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30 SEMA NewsJune 2011

HOT ROD ALLEY NEW PRODUCTSSEMA

Hot-Rod Products and TrendsThe hot-rod market—the granddaddy of the automotive specialty-equipment industry—has seen some significant changes over the last few years based on both demographic and economic factors. The desire for modern amenities and advanced technology has increased with the aging of the Baby Boom generation. Styles and equipment have evolved to match those desires. From air suspension to classic gauges fitted with modern movements, and from keyless ignition to drive-by-wire throttle controls, the hot-rod world is keeping pace with developments in the rest of the automotive universe.

The accompanying compilation of hot rod products that debuted at the 2010 SEMA

Show in Las Vegas provides a fair overview of where the market is headed, and we’ve

supplemented it with comments about current trends from executives who manage

industry-leading companies. The overwhelming consensus is that musclecars and sophis-

ticated equipment in every system are now in demand.

American AutowireHeadlight Low-/

High-Beam Control Module856/933-0801www.americanautowire.comPN: 510196Headlight low-/high-beam control module.

American Autowire ’69 Mustang Classic Update 856/933-0801www.americanautowire.com PN: 510177A ’69 Mustang classic update wiring kit.

Beam’s Seatbelts Seatbelt Doctorwww.seatbeltplanet.com

Bed Wood and Parts LLCBedWood EZ Seal & Shine 877/206-9663www.bedwoodandparts.comPN: BWEZ101

Billet Specialties Inc.Billet Hood Hinge800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: 873610Billet Specialties billet hood hinges feature precision 3-D machining from 6061-T6 aluminum, stainless hardware and a stainless gas shock. Precision-sealed bearings offer smooth operation. Available finishes include polished, black anodized and raw machined. Current applications include ’67–’69 Camaros with more to come.

Billet Specialties Inc.Boost Billet Steering Wheel800/245-5382PN: 29244Billet Specialties innovative Boost steering wheel is precision machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum with either a polished or a hard-coat black-anodized finish and features your choice of nine top-grain leather colors for the half wrap and your choice of rivet finish. Horn buttons also have multiple finish options for a truly customized personal look.

Billet Specialties Inc.Throttle Billet Steering Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: 29299Billet Specialties innovative Throttle steering wheel is precision machined from 6061-T6 billet alumi-num with either a polished or a hard-coat black-anodized finish and features your choice of nine top grain leather colors for the half wrap and your choice of rivet finish. Horn buttons also have multiple finish options for a truly customized personal look.

Nostalgia Meets Technology…and Likes It

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Billet Specialties Inc.Draft Billet Steering Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: 29263Billet Specialties innovative Draft steering wheel is precision machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum with either a polished or a hard-coat black-anodized finish and features your choice of nine top grain leather colors for the half wrap and your choice of rivet finish. Horn buttons also have multiple finish options for a truly customized personal look.

Billet Specialties Inc.GTO Road Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: SLC31Billet Specialties GTO wheel features aggressive style and pro quality. Precision milled from rotary-forged 6061-T6 aluminum for superior strength and light weight. Available in 17 through 22 in. and bolt patterns of 5x4.5, 5x4.75 and 5x5 in.

Billet Specialties Inc.Impact Road Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: SLCXXBillet Specialties Impact wheel is precision milled from rotary forged 6061-T6 aluminum for superior strength and light weight. Available in 17 through 22 in. and bolt patterns of 5x4.5, 5x4.75 and 5x5 in.

Billet Specialties Inc.Fury Road Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: SLC17Billet Specialties Fury wheel features 3-D machining and Billet Specialties’ pro quality. Precision milled from rotary-forged 6061-T6 aluminum for superior strength and light weight. Available in 17 through 22 in. and bolt patterns of 5x4.5, 5x4.75 and 5x5 in.

Chassis Tech’03–’09 Dodge Ram Inboard Tow Assist Kit800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: TOWKIT-DO-DUA-02A 5,000-lb. towing kit; 100% bolt-on under the frame; and replaces original bump stops.

Billet Specialties Inc.Mag Road Wheel800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: L59GCombines key elements such as affordable price, great delivery, soft lip rim and, most important, style that will never be outdated. Features either polished or powdercoated-gray center. Available in 17, 18 and 20 in., each wheel is built to your specs at no extra charge. Available bolt patterns include 5x4.5, 5x4.75 and 5x5 in.

Runner-Up Best New Street-

Rod/Custom-Car Product

Our customers have

become much more

sophisticated over the

years, and they are

much more demand-

ing. A basic Chevy

Malibu off the show-

room floor today has four-wheel disc

brakes, a climate control system that

works really well and very good sound

deadening. The performance of your hot

rod should at least surpass the perfor-

mance of your everyday street car.

In both street rods and musclecars,

people want the latest technology so that

they can drive and enjoy their hot rods

rather than just throwing them on a trailer

and taking them to a show. The numbers-

matching musclecars aren’t bringing the

same money as the cars with good brakes,

a good suspension system and updated

climate controls. People want a car that

looks like a ’60s or ’70s car but handles

and drives like a newer vehicle.

