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JANUARY 2017
2017 FORECAST • TIRES & WHEELS • PRECISION ENGINE
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CONTENTS // January 2017 // Volume 19 Number 8
FEATURES \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 7 FORECAST 2017
TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS
Some aftermarket areas to watch entering the new year. By Jef White
ON THE MOBILE ELECTRONICS FRONT
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As vehicles get more sophisticated, electronic enhancements become more commonplace. By Brett Solomon
Road Trips, misfits and more. By Anthony Bowe
PERFORMANCE
RESTYLING 17
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ROLLING REPORT
BEYOND BEDLINERS
A quick look at how tires & wheels combine science & passion.
Customer-centered philosophies fuel LINE-X of Knoxville’s flourishing business.
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FIVE TIPS FOR RESTYLERS
RISING STAR
Start the year by remembering the basics of running a successful shop.
Meet Chris McClintock of Bux Customs.
By John F. Katz
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ACROSS THE POND
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
Get your slice of the European performance market. By Tony Thacker
The latest power and control upgrades.
By Patricia Kaowthumrong
By Naseem Muaddi
By Josh Poulson
30 RESTYLING PRODUCTS The latest truck, car and SUV parts that add style and utility.
PAG E
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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
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CONTENTS // January 2017 // Volume 19 Number 8
PA G E
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DRIVER’S SEAT...................................................6 Lots to Cover.
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AD INDEX.........................................................65
ON THE MOVE
Alphabetical listing of this month’s advertisers.
Tips for rearranging cars & parts around your shop.
ONE MORE THING.............................................66
If you’re racing for that last tenth of a second, then wheels are a good place to look for it.
JANUARY 2017 2017 FORECAST • TIRES & WHEELS • PRECISION ENGINE
PRECISION ENGINE
COMING NEXT MONTH
THE SHOP
Blake Foster, Speedtech Performance On choosing the right tire-and-wheel combo for each project. See story on page 17
Drivers Experience Porsche in LA.
• Truck bed products • Automotive lighting • Drag racing • Hand tools
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MOTOWN II LS BUILD, PART 1 We’re off and running with a World Products SBC block that accepts LS heads. By Mike Mavrigian
PE-10 A TIGHT FIT Setting roller cam thrust: checking endplay is critical. By Mike Mavrigian
PE-14 ENGINE BUILDING PRODUCTS 4
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ON THE COVER
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With trade show season, the presidential election and 2016 all ending, now’s a natural time to start thinking about the future. Reports, stats and interviews will help your shop plan for the new year. See story on page 7.
LAST MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS • Lifting equipment • Racing Icon: Dan Gurney • Tuners & programmers • Custom vs. plug-and-play audio
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MEYER DISTRIBUTING & LUND INTERNATIONAL PROVIDE
INDUSTRY LEADING vehicle accessories
Meyer Distributing is a complete automotive and RV/towing wholesale distributor. With 64 locations nationwide and over 2,000,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer Distributing has a huge inventory of parts to service your needs. Meyer Distributing has 10 locations that provide next day delivery, and a fleet of 350+ trucks that serve 48 states direct. Meyer Distributing is driven to perform – we provide the products you need when you need them. Exclusive distributor of:
MEYERDISTRIBUTING.COM
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hile much of this issue is dedicated to the great things in store for 2017, now’s a good time to look back at all that’s happened over the past 12 months as well. THE SHOP took on a big task combining the restyling and performance aftermarkets in one publication, and it’s fair to say a lot has been going on in this little industry of ours: January 2016—Last year kicked off with a look at Jef White the hitch & towing market; an update on specialty Executive Editor fasteners; and advice on setting shop hours you and www.TheShopMag.com your customers can live with. February—Drag racing is an industry staple; paint protection film offers a clear path to profits; and car connectivity is on the horizon. March—THE SHOP GUIDE is our collection of recognized industry suppliers; the off-road market is riding high; and product returns are serious business. April—Big things are expected from diesels; vehicle wraps make a lasting impression; and today’s car shows can be whatever you want them to be. May—Restylers see the light with sunroofs; brake systems won’t slow down; and dynamometers are the key to serious tuning. June—The iconic Jeep brand turns 75; aftermarket exhausts sound good; and the performance clutch market remains in high gear. July—Made-in-the-USA products appeal to many buyers; the Pro-Touring market blends the old with the new; and an electric vehicle shop is wired for the future. August—Road-tripping on the HOT ROD Power Tour; understanding drivetrain basics; and DVD systems are an automotive rerun worth watching. September—Eyeing the LS engine swap market; an inside look at custom interiors; and performance fluids catch lightning in a bottle. October—Crankshaft balancing doesn’t have to be a high wire act; identifying a tool for every job; and cargo products carry the load. November—Project vehicles are where motion meets imagination; the RPM Act looks to save our race cars; and action cameras never blink. December—Staying on top of the hood accessories market; highlighting Dan Gurney’s legendary career; and removing the mystery surrounding tuners and programmers. We hope you caught these and the dozens of other articles we brought you each month in 2016, not to mention the hundreds more online at theshopmag.com and in our daily eNewsletter. It really does take a team effort to stay on top of everything going on in this dynamic market, so feel free to reach out any time with article ideas or other news you feel is worth sharing. You can email me at jwhite@nbm.com. Together, we can cover even more ground in 2017. Happy New Year from THE SHOP!
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 JOHN GUNNELL, PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG, JOHN F. KATZ, NASEEM MUADDI, JOSH POULSON, BRETT SOLOMON, TONY THACKER 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
© 2017 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.
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By Jef White
Some aftermarket areas to watch entering the new year.
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ith trade show season, the presidential election and 2016 all ending, now’s a natural time to start thinking about the future. Will 2017 be a good year for business? Are there challenges to prepare for? Where are some areas for possible growth? Answers are elusive, as so much depends on the particular products and services a shop offers, where it’s located, what its competitors are up to, and a hundred other outside factors no one can control, from the economy to the weather. Still, there are a lot of smart people in this industry, and an overriding sense of optimism that makes future planning an enjoyable endeavor. To help get started, we’ve packaged some recent news items and expert interviews to gain a snapshot of where opportunities may lie, and how shops can take full advantage to get a jump on a happy new year. VEHICLES TO WATCH While talented restylers and builders can take almost any car, truck or SUV and offer a way to make it better, there are obviously vehicles that are particularly suited for aftermarket upgrades.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association worked to identify the best of the best during the 2016 SEMA Show, asking manufacturing exhibitors to select the year’s hottest coupe, sedan, hatch, 4x4 and truck. Their choices for hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market were: • Hottest Coupe – Ford Mustang • Hottest Sedan – Dodge Charger • Hottest Hatch – Ford Focus • Hottest 4x4/SUV – Jeep Wrangler • Hottest Truck – Ford F-Series
“The SEMA Show is the place where the newest and most innovative aftermarket products debut,” says Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “And the SEMA Show exhibitors are the innovators and visionaries who help guide future trends in the industry.” Kersting adds that the hottest vehicle awards help heighten awareness for aftermarket products and strengthen the industry’s partnership between automakers and accessory manufacturers.
With trade show season, the presidential election and 2016 all ending, now’s a natural time to start thinking about the future. JANUARY 2017
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A LOOK INSIDE If you’re searching for profit centers heading into 2017, you might want to open the door and look inside. World Automotive Interiors Market – Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015-2022, an OEM-level report published by Allied Market Research, estimates that the world automotive interiors market will reach $236.2 billion by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent. “Factors such as increasing preference of consumers toward attractive and comfortable interiors, coupled with rising disposable income, have resulted in the overall increase in demand for vehicles equipped with superior quality interiors,” the report states. Cockpit modules, flooring, door panels, seats, interior lighting, acoustics and sun visors are among the components of a vehicle’s interior that could offer aftermarket opportunities, as owners of older cars seek the same experience found in the newest high-end vehicles. “The rising demand for luxurious seating systems is fostering the market growth for automotive seats,” the report predicts. “Cockpit modules—which encompass audio systems, infotainment, instrument cluster, telematics and others—would be the second highest revenue-generator throughout the analysis period.” Interior lighting is anticipated to be the most lucrative segment in terms of growth,
It’s no surprise that the Jeep Wrangler was named the year’s hottest 4x4/SUV at the SEMA Show, representing plenty of aftermarket opportunities heading into 2017.
with an anticipated CAGR of 10.4 percent from 2016-’22. “The growth is attributable to the technological advancements in LED lights and the increasing trend of interior lighting customization among buyers,” the report finds. The passenger car segment is expected to lead the market throughout the analysis period, the study shows, “owing to the continuous development of technologically advanced infotainment and active safety systems, which facilitate a safe and superior driving experience.”
Ford’s F-Series pickups were named Hottest Trucks at the 2016 SEMA Show. 8
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SAFE & SOUND In fact, that “safe and superior driving experience” is directing much of the progress and focus in the mobile electronics market. The Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies presentation put on by the SEMA PRO council at the 2016 SEMA Show addressed safety and vehicle sensor products, and noted how technology that’s leading the way toward autonomous vehicles is a profit center to be explored right now. “All of it is available in the aftermarket today,” says Jeff Varick of Brandmotion. “It integrates well into cars today, and it works.” In the future, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and a comprehensive Internet of Things (IoT) will allow cars on the road to act as an integrated entity. In the interim, sensors and related driving aids such as brake assist are reactionary technology that is helping reduce accidents and appealing to a wide variety of consumers. “There’s powerful data suggesting a strong pull from the market,” Varick explained, highlighting new car advertisements touting the latest safety features. “It’s much greater than it was even 10 years ago.” Varick notes his company has “all our chips on the table” regarding safety technology and goals to reduce traffic fatalities. During the presentation, John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology,
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There are plenty of customers interested in upgrading their Ford Mustangs, helping earn the pony car the distinction as the year’s Hottest Coupe.
called this the “Golden Age of vehicle electronics and connectivity,” and encouraged professionals to continue to embrace new technology and trends so that consumers can “customize with confidence.” To highlight the belief that change is inevitable, he quoted Mark Fields, Ford CEO, who recently stated, “We are a car company that is becoming a mobility company.” CHARGED FOR TURBOS Turning to trends under the hood, turbocharging is expected to grow its popularity, thanks to a unique ability to provide power and efficiency upgrades on a wide variety of applications. A recent report published by MarketsandMarkets projected the worldwide turbo market to grow at a CAGR of 7.63 percent, reaching a market size of $18.49 billion by 2021, with passenger cars leading the way. Proven in motorsports and found on OEM fleets worldwide, turbochargers have shed any negative impressions to become an aftermarket favorite as well, says Patrick Harcourt, performance product manager for BorgWarner. “Turbocharging has become ubiquitous for its ability to increase performance and reduce emissions,” he explains. “Drivers are now comfortable and familiar with the benefits of turbocharging.”
Engineering advancements such as the company’s Gamma-Ti turbine wheels are driving the industry, and the ability to purchase a wide range of powerful aftermarket turbochargers make them a favorite of many performance outlets. “Shop owners and installers demand and appreciate integrated features,” he explains. “A turbocharger equipped with components such as a compressor recirculation valve and internal wastegate offer convenience, and save them time.” With turbos found in motorsports applications such as Formula Drift, IndyCar, drag racing and time attack, manufacturers are diversifying to cover as many applications as possible. BorgWarner, for instance, was touting its EFR and AirWerks product lines at the 2016 SEMA Show. “What you’re seeing is a wider product range, because customers want products specific to their application,” Harcourt says. “There’s a demand for more variety, and flexibility within a given horsepower range.” Online information is helping simplify turbo choices and answer installation questions, bringing what was once viewed as an extremely technical market to the masses. “Shops and consumers are more educated than ever, and we are supporting them with sophisticated matching programs,” says Harcourt. “We also benefit from working with OEMs and
(Photo courtesy BorgWarner)
Turbocharging is expected to grow in popularity, thanks to a unique ability to provide power and efficiency upgrades on a wide variety of applications. JANUARY 2017
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overall rise in sales and enforcement of laws and regulations by government authorities, according to the report. Hydraulic suspension systems are projected to generate the largest revenue by suspension type.
High-end, luxury interiors like the one created for the Ringbrothers “G-Code” Camaro are expected to appeal to drivers for at least the next five years.
motorsports teams to provide reliability. The goal is to install a turbocharger once and have a satisfied customer.” SMOOTH RIDE Vehicle suspensions are another product niche expected to grow worldwide—with the likelihood of benefitting the aftermarket as well—according to another report published by Allied Market Research. The Global Automotive Suspension Market is expected to reach $284 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.9 percent during the forecast period, based on findings of AMR, the full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. The passenger vehicle segment is estimated to dominate the market from 2016 to 2022. Asia-Pacific led the global market in 2015, accounting for a market share of around 37 percent. “Technological advancements, rise in production of vehicles, and increase in demand for luxury and comfort drive this market,” according to the report. “Moreover, a rise in demand for lightweight suspension systems and the development of advanced suspension systems for twowheelers are expected to boost market growth.” Things to watch for, the report cautions, are the continuous strength of global vehicle standards and the high maintenance costs of advanced suspension systems—both of 10
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which could hamper market growth. Defining suspension systems as “a mechanism that physically separates the car body from its wheels,” common products include springs, dampers and various links. The adoption of air suspension and electromagnetic suspension has significantly increased in the automotive industry, the report notes. Also, an increase in demand for safe and lightweight suspension technologies for commercial vehicles in North America have boosted market growth as well. Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain its dominance in the market until 2022, due to an expected increase in public demand for more luxury and comfort in vehicles, an
HOW BUYERS GET PARTS On the consumer end, car parts buyers continue flocking to the internet, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. An automotive parts online shopper study conducted by UPS (see THE SHOP magazine, September 2016) revealed that in 2015, younger buyers—a group that has grown up with all things digital—preferred comparing and ordering aftermarket products electronically instead of stepping into a parts store. That means shops offering retail parts sales must meet customers in the cyber world. They must have online ordering on their websites. Those ordering systems must be smartphone-friendly. And a positive social media presence is considered extremely helpful. But that doesn’t reduce the importance of retail locations, which help immerse customers in the automotive culture, provide service and installation, accommodate returns and serve as mini-warehouses to expedite shipping times. “Good companies can do one or the other well, but great companies will find a way to do both,” says Darryl Barber, segment manager, corporate marketing, industrial and automotive, at UPS, which
Vehicle suspensions are another product niche expected to grow worldwide, with the likelihood of benefitting the aftermarket as well. The Global Automotive Suspension Market is predicted to reach $284 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.9 percent during the forecast period.
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Today’s high-tech vehicles are driving trends worldwide, from luxury interiors to the latest suspension enhancements.
has developed a strong presence in the automotive aftermarket. The technology and logistics company— which has a unique perspective on the market because of dealings in the distribution, business-to-business and businessto-consumer channels—is becoming “more
invested each year” in the space, Barber notes, adding that UPS has exhibited at the SEMA Show for the last five years. The automotive aftermarket contains many small- and medium-size businesses “trying to scale up,” he explains. “The biggest change, however, has been a trend toward
smaller shipments. It used to be cases and not eaches. Now, it’s the other way around.” These smaller shipments are traveling shorter distances and more often ending up at residences, he adds, completing the online ordering circle. The market, which already offers steady growth of 3-1/2 to 4 percent annually, should remain stable following the presidential election, he predicts, and the modular, high-tech nature of today’s automobiles will have the greatest impact on the market in years to come. Meanwhile, the entrance of the electronics industry and companies such as Samsung and LG into the automotive arena highlight changes ahead. “As cars become more of a technology component in the future, working on them may be more of a software fix,” Barber says. Some of this information originally appeared on THE SHOP’s website and in our daily eNewsletter. Visit theshopmag.com to learn more.
Survey: Most Buyers Expect Car, Gas Prices to Stay the Same Most Americans predict the 2016 election will not have a major impact on the cost of buying or operating a vehicle heading into the new year. Car shopping platform CarGurus conducted a survey of more than 1,000 American consumers to gather their opinions on how the recent presidential election will impact the automotive industry and their plans to buy a car in the near future. Overall, findings showed some expect both car and gas prices to increase, and even more expect to see fewer government incentives for environmentally friendly vehicles. Most respondents, however, expect things to stay about the same. CarGurus learned the following based on the presidential election results: • 35 percent think auto prices will increase. • 8 percent think auto prices will decrease. • 57 percent think auto prices will stay the same.
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• Almost half (46 percent) think gas prices will increase. • Close to a quarter (21 percent) think gas prices will decrease. • Almost one-third (32 percent) think gas prices will remain the same In addition, the survey uncovered the following: • 70 percent noted that the election will have no impact on their decision to buy an American or foreign car. • 75 percent expect to see fewer government incentives to buy efficient cars like electronic vehicles and hybrids; while 25 percent expect to see more. When asked what impact a reduction in government incentives would have on the likelihood to consider purchasing an electric vehicle: • 67 percent said it would not have an impact on their decision. • 17 percent said they would be much less likely to consider an electric vehicle.
• 16 percent said they would be somewhat less likely to consider an electric vehicle. The CarGurus survey also found that younger respondents were more skeptical in their post-election opinions. They were more likely than older shoppers (55+) to believe gas prices will go up, with 60 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds predicting gas prices will increase, as opposed to 44-percent of respondents aged 55 or older. Additionally, almost 10 percent of younger shoppers also said they would delay a decision to buy a car. “Our survey uncovered that, while the election may have produced a level of uncertainty related to some issues like car and gas prices, others such as an affinity toward an electric vehicle remain largely unaffected,” said Sarah Welch, SVP consumer marketing at CarGurus. “It will be interesting to watch how this unfolds over the coming months and years, especially with the theme of financial prudence and caution coming from the younger generation.”
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A SEMA Odyssey, Movers & Shakers, and a Misfit Masterpiece. Our monthly roundup of online news.
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CUSTOM ‘TRAIL RAT’ TRAVELS 4,000 OFF-ROAD MILES TO THE SEMA SHOW 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. Lovable losers? Really? As proven by the recently crowned Chicago Cubs, everybody loves a champ. THE SHOP eNewsletter saw its fair share of champions, movers and shakers, and industry firsts grace its headlines during the past month. Avery Dennison and 3M named their wrap champs, the SEMA builder of the year was announced, and countess other awards were dished out. Perhaps no story was more interesting than Aaron Brown’s adventure to the SEMA Show. See that and more in this month’s eNewsletter roundup. 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.
