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The Weird, The Unusual, The Unexplainable Oddities Of The 2017 SEMA Show

19 nov 2017

The bed appears large enough to haul a few coolers and a grill for your tailgating party

Just the thing for a tailgating party for you and 11 of your best friends - with room for coolers

The Specialty Equipment Market Association puts on its annual trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center and limits attendance to only those directly involved in the automotive aftermarket. As such, most of the modified vehicles on display are there to feature a particular sponsor’s product (and often more than one). It’s usually very clear as the product is prominently featured on the vehicle, it carries large stickers on its sides, and it’s in or near the sponsor’s booth. Then there is a small percentage of vehicles that don’t play by those rules. Their existence isn’t questioned by asking “why?” but rather “why the heck not” (or words to that effect). So here we give you, with all due respect and admiration, the oddities of the 2017 SEMA Show.

Park on the site was a pickup in full Pixar Cars livery

Looks like Lightning McQueen is getting away from the circle track stuff. Hey, where's Mater?

Heretic Studios is best know for the stylish UTV accessories

A very slick four-passenger UTV built by Cody Hill, who also had a matching 2017 Ford Super Duty

T-shirt maker Laid-Back used the Jambulance to draw attention to its line of wearables

The Laid Back Jambulance drew plenty of attention over the course of the show

Nicely executed C30 with an air intake nicely incorporated in the hood

It looks a bit like the driver stopped too fast and the fifth wheel horse trailer swallowed the bed

Do you think that one of the sponsors listed manufactures ladders?

While it's easy to inspect the drivetrain, it's tough to get a look at the interior

From a dollar invested to power output this Z might be a pretty good deal

Now if we could only get all the cars K&N sponsors to promote our filters so visibily

Let's assume this bus will out-drag the diesel-powered slugs that would take us to school

Isn't this pretty much the school bus we all sketched in our high school notebooks come to life?

Powered by a seven cylinder Jacobs radial engine from a 1950s seaplane

From Jay Leno's garage, a 757ci Radial Airplane Engine 1939 Plymouth Pickup

Certain to scare environmentalists right off the road

A V8-powered Prius. Somewhere in a Toyota office a product planner is banging his head on his desk

It's powered by a Cummins Diesel that's backed by an NV4500 five-speed manual

How about a 1972 crew-cab C50 Chevy pickup built by Rtech Fabrications of Hayden, Idaho

A staple in Australia for decades the production of the Ute has come to an end

Do you think ICE knows there's a Ute from Australia here on U.S. soil?

If the goal of this car was to make it as ugly as possible the builder succeeded

If there were an award for the ugliest car at the show, there's a good choice we're looking at it

The beauty of the carbon fiber construction was on dsiplay for all to see

An Acura NSX GT3 race car in its bare carbon fiber, before any sponsor decals have been applied

The windshield is missing as it was cracked on the way to SEMA

Who as a kid didn't want their own fire truck? Sometimes wishes come true

One of the Most Popular Model of Vehicle at the SEMA 2017 was the Venerable Camaro

19 nov 2017

If you knew nothing about the American automobile industry, and your very first exposure was the SEMA Show, you’d be rightly justified to believe that the first generation Chevrolet Camaro was built for more years and in greater numbers than is actually the case. And while the brief three model year run is a bit over-represented at the show, it’s rooted in the esteem in which the car was held. It was both a successful road racer and drag racer in the days before tube frame chassis over replica bodies. So while there was representation from other generations of the venerable muscle cars, our coverage reflects the mix of model years displayed on the show floor.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS “Double Take”

The "Double Take" 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is owned by Michelle and Brian Klein

Popping up through the hood is a carbureted supercharger with dual K&N filters in the scoop