The greatest opportunities lie now

in increasing the number of complete

packages you have—all-inclusive kits

so that the customer is not sourcing

one part here and another part there.

Whether it’s brakes, air-conditioning or

gauges, if you can provide a complete kit

that is going to give the customer every-

thing he needs, he’s going to be much

more satisfied.

—Rick Love

Executive Vice President, Vintage Air

Billet Specialties Inc.Billet Deck-Lid Hinge800/245-5382www.billetspecialties.comPN: 875610Billet Specialties’ billet deck-lid hinges feature precision 3-D machining from 6061-T6 aluminum, stainless hardware, Delrin bushings and precision gas shocks. Available finishes include polished, black anodized and raw machined. Current applications include ’67–’69 Camaros with more to come.


SEMA HOT ROD ALLEY NEW PRODUCTS

Chassis TechSmart-Ride Digital

Air-Suspension Controller800/842-8789www.airbagit.comDigital air-suspension control module with smart compressor control and auto leveling with five programmable presets. Interacts with digital height sensors to monitor air pressure and suspension travel position.

Chassis TechPlug ‘n’ Play Jr. 7600800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: AIR-PLUGPLA-JR-7600Plug ‘n’ play air management prewired, ready to go. A ½hp DC7500 compressor, without tank. Save hours of installation time; ⅜-in. 150-psi valves.

Chassis TechAir Force 7600 Combo800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: COMBO-DC7600Complete air-management solution. Comes with ½-in. or ⅜-in. valves, a five-gallon aluminum tank and a DC 7600 compressor.

Chassis TechNo O-Ring Air Shocks800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: AIRSHOCK-01No O-rings to wear out and leak. Eight-position compression and rebound dampening adjustment.

Chassis TechSlam’r Airbags800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: SLAM’RSlam’rs specs: 2,500 lbs. ½-in. port, 8 in. extended, 2.6 in. collapsed; 2,700 lbs., ½-inch port, 10 in. extended, 2.6 in. collapsed; 2,800 lbs., ½-in. port, 12.00 in. extended, 2.9 in. collapsed.

Chassis TechDC7600 All-in-One Air Compressor800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: COM-DC760012VThis is the only compressor on the market that can reach 230 psi. It has a 100% duty cycle. This com-pressor weighs 21 lbs. because the motor is bigger than any other competitors’. Just plug it in, add your tank, airlines and go.

Chassis TechD-Series Airbags800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: DENOMTwo inches taller than traditional airbags. Provides better ride, more travel, more lift; 400-psi burst rating.

Chassis TechVC Air Compresors800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: COM-VICLONEThis is a light-duty-cycle compressor that is ideal for motorcycles, airhorns and towing packages.

It’s significant that

Ford has released the

Boss 302 Mustang and

Chevy has announced

the ZL1 Camaro in

the face of the media-

hyped doomsday over

the economy and environment. From

what we hear, Camaro will be launching

as many niche special models as Mustang

has (such as Bullitt, California Special,

GT500, Boss 302 and so on).

The retro trend shows no sign of slow-

ing down and is continuing to broaden

into the designs of rods and customs.

Modern engine swaps continue to

gain mainstream acceptance, especially

those using GM LS engines and, to a

lesser extent, Mopar Hemis. The intro-

duction of the new 5.0L Coyote Ford

engine will create an increase in the inter-

est of modern Ford swaps into older cars,

and turbocharging continues to grow as

a mainstream method of supercharging.

The situations in the Middle East and

Japan are going to challenge our econ-

omy and oil supply. SEMA and its mem-

bers should choose an alternative-power

solution that is performance friendly

and find ways to support it within the

government while also providing speed-

friendly answers for enthusiasts. It strikes

me that E85 is the best option.

—David Freiburger

Editor in Chief, Hot Rod



Chassis Tech2011 F-450 Four-Link Tow Kit800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: TOWING-F350A 100% bolt-on heavy-duty four-link tow kit. Increases load capacity and improves ride and control.

Chassis Tech’64–’69 Lincoln Continental Street Scraper800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: link-lincolnA 100% bolt-on Street Scraper system that will lay frame on 28-in. tall tires.

Classic Instruments Inc.GPS Speedometer and Receiver800/575 0461www.classicinstruments.comPN: PBPB55SRCGPSGPS speedometer and receiver: Accuracy of +/- 1 mph LCD compass 120-mph/180-kph. No calibration needed. Reading 10x per second. Backlit dials and pointers.

Classic Instruments Inc.’63–’65 Nova

Gauge Cluster231/582-0461www.classicinstruments.comPN: VSNO63BElectronic speedometer, tachometer, and quad. Mounts into stock bezel. Fuel 0–30 stock ohm. Includes necessary senders, wiring harness and lens. Turn and high- beam indicators.