While showcasing his custom 1939 Ford rat racer—The Uncatchable—at the 2015 SEMA Show, Aaron Brown discovered he had something of a pet peeve. Brown, owner of Catawba, North Carolinabased The Garage Shop, said: “We were watching people push these catalog Jeeps and trucks wrapped in plastic with white gloves. So many shiny things—trucks that will never see dirt—it’s almost overkill for the average guy. I didn’t think this was what SEMA was intended to be about, and I wanted to see if we could reel it in.” The best way to prove that the aftermarket stood more for grit than glamour? Brown decided he’d make a cross-country journey to the 2016 SEMA Show by driving backcountry trails from North Carolina to Las Vegas. He partnered with his buddy Ed Goff, owner
of Goff Metal Fab based in Twin Falls, Idaho, who helped customize a 1970 Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser and co-piloted the trip. After just a few test miles, Brown and Goff set off on their journey—without a backup or chase crew—on Oct. 5. The pair started on the TransAmerican Trail until they reached Lake City, Colorado, where they plotted their own course the rest of the way. They traveled the Historic Pony Express Trail to the Bonneville Salt Flats, then up to northern Nevada’s historic mining district before heading down to Vegas. Along the way, Brown and Goff rarely saw asphalt. They camped in a tent and used a camping stove to prepare meals. “We were doing 18-hour days in the seat just to knock out some time. Sometimes we wheeled completely through the night just to meet our
Aaron Brown (left and below) partnered with his friend Ed Goff for a back-trails journey to the 2016 SEMA Show.
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deadlines,” Brown said. “We survived on jerky, trail mix, steak, eggs, bacon, and potatoes. We had good, decent, healthy natural food.” On Oct. 29, 25 days after starting the journey, Brown and Goff pulled into the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada. The watering hole would be their last stop before driving the FJ-40 into the RacingJunk.com Classifieds booth for the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center—dirt included. Perhaps the two most amazing facts about the trip: 1. The FJ-40 didn’t suffer one breakdown beyond a few loose bolts. 2. The pair didn’t see rain until they hit Nevada.
“When you drive thousands of miles down a dirt road, something is gonna come loose. But we had no shop-stoppers,” Brown said. “It was a great trip, which is a true testament to the people and products involved in this adventure. To have zero failures in 4,500 miles—I think you’d be hard-pressed to do that in a brand-new Jeep. The facts and stats from Brown and Goff’s cross-country journey are staggering: • 25 days on the road or trail • Over 4,500 total miles • Over 4,000 dirt miles • 148 hours of driving time • Average speed of 30 mph • Visited 12 states • Drove through 23 state parks • Starting elevation of 800 feet above sea level in Catawba, North Carolina • Peak elevation of over 13,000 feet above sea level driving over Engineer Pass in Colorado • Traversed five mountain passes over 10,000 feet See more photos from Brown and Goff’s journey: http://shopmag.biz/TrailRat
MISFIT MASTERPIECE STANDS OUT AT NATIONALS A 1949 Chevy Fleetline from Michigan was a misfit masterpiece at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. That’s one reason it stood out. Another reason it caught the eyes of show attendees was the gorgeous paint and the overall quality of workmanship. The custom car was truly special, but what was it doing at a show for muscle cars and Corvettes? “Bob Ashton, who manages the show, is a friend of our owner, Brian Moat,” said Paul Wetmore of All Speed Customs. “He’s been trying to get us to come here for years, but it’s usually just after SEMA and we can’t swing two big events right in a row. This year we didn’t have a car at SEMA, so we came here and we think it’s an awesome show.” Wetmore said that the Muskegon, Michigan-based shop had done SEMA cars for Forgeline Racing Wheels and the OPTIMA Challenge. “This year we tried to get a car in the Meguiar’s booth, but they wanted a black 14
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car and we didn’t have one, so we wound up staying home and then came here to Chicago,” Wetmore said. To chop the fastback roofline of the Chevy Fleetline, All Speed Customs
had to rebuild the entire rear end from the wheels back. The quarters had to be reworked. Wetmore teamed with Matt Sabin to do the metalwork and Brian Moat did the paint. John Mulder also worked on the
Chevy and Josh Kohanski helped with the upholstery. Everything on the car was done on an in-house basis. “We started with just a shell,” Wetmore said. “The owner pushed it off his trailer and into the shop. We had to C-notch the frame in the rear and a Mustang II front end was clipped in. We had to rebuild the frame crossmember and bring it in for the
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700R4 transmission. The wheels are Billet
Specialties 18x8 rattails. Inside, we used Dakota Digital gauges and a Vintage Air A/C system.” The Fleetline is powered by a 348-ci bigblock Chevy V-8 fitted with Billet Specialties front and rear drive units, as well as Edlebrock’s 409 cylinder heads and intake. Dual carburetors are used, and Wetmore said the original design of the car was featured in HOT ROD, but then the original owner passed away. “My client bought it from the widow,” he said. “We had to make a couple of changes, but when we were done, our customer was happy and said the car was awesome.” All Speed Customs has a 12-person crew and is working on a couple of Camaros, a 1941 Ford that’s getting a full tube chassis and a Ford Coyote V-8, ’57 Chevys, T-Birds, a ’Cuda and a Charger. The shop needs more help and is looking to hire another mechanic and a body guy. “We’ve got ads out and we’re trying to find the right people,” Wetmore said. “It’s not easy to get good help.”
Cam Miller was crowned champion of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the SEMA Ignited event in Las Vegas. Miller, owner of Logan, Utah-based HS Customs, entered a custom 1969 Chevy Camaro into the competition. Miller and HS Customs have been building custom cars and trucks full-time for six years. This year was Miller’s first time competing in the Battle of the Builders. “The ’69 Camaro is a legend for so many reasons and there are so many awesome examples of these cars in this world—probably one of the hardest cars to build and stand out,” Miller said. “This is what we came up with trying to be different, innovative and creative, yet maintain what makes the Camaro so legendary. We hope you enjoy Under Pressure by HS Customs.”
See more images of the misfit masterpiece: http://shopmag.biz/MasterMisfit
See the rest of the story, including a video about the car by PPG Refinish: http://shopmag.biz/ CamMiller
SHOP INSPIRES NFL SHOW
Demented Customs master car builder James Torrez (left) and Super Bowl champion LaMarr Woodley (right), pose with Joe Whitthorne, a Cleveland Browns fan featured in the first episode of “Tackle My Ride” during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The NFL Network has started airing Tackle My Ride, a new, unscripted reality series. The show is co-hosted by Demented Customs founder and master car builder James Torrez and Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion LaMarr Woodley. From Super Bowl champion, media personality and executive producer Michael Strahan and Leftfield Pictures, Tackle My Ride calls on current NFL players along with their respective teams to help deserving fans make over their everyday vehicle into a customized, team-inspired dream ride. Each week, viewers go inside the on-field heroes’ garages and get a behind-the-scenes look at Torrez’s highly creative and renowned auto restoration shop. Read more about the show: http://shopmag.biz/NFLhit JANUARY 2017
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THESHOPMAG.COM ARLON GRAPHICS PLOTS EXIT Arlon Graphics has made the strategic decision to exit the automotive restyling market and focus its resources toward cast digital films and identity signage. With this change, Arlon will discontinue the production of automotive restyling films, which will affect the Ultimate PremiumPlus and PerformancePlus product lines. During the transition, Arlon will work closely with its distributors to support the process and help communicate the change to customers, according to the company. “As we progress forward in the cast digital and cut graphic markets, we want to thank the automotive restyling wrap community and our industry partners for their incredible support,” said Taylor Froelich, product manager of automotive for Arlon Graphics. “Arlon has consistently been the innovative leader in the automotive restyling industry and we are prepared to take this same stance and lead the way in our other core markets.” Read more about the Arlon Graphics planned exit: http://shopmag.biz/ArlonOut
‘LENO’ THE CAR CARE BRAND Jay Leno is expanding into the world of automotive care with the launch of his brand, Jay Leno’s Garage – Advanced Vehicle Care. For the past eight years, Leno and his detailing team have worked hand-in-hand with product engineers and chemists to develop easy-to-use formulations that offer shine and protection, according to the company. Partnering with AP51 LLC, Leno’s formulas debuted as a sevenpiece vehicle care kit that includes a wash, cream wax, quick detailer, tire and trim dressing, wax and dressing applicator pads, along with an extra-plush microfiber towel. The entire offering will eventually grow to include waxes, soaps, cleaners, protectants, dressings and accessories. Read more about Leno’s new line: http://shopmag.biz/LenoCarCare
ELECTION SEASON The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) has announced its election results for the 2017-’18 term. “We’re excited to retain Dave Ziozios, Motovicity Distribution, and John DeBalso, AAM USA, for an additional term. Their experience and passion for the industry will continue to be a tremendous asset to the PWA board,” said PWA President Tracie Nunez Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution, will be serving his second term as treasurer on the PWA board. DeBalso, vice president of purchasing and vendor relations of AAM Group, will enter his second term as a PWA board member. Read more about the PWA election: http://shopmag.biz/PWAelection
Dave Ziozios
John DeBalso
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS NETS HARMAN Samsung Electronics has agreed to acquire Harman International Industries Inc. for $112 per share in cash, or approximately $8 billion. The transaction will immediately give Samsung a significant presence in the large and rapidly growing market for connected technologies, particularly automotive electronics, which has been a strategic priority for Samsung, according to the company. The automotive electronics market is expected to grow to more than $100 billion by 2025. Upon closing, Harman will operate as a standalone Samsung subsidiary, and continue to be led by Paliwal and Harman’s current management team. Samsung is pursuing a long-term growth strategy in automotive electronics, and plans to retain Harman’s work force, headquarters and facilities, as well as its consumer and professional audio brands. Read more about the acquisition and what it means to the industry: http://shopmag.biz/HARsung 16
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By John F. Katz
A quick look at how tires & wheels combine science & passion. f all the myriad parts and pieces offered by the vast automotive performance aftermarket, few can upgrade vehicle performance—indeed, even alter vehicle dynamics—as dramatically as a new set of tires. Tires determine how a vehicle grips the road—with a soft rubber compound that sacrifices long-term wear for superior adhesion, or a harder material that surrenders some cornering grip for longer wear, with less rolling friction as well. In terms of riding comfort, tires are the first line of defense against road irregularities. And as an integral part of the vehicle’s steering system, they form the final link in the chain of components that connect the driver’s fingertips to the surface of the pavement. How well they perform any of these functions is determined not only by the materials used, but by underlying construction, tread pattern, aspect ratio (that is, the ratio of sidewall height to tread width) and, of course, overall size and weight. So, it’s hardly surprising that ever since Belfast veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop
Falken’s corporate parent, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., has conducted extensive research to analyze and simulate rubber behavior at the molecular level. (Photos courtesy Falken Tire Corp.) JANUARY 2017
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The BFGoodrich Rival S on a ’69 GTO project that will see lots of serious track time. (Photo courtesy Speedtech Performance)
patented air-filled rubber tires in 1888, folks have been trying to improve them. Water-expelling treads appeared before 1900, radial construction became commonplace after 1949, and sidewalls have seen a dramatic slimming since the 1980s. Today’s tires are more advanced—and advancing faster—than ever before. “Even standard sedans are now equipped with what used to be considered UHP, or Ultra High Performance, tire sizes,” observes Mike Park, in product planning at the Falken Tire Corp. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, “even though they don’t necessarily require ultra-high performance.” More importantly, Park notes, “tires are now designed on a micro and even molecular level.” Since 2011, Falken’s corporate parent, 18
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Michelin Pilot Super Sports on a Speedtech C10 ExtReme chassis—a smooth, quiet and comfortable tire with decent handling characteristics and long life. (Photo courtesy Speedtech Performance)
Wheels can contribute to a car’s aesthetic upgrades, but performance and how the vehicle is being used is still of central importance. (Photos courtesy FX Products)
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., has used not only “one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers” to run its “4D Nano advanced simulation and analysis technology,” but has also conducted research with Japan’s SPring-8 LargeScale Synchrotron Radiation Facility and J-PARC Proton Accelerator “to accurately analyze and simulate rubber behavior at the molecular scale, making it possible to simultaneously achieve significant improvements in inherently contrary performance traits such as fuel efficiency, wet grip and wear resistance.” Using this combination of technologies, Falken engineers have been able to explore “the complex, interlocking relationships among the molecular structures of rubber, and the properties of various rubber compounds; and to predict and control rubber characteristics at the molecular level,” he says. WHERE RUBBER MEETS THE VIRTUAL Other manufacturers also describe how computer
simulation plays a significant role in tire engineering. “Our proprietary T-Mode simulation software uses computer technology to virtually test vehicle-mounted tires in an array of driving conditions,” according to Todd Bergeson, senior manager for product planning & technical services at Toyo Tire U.S.A. in Cypress, California. “Uneven tread wear, noise generation, and a series of other factors are also analyzed. This data is then used to optimize tire design and enhance performance.” Toyo’s development process also includes “advanced materials, highly advanced construction and building techniques, and tread patterns that offer excellent performance with the stylish good looks we are known for.” We asked for specific examples, but were told that these, like the software itself, were also proprietary.
Nitto NT555 tires on a ’68 Nova riding on Speedtech’s Track Time suspension package for factory GM subframes. (Photo courtesy Speedtech Performance)
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The Toyo Celsius CUV variable-conditions tire during winter conditions. The inside of the tire shows a greater sipe density for the winter, while the outer portion has more voids on the tread blocks for handling in dry weather. This is just one sample of the technology applied to all Toyo Tires products, whether for trucks, luxury, performance or competition use. (Photos courtesy Toyo Tires)
Bergeson did add that Toyo has “created a new tire category we call ‘Variable Conditions.’ Our Celsius tire offers yearround performance and safety for those who live in the snow belt and wish to drive on the same set of wheels and tires year-round.” Which brings us straight to the question of choosing the right tires for a particular application. “The road tires of today are being built with more performance in mind,” notes Blake Foster, president of Speedtech Performance in St. George, Utah. “And the technology has moved forward at a very rapid pace in this segment. For a streetdriven Pro-Touring car, Michelin is our go-to tire—specifically the Pilot Sport and Super Sport, depending on size requirements and availability. We find these tires have the best all-around performance, including comfort, sound level,” and traction in the wet. Typically, Speedtech uses tire sizes engineered for European supercars, “so you know these are top-quality tires.” “For autocross or road racing,” Foster continues, “a tread wear rating of 200 is mandatory. And in that case, there are really only two players: BFGoodrich, which is owned by Michelin; and Falken. On the other hand, if the customer is planning long trips on the highway, a BFG Rival is not the tire to recommend, as it will be worn out in 2,000 miles.” 20
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As specific examples, Foster lists four vehicles recently built by Speedtech, and the tires chosen for them: • Michelin Pilot Super Sports were chosen for a 1968 Chevrolet C10 half-ton pickup, built on Speedtech’s C10-dedicated ExtReme chassis. “We recommend these as a high-end tire that will get driven a lot,” Foster explains. “They’re one of the smoothest, quietest and most comfortable tires we’ve used, with decent handling and long life.” • BFGoodrich Rival S, for a ’69 GTO that “will see lots of serious track time” on its Speedtech ExtReme chassis. “One of the newest competition tires for the Pro-Touring market, the BFG Rival S is rated 200 for tread wear, which is the legal limit for the street and for Pro-Touring. Of course, they’re set on kill mode for handling grip.” • Falken Azenis RT615Ks on a Speedtech ExtReme chassis for a 1968-’72 Chevelle. “The Falken 615s have proven themselves again and again on cars we’ve raced. Another 200-tread-wear tire, they grip and stick on a road course or at an autocross. Yet they still cruise very comfortably.” • Nitto NT 555s on a ’68 Nova. “These feature a 300 tread-wear rating, great for all-around street driving and occasional racing—at a fantastic price.” This particular car was built using Speedtech’s Track Time suspension for GM cars with front subframes.
“When considering a tire,” adds Bergeson, “it is imperative that the builder has a clear target for the performance and looks of the custom vehicle. Once that has been decided, it is important to choose a tire size that will fit the vehicle and, most importantly, safely carry the load of the vehicle. The demands on tires are different today, and they will be different tomorrow as vehicles evolve and customer needs and wants change.” WHEEL HOUSE Wheels are important performance components, too—as well as great opportunities for self-expression. Which takes precedence seems to depend on the project and the person driving it. If performance is the primary target, then weight is vitally important.
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2017 FORD SUPERDUTY PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE RANCHHAND.COM • 800.366.9712
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The classic McGard wheel lock functions like a lug nut, but requires a special tool for removal. (Photo courtesy McGard)
Wheel Locks: 54 Years of McGarding Against Theft If you feel as if McGard wheel locks have been around for most of your life, there’s a good change that you’re right. “McGard invented its unique, onepiece wheel locks for the automotive aftermarket in 1963,” reports Nicole Wade, marketing chief, from corporate HQ in Orchard Park, New York. And while the design has been continuously improved over the past 54 years, the fundamentals haven’t changed. “It functions like a lug nut,” Wade explained, “but requires a special tool for removal.” Today McGard is an ISO/TS 16949-certified operation (“which encompasses and exceeds ISO 9000 and 9001,” Wade states), with branches in Germany and Japan. Its customers include “most car companies around the world,” as well as in the automotive aftermarket, with applications ranging from hot rods to showroom-stock production vehicles. And its product line has expanded to include devices for securing external spare tires and even the removable doors and tailgates of some Jeep models. “Wheels that are lighter will increase vehicle speed and improve handling,” Park explains. “Also, wheels can be designed to improve brake cooling.” “The wheel and tire must work in con22
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The Itami Technical Center has several unique test cells. This one uses a layer of ice coated inside a large drum in order to test traction in winter conditions. Additionally, Toyo Tires utilizes outdoor test tracks, including a winter test track that is subject to both ice and snow. (Photo courtesy Toyo Tires)
Located inside Toyo’s Itami Technical Center in Itami, Japan, this anechoic chamber measures road noise generated by various tire designs/tread patterns. The chamber can be configured to monitor sound while on a vehicle or without the use of a vehicle. (Photo courtesy Toyo Tires)
cert to provide optimum performance,” Bergeson adds. “In general, you will improve performance anytime you can maintain or increase the strength of the wheel, while reducing the weight. Any reduction in unsprung mass usually results in quicker acceleration and braking.” Foster agrees that performance gains are possible with a change of wheels. “Rotating inertia and strength are the two most critical areas. Ford would not have spent the money they did developing all-carbon fiber wheels for the Mustang GT350R if they did not yield a performance advantage,” he says. “Figure every pound you can save in rotating weight is worth about six pounds of static weight.” As with any rotating component, weight becomes more critical with distance from the center of rotation.