Looking like a Hot Wheel come to life this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is one of several stunning vehicles from Randy Weaver and his crew from Weaver Customs in West Jordan, Utah. Owned by Michelle and Brian Klein, the stunning blue creation captured a much-desired display spot right by the doors to the North Hall. Under and through the hood is a stroked Chevrolet small-block fitted with an 8-71 supercharger. The engine is fed through a pair of carburetors and if you were to peak into the scoop you’d find a pair of K&N air filters scrubbing the air entering the dual carbs. Backing up the motor is a stout Tremec TKO 600 six-speed manual transmission. The “Double Take” Camaro rides on a custom frame with IFS and a four-link rear suspension locating the FAB 9 rear axle with a 4.30:1 final drive. Exterior mods include narrowed and tucked bumpers and a one-off grille.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro “Big Red”

A fire during a test session just over a year ago almost totalled the Big Red Camaro

Rising, Phoenix-like from the ashes, the legendary Big Red Camaro is displayed in speed record trim

The Big Red 1969 Camaro has literally risen from the ashes. During an on-track shakedown run a fuel line worked loose and the car burnt about as far as possible and still call it a car. If you love 1969 Camaros, don’t look for the before pictures. The good news is, the car was recoverable and in a relatively short period rebuilt and on display at the 2017 SEMA Show. For top speed runs, Big Red is powered by a Larry Mollicone-built 598 CI Big Block and fitted with a ProCharger F3 blower drawing through two enormous K&N filters (each about the size of a Costco Quaker Oatmeal canister). Boost and a mix of methanol and water injection system deliver between 1600 and 2000 horsepower. An extensive roll cage structures ties the chassis together as well as protects the driver. The fuel cell is in the trunk with the small methanol canister under the hood. And in the reconstruction, the fire system was upgraded from a manual to an automatic system.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro “Axis”

Most interior and external panels were hand-fabricated by the talented crew at the Roadster Shop

Constructed on a Fast Track chassis by the Roadster Shop, this 1969 is powered by a 640 HP LT4

While still a 1969 Camaro, this version has a very different vibe than the previous two Camaros. Phil Gerber and Jeremy Gerber of The Roadster Shop of Mundelein, Illinois, constructed this '69 as a modern race-inspired Camaro that’s had its floor cutaway and an RS Fast Track chassis installed. Powered by 640 horsepower 6.2L LT4 V8 and backed by a T56 transmission, drive is passed to the solid rear axle that has been outfitted with a multilink suspension and Baer brakes all around. The Axis features all the hand-built components we’ve come to expect from a Roadster Shop build: front spoiler and side skirts, custom lower rear diffuser-valance combination, unique wheels, fully fabricated underhood sheet metal and interior. A vintage-looking Sparco steering wheel, Sparco seats, and AutoMeter Spek dials complete the cockpit. The Axis was a Top 12 selection for SEMA Battle of the Builders and the winner of the GM People’s Choice Design Award.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro “Split Second”

Due to low horsepower from meeting emissions controls 1970s Camaros are less popular with builders

This 1970 from the Roadster Shop represents Gen II Camaros. K&N filters feature their own intake

The name “Split Second” is derived from the unique dual or split fuel injection system and the split bumper design of this generation of Camaro. In ordinary driving circumstances, the engine is fed from a fuel cell containing 91 octane pump fuel. As boost from the twin turbochargers increases, the computer starts to feed 108 octane race gas from a second fuel cell into the 427 small block from Nelson Racing Engines. The result is a daily driver with around 900 horsepower that automatically segues into a 1600 horsepower beast. New inlets were added to the front to feed the K&N filters. The front clip and unibody floor of the Camaro and were discarded and replaced by a Fast Track hand-fabricated, fully-boxed 10 gauge steel frame rails that run the full length of the car, providing both a lowered ride height and a solid basis from which the suspension can work. At the front end is mounted an RS Fast Track Front Suspension with C6 Corvette spindle and hub assemblies. A 1.25-inch splined sway bar with C6 end links has also been fitted, while special Penske “RS Edition” performance coilovers control the ups and downs of the front suspension. Brembo provided the brake, HRE the wheels, and Avant Garde the interior.

