cover off a classic that’s been tucked away for the past 10 years. With the spike of new customers, parts orders have been shipping out faster than stock orders are coming in. Back orders from manufacturers have caused a delay in shipping orders complete. Retail companies have to deal with longer reorder times and keep customers updated with ETAs for their orders.”—Ben Tucker, CEO, Camaro & Firebird Central |
Auto Custom Carpets Inc. 800-633-2358 No seat removal required. A drop-in complete replacement carpet kit for the ’11–’18 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door. This carpet installs in minutes. Available with optional mass backing for an added heat and sound barrier. ACC Inc. says that it is the world’s leading manufacturer of automotive replacement carpet. |
American Autowire 856-933-0801 The Factory Fit product line of more than 5,000 General Motors OEM reproduction harnesses covers most vehicles from ’47–’82. The harnesses are plug-and-play and are built to factory specifications from the original blueprints and drawings. These harnesses are considered to be original for those vehicles where authenticity is desired. |
American Autowire 856-933-0801 This is a modernized, vehicle-specific wiring system for ’80–’86 Ford trucks or Broncos. Modern-style fuse panel, extra circuits for additional power accessories, ability to connect to stock or aftermarket components, vehicle-correct light sockets and switches, and full-color instructions and schematics. |
American Autowire 856-933-0801 Plug-and-play positive and negative heavy-gauge battery cables for ’87–’95 Jeep YJ Wranglers. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The 285-15 and 285-25 are next-generation direct-to-metal primers available from Glasurit. They are black and white, offering all L-shade tinted undercoats. The 285-15/25 provides an ultra-smooth finish, fast sanding, and extremely good leveling, reducing the amount of sanding time required to achieve a Glasurit finish. |
Classic Industries/OER 800-854-1280 Reproduction hood-mounted turn-signal indicator assemblies. Each quality assembly includes a factory-correct amber lens, a stamped-steel housing, a wiring pigtail harness with accurate ends, a mounting bracket and hardware as original. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 Ideal for removing light contamination from existing paint films, clean-sanded OEM finishes, most unpainted plastic parts, and gel-coated fiberglass. The 151 Cleaner is the first waterborne cleaning solution the Limco brand has ever offered. With no need for reduction, 151 Cleaner is ready for use and VOC-compliant nationwide. |
Classic Industries/OER 800-854-1280 Reproduction grille emblem. Manufactured from quality ABS material and features factory-correct outer and inner inlay color finish, along with accurate mounting studs as original. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The 151-170 UV Grey Aerosol is a self-guide coating, does not have a tacky or sticky layer on the surface when cured, and provides an exceptionally fast cure. Once cured, the Glasurit 151-170 UV primers are 100% cured, which means no dieback or shrinkage in repair areas. |
Classic Industries/OER 800-854-1280 Reproduction taillamp and backup lenses. Each lens is manufactured from quality acrylic material, offering an authentic replica of the original. Reproduction taillamp bezels. Each bezel is manufactured from quality injection-molded ABS material and replicates the original in detail. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The 285-15 and 285-25 are next-generation direct-to-metal primers available from Glasurit. They are black and white, offering all L-shade tinted undercoats. The 285-15/25 provides an ultra-smooth finish, fast sanding, and extremely good leveling, reducing the amount of sanding time required to achieve a Glasurit finish. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The next-generation epoxy primers are available from Glasurit. Since they are black and white products, they can be mixed to achieve the appropriate L shade. The 801-74 and 801-76 are non-chromated and are compliant in all areas of North America. The 801-74 and 801-76 can be used as a primer, primer surface, and as a wet-on-wet sealer. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The LP790K White Primer Surfacer and LP810K Black Primer Surfacer will join LP800K primer surfacer to complete this 2K urethane primer offering in Limco. These are high-quality urethane primers that fill well and sand great, thus providing a sound foundation for Limco topcoats. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The next-generation epoxy primers are available from Glasurit. Since they are black and white products, they can be mixed to achieve the appropriate L shade. The 801-74 and 801-76 are non-chromated and are compliant in all areas of North America. The 801-74 and 801-76 can be used as a primer, primer surface, and as a wet-on-wet sealer. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The LP790K White Primer Surfacer and LP810K Black Primer Surfacer will join LP800K primer surfacer to complete this 2K urethane primer offering in Limco. These are high-quality urethane primers that fill well and sand great, thus providing a sound foundation for Limco topcoats. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 The 910 is an ideal pre-paint waterborne cleaner. This product removes light contamination from most plastics, bumpers, previously painted parts and OEM e-coated panels. The 910 is VOC compliant as packaged and can be used throughout North America. |