Cornhusker Sign & Mfg. Corp.GM-Licensed Nostalgic Neon Sign402/332-5050www.cornhuskersign.comPN: 48We are pleased to announce our new line of General Motors-licensed neon signage. Available in Camaro, Corvette and Chevrolet. More coming soon. Made in the U.S.A.

Cyberdyne Inc.Digital Gauges724/258-8440www.cyberdynegauges.netPN: E001E060YCyberdyne Rainbow Series gauges. Find your pot of gold as Cyberdyne introduces a rainbow of colors. This gives our customers, distributors and car builders many more options in matching the interior and/or paint color of their custom cars. Call Cyberdyne customer service at 724/258-8440. Another Cyberdyne first.

CON2RCustom Flat

Steering Wheels503/626-6390www.CON2R.comPN: TBDCustom steering wheels built one at a time from more than 1,500 component combinations to create a look that uniquely matches the style and theme of your ride.

Runner-Up Best New Tire

and Related Product

Coker TireExcelsior Stahl Sport800/251-6336www.coker.comPN: 745151The world’s first radial tires offered in sizes that match bias-ply profiles. Available in 20 sizes from 16- to 21-in. rim diameters. DOT approved.

The most impor-

tant trends in the hot-

rod industry currently

are quality, reasonable

price and delivery. In

the street-rod mar-

ket, smaller wheels

are back in style, and most customer

interests are moving into the ’50s and

’60s cars. In musclecars, customers want

modern features with limited modifica-

tions. Keep the car looking stock. Big

wheels are no longer in fashion because

of price and reduced ride quality.

All customers have money to spend,

so you must treat each of them like

they are your only customers. Work

with the manufacturers, and learn their

product lines. Partner with them and

jointly advertise. Cheap Chinese parts

do not fit right and will cost more to

make them fit. You’re better off buying

a quality part the first time.

—Michael Jonas

President,

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.

Dakota Digital Inc.STM-100 DataBus Breakout Module

and Code Reader800/852-3228www.dakotadigital.comPN: STM-100The STM-100 plugs directly into ’04–’10 Harley-Davidson models, providing dedicated outputs for an aftermarket speedometer and/or tachometer as well as reading back service codes.

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Flaming River Industries Inc.Precision Steel Power-Steering Pump

Bracket—Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR1612This adjustable laser-cut power-steering pump bracket is for Stage II-style pumps. Available for small-block and big-block vehicle applications.

Flaming River Industries Inc.Early ’64–’67 Chevelle Power Rack-and-

Pinion Cradle Kit—Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR330KTRack-and-pinion cradle kit uses a travel bar design to stabilize and properly position the steering pivot points to the original location and deliver original turning radius. The kit also includes a sway bar for improved handling and performance on curves.

Flaming River Industries Inc.’63–’82 Corvette Power Rack-and-

Pinion Cradle Kit—Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR312PWPower rack-and-pinion cradle system designed to convert the ’63–’82 Corvette to power rack-and-pinion steering. This kit bolts into the original mounting locations with no drilling, welding or cutting required.

Flaming River Industries Inc.XL Power Rack and Pinion—

Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR40004This new extra-long power rack is designed for wide-framed cars and trucks, eliminating the need for an extender and ensuring that the bellows is never overextended.

Gear Vendors OverdriveLenco Overdrive800/999-9555www.gearvendors.comPN: 3dL5000Gear Vendors, with collaboration of Lenco, brings overdrive to the renowned four- and five-lever Lenco racing transmissions. Great news for those 6- and 7-second cars looking to compete in events such as Hot Rod Drag Week or do any street driving of their machines.

HushMatQuiet Tape913/599-2600www.hushmat.comPN: 30300Universal, soft pliable foam tape for securing all wiring, harnesses and cables in your vehicle. Cuts easily with scissors and is easily formed. Adhesion to all automotive surfaces.

ididit Inc.Keyless Ignition

System517/424-0577www.ididitinc.comPN: 2600650100Keyless pushbutton ignition. Kit includes two keyfobs, one compact control box with 10-ft. range ability. Keyfob has automatic and manual security ability.

Putco Inc.Chrome Trim Door Handle Cover–

’11 Chevy Camaro800/247-3974www.putco.comPN: 400603Putco’s Chrome Trim Door Handle Covers for the ’11 Chevy Camaro provide a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Winner Best New Street-

Rod/Custom-Car Product

Hot rods have always

been personalized vehi-

cles, but there tended

to be many “norms”

people followed. They

are now throwing the

old conventions out

the window and building to their personal

tastes rather than what a Deuce or other

hot rod “should” look like.

Street rods used to be built with the

intention of a short lifespan—say 25,000

miles or less. Now people are planning on

keeping the cars longer and are more inter-

ested in reliability, comfort and enjoying

the ride. Many musclecar customers are

turning to upgraded systems for more

of a “restomod” or Pro Touring feel.