And now for more Camaros:

The intake draws from under the bumper and feeds the now mandatory fuel injection system

All NHRA Pro Stock racers are required to use the specially-developed K&N carbon fiber intake

The engine will develop over 600 horsepower with no changes other than the kit

Hellion launched a bolt-on twin turbo kit for Gen 6 Camaros at the show, complete with K&N filters

It's also one of the favorites among the K&N staff

This Camaro receives our awards for both largest tubs and wheels with the most positive offset

This car was rather unique as it was one of the few Third Generation Camaros on the show floor

Optima hosted a Third Generation Camaro in its booth promoting its Ultimate Street Car Search

Oh What Wondrous Trucks We Saw At the 2017 SEMA Show – Part 3

18 nov 2017

This is our third and final installment of just some of the fantastic trucks we saw at the 2017 SEMA Show. While there were many more that were deserving of mention, our space is somewhat limited. We do hope that you've found these three articles as a good overview of the types of trucks on display at SEMA 2017.

2017 Ford F-250 Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

Chris Kyle drove a Ford pickup so the builders thought an F-250 a fitting tribute

This Ford F-250 was constructed by Complete Customs to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

Navy Seal Chris Kyle needs no introduction to most of us. The most effective sniper to ever serve in the US military, he publish his autobiography to wide acclaim. Clint Eastwood directed a movie about his life, but as you know, Chris never saw it as he was killed by a former Marine suffering from PTSD. His wife Taya, founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation to support military, veteran, and first responder marriages. For the past few SEMA Shows, Complete Customs has built a Jeep to be auctioned to benefit the Foundation. As Chris drove a lifted Ford Super Duty, they decided this year to build a 2017 Ford F250. Added were a 4.5” Pure Performance suspension, 20” American Force Wheels with the foundation's name etched into them, wrapped by 42” Interco Tires. A custom grille was fabricated as well as a custom bumper/light bar and many other fantastic additions.

2016 GMC 2500HD Scosche UTV Hauler

Rockstar Garage wanted to build a truck that carried a UTV lower, to have less impact on handling

How best to carry a UTV in the back of a truck? Rockstar Garage may have the ultimate solution

UTVs loaded into the back of a truck are a pretty common sight. The problem, for the most part, is that many UTVs are longer than the bed of the truck, which forces them to be carried high which completely messes up the center of gravity and of course the handling. Rockstar Garage set out to solve the problem. Instead of using ramps, they installed a Knapheide bed and utilize a winch to load the UTV, dropping the CG considerably. Hellwig air suspension keeps the bed level, loaded or not, supplemented by Altas leaf springs and BDS coilovers. 20” KMC Rockstar 3 wheels are wrapped by 40” Mickey Thompson tires. Other outward mods include a Royalty Core grille, Bulldog LEDs, and Addictive Desert Design bumpers. Under the hood, the Duramax has been upgraded with a K&N filter, Mishimoto intercooler, and Edge tuner. Inside the crew cab, Scosche provided a MagicMount Pro phone mount, ReVolt Dual USB charger, iPad dash mount, and EFX audio. And to make sure you can go out and always make it back, there’s a Titan 50 gallon fuel tank.

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD 5.11 Tactical MRV

The truck even features 5.11 Tactical fabric covering the seating surfaces

5.11 Tactical apparel and gear manufacturer created this TRD Tacoma around its products

5.11 Tactical, makers of tactical apparel and gear for military, first responders, and recreational enthusiasts, displayed their 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD powered by the proven Toyota 3.5L V6 at the 2017 SEMA show. 5.11 has named their truck the MRV, which stands for Mission Ready Vehicle. The theme is to keep in the spirit of 5.11 products, which are found both outside and inside the truck, including the upholstery. There are even a tent and a fridge in the bed. Other upgrades include Cooper Tires, King Shocks at all four wheels, Deaver Springs, Total Chaos Suspension, ARB Lockers, Warn winch housed in a wicked front bumper/skid plate assembly, flared fenders, and of course a K&N filter.