“Think of a steel flywheel compared to aluminum,” Foster notes. “Lighter is faster, because the lighter component can be accelerated and decelerated faster.” Therefore, with lighter wheels, a road racer can brake into a corner later and accelerate out quicker, reducing overall lap times. “So, if you’re racing for that last tenth of a second, then wheels are a good place to look for it.” LOOKING GOOD Of course, many do rank looks ahead of performance. “In the Pro-Touring world,” says Foster, “aesthetics take precedence over performance.” Additionally, “a top-end wheel-and-tire package can start at $6,000 and go up from
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choices would compromise performance.” They note that “weight, width and overall size” separate wheels engineered for onroad and off-road performance, respectively. “And a lot of manufacturers are now incorporating larger safety beads, allowing drivers to air down with more confidence that they won’t bump air.” In short, “wheel functionality is directly tied to usage,” whether that usage includes “autocross, off-road, drag racing, a daily driver, or a work truck. Each wheel serves a purpose. That’s why it’s essential for retailers and restylers to be properly educated about wheels—and to ask consumers the right questions from the start.” The FX team’s list of the right questions to ask consumers: • How will the vehicle be used; that is, where will it be driven most? • What look are you after, mild or wild? • Is the vehicle lifted or lowered? This will impact fitment.
• Are you looking to upsize the tires in either width or height? • And lastly, what is your budget? Custom wheels can cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. In the engineering of wheels, as with tires, “the use of modern digital technology has absolutely resulted in a better application of materials,” according to the FX team. Digital simulation “shows where weak points may lie prior to construction.” It also allows manufacturers to bring wheels to market faster, which should translate into more wheels (and tires) for you to sell. 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.
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there.” So, for most customers, choices are based on “budget and then usage—and past experience with what works.” “Wheels are definitely aesthetic upgrades, but consumers sometimes overlook their integral role in both increasing—or compromising—the performance of a vehicle,” agrees a three-person team at FX Products, a brand of Keystone Automotive in Exeter, Pennsylvania. Jane Donnelly, Keystone’s director of private brands— automotive; Dan Guyer, who heads outside sales at Keystone; and Ryan Osborne, FX product manager, all contributed to the team’s answers. “The first and central question is, ‘How is the vehicle being used? Is the driver eager to tackle rough terrain, or cruise comfortably on the open road? Will it be run at a race track—or in the desert? It’s the ageold matter of choosing the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t put boggers on a daily driver or steel wheels on a dragster, nor would you bolt on Foose or Forgiato wheels to explore the trails—as all of these
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5 Appearance— yours and your employees’—is a key to promoting a professional image to your customers.
Tips Restylers
Start the year by remembering the basics of running a successful shop. By Josh Poulson
for
E
very time we hire a new employee I wonder, “Are we teaching him the basics?” Of course, in this business things change so much that it’s hard to keep up. But usually the basics don’t change nearly as fast, and it’s good for both new and experienced employees, as well as busi24
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ness owners, to frequently ask themselves, “Am I doing the basics?” We hear this in sports all the time when someone is in a slump, or not performing up to par: “Go back to the basics,” the coach says, and it is true for all of us. The basics allow us to refocus on what is important and not get caught up in the web of details that can waste time—and more importantly, cost us money. This article tends to lean more toward those shops that deal with car dealers or wholesale customers, but even retailers can look at the principles and adapt them to their business.
TIP #1 KNOW YOUR BUSINESS Areas to consider: Who is your customer? Focus on what you do best.
I know it sounds easy, but many shop managers quickly stray from their core business—whatever it was that made them successful in the first place—whenever they see a good idea or want to expand their business quickly. Sometimes this merits quick action and effort: don’t forget to do what you do best! If you are a good retailer and the retail
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RPM Offroad does a good job of promoting its logo on everything from the building to apparel. A logo helps market your shop and builds trust with customers.
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
public is your customer, then make sure you are doing the best you can with that before you spread your wings. If you work with wholesalers or car dealers, then make sure you do a good job with them before expanding your retail wings. The reason is because, even though the business models seem similar, the reality is in many ways they are vastly different. For instance, are you ready to accept 30-/60-/90-day terms for the work you do? Can your cash flow handle that strain? Do you need to staff your business for prime retail hours to capture that market? Do you need to focus on different products for retail vs. wholesale and thus your inventory needs to be beefed up? These questions must be asked and answered before you proceed. Where is your potential growth easiest? This can be a tough question, because usually we assume it is the market we are not in. But, when you think about the time and effort it takes to tap into that potential new growth,
it may be a lot easier to just grow your existing business model. Even though this growth may be less percentage-wise, it may not be less profitwise in the long run. TIP #2 BUILD & PROTECT YOUR IMAGE & REPUTATION Areas to consider: Promote your company’s image. Have a professional sales team. Embrace online reviews.
Our companies are many times like our children—they require a lot of time and care. We are always trying to better them
and we hate it when people say bad things about them. In fact, I would say some owners would rather someone say something negative about their kids before their company! So, how are you promoting and protecting your company’s image and reputation? Honestly, it is a lot easier to promote it than protect it. Simply making sure your name and logo is everywhere is a good start. Put it on your building, in your showroom, on your shirts, on your vehicles, etc. Take it a step further by getting some promotional items—pens, papers, mugs, mouse pads, calendars, etc., and make them available to your core customers. Promote your business online via your website and on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, etc. JANUARY 2017
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Tips Restylers
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for
A professional work environment shows respect to your employees and your customers.
big picture, how much money do we blindly throw at things to grow our business, but don’t want to spend a little to save our business?
TIP #3 BE PROFESSIONAL Areas to consider: Manners. Appearance. Industry standard.
Don’t try to sell so much on social media. Rather, use it to make people aware of who you are and what you do. Which brings us to how others perceive our company. Sometimes we don’t ask, because we don’t want to know the truth. But when was the last time you had a third party ask your customers about your business? This doesn’t have to be done with a professional third-party survey company. It can be done with just some friends or relatives by asking online or in person. When your customers don’t suspect it, then they are more likely to be honest. This is important because of the well-known saying, “Your perception of the world (or your business) around you is not necessarily the same as what is actually occurring.” You may think your business struggles in a certain aspect or you may think you excel in a certain area. Both could be true or false; it’s all about perception. The only real answer is what your customers think. If your customers think your products or your workmanship lack quality, then they do! The only way to change it is to work at it and not debate it. It is extremely hard to change perception with words, so try to change it with actions. What about that customer who blasts you on social media or leaves a horrible online review? You have three options:
Most successful business owners will tell you that the only real option is No. 3. That’s because, when you get into a war or try to defend yourself, then even if you are right and you win, the perception of potential customers is that you think you are smarter than them, or it will be difficult to work with you if there is a problem. You also can’t just ignore it, because potential customers will think you don’t care and/or they will think there is truth in what the reviewer has said. Simply apologize for the misunderstanding publicly and then let them know you will personally try to reach out to them to rectify the situation. That lets onlookers know you care, are not difficult to deal with and you are not ignoring the issue. Sometimes this may cost you a little bit of time and effort and even some money in the way of a discount or refund, but in the
Professionalism doesn’t mean a suit, white shirt and tie walking to work with a mocha latte. To me it means using your manners like your parents always told you to. Do you say “yes sir,” “yes ma’am,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome” in your everyday language when not only talking to your customers, but also your employees? This can go a long way toward building respect in your shop, and also your professionalism to customers. Appearance—yours and your employees’—is also key. Do you wear sloppy clothes when working with customers? Are you clean and neatly groomed? You have the right to do what you want if it is your business; however, you are then giving your employees the right to do as they want, and also your customers the right to not use your services. None of us wants the gross guy working
A clean shop, offices, and showroom will also go a long way toward making your employees proud of where they work and keep their morale up. It also helps simplify things for everyone.
1. You can attack back by defending yourself and filling in some details about the transaction that were probably left out of the customer’s side of the story. 2. You can ignore it and hope that people won’t give it any credence. 3. You can apologize and try to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. 26
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Tips Restylers
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
for
Cleanliness and simplicity are keys to a professional work environment.
at the restaurant touching our food. So, do we think it’s OK for someone to drop off their second largest purchase in life with us without any fears about how we look? Especially if you are working with wholesale accounts, you should always dress at least at the same level as your customer— never below. Across the industry it seems this can sometimes be an issue. We are in a casual business, but if we can just step up our dress and grooming a little bit, it can go a long way. Always think, “Who would I rather do business with?” By raising the industry standard, you will have more work and even be able to charge more than your competition, simply because of the way you present yourself. 28
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TIP #4 WORK ENVIRONMENT Areas to consider: Show respect. Cleanliness. Simplicity.
When we talked about perception and professionalism, one of the key places to look at is your work environment. This means not only your physical shop, showroom and/or building, but also your customer/employee morale. Of course, we know the importance of showing respect to customers, but that starts with showing respect to each other. Whether you are the owner or the new
hire, respect must be shown in the way we talk to, talk about and treat each other if you want to have a 5-star environment. Once that part is done, then take a look at your surroundings. Do you see the shop as clean or dirty? Does your wife say it is clean or dirty? Do your customers say it is clean or dirty? Restroom cleanliness can be a key to knowing your overall environment. Old doesn’t mean dirty—dirty means dirty! Making an effort will show your customers you care. A clean shop, offices and showroom will also go a long way toward making your employees proud of where they work and keep their morale up. You don’t have to have an Apple store-clean facility, but do your best and the results will be there. One way to be cleaner is to be simple. Simplify your showroom, especially for those of you in the 12-volt business. Many of us have hundreds and hundreds of products, but it is counterproductive to display them all. It becomes confusing and overwhelming to customers. You want to lead them toward your most popular products and encourage questions. Simplifying also gives companies more time to make sure they are doing the basics (see intro). TIP #5 SALES Areas to consider: Diversity. Packages. Consistency.
A lot can and has been said about sales,
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tent with positive things and you know the result will be success. These are just five ways of getting back to the basics. We usually all know them and preach them, but do we practice them? If not, then make simple goals to do better in your areas of need. Don’t be afraid to ask others—and work collectively to make sure the basics in your business are not being neglected.
JOSH POULSON is the principal of Auto Additions in Columbus, Ohio, which was named Restyler of the Year, 20122013. 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 2015-2016 “Person of the Year” at the 2015 SEMA Show.
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but something that is back-to-basics is to make sure your product line is diverse. Even the local bar usually offers food, and amusement parks don’t make their money on rides. Only having a couple of products or seasonal products can hurt a business quickly. It has been said that if you aren’t diversifying then you are dying. Trends come and go, and everyone always wants the next big thing. This requires keeping up with the industry through publications like this one, attending trade shows and receiving email updates. Always be on the lookout for the next thing. It doesn’t have to be a home run; a few singles can often win the game too. Packages are one way to not only build your bottom line, but also to introduce new products to your customers. Perhaps a customer won’t purchase a particular item á la carte, but if you bundle it with two other things they are looking at and then price it enticingly as a package, you will see much more success. Whether you are wholesale or retail, packages help because when that car is in the shop for more than one item, the profit on the time and square footage of your shop space is raised to a much higher level. Taking parts of the car apart one time for multiple things lowers your chance of production damage and increases your chance of proper functionality. So, no matter how small or large the package is, follow the lead of what online e-commerce sellers always do—offer the product as part of a package. Consistency is key in the sales process, because when you or your employees are positively consistent, then your customers become consistent. If it is your outside sales force, then it means them being consistent with their sales visits, product offerings and availability. If it is inside your office, are your employees consistent with the questions they ask, the information they collect and the recommendations they make? Are you or your managers consistent in the way problems are dealt with and challenges are overcome? When we show consistency, we can usually predict the results. If we don’t like the results, then the solution can be found in the wrong things we are consistent about. The proof is the end result, so be consis-
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RESTYLING PRODUCTS
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Multi-Use Intermediate Film
3M Commercial Solutions, St. Paul, Minnesota, introduces 3M Envision Print Film 48C that combines versatility and greener materials to create an intermediate non-PVC film that can be applied to windows, walls, floors, signs, partial vehicle graphics and more. The high-performance intermediate film offers improved print quality, simple curve conformability, ease of use and consistency. The new line also includes companion non-PVC intermediate overlaminates 3M Envision Gloss Overlaminate 8048G and 3M Envision Matte Overlaminate 8050M.
2017 Super Duty Products
Protection for Jeep Cargo Areas
Rugged Ridge, Suwanee, Georgia, presents its C3 Cargo Covers and new C2 Canine Curtains for 2007’16 Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU models. Designed to protect a Jeep’s interior against unsightly debris and costly damage, the C3 Cargo Covers provide complete and configurable coverage of the entire rear cargo area and can be installed to protect only the rear cargo area or the cargo area with the rear seats folded. The C2 Canine Curtains provide a full topto-bottom separation between the Jeep’s passenger and cargo areas.
Ranch Hand, Shiner, Texas, introduces its latest products for the 2017 Ford Super Duty pickup, including two versions of the Legend Grille Guard and the Legend Front Bumper—one that accommodates a front camera and one that is designed for models without a camera. The Ranch Hand Legend Series is the original “ranch” or “ranch style” bumper. The Legend Grille Guard is a single piece of fully welded steel mounted to the truck in four locations, providing maximum strength and minimizing vibration.
OVER FIVE DECADES OF CARING
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.
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Fender Flares
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Bushwacker, Buford, Georgia, offers a complete line of Fender Flares, made to be flexible enough to withstand any environment. From the debris on the roads to the brush on the trails and other elements that wear on them every day, Bushwacker flares are designed to never relent to punishment and maintain their style. The company’s expansive fender flare line includes: Street Flares, OE Style, Extend-A-Fender, Pocket Style Cut-Out, Pocket Style and Flat Style for Jeeps.
Shield_White_2013
Sanders
Dotco Tools, Lexington, South Carolina, a division of Apex Tool Group, introduces a line of Sanders to its surface preparation portfolio. The new random orbital and geared sanders are designed for operator comfort, durability and versatility. The sanders deliver a superior finish on wood, composites, solid surfaces, fiberglass, metal and stone, making them ideal for a variety of applications. Random orbital sanders are used for light surface prep applications, while two-handed geared sanders provide heavy-duty leveling, sanding and blending.
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Vehicle Strobe Lights
Super Bright LEDs, Earth City, Missouri, presents its low-profile Mini LED Vehicle Strobe Lights for emergency and fleet vehicles. The single- or dual-color LED fixtures have an SAE Class 1 ranking, indicating that they are bright enough and have the approved flash patterns to be used as police lights, emergency vehicle lights, fire truck lights, ambulance lights, funeral lights, private security vehicle lights, auxiliary turn signals, and on roadside assistance trucks, wreckers, and tractors. Nineteen flash patterns greatly increase visibility.
www.philips.com/automotive
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RESTYLING PRODUCTS
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Modular Bumper
Bestop, Louisville, Colorado, introduces the new HighRock 4x4 Modular Bumper for 2007-’17 Jeep Wranglers. The highly configurable HighRock 4x4 bumper design can be easily modified through replacement of the individual bumper elements. The front bumper can be configured as a narrow or fullwidth bumper that accommodates a winch, while the rear bumper offers the same configurations to match the front bumper. Other available options include grille guard, skid plate and oversized tire carrier, and the bumper can also be used with factory fog lights.
Rug Bedliner
BedRug Inc., Old Hickory, Tennessee, a Truck Hero company, presents the BedTred Ultra full kit, a four-piece, zipped, full bedliner that quickly and easily installs with hook-and-loop fasteners. No drilling, grinding or damage to the original truck bed finish is required for installation. The bottom side of the BedTred Ultra is molded to follow the natural ribs and contours of the bed. The exterior work surface is flat and provides ease for loading and unloading. It is constructed from a TPO composite—a thick, heavy-duty automotive grade plastic.
Grille Guards
Go Industries, Richardson, Texas, offers its Big Tex Grille Guards. Available for a variety of Dodge, Toyota, Chevrolet, GMC and Ford applications, the guards are constructed with larger-diameter tubing and won’t bend, flex or vibrate. Features include: one-piece, heavy-duty, 1.9-inch, 14-gauge steel tubular ring; heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel uprights; chrome or black powder-coat finish; and easy, no-drill, frame-mount installation. The guards retain or replace tow hooks on all applications.
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Mud Guard Combos
LED with Side Mirror
Rigid Industries, Gilbert, Arizona, presents the Rigid Reflect advanced LED lighting solution with a fully adjustable side mirror. Designed for off-road applications, the Reflect uses patented LED technology and new side-shooter optics to provide a wide beam of light for cornering and drifting. For even more versatility, there are also built-in amber LEDs on the outside edge of the fixture that can be used as turn signals, flashers or even auxiliary running lights. Roll-cage mounting clamps make installation easy, and the light and mirror can be adjusted independently.
Chevy Satellite Radio Adapters
VAIS Technology, Englewood, Colorado, offers plug-and-play Satellite Radio Adapters for Chevy Colorado, Trax and related vehicles. The two new satellite radio adapters are specifically designed for seven new GM models, allowing owners to add SiriusXM to the factory stereo without compromising any functionality. Connecting directly to the factory stereo, the GSR-G01 and GSR-G02 kits do not affect original stereo functionality. VAIS Technology satellite radio adapters often mimic factory satellite radio systems, making the system seamless.