They want old Detroit iron with modern

improvements; so many musclecars are

blurring the line between muscle and rod.

On the retail end, embrace social

media and smartphone marketing. Your

customers are on Facebook in unprec-

edented numbers…you should be, too.

Make sure your website is mobile com-

patible, which means it displays easily on

smartphones. Customers are looking for

reasons why they should spend money with

you over the other guy. Try to specialize in

a certain product or market. Large com-

panies have reach but can’t specialize in

everything. Find your niche and exploit it.

—S. Kellie Colf

Vice President of Sales,

AfterMarketer Club

Dakota Digital Inc.VHX Hybrid Analog/Digital Instrument

Systems, GM Tri-Five Applications800/852-3228www.dakotadigital.comPN: VHX SeriesVHX Series combines the benefits of digital and analog instrumentation, fits within stock instru-ment housings and provides a wealth of features with lit needles and backlit faces.


People are building

cars with the intention of

driving them, and they

are driving them hard.

They’re going auto cross-

ing, drag racing or on long road tours, and

a lot of guys are now building musclecars

from scratch. You’re going to see more

reproduction all-steel bodies coming out.

The street-rodding hobby is gravitating

toward later cars. As the street-rodding

audience grows a little older, guys who are

now in their 40s, 50s and 60s don’t really

remember ’32 Fords and ’27 T-buckets

crawling the streets. They remember cars

like Impalas, Tri-5 Chevys and early mus-

clecars, so you’re seeing more involvement

of those cars in the street-rod hobby.

Also, more OEMs are working with the

street-rodding and musclecar public to

build powertrain systems that are environ-

mentally friendly. Hot rodders want clean

air, too, for our children and grandchil-

dren, so we are driven by the same need to

have a clean environment. Nevertheless,

every time there is proposed legislation

to curb our rights with our hot rods,

we need to act through organizations,

such as the SEMA Action Network. We

need to be as vigilant as the people who

propose those heavy-handed laws. It’s not

so much a matter of opposition but one

of education.

—Johnny Hunkins

Editor, Popular Hot Rodding

ididit Inc.Steering Column With Keyless Ignition517/424-0577www.ididitinc.comPN: Add On 2600650100 to columnKeyless pushbutton ignition on the steering column of your choice. Kit includes two keyfobs, one com-pact control box with 10-ft.-range ability. Keyfob has automatic and manual security ability.

ididit Inc.’68–’69 Mustang Steering Column517/424-0577www.ididitinc.comPN: 1300644010Tilt and collapsible steering column made with a Ford spline to fit the original steering wheel.

Joe Gibbs Driven Racing OilCSP Coolant System Protector866/611-1820www.joegibbsdriven.comPN: 50030From Joe Gibbs Driven. Laboratory-proven to prevent rust and corrosion in radiators and alumi-num or cast-iron cylinder heads and engine blocks. CSP is race-proven by Joe Gibbs Racing to provide maximum coolant system protection.

Lokar Performance ProductsBlack Stainless-Steel Housing Cables and Brackets877/469-7440PN: XTC-1000HTBlack stainless-steel braided housing throttle cables and kick-downs. Assembled with matching black-anodized aluminum fit-tings. Black E-Coat mounting brackets. Exclusive to Lokar.

Lokar Performance ProductsBlack Stainless-Steel

Housing Transmission Dipsticks

877/469-7440www.lokar.comPN: XTD-3350400FMBlack stainless-steel housing flexible transmis-sion dipsticks and locking transmission dipsticks. Assembled with matching black-anodized aluminum fittings. Black stainless-steel housing exclusive to Lokar.

Lokar Performance ProductsBillet Aluminum Direct-Fit Brake

and Clutch Pedal Arms877/469-7440www.lokar.comPN: BCA-9506Replaces original brake and clutch pedal arms. Billet-aluminum construc-tion, bronze pivot bushing for extended wear. Pads included. Available for Kugel Komponents and GM applications.

Lokar Performance ProductsBlack Stainless-Steel

Housing Engine Dipsticks

877/469-7440www.lokar.comPN: XED-5001Black stainless-steel housing flexible engine dip-sticks and locking engine dipsticks. Assembled with matching black-anodized aluminum fittings. Black stainless-steel housing exclusive to Lokar.

Pareto Point IndustriesWraith 3 Reusable Oil Filter for Corvettes

and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles323/726-2199www.paretopoint.comPN: SRF30FA premium oil filter for Corvettes or Harleys, featur-ing a reusable stainless-steel mesh element, magnetic filtration, low-flow restriction and oil cooling.Lokar Performance

ProductsDrive-by-Wire Electronic

Throttle Control (ETC)877/469-7440www.lokar.comPN: DBW-6500Lokar partners with world leader Williams Controls in developing first programmable electronic drive-by-wire throttle pedal for automotive aftermarket. GM, Ford and Mopar applications.