A Polaris RZR rides piggyback in the bed of the Ram pickup truck

Dennis Dillon Ram of Boise displayed this truck to promote its Sawtooth parts & accessories business

Keg Media illustrates many of the show car designs used for approvals before any metal is cut

Graphic designers Keg Media worked with High Altitude Customs on this H2 to demo their work

Bo Butner Wins his First NHRA Pro Stock Championship in the Series Final at Pomona

17 nov 2017

Bo Butner racing to the championship in the Pro Stock class

Bo Butner took the championship in Pro Stock at the Auto Club finals in Pomona

One of the first people to congratulate Bo Butner after winning the NHRA Pro Stock championship at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona was teammate Greg Anderson. Anderson came into the NHRA Auto Club Finals at Pomona with the lead in the Pro Stock standings. Butner was second, 40 points behind Anderson. “Greg was actually one of the first to meet me down there,” Butner said after the races in Pomona. “Greg is the most competitive guy, but he’s like a big brother to me. He gave me a big hug and he actually told me you deserve it this year. He’s an animal and he’s tough to beat.”

Butner beat Anderson in the semifinals at Pomona. Butner went on to beat Tanner Gray in the final race and clinch his first Pro Stock championship. The two teammates at KB Racing were at the top of a very competitive class all season. For Butner, it was quite an accomplishment to win the Pro Stock championship. He came into the 2017 season with no wins in the NHRA Pro Stock class. He won five events, including two of the six Countdown to the Championship playoff races.

Bo Butner holding the Championship Trophy after winning the 2017 NHRA Auto Club finals at Pomona

When he won his first NHRA Pro Stock event in Houston, Butner knew he had a chance to win the championship. “It was a good mindset and when we kept clicking them off,” Butner said. “We actually won what you call the main season by quite a few points and then we had to give them up to make it even. I thought we could do it from day one once we started clicking them off. It just worked our way.”

When the Countdown to the Championship started, Butner, Anderson, and Jason Line, who are all teammates at KB Racing, the contenders. Of the three, Butner was the driver with the least amount of experience and success in Pro Stock. He quickly rose to the top of the standings and put himself in position to win the championship. “We’re supposedly the little team, but actually we’re not,” Butner said. “We are a team of KB. I had the same stuff as them, same cars, same motors, same tuners. To me, it’s not a surprise, just who went the furthest today out of us three. I’d always bet on myself.”

Butner said his team, Anderson’s and Line’s teams were evenly matched all season. The finals in Pomona were no different. “We’ve got a great team,” Butner said. “Greg and Jason both deserve to win also. Either way, it’s a win-win for us. We’re happy it landed in our shoes.”

Winners Circle at the Pomona included Brittany Force, Eddie Krawiec, Bo Butner, and Robert Hight

Butner said he experienced the same path to success racing in the sportsman class. It took him a few years to break through with a win at the national level. He knew it would take some time to break through in the Pro Stock division too. “It’s funny because it’s the same people at the same tracks,” Butner said. “It’s just a different atmosphere. I wasn’t worried about not winning. “It probably hasn’t set in yet. It’s awesome. I'm just very fortunate and blessed.”

Butner compared racing on the final day at Pomona to shooting baskets in his driveway as a kid. He pretended every round was like taking a shot in the final seconds of a game. If he made his shot, he won. If he won a round, he was closer to the championship. He kept making shots, winning rounds, all the way to the final against Gray. “I probably didn’t drive the best today,” Butner said. “When it’s your day, God blessed us. I was blessed today.”

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Oh What Wondrous Trucks We Saw At the 2017 SEMA Show – Part 2

17 nov 2017

As promised, here’s part two of our coverage of the amazing range of trucks that were on display at the 2017 SEMA Show. These range from a classic Chevy pickup built in a very traditional style by a very young builder to an amazing restoration of an International Harverster commercial vehicle by a company looking to make a point. Let’s go!