BASF Corp. 800-758-2273 LP790K white primer surfacer and LP810K black primer surfacer will join LP800K primer surfacer to complete this 2K urethane primer offering in Limco. These are high-quality urethane primers that fill well and sand great, thus providing a sound foundation for Limco topcoats. |
Coker Tire 800-251-6336 The American Classic Model A+ radial tire is new and improved for 2020 and is now available with a wide whitewall. This revolutionary tire has the vintage look of an authentic bias-ply tire and the comfort and safety of a modern radial. This new tire is designed for the ’28–’31 Ford Model A but also fits many other applications from the ’20s and ’30s. |
Danchuk Manufacturing Inc. 800-261-9890 The newly improved ’55 Chevrolet grille made by Danchuk is a beautiful example of American excellence. This is the only made-in-the-U.S.A. reproduction grille for ’55 Chevys and is considered superior to any other reproduction available. Only top-quality steel and chrome are used, and stamping and assembly are done at the company’s California facility. |
Fairchild Automotive 847-550-9580 A ’07–’15 Toyota Tundra front and rear door outer belt weatherstrip kit. |
Lloyd Mats 818-768-6001 Lloyd Mats says that it offers the hottest SRT Hellcat emblem floor mats on the market. This sleek new logo is available on all of the company’s custom-fit carpet floor mats for Challengers and Chargers. |
Distinctive Industries 800-421-9777 A ’68–’77 Ford Bronco assembled rear jump seat with storage compartment. Based on an original-style Bronco rear jump seat with the added feature of a forward-tilting seat frame that provides additional storage. A single-button release with an assisted gas strut helps lift and hold the seat in its forward position. Fully assembled and ready to install. |
KNS/Grand General Accessories 800-325-0578 KNS has brought back the popular grille guard with a redesigned fit to cover both OEM and aftermarket bumpers. The four-piece kit comes with hardware and will easily mount to a ’47–’54 Chevy truck. With quality workmanship, stamped steel and polished-chrome mirror finish, this guard will easily add style, protection and value to a restoration. |
Drake Automotive Group 702-853-2060 These billet machined bezels are excellent reproductions of the originals used on the ’67 Shelby as well as the popular Eleanor conversions. Available in satin or polished finishes. Lenses sold separately. |
Lloyd Mats 818-768-6001 Customize a Jeep interior with new, licensed Jeep Grille logo floor mats by Lloyd Mats. Lloyd Mats offers this new logo for Jeep models on four unique carpet lines in a variety of color options. |
Old Air Products 817-531-2665 Hurricane heat, cool and defrost system for ’68–’72 Ford trucks. Unit mounts to firewall with custom mounting plates. Molded plenum fits along bottom edge of the dash for louvers. Electronic switching package integrates with original control to operate dash/defrost and heater functions. Condenser assembly includes receiver/drier and custom tubes. |
Pakelo Lubricants (Risi Performance Oils) 844-472-5356 Designed for classic vehicles from the ’60s–’90s. Made with proper period additives and compatible with rubber and paper gaskets and vintage components. Period-correct zinc and phosphorus packages ensure protection without needing to add the user’s own. Available in classic weights with the following approvals: API SL/CF, SF/CC, GL-3, GL-4 and GL-5. |
Lloyd Mats 818-768-6001 Lloyd Mats offers a new Saleen emblem, available on custom-fit floor mats for Mustangs and related Saleen vehicles. This is the newest logo in a collection of more than 1,000 licensed logo floor mats. |
Metro Moulded Parts Inc. 800-878-2237 Metro Moulded Parts now manufactures socket-head capscrew blackout covers. The 40-piece kit includes these cover sizes: 5 mm (six units), 6 mm (six), 7 mm (six), 8 mm (six), 9 mm (four), 10 mm (four), 11 mm (four), 12 mm (four). Made of silicone and heat-proof to 550°. Wholesale pricing available for kits and individual pieces. Made in the U.S.A., 15-year warranty. |
POR-15–POR Products 480-327-8812 American Icon Clearcoat is the company’s flagship clearcoat. This high-solids 2K urethane clear is a 2:1 mix ratio, featuring user-friendly application, great flow, excellent gloss retention and buff ability, making it ideal for custom painters. |
Old Air Products 817-531-2665 Hurricane heat, cool and defrost system for ’73–’79 Ford trucks. The unit mounts to firewall with custom mounting plates. Switching package features electronic control. Louver packages include adapters for factory A/C louvers or new louvers for non-air trucks. Condenser assembly includes receiver/drier, custom tubes and mounting brackets. |