SEMA HOT ROD ALLEY NEW PRODUCTSRunner-Up Best New

Engineered Product



March Performance Inc.Chevy Protrack Black Onyx

Serpentine System888/729-9070www.marchperf.comPN: 21125Billet-aluminum serpentine system for small- and big-block chevy.

MasterShiftMastershift Short Shifter888/658-2727www.mastershift.comPN: ms-vw001VW Beetle short shifter throw from gear to gear but a normal throw on the neutral gate. Drop-in replacement. Patent pending.

Mattson’s Inc. Custom Radiator/ The-Fan-ManCustom Core Support866/435-6477www.mattsonscustomradiator.comPN: MCSMattson’s Inc. custom radiator Tri-5 core support offers a one-of-a-kind look for custom Chevys.

MBMPB11002PC800/231-4125www.mbmbrakes.comPN: PB11002PCA product that sets your show piece or everyday cruiser apart from the pack. Powdercoated brake components not only make your vehicle look great, but also stand up to accidental fluid contact.

MBMDBK 9800/231-4125www.mbmbrakes.comPN: DBK 9MBM exclusive rear disc brake conversion kit for the hot rodders’ and musclecar enthusiasts’rearend of choice, the Ford 9-in. rearend. Bolt-on universal ’79-and-before disc brake conversion kit for Ford light truck and passenger car 9-in. rearends.

Powermaster PerformancePowerGEN630/957-4019www.powermasterperformance.comPN: 82051-2Now available with a charge-indicator lamp termi-nal; 90-amp output/75 amps at idle. Available in chrome, polished and black powdercoat finishes. Designed to fit most stock bracketry. Pulley sizes available from ⅜- to ½-in. widths; 100% new. Made in the U.S.A.

RideTech (Air Ride Technologies Inc.)Impact-Forged Coil-Over Shock812/482-2932www.ridetech.comPN: 24149901RideTech’s Impact Forged gas monotube coil-over stands alone as the hot rodders finest shock pack-age ever. Fine-thread pinch clamp adjuster, internal bump stop, dual shaft/dust seals and rebound adjustable are just a few of many features. CNC cold-wound high-tensile steel springs provide more travel and better ride quality.

Rocket Racing WheelsRocket Launcher888/307-7525www.rocketracingwheels.comPN: R41-546122Preserves and perfects the original nostalgia gasser design and perfects it as a bolt-on. Available in polished, painted and as cast.

A lot of street rod-

ders have mentioned

that they are building

their last cars. They

recognize that they

may not be willing or

able to bear the bur-

den of constructing and driving a 60- to

80-year-old car with a tiny passenger

compartment. Some of them are migrat-

ing to later-model cars…and some are

just retiring from the hobby.

The late-model sport truck and mini

truck market has decreased radically.

The combination of the S10 going away,

the great financing deals drying up and

the economy hitting the younger guys

just killed that market. In contrast, new

musclecars are very popular. The new

Mustang, Challenger and Camaro have

piqued the interest of a whole new set

of customers, but continuing to do

what you have always done will not

continue to produce results.

The most successful dealers will be

those who have set up a solid, efficient

pipeline for parts. The most successful

manufacturers will be those who can

make and deliver these parts quickly and

efficiently. Quality and delivery will take

precedence over price, within reason.

Customers won’t tolerate the lead times

associated with offshore sources, so a

significant amount of manufacturing has

returned to this country.

—Bret Voelkel

President, RideTech


Mast MotorsportsMozez Racing CNC Cylinder Head936/560-2218www.mastmotorsports.comPN: 510-215The Mozez CNC canted-valve racing LS cylin-der head from Mast Motorsports supports up to 1,000NA hp and flows 458 cfm at .900 lift.

Rocket Racing WheelsRocket Igniter888/307-7525www.rocketracingwheels.comPN: R33-586137Inspired by innovative gearheads who streaked across dry lakebeds for speed and glory. Finishes include gray, polished and as cast.

Rocket Racing WheelsRocket Velocity888/307-7525www.rocketracingwheels.comPN: R54-786145The Rocket Velocity wheel is purpose-built to provide maximum style and performance. Open-window design nicely accentuates many performance brake systems.

Ron Francis WiringSynergy Switches800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comIgnition switches with colored keys, headlight, wiper and accessory switches to complete a dash with matching bezels and accent rings.

Ron Francis WiringMustang Foxbody Oxygen-Sensor Harness800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comReplacement harnesses for ’86–’93 Mustang 5.0 manual and automatic transmissions. Available in factory length and with extra 24 in. for headers.

Ron Francis WiringExpress Wiring Kit800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comComplete wiring kit includes a 16-fuse color-coded fuse panel, a synergy headlight switch and color-coded GXL wire to complete the full-featured project.

Ron Francis WiringBare Bonz Wiring Kit800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comComplete wiring kit includes eight-fuse color-coded fuse panel, synergy headlight switch and color-coded GXL wire to complete the Bare Bonz project.