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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Husky Liners, Winfield, Kansas, offers its Mud Guard Combo Pack, featuring four mudguards. The packs include two front and two rear mudguards, for applications including Chevy/GMC, Ford, Ram and Toyota. The guards install with no drilling required.
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BEYOND BEDLINERS Customer-centered philosophies fuel LINE-X of Knoxville’s flourishing business. By Patricia Kaowthumrong
F
rom work boots and phone cases to whisky barrels and Jet Skis, LINE-X of Knoxville is no stranger to fulfilling unique requests from customers who want the shop to apply the company’s namesake protective coating to their prized possessions. “I love when people call and say they have a weird question because it’s usually something like, ‘Have you ever sprayed …’” says Tamara Faircloth, co-owner and sales manager at LINE-X of Knoxville. Tamara and husband Shawn Faircloth own the Knoxville-Tennessee-based LINE-X franchise and have helped their customers safeguard a wide array of items over the past 16 years with their coatings. While spray-on bedliners and other protective coatings for vehicle parts and equipment are their biggest sellers, the business encompasses much more. MORE THAN BEDLINERS One of more than 500 worldwide
LINE-X dealers, the Knoxville franchise services between 100 and 120 vehicles per month and is often one of LINE-X’s top 25 dealers by volume, according to Tamara. The Knoxville store also offers increasingly popular full-vehicle sprays, commercial and industrial coatings, and a complete automotive accessories shop
featuring wheel-and-tire packages, bed covers, trailer hitches, grille guards, lighting and other products. “We have never wanted to be just a bedliner store,” says Shawn, who handles the dealer’s business operations. “From the beginning, we have sprayed and accessorized just about anything.” LINE-X protective coatings are known to protect high-profile structures like the Pentagon and rides at Walt Disney World, and LINE-X of Knoxville also offers the company’s signature services to businesses. For example, the Faircloths have completed projects for Knoxville’s Regal Cinemas, spraying trashcan lids and floor linings in its theaters. Shawn has also done R&D work to facilitate the production of military breastplates coated with LINE-X and works on projects involving the protective coatings
There’s plenty of room to work in the shop.
for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in nearby Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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FERVENT FRANCHISEES LINE-X of Knoxville recently moved to a new location—a 15,000-square-foot facility on Kingston Pike, Knoxville’s main drag. The building is equipped with two spray areas: a 25-by-20-foot booth and a larger 40-by-25-foot booth. “We’ve come a long way from that ittybitty hole-in-the-wall shop we started in,” Tamara says. “We have a lot more shop space in this building, so things are running much more efficiently.” The Faircloths opened LINE-X of Knoxville’s first location in an industrial park and have moved the business four times to accommodate steady growth. They also
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Owners Shawn and Tamara Faircloth and the rest of LINE-X of Knoxville’s friendly staff keep things hopping.
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Fueled by
Stories for the Off-Roader, Drifter, Racer and Weekend Warrior in us all
A variety of accessories are displayed in the showroom, taking the company far beyond simply truck bed coatings.
www.theengineblock.com
The 15,000-square-foot building is equipped with two spray areas: a 25-by20-foot booth and a larger 40-by-25-foot booth.
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BEYOND BEDLINERS bought out another LINE-X franchise in the area in June 2014. The business was established in 2000 when Shawn was seeking a new career after leaving the military. After having his truck bed sprayed and chatting with the shop’s owner, he did some research on owning a shop, and the couple decided to open their own LINE-X. Shawn moved to Knoxville to start the business, and Tamara left her job as an accountant at MetLife in Georgia to join him. SPRAY TRENDS Now the business has 11 employees, and the enhanced spraybooth space helps LINE-X of Knoxville accommodate a higher A favorite LINE-X color job is this ’72 Blazer in mint green.
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Creating a Dream Vehicle Online
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Much of LINE-X of Knoxville’s business is driven by referrals, but having a user-friendly website (linexofknoxville. net) also helps. The business recently added an Interactive Garage feature to the site, which allows customers to see how different truck accessories look on their vehicle before purchasing them. The store’s showroom also has an Interactive Garage kiosk customers can use while they shop. “The Interactive Garage has been phenomenal,” Tamara Faircloth, co-owner, says. “They’re adding new products and trucks all the time, so the inventory options you have to try on keep growing and growing.” Within the next couple years, Faircloth hopes to add online ordering to the website, so people can order products without calling or emailing. It’s part of a plan to grow the shop’s automotive accessories business to become the area’s No. 1 one-stop aftermarket shop. “LINE-X is what draws them in, but we get to sell them on everything else once they get here,” Faircloth says.
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A virtual vehicle builder program from Interactive Garage allows customers to create their dream ride, either at a kiosk in the LINE-X of Knoxville showroom or online at linexofknoxville.net.
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Coatings on commercial vehicles and industrial equipment are a big part of the growing business.
a Jeep Wrangler featuring a steel grey fullbody spray and new front and rear bumpers, winch, convertible hard top, fender flares, wheels and tires, headlights, taillights and step bars. POWERFUL PARTNERS Tamara says the company earns the trust of clients to complete big projects by making customer service its top priority. “Our focus is on customer service,” she says. “If you’re going to have any business, your focus has to be on the customer, not just how much money you can make. If you’re making your customers happy and putting out quality work, I think the work is always going to be there for you.”
The support the business receives from LINE-X makes keeping customers happy easier. “LINE-X has been a great organization to work with,” she says. “We actually became a dealer before they were an actual franchise. They’ve always been there for technical and marketing support. If there’s anything we need, I know I could just pick up the phone and they’d be there for us.” LINE-X products have a national lifetime warranty, which the Faircloths have had few issues with. If there’s a problem with a vehicle that’s been sprayed at LINE-X of Knoxville or another franchise, they’ll usually take care of it—no questions asked, Tamara notes. “Warranties are a non-issue with us, thankfully, and that’s what we like,” Tamara says. “Even with our accessories business, we try to carry the highest quality products available because we don’t want our customers to be unhappy. We want them to come back and buy more parts with us—not with problems.”
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
volume of full-vehicle sprays, which can take longer (up to a week) than partial vehicle sprays. “We’ve made a name for ourselves with the full-vehicle sprays,” Tamara says. “We have people coming to us from surrounding states. And it’s not just full exteriors, it’s partial exteriors as well—people come in and want their bumpers or rocker panels sprayed.” Tamara and Shawn Faircloth’s favorite projects are complete vehicle transformations, some of which LINE-X has used in national ad campaigns. “We get people who buy brand-new trucks and drive them straight over to us,” Tamara says. “There’s nothing more fun for us than to have a customer come in with a blank stock truck that doesn’t have anything done to it and help them design, plan, then execute a total makeover.” Notable projects include a Chevy Silverado that the shop equipped with more than $40,000 worth of aftermarket upgrades over a three-month period, and
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Questions for Master Trimmer Chris McClintock By Naseem Muaddi, TheHogRing.com
Chris McClintock and Corey Lyba of Bux Customs. “Together, we’ve grown from each build, learning from them and getting better for the next one.”
C
hris McClintock of Bux Customs is a rising star in the world of automotive upholstery. Despite having only been in business for seven years and finishing his first full custom interior less than three years ago, his gorgeous designs and meticulous attention to detail have made him one of the most sought-after hot rod trimmers in the United States. McClintock’s story is particularly interesting and inspiring because he’s completely self-taught. He has no background in upholstery and never worked in another garage. Still, he’s managed to defy all the odds to become an award-winning craftsman whose interior projects regularly take home top prizes at car shows and grace the pages of some of the most popular car magazines in the world. How did he do it? Intense passion, an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a diehard work ethic. We recently spoke to McClintock about his journey from working in his family’s pizza shop to establishing Bux Customs in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He told us all about how he learned the craft, what inspires his designs and his goals for the future. The Hog Ring: How did you get started in the craft of auto upholstery?
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10 Questions
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
For Master Trimmer Chris McClintock
Every interior has to make sense.
It all starts with the proper lines.
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At that point I was working 65-70 hours a week at my family-owned pizza shop, which is what I had been doing for practically my whole life. I loved cars, but didn’t know how to turn my passion into an occupation. I knew I didn’t want to be a mechanic or a painter. Instead, I really became interested in interior design. Chris McAround 2003-’04, I decided Clintock’s gorgeous designs and I wanted to get into custom meticulous attention upholstery—something I knew to detail have made him nothing about. So, I bought a one of the most soughtafter hot rod trimmers 1963 Nova station wagon and in the United figured I’d build that as a rolling States. business card. Well, working around the clock at the pizza shop and trying to build a full custom car took a little longer than anticipated. I bought my first industrial sewing machine, and when it showed up, it looked like a time machine to me. Not only did I not know how to use it, I didn’t even know how to thread it. I didn’t touch that machine until 2008 and the car never got finished. I still own it today and it’s still waiting on an interior guy. Around 2008, I was at a party and overheard guys talking about how they were sending their motorcycle seats out of state to get alterations done. I said to myself, “I can do that.” Now, at this point I’d done lots of fiberglass work, some woodwork, a little panel making, and was starting to make custom bucket seats for my own car, but just the fabrication, not stitching. Nevertheless, I decided to ask my good friend Chris McClintock: I’ve always been into cars. to let me alter his motorcycle seat. In the 1990s, I was really into mini trucks. Keep in mind, I still did not know how In the magazines, fiberglass work on the to sew, but I’m a very determined, driven interiors was growing fast, mainly on the and hardworking individual so I knew I West Coast, but I didn’t see much of it could figure it out. I did his seat and then around Pennsylvania. things began to pick up from there—one When I was about 20 years old, I built turned into two, two to five, and so on. a 1966 Nova SS that was super-clean, By late 2013 I had finally done my first detailed and can still stand up to today’s full interior on a 1932 Ford. It’s not the times. I showed it for four months but was craftsmanship that Bux is putting out never fully satisfied with the new OEM today, but I’m still proud of that car. interior. THR: Auto upholstery isn’t an easy craft to That winter I tore it out and set sail on learn. What types of challenges did you face making my very first fiberglass console, as a self-taught trimmer? along with some other panels. I sent the CM: car a few states away and had a custom I would second-guess things every interior done in all leather. It was nice, but day. In the beginning, there weren’t many not what I had in mind. That’s what started online outlets or social media pages to my fascination with interiors. turn to. I’d never seen anyone stitch some-
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10 Questions
For Master Trimmer Chris McClintock
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
full custom interior. We’ve done them in four or five weeks, but going to the extent that we put in each interior and having several in at once makes it hard to get them out sooner. THR: The motorcycle seats and custom interiors you create are truly works of art. Where do you find inspiration for your designs? Do you have a background in art? CM: I try to make my seats as tight as shoe
thing or do any sort of upholstery work in person. So there were plenty of challenges. But through trial, error and determination, I knew it would work out.
skills in established shops before branching out on their own. What inspired you to forgo that route and instead open your own business from the start? CM: The biggest factor for me was working
THR: Are there any aspects of the craft that you haven’t yet mastered, but hope to? CM: Every day I find myself wanting to
at my family’s restaurant. I am very loyal and found myself committed to that, but at the same time I had a vision for my career path that I believed in. So, I convinced my then-girlfriend (and now wife) to buy a house with me and build a pole barn to start my business out of. Less than two years later I outgrew that barn and began leasing my current 3,000-square-foot shop.
get better at something. In the beginning, I think things were easier. I only knew one way to do something, so I just did it. Now I feel like there are five methods to everything we do. Sometimes, I will spend more time than needed deciding which is the best route, what material to build it out of, etc., instead of just diving in. Also, I’d say metal and aluminum shaping is something I’d like to learn to get better at. THR: What was the biggest challenge you faced in establishing Bux Customs? CM: For the most part getting the chance to
do a full custom interior was the main challenge. When I established Bux Customs, I created a brand that I believed in and had a vision for. And once I got the ball rolling, motorcycle seats took off, spreading mainly by word of mouth. In March 2011, I set up a little booth in a nearby indoor custom car show. I had one seat that I built from scratch and a few bike seats as demos. I never thought anyone would let me do their full custom interior without seeing one already done. Hence the wagon project. THR: Most trimmers start out honing their 42
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leather. For every build, I custom-make each seat to tailor the fit of the vehicle as well as the owner. I do the same for most of the motorcycle seats. Just like anything else, it all starts with a solid foundation. I have a very OCD method to my patterning process along with my stitching techniques. Generally, I like clean, tight lines. You can’t go wrong with less-is-more at times. I don’t have a background in art, but it is something I am into. Every interior has to make sense. It all starts with the proper lines. I never put “swoops and swirls” just because. I like to build something that is purpose-built and timeless. I say all the time that unless leather, carpet and stitching goes out of style I want my interiors to be able to come out 10-20 years from now and not be dated. I also study new car interiors constantly. I look at armrests, door pulls, console parts, etc.
THR: Is Bux Customs a one-man shop or do you have employees? CM: Yes, one employee, Corey Lyba. At
this point, it’s a collaboration of him and me doing fabrication work and me doing all the sewing. Together we’ve grown from each build, learning from them and getting better for the next one. THR: Does Bux Customs do general repair and restoration work or just custom interiors? CM: We mainly just do full custom inte-
riors. I do take on smaller jobs, seat cover installations, along with restoration work, depending on how busy we are at the time and what day you catch me on. THR: On average, how many full custom interiors do you complete a year and how long does each one take? CM: Generally, we have two full builds in
at all times, with a third lapping over. On average it takes eight to 12 weeks to do a
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I try to create a modern-day interior with comfort, form and function. THR: What’s your proudest moment since having opened Bux Customs? CM: It’s tough to say. I’m usually high-
THR: Thanks very much. We’re honored to be interviewing such an amazing talent. Speaking of which, what trimmers or upholstery shops in the industry are you a fan of? CM: It seems like there are so many talented
people that pop up online every day. I got into this as a fan, so I love seeing it all. There are guys like Shannon Walters, Tracy Weaver and Sid Chavers that, not only do I enjoy their work, but I’m thankful
THR: What advice would you offer an up-andcoming trimmer who wants to be just as successful as you? CM: Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. Be
confident in your work. If you don’t have a strong work ethic, you’d better find one! People ask all the time where I learned to sew or fabricate, or say “I wish I would have done this or that.” I try to inspire others by telling them I’m self-taught and that it is never too late. THR: So, what does the future hold for Bux Customs? CM: I feel like the sky is the limit. Right
stitcher. I also think about starting a second entity of the business, such as general repair work; possibly doing a roadside repair to gyms, restaurants, etc. At the end of the day I am a businessman and here to make money. I absolutely love the art of it, and I give everything I have into each project, but I’m in business to make money.
now the amount of work that I turn away is crazy. It makes me thankful, for sure. After this year, I’ll be ready to bring on another fabricator and/or a talented
TheHogRing.com is the auto upholstery industry’s leading news website and online community.
THE PERFECT FIT, EVERY TIME.
RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
strung, or have anxiety over the fact that I’m out of time or too busy, but when I stop and think that it has been less than three years since completing my first interior, and seeing where things are now, that makes me smile. Honestly this—being recognized by you guys. Thank you.
that they’ve taken the time to help me with questions that I’ve had along the way. I try to help others out that ask me now. It all started for me watching Sid Chavers’ seat videos.
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On the Mobile
Electronics Front
As vehicles get more sophisticated, electronic enhancements become more commonplace. By Brett Solomon
M
ore than ever, the savvy retailer can take advantage of new profit centers including car audio, security, engine tuning, and the latest frontier—vehicle safety. Too many retailers shy away from or subcontract mobile electronics work. However, once a shop has a primer on what to do, most facilities have the wherewithal to successfully integrate high-quality components. Here are some that were showcased at the SEMA Show this year: JEEP CAMERAS Brandmotion displayed its new Summit camera systems designed for the Jeep Wrangler. Jeff Varick, president of Brandmotion notes, “SEMA is a perfect location to launch the new Summit camera line, developed with the input of the Jeep off-roading community, because a big portion of SEMA is about new Jeep products. We have worked with Jeep off-road enthusiasts and have responded to their strong desire to have multiple front ‘eyes’ to see over the hills they are climbing, as well as rocks, trees and other trail obstacles.” The new line includes two different offroading cameras for the Jeep Wrangler, 44
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including a rugged standalone front camera as well as two side RocKrawler cameras. Varick believes they will pair nicely with the wildly popular Jeep rearview camera system from Brandmotion. In addition to the Summit camera system, Brandmotion was promoting its new tagline “Safer Cars Today.” It sums up the importance the company is placing on adding safety technology to vehicles that have already left the factory. INTEGRATED CONTROLS One of the most frustrating problems
about a head unit swap in a new vehicle is losing OEM functionality. In the beginning, some head unit swaps would cause the end-user minor inconveniences such as losing power to the dome light or the factory door chime. But, now we have HVAC, rear-defrost, heated seats and other functions tied into OEM head unit screens. You can’t send a customer away without heat or A/C! Scosche was at SEMA promoting its ITC Integrated Touchscreen Controls. The ITC solution retains vehicle settings and convenience menus that would otherwise be
Staying up-to-date is extremely important in the ever-changing mobile electronics market.
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Advent introduces industries first award winning after-market Blind Spot Detection system uses microwave emitting sensors with approximately 30 feet of range. The system’s sensors deliver audible and visual alerts to the driver when objects and/or vehicles enter the blind spot areas.
For more information or to become a dealer visit us at: www.adventproducts.com/become-dealer/
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Š2016 VOXX Electronics Corporation A VOXX International Company
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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
On the Mobile
Electronics Front
“Beatrix” the Jeep is a collaboration between Alpine and select Transamerican Manufacturing Group brands. (Photo courtesy 4 Wheeler)
Rockford Fosgate was at SEMA with a new product for getting a clean audio signal to outboard amplifiers in aftermarket systems while retaining the factory head unit. Co-developed with ADS using its iDatalink Maestro interface technology, the DSR-1 combines a full-featured 3Sixty digital signal processor with a flashable iDatalink Maestro integration module.
The Integrated Touchscreen Controls (ITC) solution by Scosche retains vehicle settings and convenience menus.