Drive Pink 2017 Ford F-150

The process of illustrating the truck took artist Jada Paxton three weeks to complete

This black Ford was wrapped in white then hand illustrated with Sharpies for breast cancer awareness

Displayed outside the Convention Center was this Ford F-150 with probably the most personalized exterior any vehicle wore at the show. Built by Flat 12 Gallery of Texas, known for their Car Chasers television program, with parts specified and acquired by AutoNation’s Auto Gear, this pickup would stand out in any parking lot in its OEM Shadow Black paint. Instead the body had been covered entirely by a plain white wrap. Famed Sharpie artist Jada Paxton was brought into the project and in the course of just three weeks hand drew the illustrations that cover the truck. The imagery incorporates themes including the open road, the fight against breast cancer, and Drive Pink’s coast-to-coast footprint. Our prediction is that you’ll see more hand-drawn designs on show vehicles at SEMA 2018.

1973 Chevrolet C10 "Buck the Truck"

Preston's admiration for his great-grandfather, a WWII veteran, is evident in the care taken

Preston Folkestad rebuilt his great-grandather's C10 and entered into SEMA's Battle of the Builders

You may already be aware of SEMA’s Battle of the Builders, where top competitors go head-to-head for the coveted prize. But what you may not know about is that there’s a category called Young Guns, for promising builders under the age of 27. Through a series of regional competitions six were selected and awarded travel, transportation, and a display spot at the SEMA Show. One such competitor is 22-year-old Preston Folkestad, of Marion, Iowa, who rebuilt the 1973 Chevy C10 he inherited from his great-grandfather. The truck was fitted with new suspension all around, lowering the squarebody two inches. Power steering and Wilwood brakes were then added. The engine was rebuilt with an array of performance upgrades, including a K&N air filter. The exterior was sprayed in Kandy Orange over Orion Silver. A full custom interior rounds out the package. The truck is named in honor of his great-grandfather, Buck, a WWII veteran.

1973 International Harvester Loadstar

Line-X was looking to demonstrate that they're more thanjust a bedliner company

IH Cab, new frame, and Hellcat engine all combine to become one of the most interesting of the show

Say you’re a company well-known for a product used on pickup trucks but you want to spread the word that your product is equally useful on heavy equipment – how do you get that point across? If you’re Line-X, you build an eye-catching custom commercial that demonstrates your products in use. The company started with a 1973 International Harvester Loadstar 1700 cab, that’s been fully restored. Underneath they slid a more modern 2010 Dodge 5500 chassis that’s been adapted to a Kelderman four-way independent adjustable air ride suspension. For brute power, they turned to a 707 horsepower supercharged 6.2L Dodge Hellcat engine. This build was made even more impactful by the PPG Extreme Black and Copper paint, over which Line-X applied protective coatings throughout the chassis, body, and the custom front and rear bumpers.

Roland Sands Design 2017 Ford F-150

Famed motorcycle racer and designer Roland Sands ahs moved into the truck accessory market

Roland Sands debuted his new line of truck accessories. Look for them at your local parts store soon

You might know Roland Sands as a motorcycle racer. You might know him as a leading-edge designer of motorcycle accessories and custom builds. Or probably you know him as both. If not, Roland started on a motorcycle when most kids are still riding bikes with training wheels. He competed in AMA road racing for nine years, set several track records, and won the AMA 250GP championship in 1998. A spate of injuries (his first broken bone at age five) took him off the bike and into the shop. Since then his designs have been featured in magazines and television shows and have earned him several prestigious awards. Now Roland is turning his design talents to trucks. Currently, there are 21 different product categories soon to launched, ranging from front bumpers, rock sliders, and fender flares to hood scoops, alloy wheels, and more. Look for them to be available soon from your favorite aftermarket performance retailer.

That’s Not All Folks …

We have more trucks that we spotted at the Las Vegas Convention Center and environs to share with you so look for Oh What Wondrous Trucks We Saw At the 2017 SEMA Show – Part 3 to be posted soon.