Ron Francis WiringTelorvek Fuel-Injection Wiring Kit800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comFuel-injection wiring kits offer the flexibility to run wires and mount ECM where you choose. Covers many Ford and Chevy applications.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Big Bite Rotors Program800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPerformance rotor program, including Big Bite rotors, offers the highest-quality performance rotors for widest range of appli-cations available. All rotors are direct-bolt-on applications and exceed OE standards.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Comp Series Rear Disc

Brake Conversion Kits800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPN: w110-21Competition rear drum to disc brake conversion kit for GM 10- and 12-bolt, Ford 9-in. and Mopar Dana 60 rearends.

A lot of the tradi-

tional street-rod com-

panies are going after

the musclecar mar-

ket, but they’re not

forgetting their roots.

There are a tremendous

amount of steel body parts now—com-

plete ’40 Ford coupes, Model T pickups,

’33 Ford steel bodies, Deuce steel bod-

ies—and they’re all very good quality.

But the sky is the limit with musclecars.

That’s why we need to pay attention

to titling issues. Eventually, you’re going

to have guys yanking untitled musclecars

out of barns. We need to put long-term

solutions in place so that a guy who

tries to register an untitled ’66 Chevelle

some years down the road doesn’t have

a problem.

Manufacturers and dealers must also

be open to all hot rods. When the

NSRA opened its events to cars from the

’80s, a lot of people said it was going to

ruin the hobby. But you can’t look at it

like that. We’re all hot rodders.

Pay close attention to the niche that’s

around you. There are parts out there for

everything. If you pay attention to what’s

going on in your local market, you can

do real well.

—Brian Downard

Vice President of Sales and

Marketing, Lokar Inc.


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Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories Ltd.Type II Power Steering Pump800/331-6562www.tuffstuffperformance.comPN: 6175ALPAvailable in chrome-plated, polished-aluminum or powdercoated finishes, the compact Type II power steering pump is ideal for compact installations.

Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories Ltd.LT1 Water Pump800/331-6562www.tuffstuffperformance.comPN: 1362Unique LT pump design covers the three most popular applications with only one part number. Available triple chrome plated, in polished aluminum or powdercoated.

Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories Ltd.Rat Rod Alternator800/331-6562www.tuffstuffperformance.comPN: 7127One-wire, 100-amp alternators are available in powdercoated red primer, gray primer and flat- black finishes and are perfect for rat rods and other unique vehicles.

U.S. Radiator Corp.57-9 Ford Aluminum Radiator323/826-0965www.usradiator.comPN: al50219A 57-9 Ford car all-aluminum radiator with a core: two rows of 1-in. tubes.

Unisteer Performance ProductsVette Rack800/338-9080www.unisteer.comPN: 8011530Rack-and-pinion set-up for ’58–’82 Corvette utiliz-ing factory or aftermarket columns. Small- and big-block applications available.

Unisteer Performance ProductsFairlane Rack800/338-9080www.unisteer.comPN: 8011570Rack-and-pinion set-up for ’63–’65 Fairlanes utilizing factory or aftermarket columns. Small- and big-block applications available.

Unisteer Performance ProductsClimax Electric Motor970/390-6607CIMresearch.comPN: CM12WThe Climax electric motor with 144V battery pack delivers 510 lb.-ft. peak acceleration torque, 32 hp (sustainable). Weighs 53 lbs. Priced low.

Vintage Air Inc.Gen IV 1964–1/267 Pontiac GTO Sure Fit

Heat/Cool/Defrost System800/862-6658www.vintageair.comPN: 964467Fully electronic, bolt-in climate control system featuring new state-of-the-art fly-by-wire cable converters to convert factory control panel. Separate coils with a temperature-blend door for instant just-right comfort.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Tri-Power Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPN: A110-22 FORDComplete performance rear disc brake conversion kits that include three-piston aluminum calipers with a built-in parking brake, cross-drilled, slotted and plated rotors and all necessary installation hardware.

The trend to newer

cars has begun. People

are after the cars they

had in high school,

with all of the upgrades

of today’s cars. EFI

engine transplants are

growing as carbureted engines are slowly

going away due to fuel prices and driv-

ability factors. In street rods, traditional

is the key word, with nostalgia-style paint

schemes and far less billet. In musclecars,

it’s EFI and newer suspensions to make

the cars handle and ride better.

Retailers must be aware of parts inven-

tory as a double-edged sword. With the

world of information and the sales

tools available on the Internet, a coun-

ter person needs to know more about

the parts he sells, and he also needs

inventory. But be cautious about selling

discounted imported parts. All too often,

the sale of an imported part will come

back to bite you. As the old saying goes

when it comes to original manufactured

parts, “You can buy cheaper, but you

can’t buy better.” Copied goods from

China and other countries usually sell for

less, but more often than not, that’s due

to lower quality.