“Beatrix” features an Alpine SWR-T10 subwoofer.
lost upon removal of the factory radio. The touchscreen units feature eight hard buttons and reside in the area typically reserved for climate knobs or other dead space. Applications are initially being introduced for newer Ford F-150, Honda Accord and Jeep Grand Cherokee models, with Ford Mustang and Dodge Durango applications coming soon. “The new ITC solutions are meticulously designed to achieve a truly seamless, factory-quality, complete radio replacement without having to compromise on features or functionality,” says Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche. “Due to the very 46
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enthusiastic response we have received for our ITC solutions, we’re working to add even more to our current lineup.” FACTORY FEEL KICKER was at the show promoting its VSS (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) Chevy Tahoe demo SUV. The system uses a custom bracket and amplifier that integrates seamlessly with the factory amplifier and loudspeakers—it just sends them more power and a better-equalized signal to take advantage of the extra power that is tuned for the interior of the Tahoe. The company was also proud to
announce it is the premium audio option in SSV Works powersports enclosures. To show that rugged, weatherproof sound quality is possible in a UTV, KICKER and SSV Works have aligned to create a pair of custom side-by-sides: a Can-Am Maverick X3 and an Arctic Cat Wildcat X. Both UTVs feature a full sound system including speaker pods, amplifiers and subwoofers in custom enclosures. On the custom build front, Dave Kindig and his team from Kindig-It Design created a customized 1955 Ford Pickup featuring KICKER’s Q-Class premium sound. And, of course, everyone was excited to see the Street Outlaws from Discovery Channel at the booth. BUILDS PARTICIPANT Although Alpine didn’t have a booth at the SEMA Show, the company was still represented on numerous builds—including a special yellow Jeep created by Transamerican Manufacturing Group. They named the Jeep Beatrix after the character in the Kill Bill movies. Beatrix is a collaboration between Alpine and select Transamerican Manufacturing Group brands such as Poison Spyder, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle and Gear and Pro Comp.
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The Jeep was chosen as one of the top 10 SEMA Jeeps by 4 Wheeler magazine.
On the multimedia front, the Jeep has the Alpine X109-WRA centerpiece in the dashboard, and built around it an entire Alpine system including an HCE-C252RD multi-view rear view camera system and two HCE-C212F front multi-view camera expansion kits. After all, the build, although immaculate, was meant to be thrashed on the trail! Also displayed around SEMA was the new PWD-CB1 Alpine ICE (In-Cooler Entertainment) cooler system. The Alpine ICE fits the tailgating/camping/fishing crowd that happens to own trucks. The cooler features component speakers with a pair of 5.25-inch high-dynamic-range woofers and 1-inch high-output tweeters. Two 4-by8-inch bass radiators below the woofers create bass response without sacrificing storage space for the very important stuff contained within. CLEAN SIGNAL Rockford Fosgate was at SEMA with a new product for getting a clean audio signal to outboard amplifiers in aftermarket systems while retaining the factory head unit. Codeveloped with ADS using its iDatalink Maestro interface technology, the DSR-1 combines a full-featured 3Sixty digital signal processor with a flashable iDatalink Maestro integration module.
Custom Autosound USA 740 head unit for the Chevy Bel Air provides modern performance with old-school looks.
So what does that mean? Imagine the ability to get a clean audio signal into a powerful outboard audio processor from the factory head unit. Installers have the option to use the DSR-1 as it comes in the box with high- or low-
Components to the Brandmotion Jeep Camera System. JANUARY 2017
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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
“Beatrix” the Jeep, with Alpine X109-WRA in the dash, displaying the screen for the accessories controlled by the KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module.
level input, or do a quick flash download to add vehicle-specific firmware to the unit, enabling integration without the loss of factory-equipped controls and features. Once connected, the installer then has complete control of the sound profile using Rockford Fosgate’s proprietary 3Sixty tuning software. “The DSR-1 is the first real solution for replacing the factory amplifier and speakers in Ford and Chrysler vehicles,” says Jake Braaten, Rockford’s VP of product development & engineering. “The DSR-1 uses the full-range, flat audio signal from the factory head unit. After the built-in Maestro interface is flashed with the vehicle-specific firmware, the factory head unit CAN messages are used to control the internal signal routing of the DSR-1. Prior to the DSR-1, installers had no choice but to add amplifiers after the factory amplifier, which required complex signal summing as well as de-equalization and time alignment. The DSR-1 still utilizes the power processor found in our patented 3Sixty.3, but adds an easy-to-use app for tuning from Apple and Android devices.” When used in late-model Ford and Chrysler vehicles, the DSR-1 can be installed with one of three plug-and-play harnesses available at launch. After installation, the factory tone controls and sound field settings are re-mapped to control like adjustments within the DSR-1. For example, the use of the factory bass control is used as the sub-volume adjustment of the DSR-1, eliminating the need to install extra controllers or knobs.
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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
Retailer Perspective: Colorado Car Audio at SEMA Colorado Car Audio is a premium car audio retailer founded by Moe Meinen and Greg Hedges. They have SEMA Show experience, as their installations have graced the show floor. This year, they attended as spectators to both learn and admire. Additionally, the team was looking for business opportunities. “We took a good, long look at all the detailing supplies,” Meinen says. “While we are not a detail shop, a lot of our customers maintain their own vehicles and carrying a few detail accessories might be a good way to increase revenue without branching out into another area too far away from our core of car audio.” Although the team typically does installations on exotic imports and all-out trucks, we asked them which installations they liked at the show. “We were very impressed by all the sound systems that were installed on the UTVs. They were pretty crazy,” Meinen notes. The UTV audio upgrade market is blossoming for traditional 12-volt retailers. We also asked their opinion on their personal Best of Show from a 12-volt fabricator’s perspective. “No question at all, the best vehicle in the show was the Auto Truck Service/PMF Suspension 2017 Ford Super Duty Platinum,” Meinen says. “The attention to detail and amount of work performed on that truck was astonishing. The design in the suspension and the paint execution was just unreal.” Colorado Car Audio knows impressive projects when it sees them, such as its Chevy Silverado that appeared at the 2015 SEMA Show.
Moe Meinen of Colorado Car Audio.
CLASSIC SOUND Custom Autosound was at the show promoting its USA 740 head unit, suitable for classic rides that want modern performance but old-school looks. When powered off, it looks like a standard analog radio, but when turned on the display transforms to digital. The display has seven colors to choose from that match the interior lighting of the car. Features include integrated Bluetooth. “We announced our newest radio, the USA 740, at SEMA for all the features we packed into it. It is a 300-watt unit with 4V stable pre-outs (good for adding amps), a subwoofer out, RDS, integrated Bluetooth, 48
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and seven display colors to choose from. This powerhouse of a radio is going to cover over 400 applications,” says Ryan McDonald of Custom Autosound. ALL ABOARD Those familiar with projects that require top-notch paint and bodywork will recognize Kevin “KT” Tetz. JVC Mobile Entertainment partnered with the builder to show off its new KD-R875BTS head unit in Zed Sled 2. Says Hazim Jainoor, marketing manager for JVC Mobile Entertainment, “We are happy to be involved in a project that has garnered so much attention from automo-
tive and restoration devotees. Kevin is wellrespected in the automotive aftermarket, both for his knowledge of paint and restoration, and his enthusiasm in connecting with his audience.” The 1978 Camaro Z/28 featuring the JVC head unit was featured at the Heatshield Products booth. LEARNING AT SEMA There were three automotive electronics seminars at SEMA this year. Ted Cardenas, VP of marketing at Pioneer Electronics discussed “What’s New in Dashboard Technology?” The conversation quickly turned to the proliferation of smartphones. It was presented that the best way to keep people from texting and driving is to make the car a “smartphone accessory,” and that is done by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. “The presentation itself lasted about 40 minutes and then a full 20 minutes of questions, ranging from very tactical questions about how to add a radio to a specific make/model car, to long-reach questions about the aftermarket’s potential role in V2V and V2I,” says Cardenas, referencing “Vehicle-to-Vehicle” and “Vehicle-to-Infrastructure” communication. These two technologies will be the impetus for autonomous vehicles. In the meantime, they will make cars on the road in the near future much safer by helping drivers avoid obstacles. “My opinion is that it will be essential for an aftermarket data broadcast module to be added to existing vehicles to achieve critical mass for the safety and autonomous technology to work,” Cardenas predicts. “This technology could be consumer purchased, or subsidized by the insurance companies, or even the Federal government.” Other seminars included stalwart fabricator Bryan Schmitt discussing “Automotive Interior Fabrication Techniques” and Derek Schmiedl of NAV TV with Jeff Varick of Brandmotion talking about adding on driver safety. Learning which vehicles are candidates for additional safety features is a huge marketing help for retailers. Moreover, customers who care about their rides are more apt to try to protect them—especially from small parking-lot errors that could be prevented with cameras and backup protection.
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Across the Pond Get your slice of the European performance market. By Tony Thacker
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eing from Europe, which might mean England again since the Brexit vote, it’s easy for me to see that there’s a huge market in the EU for the American automotive dream, be it complete cars, hard parts, Lucas Oil or even clothing. Unfortunately, many Americans just don’t see that there’s an export market in Europe, Scandinavia, Australasia and many other countries—even China and Russia. And, because of the internet, those markets are easier than ever to reach. LOOK ACROSS THE POND Simply Google “speed shops in England” or something similar and begin your research to build a list of companies that might be interested in your products. A friend at Ghostracks USA searched “hot rod clothing in Europe” and found several stores interested in carrying the company’s line of vintage drag racing T-shirts and memorabilia. It’s not difficult; it’s just work to make the list.
During a couple of recent trips to Europe with the Rat Trap Racing drag team, I managed to do some further Eurocentric research. Unfortunately, it was during my most recent trip that the Brits decided their
exit strategy and the value of the UK pound fell from 1.4 dollars to the pound to around 1.3, thus making everything imported from the U.S. a little more expensive. “Did the fall make any difference?” I asked Stuart Bassett, owner of USAutomotive, an importer for 20 years.
USAutomotive is a UK importer of parts for American cars. Owner Stuart Bassett says a “Made in the USA” designation is important to car owners overseas as well as in the States. JANUARY 2017
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“Not really,” he answered. “We specialize in service parts and owners of American cars, hot rods and even race cars will keep them running at almost any cost. What we have seen, though, is customers questioning the origin of parts. They want ‘Made in USA’ and these days even OEM factory service parts can be made in China. People don’t like that.” Borla Exhaust is one of USAutomotive’s biggest movers, Bassett noted, along with VHT and K&N, to name a few.
Buckland Automotive, operated by Adrian Smith, is an English shop that primarily builds American-style hot rods with American V-8 engines. Among his recent projects was a Hemi-powered hot rod.
THE UK RACE SCENE The British scene is well established, due in part to the long history of American servicemen and women stationed in the UK since WWII. They brought a lot of cars and left a lot of cars, along with a drag racing legacy. Santa Pod Raceway, Britain’s primary strip, opened 50 years ago in April 1966—I was there. Since the U.S. drag teams of the early ’60s, the Brits have welcomed the Yanks that this year included Ron Hope and Rat Trap, and Randy Bradford’s Fiat— their trips sponsored in part by Santa Pod, USAutomotive and Beech Underwriting Services. Both cars were there for the recent Dragstalgia event that garnered more than 320 entries—everything from AA/Funny Cars to a 9-second electric car called Flux Capacitor. As you would expect, most of the cars are influenced by the American scene and therefore offer untapped export potential. I also managed to visit a number of rod shops including Buckland Automotive. Operated by Adrian Smith, Buckland pri-
marily builds American-style hot rods with American V-8 engines. Alongside there was a hot rod Bentley in the shop as well as a rare British-bodied ’32 Ford Tudor with suicide doors. To complete his projects, Smith imports U.S. engine and hot rod parts. An American company that has always understood the value of exporting is the SO-CAL Speed Shop, where one of the principals, John Reid, hails from the UK while another is from Australia. “Despite their relatively small populations,” Reid noted, “American-style hot rods and motorsports are popular in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It helps when the exchange rate is favorable, but the enthusiasm remains strong.” A company with export potential is Belcher Engineering, which not only rebuilds Ford flathead engines—both fours and V-8s—but exports some of its specialty parts to the worldwide classic Ford market. “We have customers all over the world,” said Gary Miller, owner.
Visits by U.S. drag teams in the early 1960s left a lasting impression on England’s racing scene that’s still strong today.
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OFF TO FRANCE I made a short excursion into France for a few days and was invited on a classic car rally as part of the prestigious Circuit des Remparts race that takes place in Angouleme. The tour included several hot rods, albeit owned by Brits living in France. Nevertheless, there is a strong French scene supporting half-a-dozen maga-
zines such as Nitro and American Muscle Cars. Indeed, the magazine racks in all the countries I visited indicate strong enthusiasm for America’s car culture. Coming up on 40 years of exporting to France, we spoke to Philippe Dahn of Frog Specialties, Torrance, California. Born in Le Mans, France, Philippe was first a VW fan, then a journalist working on HOT ROD
magazine. Eventually, he was able to parlay his knowledge of what the Europeans wanted into a successful export business. Frog Specialties exports classics, hot rods, race cars and all the parts associated with them. Frog also has a motorcycle division that is the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor of the Frenchmade Beringer Brakes.
The Stromberg Story
W
hen it comes to Europe, and particularly England, it’s not all one-way traffic as far as performance parts exporting. Take Stromberg Carburetor, for instance. Owner Clive Prew assembles genuine Stromberg 97s in Suffolk, England—about 60 miles northeast of London—from parts sourced all over the globe, including from the U.S. and England, and exports the majority of his carbs to America. “The devaluation of the pound helps, but then I have to pay more for the parts I import, so it’s swings and roundabouts,” he explains, even while announcing plans to expand his line to include flathead Ford V-8 distributors and other products. Stromberg Carburetor is one of those names that goes all the way back to the
beginning of the auto age—to 1908, in fact, when Alfred Stromberg and others were producing one brass carburetor a week from a one-room shop on 14th Street in Chicago. By 1928, the company was producing 4,000 carburetors a day with a staff of 12,000. In 1929, Stromberg was acquired by Bendix Aviation and relocated to South Bend, Indiana, before a later move to Elmira New York. While Stromberg produced a huge range of carburetors for most of the big automakers, it’s the 97 model that has always stood out for hot rodders. Ford introduced the Stromberg 97 in 1934 atop the V-8, and even though it lasted only until 1938, it quickly became the hot rodders’ favorite. Prew worked to reintroduce the 97 in
Owner Clive Prew assembles genuine Stromberg 97s in Suffolk, England—about 60 miles northeast of London—from parts sourced all over the globe, including from the U.S. and England, and exports the majority of his carbs to America. 52
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the early 1990s and it took more than two years to reengineer the carb and get it into production. There are more than 100 different parts in a 97 and Prew found suitable suppliers to recreate them all, including the complicated and expensive zinc die-cast bodies. During his journey of discovery, Prew took the time to initiate numerous modifications, fixing problematic leaks with a reinforced airhorn, redesigned needle and seat, and modern, leakproof gaskets. Stainless steel levers, springs and hardware also improved the product. Even the box art, instructions, website and marketing materials are meticulously designed to complement the product and enhance the brand. And since its re-introduction in 1995, the company has also developed numerous ancillary products such as linkages for dual, triple and even six carbs, and hard fuel lines to match. “Feedback was amazing right from the start,” says Prew. “People couldn’t have been happier that we had put the 97 back into production—except those with bigger engines that needed even more juice. We analyzed these requests and realized, over a long R&D period, that a bigger 97 was a possibility, flowing a lot more air than the stock 162-cfm without changing the iconic outside shape.” Back to the drawing board, where Prew and his team engineered another new 97— the BIG97 that matched original external dimensions with far more airflow capacity. The BIG97, as well as the original 97s, are all available in a wide range of finishes
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BRIGHT FUTURE In Hillsboro, Oregon, Keith Maher and Dominic Dobson co-founded VR Motion Corp., a developer of professional auto racing simulators and virtual reality training and sales systems. We met up with Maher at the Goodwood Festival of Speed outside of London, where he was networking with everybody from racing drivers to museum directors.
“Virtual and augmented reality are changing the world,” he believes. “You no longer have to ship cumbersome equipment. A world-class sim can be in your phone. What we’re exporting is technology and experience.” Indeed, he had a headset in his backpack for instant demonstrations, further connecting European car nuts to American offerings.
Stromberg Carburetor is an historic company from America’s past that is still producing popular products for hot rodders—only now in England.
from the stock factory chromate zinc through barn-find patina and black to a chrome finish that has won many a show (including America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) right out of the box. With the consolidation of the performance
aftermarket, many of the old stalwart products can’t warrant the investment in time and money that bigger companies demand. But, for a small, lean, niche manufacturer like Stromberg, even in England the numbers still add up. --Tony Thacker
Rick Pearmain, left, and Peter Stevens. JANUARY 2017
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A classic car rally was part of the prestigious Circuit des Remparts race that takes place in Angouleme, France.
The UK is car-crazy too, and that means opportunities for U.S. companies that can connect overseas.
It’s not all old hot rods and muscle cars across the pond, however. A little-known fact is that as of May 2016, the Ford Mustang was the best-selling sports car in Germany—outselling the Porsche 911. Just 780 cars sold per month might not seem like a lot by U.S. standards, but it’s a significant number and affords Mustang tuners an unprecedented opportunity to grow their exports along with Ford. Understanding the export business might be easier if you are from a foreign country, but what if you’re not? Well, SEMA recently hosted its first Export Fair. Co-sponsored with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the event took place in July 2016 in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. More than 60 attendees from 11 states had the opportunity to participate in roundtables and seminars featuring seasoned exporters; top overseas 54
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buyers from Australia, China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia; and other key stakeholders. Attendees also took advantage of a 30-minute private, confidential meeting with an IPR attorney to learn about taking the appropriate steps to protect their patents and trademarks. So, my advice is, if you have product that has overseas potential, don’t wait for the domestic market to soften before you investigate exporting. Put it in your business plan, as it might help even out the inevitable bumps in the road to performance aftermarket profitability. Born in England, TONY THACKER is an accredited automotive journalist, author and book publisher, and served as marketing director at the famed SO-CAL Speed Shop.