Precision Replacement Parts 800-367-8241 Exact-fit replacement to seal T-tops and protect the interior. Preinstalled mounting clips and made from ozone-resistant EPDM sponge rubber. |
Metro Moulded Parts Inc. 800-878-2237 Metro Moulded Parts now manufactures hex-nut and hex-bolt blackout covers. The 34-piece kit includes these cover sizes: 10 mm (six units), 11 mm/7/16 in. (four), 12 mm (four), 13 mm/1/2 in. (four), 14 mm/9/16 in. (four), 15 mm (four), 16 mm/5/8 in. (two), 17 mm/11/16 in. (two), 18 mm (two), 20 mm (two). Made of silicone, heat-proof to 550°. Made in the U.S.A., 15-year warranty. |
Original Parts Group Inc./Restoparts Feul tank. 800-243-8355 |
Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America 858-386-5900 Bilstein ASM-series shock absorbers are designed for classic vehicle applications with factory mounts. Performance-driven damper with race-proven components for ultimate handling. |
Prismatic Powders/Cerakote 541-830-6537 Cerakote Trim Coat is a durable ceramic coating that bonds to the pores of unpainted plastic trim, restoring it to its original appearance while forming a durable top coat, which acts as a layer of protection that lasts for 200 washes or more. |
Retro Manufacturing 888-325-1555 The Detroit mounts seamlessly into classic ’64–’66 Ford Mustangs, Falcons and Rancheros. Built-in iPhone interface, DAB+ and Bluetooth connectivity. Custom color display and backlit buttons. Two USB ports and two auxiliary inputs. Built-in four-channel amplifier, front and rear RCA preouts and subwoofer output. Mounting hardware and wiring harness included. |
Real Deal Steel 407-585-1957 An 18-gauge steel panel. Includes seven stamped ribs to add strength and simulate Nomad tailgate bar design. Designed to weld in and delete spare tire well. Fits all ’55–’57 Chevy station wagons, sedan deliveries, Nomads and Pontiac station wagons and Safaris. |
Retro Manufacturing 888-325-1555 The New York is a direct-fit replacement for MOPARs, GMs and Fords with 1.5-DIN factory radio. Built-in iPhone interface and Bluetooth connectivity. Custom color display and backlit buttons. Two USB ports and two auxiliary inputs. Built-in four-channel amplifier, front and rear RCA preouts, and subwoofer output. Mounting hardware and wiring harness included. |
Top Street Performance 562-926-5858 Update an early-’50s Cadillac with a TSP Pro-series ready-to-run distributor. This high-performance unit is said to be a huge upgrade over the stock setup. It works with a 12-volt system and features an adjustable mechanical advance, a circuit board module with digital tachometer output, and a CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet-aluminum housing. |
Retro Manufacturing 888-325-1555 The Daytona mounts seamlessly into a classic GM. Built-in iPhone interface, DAB+ and Bluetooth connectivity. Custom color display and backlit buttons. Two USB ports and two auxiliary inputs. Built-in four-channel amplifier, front and rear RCA preouts and subwoofer output. Mounting hardware and wiring harness included. |
Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America 858-386-5900 Bilstein ASM-series shock absorbers are designed for classic vehicle applications with factory mounts. Performance-driven damper with race-proven components for ultimate handling. |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI 800-342-0610 Thermal acoustic insulation. Four 12x36-in. sheets. Covers 12 sq. ft. An all-in-one thermal acoustic barrier. Tremendous value, ultra-light weight, easy to install, and premium heat- and sound-control properties. |
Top Street Performance 562-926-5858 Just rebuilt the Y-block for a ’55–’57 Thunderbird restomod? This Pro-series ready-to-run distributor from Top Street Performance is said to be the first on the market with a mechanical tach drive for easy installation. It comes complete with a circuit-board module and adjustable mechanical and vacuum advances for precise timing. |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI 800-342-0610 Thermal acoustic insulation. Five 18x32-in. sheets. Covers 20 sq. ft. An all-in-one thermal acoustic barrier. Tremendous value, ultra-lightweight, easy to install, and premium heat- and sound-control properties. |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI 800-342-0610 Thermal acoustic insulation. Twenty-five 18x32-in. sheets. Each sheet covers 4 sq. ft. An all-in-one thermal acoustic barrier. Tremendous value, ultra-lightweight, easy to install, and premium heat- and sound-control properties. |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI 800-342-0610 Thermal acoustic insulation. Nine 18x32-in. sheets. Covers 36 sq. ft. An all-in-one thermal acoustic barrier. Tremendous value, ultra-lightweight, easy to install, and premium heat- and sound-control properties. |
TrimParts Inc./RPUI 800-342-0610 Thermal acoustic insulation. Nine 24x48-in. sheets. Covers 72 sq. ft. An all-in-one thermal acoustic barrier. Tremendous value, ultra-light weight, easy to install, and premium heat- and sound-control properties. |