—Dennis Overholser

Executive Vice President,

Painless Performance



Ablaze Grilles Inc.’10 Camaro Framed Diamond Cut Grille714/956-5184www.ablazegrilles.comPN: 120-0-21A ’10–’11 Camaro SS RS diamond-cut aluminum with angled aluminum frame main grille insert. Bumper and signal lights grilles also available.

Wheel Vintiques Inc.18-in. Steel Black Chrome Rallye559/251-6957www.wheelvintiques.comPN: 68-8812052Eighteen-in. steel black chrome Rallye. Available in 5x4.5-, 5x4.75-, 5x5-, 6x5.5- and 5x5.5-in. bolt patterns. Available in 18x7 and 18x8 in. Custom backspace available. Also available in powdercoated and chrome finishes.

Wheel Vintiques Inc.Billet Style Steel Wheel559/251-6957www.wheelvintiques.comPN: 106-7812042Seventeen-in. billet-style steel wheel available in 7-, 8- and 9-½-in. widths. Comes in most popular bolt patterns. Fits all Mustangs up through 2010.

Putco Inc.Chrome Trim Mirror Overlays–

’11 Chevy Camaro800/247-3974www.putco.comPN: 400604Putco’s Chrome Trim Mirror Overlays for the ’11 Chevy Camaro provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Putco Inc.LED Rear Accent Light Bar–

’11 Chevy Camaro800/247-3974www.putco.comPN: 900648Putco’s LED Rear Accent Light Bar for the ’11 Chevy Camaro provides a unique, custom look and operates with the running lights, reverse lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Stand out from the rest with this accessory.

Putco Inc.Liquid Aluminum Grille Insert–

’11 Chevy Camaro800/247-3974www.putco.comPN: 91160Putco’s CNC Aluminum Grille Insert for the ’11 Chevy Camaro provides a true custom look. Each kit includes a top and bottom grille insert that mounts easily over the factory grille.

Lokar Performance ProductsC-10 Throttle Pedal Assembly

and Curved Pedal Pads877/469-7440www.lokar.comPN: BAG-6164Direct-replacement throttle assembly bolts into factory location. Convert rod-type linkage to Lokar throttle cable linkage. Adjustable arms. Curved brake/clutch pads, direct replacement.

Ron Francis WiringAccess 24/7 Wiring Kit800/292-1940www.ronfrancis.comMagnet-mounted fuse panel wiring system allows easy access. Complete kit includes our synergy head-light switch and color-coded GXL wire to complete the installation.

Modern musclecars

are very strong and

improving, but we

still are focused on hot

rods. Safety is always

an important factor, so

we focus on accuracy

and staying Made in the U.S.A. That is

very important to our dealers and our

customers, and the entire team is proud

of that fact!

Musclecar people want modern tech-

nology but also want the original look.

This is one reason we are so focused in

our Retro-Fit Shop. The custom group

seems to like using old-school gauge clus-

ters and retrofitting modern movements

into old clusters. They really like to add

matching colors or logos, and that has

been a blast for our Retro-Fit team.

It seems that a lot of folks are knock-

ing off other peoples’ products, but a

very good friend of mine gave me some

wonderful advice: “Focus on doing what

you do best and do it. Forget about the

copycats. They will always be there and

will always have customers. Build every-

thing the best you can.” Best advice in

the world! Focus on learning the most

you can about the parts you sell. Focus

on quality, and listen to your customers.

—John D. McLeod

Owner, Classic Instruments

www.semanews.com 43

The current muscle-

cars from the OEs are

achieving high levels of

performance through

modern powertrain

technology. They are

extremely powerful yet

deliver fuel economy unheard of during

the ’60s and ’70s. Plus, as happened back

then, today’s musclecars are being used as

platforms for a new generation of super-

cars from tuners, such as Lingenfelter,

Hurst, Shelby and Baldwin-Motion.

The restomod trend shows no signs

of slowing down. Car builders all over

the country are making these cars wilder

and wilder; and the performance arms

of the OEs—particularly GM Perfor-

mance Parts and Mopar—continue to

bring out new permutations of their

big-cube engines to give these builders a

starting point.

In the restoration niche, we’re seeing

growth in the number of complete,

all-steel reproduction bodies available

from companies such as Dynacorn and

Goodmark. Classic Industries and OER

moving beyond just GM reproduction

parts and into the Mopar arena will be

a real help to restorers of Plymouth and

Dodge musclecars.

There have also been demographic

shifts and an overall decline in the num-

ber of young people interested in cars.

We need to keep young people enthusi-

astic about cars; otherwise, our businesses

will literally die out. Get kids interested!

—Drew Hardin

Freelance Writer and Editor,

Muscle Car Review Magazine

Chassisworks/VariShock/ Total Control Products/KPg-Bar/g-Link Suspensions for

’64–’72 GM A-Body916/388-0288www.cachassisworks.comPN: 5827-A10g-Bar/g-Link suspensions install easily using FAB9 or OEM housings. Optional urethane or TrueCenter ends, steel or aluminum links and VariShock coil-over or air suspension.