New technologies are allowing American car culture to grow even deeper roots in the UK.
FREE ONLINE VIDEO TRAINING FOR AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET SHOPS Watch install and troubleshooting techniques at THE SHOP’s Video Training archive at:
theshopmag.com/training JANUARY 2017
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PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS High-Performance Chassis Dynamometers
MAHA USA, Pinckard, Alabama, presents its MAHA Chassis Dynamometers for cars and motorcycles, designed to produce accurate, repeatable measurements for critical performance testing. MAHA dynos consistently produce a high measurement accuracy of +/- 2 percent. Two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available. The dynos are equipped with a module that automatically records environmental data during the performance test, allowing the engine power to be corrected automatically in accordance with the applicable directive.
Glasspack Mufflers
SpeedFX, Exeter, Pennsylvania, presents its new line of Cherry Bomb Glasspack Mufflers, made of heavy-gauge steel with a round body reversible construction for quality and easy installation. The mufflers deliver a classic hot rod rumble and feature a straight-through design with a louvered tube; deep, rich and aggressive sound; and a high-temperature warm red painted finish. Applications include inlet diameter ranges from 2 to 3 inches, body diameter from 3.5 to 4 inches, body length from 8 to 18 inches and overall length from 14 to 24 inches.
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Wrangler JK Geometry Correction Brackets
Rancho, Long Beach, California, presents the latest generation of Jeep Wrangler JK Geometry Correction Brackets, specifically engineered for convenience and versatility in a durable, affordable package. Created to further improve suspension performance, fit and finish and to return caster to factory spec on lifted JKs, the Rancho design includes multiple available configurations to fit a variety of lift kits ranging from 2 to 4 inches and utilize the factory upper and lower control arms.
Power Stroke Lift Pump System
Aeromotive Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, introduces a Diesel Lift Pump System for 2003-’07 6.0-liter Ford Power Stroke applications that resolves common quarter-tank, pressure control and motor shaft seal failure issues. A brushless motor increases the pump’s performance and longevity, and the single-filter model simplifies the design and reduces maintenance costs. The pump includes the Caterpillar 1R-0750 2-micron filter to catch small particulates. With a standard 1-inch -14 filter head thread, the end-user can use their filter of choice.
Honda Civic Flywheel
Fidanza Performance, Perry, Ohio, offers a new Flywheel for 10thgeneration Honda Civic applications. Designed as part of a strategic collaboration with Blood Type Racing, the flywheel features an OEM and Acura RSX clutch pattern. Lightweight aluminum flywheels deliver faster throttle response, quicker acceleration and weight reduction. SI and Type R flywheels will be available in the future.
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Heavy-Duty Service Ramps
Race Ramps, Escanaba, Michigan, introduces its new, heavy-duty, 67inch Magna Service Ramps. An enhanced version of the company’s 67-inch Car Service Ramps, the heavy-duty Magna Ramps are 67 inches long and 14 inches wide, with enhanced reinforcements that increase each individual ramp’s vehicle weight capacity to 2,500 pounds and allow each set of ramps to accommodate up to a 10,000-pound vehicle. Thin-gauged metal is incorporated underneath the durable exterior coating in certain places to allow magnetic tray attachment.
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C10 ProSpindle Kits
Replacement Radiators
Mishimoto, New Castle, Delaware, offers Replacement Radiators. Designed as direct-fit replacements for aged, clogged or leaking stock radiators, the units function with all stock engine bay equipment. All Mishimoto replacement radiators feature a 100-percent brazed aluminum core for increased strength and clean joints.
Wilwood Engineering, Camarillo, California, offers its 2.50-inch drop ProSpindle and Disc Brake Upgrade Kits that improve the handling, styling and braking capacity of 1973-’87 Chevy/GMC C10 pickups, as well as 1963-’72 models that have been updated with the later-model ball joints. A safer, sturdier and more lightweight alternative, ProSpindles feature forged aluminum bolton steering arms and forged aluminum knuckles with fortified caliper mounting bosses for the company’s full range of Superlite and Aerolite disc brake kit options.
Jeep Radiators
C&R Racing, Indianapolis, offers a HighPerformance Radiator for 2007-’16 Jeep Wrangler applications. Using an allaluminum, race-proven, 42mm extruded tube core, the radiator includes waterjetted mounts for the factory fan/shroud with overflow tank, A/C condenser and transmission oil cooler. It uses full- length sub-headers and leading-edge hemmed race fins for improved strength and reliability. It is suited for on- and off-road use.
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PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS EcoBoost Crate Engine Transmission Package
Performance Automatic, Frederick, Maryland, presents its new 3.5 EcoBoost Street Smart Package for Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost crate engine. The Street Smart package includes the company’s 4R70W Super Streeter transmission, custom bellhousing, Smart Shift trans controller, wiring harness, torque converter and the necessary components and hardware needed to make it an easy and complete bolt-on to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost crate engine.
High-Performance Truck & SUV Fuel Modules
TI Automotive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, introduces 39 new highperformance fuel modules for the North American aftermarket. The new fuel modules are available for a variety of Ford, Chevy, Nissan and Infiniti trucks and SUVs. They feature a high-performance fuel pump with filtration, level-sensing and storage, with an OE-like fit similar to a traditional replacement module. The modules are available as a complete drop-in fuel module assembly with plug-and-play wiring harnesses.
Nitrous Plate System for 2 Barrels
Nitrous Express, Wichita Falls, Texas, offers a Nitrous Plate System for 2 barrel applications. The conventional Stage 6 system includes high-flow Lightning solenoids that are made from billet aluminum and carbon fiber. The system also features a billet aluminum spray barless plate design that provides improved distribution and atomization, with no spray bars to sag, split, block airflow or damage.
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Power Management Unit
ECUMaster USA, Garland, Texas, presents its Power Management Unit, an intelligent, microprocessorbased power management controller designed to replace traditional relays and fuses, as well as monitor and manage electrical components. Features include an accelerometer and gyroscope for logging and as an inertia switch.
Corvette Suspension Kits Mustang Hood Pins
Drake Muscle Cars, Henderson, Nevada, offers its Elite Billet Aluminum Hood Pin Kit to keep the hood secured and add aggressive styling to 2015-’16 Mustang S550 models. Each kit includes CNCmachined billet aluminum hood pin plates with premium stainless steel components for strength and good looks. The heavy-duty snap rings are tethered by clear, plasticcoated stainless steel lanyards to protect painted hood surfaces from scratches. The kit is designed for use with factory and most aftermarket fiberglass hoods.
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SpeedDirect, Santo, Texas, presents its Shark Bite Stage Suspension Kits for 1963-’79 Chevrolet Corvettes. The kits are offered in four increasing levels of performance: Cruiser/Stage I, Instigator/Stage II, Nemesis/Stage III and Dominator/Stage IV. Made in the USA, the kits feature Shark Bite front and rear coilover suspension conversions and Steeroids rack and pinion conversion kits for power steering. Also included are larger and stiffer sway bars and strut rods, and differential cover with drain plug.
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PERFORMANCE
Stainless Exhaust Systems
MagnaFlow, Oceanside, California, presents its new line of exhaust systems for 1963-’79 B-body Chrysler, Plymouths and Dodge models. The new line of Street Series exhaust systems is composed of 2.5-inch, mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing and a pair of 4-by-9-by-14-inch stainless steel mufflers. The system ends in dual 2.5-inch turn-downs for a classic look. Also available separately is a pair of exhaust manifold pipes that bolt to the factory exhaust manifolds and connect to the MagnaFlow system at the crossmember.
Firebird Front Bumpers
Auto Metal Direct (AMD), Buford, Georgia, introduces its all-new Reproduction Front Bumpers for 1967-’68 Pontiac Firebirds. Made on the company’s all-new steel tooling, the bumpers feature durable chrome plating, just like GM bumpers were made on the assembly line back in the day. All holes and shapes are correct as original, ready to bolt onto the car.
Ram 12-Bolt Front Differential Cover
PML, Inglewood, California, introduces its new bolt-on replacement Front Differential Cover for Dodge Ram 2500 (2014-newer) and Ram 3500 (2013-newer) models. The new covers were designed to fill a void left in aftermarket differential covers after Dodge chose to shift to a 12-bolt American axle 9.25-inch 235mm front to improve gas mileage. The new, heavy-duty PML cover is sand-cast aluminum and because of reported clearance issues with steering, U-bolts and suspension, was manufactured with a low profile. Fins on the lower part of the differential, where the fluid collects, aid in heat dissipation and cooling.
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Lincoln, Nebraskabased Auto Kraft Body & Paint offers a device that features a rotisserie design to suspend a vehicle’s shell within two steel hoops. The Roller Hoop’s rotisserie design allows the body shell of the vehicle to be rolled into any position and locked in place while work is done, while strong casters allow the entire until to be rolled around the shop. (Photo courtesy Auto Kraft Body & Paint)
Tips for rearranging cars & parts around your shop. By John Gunnell
S
SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
oon after we opened Gunner’s Great Garage in 2010, I noticed that we spent a lot of time and energy moving vehicles that were under restoration—and parts for them—around the shop. If a vehicle is on wheels and tires, it’s
Good-quality car skates can help move heavy vehicles around.
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relatively easy to move. But, when cars and trucks are disassembled for restoration and can no longer be rolled around, it’s harder to get them where you want them. Moving heavy parts like engines and rear axles can be a challenge, too. Some engine stands are prone to tipping over—
and dropping a customer’s motor on the ground is a not a happy experience! Axle housings are heavy and cumbersome— especially if the axles, brake backing plates, shoes and drums are still in place. And try jockeying around a 1948 Chrysler seat and you’ll see that it’s no fun. It’s heavy and cumbersome and the seatbacks from a coupe flop around. Other things you might have to move from one spot in your shop to another include workbenches, tool chests, heavy special tools, testers, cabinets, compressors, blasting cabinets, pedestal-mounted grinders, car vacs, car lifts and even the devices you make or purchase to help move other things around. TRACTORS & FORKLIFTS Shops that have tractors or forklifts (or both) around and enough space to use them could almost stop reading here. With such machines at your disposal, you are miles ahead of most specialty vehicle repair facilities when it comes to moving cars and parts around inside a building. However, you may still be interested in some of the products we’re discussing after you see a few photos.
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Putting stuff in your shop on wheels makes it easier to move or clean behind.
wheels and tires; 4. On a self-loading dolly placed under the tires; 5. On a wheeled fixture that can support a vehicle without wheels or tires. In the latter case, the fixture may support the assembled frame and body of the vehicle, or just the frame or just the body alone. Most people who work on cars have used floor jacks to move them. This is often done to swing the car into or out of a space it can’t roll into. We recently had a Jeep that someone tried to back out of the shop and it got too close to a door opening. A single floor jack
SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
PUT YOUR SHOP ON WHEELS One way to simplify moving things around a shop is to put everything you can on wheels. We learned this from Carl Heidemann of Eclectic Motorworks in Michigan. Heidemann has nearly everything in his shop on casters, so he can easily move things. He can even move his shop furnishings to clean behind them. If you go his route, don’t buy cheap caster wheels. If you’re moving things strictly on smooth, clean floors inside your shop, small-diameter wheels will work fine—as long as they are of good construction. The best caster wheels for a car dolly depend on what kind of cars you are moving and what surface you’re rolling them over. Nylon, neoprene, soft rubber and thermoplastic rubber wheels are OK for light loads and floor protection. Hard rubber and phenolic wheels are available in regular and high-temperature models. Polyurethane wheels work well for an easy-rolling, non-marking ride. Semi-steel wheels provide more impact resistance and carry more weight. High-quality dolly wheels and dolly caster wheels can be fitted with several types of bearing and brake options to make moving vehicles easier.
was used to swing the vehicle’s rear away from the door. Usually, a vehicle moved in this manner will have wheels and tires. Unless you have four people and four jacks, you’ll be balancing the vehicle on the jacks and may have trouble moving the jacks with the car’s weight on them. High-quality, American-made skates or dollies can make it easy to roll a car where you want it. Based on personal experience, cheap devices made offshore don’t work as well. We bought our first vehicle skates at a swap meet for a price that seemed too good to be true. It was. Those skates will move an MG Midget, but when we put them under a ’36 Pontiac, it was hard to move the car. Another issue with skate-type dollies is that you have to jack each corner of the car up to slide the skate under it and then lower each corner. In very tight quarters, space to pump the jack’s long handle may be limited. A bottle jack or other jack will work, but positioning it in a good spot under the car can be difficult. Self-loading dollies such as the familiar lavender colored GoJaks are pricier, but they make the job of moving a vehicle much easier. These devices have a ratchettype jacking mechanism that squeezes two rollers against either side of a tire and then ratchets tight to lift the tire a few inches off the ground. As with any such equipment, the best-
VEHICLES & BODIES There are five basic ways to roll a vehicle or vehicle body around your shop: 1. On its own tires; 2. With two or more regular floor jacks (at least one on each end); 3. On a skate-type roller placed under the
A floor jack or trailer jack can be used to move cars around with muscle power.
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quality self-loading dollies have better hardware and caster wheels that help them work better and last longer. For shop work, you’ll need four units. They come in right- and left-hand models depending on handle position, but for most moving jobs either model will work fine on either side.
Forklifts and tractors are available in some specialty car shops, but not many.
SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Self-loading vehicle dollies make moving a car much easier.
This French dolly supports each end of the vehicle on beams with wheels. 62
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WHEELED FIXTURES There are two basic types of wheeled fixtures that can support a vehicle without wheels or tires. The first type could best be described as a temporary “take-apart” device that supports the vehicle at all four corners or at the front and rear. The second type is a sturdy frame on wheels that serves as a vehicle cart. The first take-apart vehicle-moving device that we remember seeing was probably the finest one. A friend had it in his private shop and was using it to support a huge 1940 Ford truck-chassis station wagon’s frame. This unit was essentially two hefty crossbeams that had “outriggers” with two large caster wheels on either end of them. The cross beams had large-diameter screw jacks that could be raised or lowered against the car’s frame to hold it at the right height. The restorer said that he had purchased two of these devices in France. Uni-Dolly, of Brush Prairie, Washington, makes a heavy-duty dolly system that is pretty close to our friend’s French made system. Standard metal channels are used as the crossbars and two-wheeled “outriggers” slide over the crossbars. Uni-Dolly offers two different options for supporting a vehicle on the device. Screw jacks with pads that rise against the car’s frame are the first option. Another choice is optional clamps that tighten against the pinch weld on the body of a vehicle. The pinch-weld clamps are perfect for unibody vehicles. After seeing the Uni-Dolly used in our shop, one of our customers who is pretty handy made his own lighter-duty version to support a Triumph TR250 body that he was repairing in his own shop. He made this unit out of scrap materials and it cost him practically nothing. It reminded us of a bed frame that was supersized to hold a small car. He held the pieces together with C-clamps. Although it was a little shaky at times, it did a good job of moving the car around his shop.
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One device we’ve used to support a lot of vehicles is the Backyard Buddy Easy-Access system. Easy-Access can best be described as two roll-around units that look like sturdily braced stand jacks mounted on wheels. Using other lifting devices, you can lower a 6,000-pound vehicle onto the front and rear Easy-Access units and push it around the shop by yourself. The system provides relatively large wheels that make a car very easy to push. For safety, the wheels have built-in brakes. EasyAccess works with any combination of axles, frame or unit-body using interchangeable stands, bars and adjustable rubber pads. They come as a set of two units, one each for the front and rear. It is fairly inexpensive to build a sturdy frame on wheels that can serve as a vehicle cart. After seeing one of these in Ross Obermeyer’s Highway 41 Auto Body shop, we decided to have one made. We purchased large caster wheels at a chain store and had a welding shop fabricate the cart from channel iron rails. The welder followed the pictures we took of Obermeyer’s unit. The completed cart has swiveling wheels at each corner and at the center of the side rails. Get the best wheels you can and a unit like this will move just about any car or truck with ease. The only negative aspect is storage of the cart when it’s not being used. Naturally, there are other options for moving a vehicle or vehicle body around a shop. We’ve seen wooden carts and moving man dollies used. During a visit to John Force’s race shop in Brownsburg, Indiana, we saw carbon fiber racecar bodies being moved around on what looked like body panel fixtures. Use whatever works for you, but be sure to think about the safety factors first.
The Uni-Dolly has a steel cross channel and a screw jack to support a car.
Here a Uni-Dolly with pinch weld clamps is being used to move a sports car.
SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
USING ROTISSERIES AS BODY MOVERS In the last 10-15 years, the availability and use of car body rotisseries has grown immensely. These are large fixtures that body shops attach to the front and rear of a body structure so that they can spin it around and work on it from all angles. There is also a similar device called a Roller Hoop that consists of two strong metal hoops that rotate in a skate device on the bottom of the hoops. The car body is attached to the hoops and rolled into position. Rotisseries can be modified to use them as a body mover by simply adding wheels at each end of the bottom pedestals. Large wheels with pneumatic tires work the best, as they allow the rotisserie to be rolled around the shop with the body mounted in it or to also be rolled outdoors. The Roller Hoop can simply be removed from the skate device on the bottom and then the hoops can be rolled with the car attached to them. MOVING ENGINES & HEAVY PARTS Moving an engine around is a common problem faced by many shop owners. There are countless wheeled engine stands available from stores and via the Internet. Many of them are designed with smaller, modern engines in mind and may not do a good job with a vintage Chrysler Hemi or a Packard straight-eight. We had a problem when moving a 1949 Studebaker Big 6 engine on a three-wheeled engine stand. The floor of the garage angled toward the door and the engine stand began rolling. It tipped over due to having only three points JANUARY 2017
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After seeing the Uni-Dolly, a man made a homemade rack that worked for him.
The Backyard Buddy Easy-Access is a hefty device that can be used like a dolly.
SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Jesse Gunnell sets up the Backyard Buddy Easy-Access for supporting an MG.
of support. Luckily, we were able to guide it down and only slight damage occurred. After that incident, we talked to engine man Bob Andess at Antigo Auto Parts in Antigo, Wisconsin. He told us that he considers a four-wheel engine stand to be a necessity and he even prefers welding up his own stand over buying one. Heavy-duty engine stands with four wheels are available from discount tool stores such as Tool Topia, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool. These can be upgraded with U.S.-made fasteners and will work very well for most car or light truck engines. Engine stands are made to facilitate working on engines and include rotating fixtures that bolt to the engine block so that it can be turned at various angles or even upside down. This adds to the manufacturing cost and is reflected in retail prices. However, if you just need a cart to roll an assembled engine around, these can also be made or purchased. Engines are heavy, so you want a heavy-duty cart with the best caster wheels you can find. It doesn’t pay to skimp. 64
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(The Cadillac of engine carts is the type we saw one year being used on move-in day at the PRI trade show in Indianapolis. PAC Racing Springs had its decal on the side of such a cart that was hauling a huge Hemi engine into the convention center. The cart was driven by an electric motor. It had a tiller handle at the front of the cart that allowed it to be steered. We don’t know if this was purpose-built or fabricated, but it was definitely cool.) In addition to the engine, the need often arises to move heavy parts like transmissions, front clips, rear axles and even body assemblies around a shop. Many shops fabricate their own devices for holding or moving specific parts and assemblies. Jerry Kopecky of Kopecky Restorations in Iola, Wisconsin specialized in restoring 1950s and 1960s Chrysler 300s. He fabricated what he called a “dashboard rotisserie” to support the “fishbowl” dashboard of 1960-’61 models. This device allows him to hold the dash at various angles for different repairs.
GLASS-HANDLING TOOLS A number of tools and equipment are available to shops that find themselves moving windshields, backlites and windows around. DK Hardware.com is one source of such products. Some of the handy tools that help move glass parts without the threat of breakage are the CRL Aluminum Double Pad Vacuum Lifter that suctions to a piece of glass and serves as a lifting handle, and the CRL Four Wheel Glass Dolly that’s designed to provide additional stability while transporting lites of glass within a shop environment or from a truck to the final destination. The Four Wheel Glass Dolly has 8-inchdiameter solid rubber wheels and a vulcanized rubber frame channel that protects the glass against chipping or damage while its being moved. CRL also makes a 15 Lites Rolling Windshield Cart, a Tilting Crate Handler and a Glass and Stone Cart. MOVING EXPERIENCES We’re certain that the moving aids we talked about here are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to both homemade and store-bought equipment that can be used for such purposes. So, feel free to contact the author through THE SHOP magazine to share your own “moving experiences.” Other shop owners will love to hear about them and see what you use to keep things in your shop rollin,’ rollin,’ rollin’ along. JOHN GUNNELL has been writing about classic cars since 1972. He is also the owner of Gunner’s Great Garage in Manawa, Wisconsin. He owns 11 cars and seven motorcycles.
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11EB_16EPWI 10/24/16 2:22 PM Page 1
NITRO Black Racing Valves:
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NITRO Black Racing Rings:
Race-tested and proven to deliver higher output for super performance engines! • They’re compatible with Nikasil coated cylinder bores, and all racing fuels & injection systems, including nitrous oxide. • All rings are gas-nitrided, hardened stainless steel that guards against heat welding to the piston, & reduces side wear and extends ring life. • The NITRO Black top ring faces & oil rails are coated with ceramic PVD for high scuff and heat resistance, & the NITRO Black second ring is a Napier design for optimum durability and oil scraping under severe conditions.
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The World Products Motown II LS iron block offers a beefy small-block Chevy architecture and features a 9.240-inch LS deck height with a 0.134-inch raised cam bore, combining the strength of a performance-upgraded, tried-and-true SBC with the vastly superior breathing of LS cylinder heads.
Motown II LS Build
PRECISION ENGINE
Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian
Part 1
We’re off and running with a World Products SBC block that accepts LS heads.
W
e’ve built several LS-platform engines over the past few years, in varying displacements and overall designs. In this build series, we’ve opted to gain experience with World Products’ recent introduction of its Motown II LS block, a unique hybrid adaptation that combines the small-block Chevy short block with LS cylinder heads. The block was obtained through Summit Racing. One of the huge benefits of using this block is for folks who want to install an LS engine into an earlier platform that was designed for the small-block Chevy engine. Past challenges faced by anyone who wanted to install an LS engine included motor mount issues, bellhousing issues, oil pan clearance issues, etc. With the Motown II LS block, it’s a
The block decks were designed specifically to accommodate LS cylinder heads in terms of bolt locations, deck height and cooling passages.
drop-in installation, since it features both LS and small-block Chevy motor mount bolt holes, and allows you to use all traditional Chevy bolt-ons such as the transmis-
sion, water pump, distributor, oil pan, etc. Basically, it’s a street rodder’s dream, with the added boost of horsepower provided by LS heads and intake system. JANUARY 2017
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Motown II LS Build
Part 1 Using the Motown LS block allows you to run a distributor, with the use of the World Products aluminum valley cover.
PRECISION ENGINE
The lifter valley features lifter bore locations specific to the LS layout. Bushed lifter bores are standard, and the blocks can be ordered to accommodate either 0.847- or 0.904-inch lifters (bushings are undersized and must be fitted for your specific lifters).
BLOCK BACKGROUND The Motown LS blocks are designed to use Gen I small-block Chevy bottom-end components and LS-style cylinder heads. In essence, you have the best of both worlds—the strength and reliability of a tried-and-true small-block Chevy short block, combined with the outstanding breathing characteristics of LS cylinder heads.
Blocks are offered with either modular or steel billet main caps. Our block arrived with steel caps, with number 3, 4 and 5 caps featuring splayed outer bolt locations.
World Products offers these blocks in five initial variants: P/N RAW BORE SIZE MAINS DECK HEIGHT 084080.................3.995................................ 350 Nodular cap......................................9.240 084081..................4.120............................... 350 Nodular cap......................................9.240 084081-904..........4.120................................ 350 Nodular cap......................................9.240 084181.................4.120................................ .350 Billet cap.........................................9.240 084181-904..........4.120................................ 350 Billet cap..........................................9.240
Cylinders may be over-bored to a maximum of 4.200 inches. Standard lifter bores are intended for LS 0.842-inch lifters. Blocks are also available for use with 0.904-inch lifters. All lifter bores are bushed undersize and must be fitted for your specific lifter diameters. The high-density iron blocks feature 0.600-inch-thick decks for added strength, priority main oiling and beefy 0.250-inch
cylinder walls. Another nice feature is a 0.134-inch raised cam tunnel for added
stroker clearance (this requires a timing setup that accommodates the raise). Aside from the metric rocker bolts required for LS heads, all threaded fasteners are in inch format. Main and head threads are 7/16-14. 4
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Basically, the short block follows traditional small-block Chevy design except for the raised cam, the use of 55mm cam bearings, the deck design that accepts the LS heads, and lifter bore spacing to accommodate the LS valvetrain. And since the block does not feature the LS design Y-block configuration, windage control and bay-to-bay breathing is vastly improved over the LS design.
SPECIAL CAM Because of the LS lifter bore spacing, a special camshaft is required. This is basically a small-block Chevy cam (featuring a distributor drive gear) that provides LS lobe spacing. Currently, the cams are only available from Erson and COMP Cams and must be special-ordered to your specifications. To mimic LS deck height, the blocks feature the standard LS 9.240-inch deck height. For solid lifter applications, all blocks require 1/8-inch NPT restrictor plugs in two locations within the lifter valley (center area, with holes spaced about 2-1/4 inches apart). If using hydraulic lifters, do not install 1/8-inch NPT plugs in these two locations. There are five 1/4-inch NPT holes in the valley. The 1/8-inch NPT holes are accessed through two of the 1/4-inch NPT holes. If using solid lifters, install 1/8-inch NPT plugs deep in the two tapped locations (drilled to 0.040-0.060 inches, per your application). Regardless of your lifter design, all five exposed 1/4-inch NPT holes must be plugged with 1/4-inch NPT plugs. As a convenience feature, the blocks include motor mount locations for either small-block Chevy or LS, allowing easy engine mounting in either a late-model vehicle that was originally equipped with an LS engine, or retrofitted into an earlier vehicle that featured a small-block Chevy engine. The blocks are already clearanced for use with 4.000-inch stroker crank and 6.125inch rods. Additional clearancing may be required for longer strokes. Note that all cylinder head bolt holes in the decks are tapped for 7/16-20 threads. All head bolt holes are blind except for the front inboard hole on the left deck, which is open to water and requires thread sealant. If a mechanical fuel pump is to be installed, note that a 0.075-inch-longer fuel pump pushrod is required with steel ends; or with a brass end when using a solid roller cam. In summary, this build involves all smallblock Chevy-applicable components except for the special camshaft, a timing setup to
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accommodate the 0.134-inch raised cam, LS application lifters, LS cylinder heads and head gaskets and LS intake manifold. While the block accommodates a rearmount Chevy distributor and an aluminum valley cover that features a distributor bung, if you’re running electronic injection and have no need for a distributor, World offers an oil pump drive assembly that can be used in place of a distributor.
bore bronze bushing IDs measured 0.900 inches. (Blocks are available for either 0.842-inch or 0.904-inch lifter diameters.) Our deck height was initially measured at a low of 9.236 inches to a high of 9.240 inches. During block decking, we obtained a uniform deck height of 9.235 inches. Main bore diameter measured 2.6408 inches.
Introducing the biggest launch of our dynamometer software yet! • SuperFlow NET: CAN network (controller area network) allowing WinDyn to output dyno channels to other devices and allowing WinDyn to input data channels from other devices via CAN
PRECISION ENGINE
The top right corner of the block features an angled cross-drilled oil passage that must be plugged with a ¼-inch NPT plug. When fitting the plug, make sure that it does not protrude above the front intake rail surface. I modified a plug by shortening it on a lathe.
OUR BLOCK The block was impressively packed, nestled in a heavy-duty cardboard box that was sealed with staples, banded to a clean pallet and shrink-wrapped. The block was very well protected and obviously packed by someone who cared about its safety. As-arrived, out-of-the-box, cylinder bores measured 4.120 inches and lifter
• New test setup tool making setup and operation of the dyno easier and more intuitive • Network ready – create a central storage for data files on your office network (multiple dynos) and backup data files • 64-bit compatible
Each side of the block features a threaded port for external -12 coolant hoses, requiring a 1-1/4-inch NPT to -12 fitting at each side
The block’s front and rear intake rails feature a pair of 1/4-20 threaded holes to mount the aluminum valley plate base.
www.SuperFlow.com | 1.888.442.5546 JANUARY 2017
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Motown II LS Build
Part 1
PRECISION ENGINE
To accommodate any engine installation, motor mount bolt holes are featured to accept either SBC or LS motor mounts, making it easy to install this block in either an early vehicle that originally had a small-block Chevy engine, or a later vehicle that was equipped with an LS engine. No custom motor mounts are needed.
When installing cam bearings, pay attention to the location of the cam bore oil holes, which were re-located to the 5-o’clock position.
The Motown II block features clearance notches for rod clearance with a stroker crank. Test-fitting with our Scat 4.000-inch stroker crank and 6.125-inch rods revealed that no additional block clearancing was needed.
The steel main caps feature ARP inboard studs and outboard bolts. All main fastener threads are 7/16 inches. 6
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Block Bolt Threads Bellhousing bolt holes............................................................................................... 7/16-14 Motor mount holes...................................................................................................... 3/8-16 Oil pan holes........................................................................................... 1/4-20 and 5/16-18 Main cap threads....................................................................................................... 7/16-14 Head deck holes........................................................................................................ 7/16-14 Water pump bolt holes................................................................................................ 3/8-16 Timing cover bolt holes............................................................................................... 1/4-20 Coolant transfer threaded holes in block sides.............. 1 1/4” NPT (accepts –12 fittings) Mech. fuel pump bolt holes......................................................................... 1/4-20 & 3/8-16 Lifter valley plugs..................................................................................................... 1/4 NPT Lifter valley restrictor plug holes............................................................................. 1/8 NPT Front and rear oil plugs (4 at each location)............................................................ 1/4 NPT Water jacket drain holes (one on each side)........................................................... 1/4 NPT Oil holes front upper right and rear upper right...................................................... 1/2 NPT Oil passage at upper front right that enters front rail............................................. 1/4 NPT Front and rear upper rail holes for cover plate......................................................... .1/4-20 Inboard cyl head holes on cover plate..................................................................... 5/16-18
NOTE: A 1/4-inch NPT plug is required at the top right front of the block’s crossdrilled oil passage. This is an angled hole, the entry of which cuts through the front block rail that will be covered with the valley plate. The NPT plug must mount flush or below flush to clear the valley plate.
During test-fitting, I found the plug protruding above the mating surface. I tapped the hole a bit deeper (by about 3 threads), but it still protruded. I shortened the plug at its face by about 0.020 inches on a lathe. This allowed a flush, uninterrupted mating surface with the plug installed.
BLOCK MACHINING Our block was machined at Gressman Powersports in Fremont, Ohio, with all machining performed by owner Scott Gressman. Prior to block machining, all main cap 7/16-inch stud nuts and outboard splayed bolts were torqued to 70 foot-pounds, with threads and head/nut undersides coated with ARP Ultra Torque lube. With the block fixtured onto Gressman Powersports’ CNC block machining center, Gressman measured raw deck height at a range from 9.236 inches to a high of 9.240 inches. To obtain equal and square decks, he milled both decks to a final height of 9.235 inches. Note that the LS deck height spec is 9.240 inches, which is commonly difficult to achieve even on OE blocks due to core shift. A finished deck of 9.235 inches was a pleasant surprise, since I’ve seen OE blocks that required a much shorter finished height to square-up the decks. Because the aluminum top valley plate mount shares head bolts, this must be mounted to the block prior to deck surfacing. When mounted to the block with
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Motown II LS Build
Part 1
Fastener Sizes Top valley plate to block............................ 1/4-20 x 7/8” socket head cap screws (qty 4) Top valley plate cover bolts to plate................................... 1/4-20 x 1/2” 12-point (qty 17) Primary cylinder head studs......................................................................................... 7/16 Inboard pinch studs for head......................................................5/16-18 / 5/16-20 (qty 10) Main cap studs............................................................................7/16-14 / 7/16-20 (qty 10) Oil pump to block stud............................................................................. 7/16-14 / 7/16-20 Intake manifold bolts........................................................................................... 6mm x 1.0 Oil pan bolts........................................................................................... 1/4-20 and 5/16-18 Cam gear to cam bolts.............................................................................................5/16-18 Timing cover base to block at upper outboard corners.......... 1/4-20 x 5/8” SHCS (qty 4) Timing cover upper section.............................................. 1/4-20 x 1-1/4” flat-tops (qty 4)
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Timing cover lower section..............................................1/4-20 x 1-1/12” flat tops (qty 4) Timing cover bottom............................................................. 1/4-20 x 5/8” flat tops (qty 2) Water pump to block..........................3/8-16 x 1-1/4” SHCS (qty 4) (shortened to 1.150”)
four 1/4-20 SHCS, each side of the plate protruded approximately 0.030 inches above initial deck height, so having this plate in place allows both the decks and the deck surfaces of the plates to be milled at the same time to achieve equal height and a parallel valley plate surface to the decks. The block decks and the right and left faces of the valley plate were milled simultaneously, so that the valley plate angled sides are flush, meeting the block decks in a flat plane. Since the aluminum valley plate base is mounted to the block with four 1/4-20x5/8-inch socket head cap screws, there’s a slight bit of “wiggle” room to accommodate when locating the plate. However, since the plate’s angled sides (which provide an upper continuation of the deck to allow mounting LS heads) were machined while mounted to the block during decking, locating the plate is simply a matter of laying a precision straightedge across each block deck and plate sides during locating and screw-tightening to obtain a perfectly in-plane relationship of the block’s decks. HONING Luckily, we had no need to bore the cylinder bores, since the initial diameter was measured at 4.119 inches, requiring only honing to finish the bores to size. Once the decks were milled, the block was moved to Gressman’s honing station. With a deck plate
The block was checked and final-machined on Gressman Power-sports’ CNC machining center. This verified that cylinder bore and lifter bore centers were accurately located. Final decking achieved equalheight decks that are accurately parallel to the main bore centerline. Cylinder bore top edges were also chamfered on the CNC machine.
torqued in place (along with a pre-squeezed head gasket) we used our ARP head studs, washers and nuts. Our JE asymmetric piston skirts measured at 4.120 inches. The cylinders were honed to size starting with 200-grit stones, followed by four strokes with 500-grit stones, and finalized with three strokes using plateau brushes. Gressman finalized cylinder bore diameter at 4.1240 inches, providing 0.004-inch piston-to-wall clearance for our JE asymmetric pistons. Our World Products block was ordered with bronze lifter bore bushings intended for 0.904-inch lifters. These liners must be finish-sized for the intended lifters. The already-bushed lifter bores were initially measured at approximately 0.900 inches. Gressman sized the lifter bores to 0.9045 inches, providing the required 0.0015-inch oil clearance for our high-precision 0.903inch Morel hydraulic roller lifters. PAINTING THE BLOCK Once the block was thoroughly washed, rinsed and dried (and after lightly coating the cylinder walls, decks and main saddles with a light oil), I applied a thin coat of SEM self-etching primer to the block exterior surfaces. This prevents surface rust from forming and provides a bit of a “bite” for the high-build urethane primer. Once all threaded holes on the block front and sides were sealed with appropriate-size bolts, the timing chain area, fuel pump boss and lifter valley were masked off. To mask off the two 1-1/4-inch NPT coolant holes in the block sides, I temporarily installed a pair of 1-1/4-inch NPT plugs. Instead of masking the decks, I temporarily
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Our Finalized Specs to Date: Crank main journals 2.4483” Main bearing oil clearance 0.0026” Crank rod journals 2.100” Rod bearing oil clearance .0.0025” Rod side clearance 0.017-0.018” Rod bolt stretch 0.0040” Deck height 9.235” Cylinder bore diameter 4.1240” Piston to wall clearance 0.004” Lifter bore bushing ID 0.9045” Lifter bore oil clearance 0.0015” Crank end play 0.006” Top ring gap 0.019” Second ring gap 0.020”
installed a pair of spare LS heads to serve as deck masking. Six 1-5/8-inch brass expansion plugs were installed (two on each side and two at the front). The rear plugs would be installed during short block assembly. A coat of heavy-build filler-primer was then applied to the block exterior. After allowing the primer to cure for several hours, I misted the block with black trim paint. During primer sanding, this reveals
any low spots (serving as a witness coat). I began sanding the block exterior primer with 180-grit paper, followed by a final coat of primer. This last coat was then sanded with 320-grit. A thin coat of sealer was then applied to fill any tiny sanding scratches. The block was de-masked and again washed in a solution of hot water and Dawn dishwashing liquid. After rinsing and drying, the block was re-masked and coated with Chevy Orange-Red using Duplicolor DE1607 engine enamel. In past builds, I’ve applied a basecoat/clearcoat system to obtain a very high gloss level. With this block, I preferred a finish that provided a slightly lower level of gloss. SEALING THE LIFTER VALLEY In order to seal the cast iron surface and to promote oil drain-back, I applied Glyptal high-heat enamel to the lifter valley and to the timing chain well area at the front of the block. This really isn’t necessary, but it aids somewhat in terms of a slightly quicker oil drain-back from the valley.