Chassis TechStainless-Steel Air Tanks800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: AIRTANK-05-STLWith the strength of steel, 1,000-psi burst tested and no-rust stainless, this is the best money can buy. Comes ported for a drain valve and for pressure switch, tank gauge and air in/air out.

Chassis TechNo O-Ring Air Shocks800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: AIRSHOCK-01No O-rings to wear out and leak. Eight-position compression and rebound dampening adjustment.

D.C. Power EngineeringHigh-Output Charging Systems951/509-5617www.dcpowerinc.comPN: 270-XPDC Power Engineering’s new-technology charging systems available for rods, racing, cars, trucks and SUVs requiring idle performance along with top-end reliability.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Super Twin Plus

Front Brake Kit800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPN: w123-28 GMSuper Twin two-piston aluminum calipers with stainless-steel pistons, 13-in. cross-drilled, slot-ted, plated rotors and all necessary installation hardware. Bolts to drum/disc spindles.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Comp Series Front Disc Brake Kits800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPN: W123-25 GMComp series front disc brake kits include four-piston billet-aluminum calipers, Big Bite performance cross-drilled, slotted and plated rotors and all the necessary installation hardware.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Quick Change Caliper Kit-Jeep800/448-7722www.ssbrakes.comPN: a189-4Direct-bolt-on quick-change caliper kit designed specifically for late-model Jeep CJs. Kit includes three-piston aluminum calipers, performance pads and the necessary installation hardware.

Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.

Accessories Plan-O-Gram800/448-7722

www.ssbrakes.comPN: a1750

Steele Rubber Products70-3272-72 Door Weather Strips800/544-8665www.steelerubber.comPN: 70-3272-72Introducing ’71–’76 Lincoln Mark IV and Ford Thunderbird door weatherstrips with fully molded ends. Correct extrusion along length with embedded nylon pins spaced as originals. Includes nylon screws for molded ends.


Chassis TechAir Engine With Heater and Dryer800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: Air Dryer ComboDual-valve heaters are built into the air-engine, maintaining temperatures of 72º during the winter. The dryer removes moisture from the air system.

Chassis TechAir Engine Valve Line800/842-8789www.airbagit.comPN: AIRVALVE-ENGINEEight-cylinder, three-position, 300-psi, 15mm 160-watt coil (⅝-in.) orifice, air-engine valves by Airbagit.com. It takes one of these for complete FBSS, one on each corner. No assembly required. Fittings and harness, dual air gauges and up/down speed controllers included.

Flaming River Industries Inc.Musclecar Series Floor Mounts—

Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR20101CHFlaming River swivel floor mounts have been expanded to include even more styles of classic vehicles and musclecars.

Flaming River Industries Inc.Third-Generation Keyless Ignition and

Entry System—Made in the U.S.A.440/826-4488www.flamingriver.comPN: FR60003The new third-generation system has a keyfob docking station for more reliable starting and security and includes door-lock actuators for remote vehicle entry.

March Performance Inc.LS Protrack Serpentine System888/729-9070www.marchperf.comPN: 20035Billet-aluminum serpentine system for LS-based motors.

March Performance Inc.Protrack Air Cleaner888/729-9070www.marchperf.comPN: 9750Stylish billet-aluminum air cleaner.

Marshall Instruments1/260s Muscle Gauge Set714/632-8565www.marshallinstruments.comPN: 6964Musclecar-era themed gauges with period look, full-sweep electric stepper motor movements and through-dial LED lighting.

Marquez Design1/266–1/267 Nova Taillight916/373-9783www.marquezdesign.comPN: #150A ’66–’67 Chevrolet Nova tail-light. Includes LED setup for all red or backup lenses. Hand-polished bezel, 3-D machined from 6061-T6 aluminum.

QuietRIDE SolutionsGM G-Body Firewall Insulator209/942-4777 www.quietride.com

The quality of hot

rods today is dramati-

cally different from the

past, and parts are now

being built specifically

for the needs of hot

rod customers. Brake

systems, wiring, transmissions—even our

alternators are now being built to cus-

tomers’ specifications. This gives retailers

the option to put better products on their

customers’ vehicles.

There are also far greater engine

options available now. You’re seeing

guys running pure Ford engines, and

the new LS engines are giving street

rodders even more options. Builders

can literally choose their motors for the

purposes they want. Musclecar owners

not only drag race but also road race

and run their cars through slaloms. That

brings a whole new range of parts to be

sold through the industry. And with the

30-year rule, the NSRA has now joined

Goodguys in opening the door to practi-

cally everything at their events.

The most important thing retailers

can do is to develop good relationships

with their manufacturers. Have your

staff work with them to know that their

engineering, technical and sales people

are there to support them. If you have

problems, remember that quality manu-

facturers will stand behind their products

and help you work through any issues.

—Vince Sica

Director of Sales and Marketing,

Powermaster Performance


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