The alternative was to spend hours grinding and polishing the surfaces. I’ve used Glyptal successfully in previous builds, with no flaking or contamination issues. Before applying Glyptal, the surface must be absolutely clean and dry. NEXT TIME... In the next part of this build series, we’ll discuss how the cam bearings, camshaft, crank and rods, rings, timing and the oil pump go together.
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.
PRECISION ENGINE
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Every MAHLE Motorsport piston is backed by 95+ years of racing heritage and technology innovation. We employ the most advanced piston design and machining processes being used today, many of which are performed on machinery MAHLE manufactures themselves specifically for piston production. MAHLE's light-weight, low-drag, ultra-strong slipper skirt forging designs truly outperform the competition. Features include profiled pin bores, advanced dual and triple ovality skirt profiles and tighter tolerances with unmatched consistency. All MAHLE Motorsport pistons include application specific surface treatments, like the proprietary Grafal® anti-friction skirt coating or the GoldSeries skirt coating. The coatings allow forged pistons to be run in aluminum bore blocks without the need for sleeves, and anodized top ring grooves to eliminate micro welding. These are just a few of the reasons why top professional race teams use MAHLE Motorsports pistons. Rely on the technology leader MAHLE Motorsports, to give you the winning advantage. www.mahlemotorsports.com 1-888-255-1942
JANUARY 2017
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A roller bearing thrust button installs to the center hole of the cam gear, filling the space between the cam nose and timing cover. Shims are available to be placed between the button and cam in order to adjust endplay. Shown here are three shims in thicknesses of 0.005, 0.010 and 0.020 inches.
A Tight Fit Setting roller cam thrust: checking endplay is critical. By Mike Mavrigian
F
lat-tappet camshaft lobes feature a tiny bit of taper (to the tune of about 0.0025-0.005 inches) in order to force the flat-tappet lifters to rotate during operation. The slight lobe face taper also helps to pull the camshaft rearward. A roller camshaft’s lobe surfaces are level and do not feature tapered lobes, requiring that the cam is prevented from excess “walk” and must be maintained with a very limited amount of fore/aft endplay. If a roller cam features excessive endplay movement, this can easily result in the lifters crashing into the edges of the cam lobes, which can quickly result in catastrophic damage. BUTTON INSTALLATION While some engines feature a front camshaft retaining plate that prevents the cam from walking too far forward, other designs (such as retrofitting a roller cam to a block that was not originally designed for a roller 10
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cam) require the use of a cam “button” that takes up the space between the rear surface of the timing cover and the cam gear. A roller bearing thrust button also reduces wear at the front of the block as opposed to using a wear plate between the cam gear and block. Ideally a roller cam should not be able to walk by more than 0.010 inches. Cam buttons are available in two basic forms: a nylon button (that can be carefully ground/sanded to adjust its length) or a steel roller bearing cam button, which features small shims to allow altering bearing length. Spacer shims are also available for placement between the thrust button and the cam. Note that roller bearing thrust buttons are also available in three different lengths, depending on the application. Considering differences in button length and the availability of spacer shims, it’s relatively easy to obtain proper roller cam endplay. The
job simply requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. Since a thrust button creates a contact with the back of the timing cover, we need to make sure that the timing cover won’t flex with applied pressure. A stock stamped-steel timing cover can easily flex, allowing excessive cam walk. A better choice is a stiff aluminum timing cover. In the example featured in this article, we’re using a three-piece cast aluminum cover P/N 310 from COMP Cams in a small-block Chevy application. Another example is Cloyes’ two-piece timing cover that features a built-in roller thrust bearing (with the bearing secured to the cover instead of to the cam gear). Here’s the sequence: • Install the camshaft into the block (with fresh bearings in place). • Install the camshaft gear to the cam, but do not install the timing chain at this point. Measuring camshaft endplay should always be done without the timing chain in order to ease cam fore/ aft movement and for obtaining precise thrust clearance during the check. • Install the thrust button into the center hole of the cam gear (the larger-diameter end of the button inserts into the cam gear hole). The roller thrust button included in our timing cover kit #310 measures 0.676 inches in length.
Roller bearing thrust buttons are available in several overall lengths depending on the application. In this example, we’re using the thrust button that was included in our timing cover kit. During endplay measurements, install the bearing without lube. Prior to final installation, lube both front and rear button faces.
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Insert a 0.010-inch shim to begin the adjustment check.
The larger-diameter end of the roller bearing thrust button fits snugly into the cam gear center hole. Make sure that the cam sprocket is fully engaged to the camshaft nose.
Be sure to first install the baseplate-to-block gasket. The COMP three-piece timing cover set includes a milled baseplate that secures to the block and registers to the two lower dowel pins on the lower block face. In this example, we’re using a Cloyes cam and crank sprockets. Check cam endplay prior to installing the timing chain to more easily obtain an accurate endplay reading.
TIMING COVER NOTES Mounting the COMP three-piece timing cover involves installing the mounting ring to the block (with gasket in place) with two 1/4-20 x 5/8 socket-head cap screws. The lower section of the cover secures through the ring to the block with four 1/4-20 x 1-1/2-inch flattop screws. The very bottom of the lower cover secures to the ring with two 1/4-20 x 5/8-inch flattop screws. The upper cover section secures with four 1/4-20 x 1-1/4-inch flattop screws. Carefully insert a clean, long, flat-blade screwdriver through a lifter bore, engaging the rear of a cam lobe (be careful not to scratch or damage the lobe), and push the camshaft forward until it dead-stops. With a dial indicator plunger inserted into the timing cover’s inspection hole, make sure that the indicator plunger contacts the front of the cam gear and adjust the indicator to obtain about a 0.050-inch preload (push the indicator deeper against the cam gear before locking it in place).
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A retainer plate secures the thrust button in place. Due to the diameter of the exposed section of the button, small-diameter-head screws are needed for clearance. After endplay has been adjusted, and the cam gear and timing chain are finalinstalled, apply thread locker to the cam gear screws and torque to specification (in the case of a small-block Chevy application, about 20-22 foot-pounds. Always refer to the torque specs for the specific application).
• Install a retaining plate to the cam gear. This will secure the thrust button in place. Because of the diameter of the exposed end of the thrust button, cam gear bolts with a very small head diameter are needed to clear the thrust button. Our COMP timing cover kit included three 1/4-20 x 0.850-inch screws that feature Torx drive heads with a head diameter of 0.464 inches. JANUARY 2017
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A Tight Fit
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The lower cover secures to the block through the baseplate with four flattop screws. The bottom of the lower cover secures to the baseplate with short flattop screws.
Rotate the indicator gauge bezel to align the zero mark with the gauge needle. Next, place your screwdriver against the front of a cam lobe and push the cam fully rearward. Note the amount of movement on your indicator gauge. With the cam positioned fully rearward, zero the gauge again and then push the cam fully forward, noting the travel on the gauge. Repeat this several times to verify that your measurement checks are consistent. The amount of travel from fully rearward to fully forward reveal the amount of camshaft thrust clearance/endplay. Note: prior to each check, verify that all timing cover bolts are fully tightened to spec to eliminate the potential variable of your endplay measurements in case the timing cover has moved. ADJUSTING NOTES During the adjustment process, doublecheck lifter-to-cam-lobe centering, verifying that each lifter is centered to its lobe and won’t rub against the adjacent lobe. This is especially critical if you’re dealing with a block that features larger-diameter lifter bores to accommodate larger lifters. If you’ve moved up to a larger-than-stockdiameter lifter, this minimizes lifter-to-adjacent-lobe clearance (for example, moving from 0.842-inch lifters to 0.904-inch lifters). In the small-block Chevy application example shown here, I ended up with one
A convenient inspection hole (later plugged with a 1/8-inch NPT plug) allows the use of a dial indicator to contact the cam gear face.
0.020-inch shim and three 0.010-inch shims between the thrust button and the cam, to obtain cam endplay at 0.006 inches. Engines that were originally designed for use with a roller cam may feature a front camshaft retaining plate, which bolts to the block and prevents forward cam walk. This requires a cam that features a stepped nose to engage the bore in the retaining plate. The generally acceptable range of camshaft endplay for a roller cam is 0.005 to 0.010 inches. Note: When moving the cam fore and aft, don’t use extreme force, which can slightly deflect the timing cover and can provide an inaccurate dial indicator reading. The cam simply should float between the fore and aft endplay movement. If endplay is excessive, one method of adjustment involves adding spacer shims between the roller bearing thrust button and the cam sprocket’s center hole. Spacer shims are commonly available in thicknesses of 0.005, 0.010 and 0.020 inches (our COMP cover kit included one of each of these shims). If additional shims are required, these may be obtained from an industrial supplier. The O.D. of the shims should be 0.869 inches. To install a shim: • Remove the timing cover. • Remove the thrust button. Insert a long flat-blade screwdriver that features a smooth, rounded shank into a lifter bore, with the screwdriver tip against the front face of a cam lobe peak, nudging the cam rearward. Avoid applying excessive force. Avoid using a screwdriver that has a hex shank, as this can gouge the lifter bore.
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With the thrust button installed, the upper cover is installed with four flattop screws. Note: The stiff aluminum cover prevents unwanted flex when the thrust button contacts the rear of the upper cover. A stock sheet metal timing cover should be avoided as it may flex, allowing the cam to walk further than desired. Also note: Prior to each successive endplay inspection, verify that all timing cover screws are tight.
• Insert a shim (or multiple shims, as needed). • Reinstall the thrust button and the timing cover. • Repeat the endplay check with your dial indicator. • Repeat as needed until you achieve an acceptable amount of endplay. • Once endplay has been adjusted, remove the timing cover. • Without disturbing the camshaft fore/ aft position, verify cam-gear-to-crankgear-face alignment. Place a short straightedge across the face of the two gears and check for misalignment using a feeler gauge between the straightedge and the gears. The gear faces should align, with a maximum out-of-alignment of no more than 0.005 inches. If the crank gear face protrudes forward beyond the face of the cam gear, it’s possible that the crank gear has not been pressed onto the crank snout fully. If the cam gear is placed too far rearward relative to the crank gear, during engine operation, this will cause the cam to be pulled forward. Spacer shims are available to adjust gear misalignment (a shim placed between the cam and cam gear to move the cam gear forward; or specialty shims designed to move the crank gear farther forward).
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When setting up the dial indicator, place a slight preload to the gauge to ensure constant engagement during the check. Also, be careful to place the indicator probe in the center of the inspection hole. If the plunger rubs against a side of the hole, the indicator won’t move freely. In this example, we measure an acceptable final cam endplay of 0.006 inches.
In the example shown here, after cam endplay was adjusted, our gear-to-gear alignment was 0.004 inches (with the crank gear 0.004 inches behind the cam gear). This is within spec and considering the fore-aft clearance of the timing chain engagement to the gears, this won’t be an issue. ASSEMBLY NOTES Once gear-to-gear face alignment is verified, remove the thrust button retaining plate and remove the thrust button and the shims (placing the button and shims in a safe place to keep the appropriate shims together). Remove the cam gear. Apply a smear of lube on the rear face of the cam gear-toblock area. Install the cam gear and timing chain, aligning the timing marks between
the crank and cam gears. Reinstall the appropriate shim(s) in the cam gear center hole. It’s not necessary, but not a bad idea to soak the thrust button bearing assembly in oil to ensure initial lubrication. In addition, apply assembly lube to the front and rear faces of the thrust button and install the thrust button. Then, install the thrust button’s retaining plate, apply a medium-strength thread locker (such as Loctite 242) to the cam bolt threads and install the cam gear bolts, torqueing to specification (usually around 22 footpounds, but check your specific specs). Note: As mentioned earlier, the thrust button’s retaining plate will require smalldiameter bolt heads in order to obtain clearance between the bolt heads and the
thrust button. A timing cover kit, such as the COMP Cams #310 shown here, includes a thrust button, button retaining plate and the required small-head screws. Once cam endplay has been adjusted and gear alignment verified, final-install the timing cover, making sure to fully tighten to the torque spec previously used during endplay checks. The three-piece timing cover shown here requires a paper gasket between the timing cover baseplate and block, and a thin film of RTV to seal both the lower and upper cover plates.
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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.
PRECISION ENGINE
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ENGINE PRODUCTS Turbochargers
BorgWarner, Arden, North Carolina, presents its AirWerks series SX-E turbocharger line, including 5001,200 and 650-1,575 horsepower ranges. Features include: twin hydrodynamic journal bearings, extended tip technology compressor wheel, twin-scroll turbine housing, adjustable compressor and turbine housing orientation, standard turbine inlet and outlet connections, and compressor cover recirculation grooves.
PRECISION ENGINE
Ford Diesel Oil Pan
Canton Racing Products, North Branford, Connecticut, offers a stock replacement Aluminum Oil Pan for 1995-2003 Ford 7.3-liter diesel truck applications. Designed to replace their rust-prone OEM counterparts, the new pans are constructed from 0.125 aluminum and fit stock dimensions, the stock pickup and stock dipstick. The pans retain stock capacity and include billet machined seals.
Intercooler Sprayer Kit
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), Avon Lake, Ohio, offers its CryO2 Intercooler Sprayer Kit that harnesses the super-cooling cryogenic properties of CO2 to dramatically lower intake charge temperatures for more horsepower in any vehicle including diesels. A non-invasive system, it enhances the thermal transfer ability of the intercooler to lower air temperatures by as much as 35 percent and as low as 50 degrees. For turbo or supercharged systems, the sprayer mounts directly to the front of the intercooler and vents CO2 directly onto the cooling fins.
Throttle Body Injection Kits
Howell EFI, Marine City, Michigan, offers its Throttle Body Injection Kits for 240- to 460-ci applications. TBI kits are available for any configuration when converting a V-6 or V-8 engine from carburetor to throttle body fuel injection. The kits feature a remanufactured GM throttle body appropriate for the engine size, and operate engines with or without ECM-controlled ignition. Sensors, components, wiring harnesses, ECM and fuel pump are included, as well as custom calibration PROM, and an ECM that installs under the dash.
Polymer Coating Technology
King Engine Bearings, Cedar Grove, New Jersey, introduces Engine Bearings featuring the company’s new coating technology. The polymer coating plays an important role in preventing seizure and reducing wear of highly loaded bearings, particularly in performance and racing applications. Showcased at the SEMA Show, the new coating technology allows for a more uniform and effective distribution of performance additives within the polymer coating matrix.
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Jeep 4.0-Liter Gasket Sets
MAHLE Aftermarket, Farmington Hills, Michigan, offers its MAHLE Original Head Gasket Sets for 1999-2006 Jeep 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder engines. The sets feature OE-quality multilayer steel (MLS) construction for both the head gasket and the intake/exhaust manifold gaskets. They include 46 pieces, and the head gasket utilizes 301 full hard stainless steel with an embossment on each layer at critical areas for maximum sealing. The spring steel layers provide tension when compressed, keeping the joint tight and preventing the seal from being blown out.
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12/2/16 10:44 AM
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ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER
PAGE #
RESTYLING PRODUCTS
PAGE #
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PAGE #
3M Commercial Solutions.................................... 27
3M Commercial Solutions.................................... 30
SpeedDirect......................................................... 58
Access................................................................. 43
BedRug................................................................ 32
SpeedFX.............................................................. 56
Advent Products................................................... 45
Bestop................................................................. 32
TI Automtoive....................................................... 58
ATECH Motorsports.............................................. BC
Bushwacker......................................................... 31
Wilwood Engineering............................................ 57
Boom Mat............................................................ 59
Dotco Tools.......................................................... 31
CTECH.................................................................. 23
Go Industries....................................................... 32
EGR Inc............................................................... 16B
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PAGE #
Husky Liners........................................................ 33
Canton Racing Products.......................................
PE 8
Energy Suspension.............................................. 53
Ranch Hand......................................................... 30
Engine & Performance Warehouse........................
PE 2
HooVer Products.................................................. 63
Rigid Industries.................................................... 33
Fluidampr-Vibratech Inc.......................................
PE 11
Hypertech Inc...................................................... 11
Rugged Ridge....................................................... 30
Wiseco Performance Products..............................
PE 13
Keystone Automotive............................................ 35
Super Bright LEDs................................................ 31
Mahle Motorsports Inc.........................................
PE 9
Lincoln Electric Cutting Systems........................... 51
VAIS Technology................................................... 33
PROFORM............................................................
PE 7
SPAL USA............................................................
PE 6
Superflow Corporation..........................................
PE 5
ENGINE PRODUCTS
PAGE #
Meyer Distributing................................................ 5 Motor State Distributing....................................... 3
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PAGE #
Motovicity Distribution.......................................... IFC
Aeromotive Inc..................................................... 56
National Performance Warehouse......................... 48B
Auto Metal Direct (AMD)...................................... 59
Nickels Performance............................................ 1
C&R Racing......................................................... 57
BorgWarner..........................................................
PE 14
Packard Industries - Kanter Auto Products............ 55
Drake Muscle Cars............................................... 58
Canton Racing Products.......................................
PE 14
Performance Warehouse Association.................... 57
ECUMaster USA................................................... 58
Design Engineering Inc.........................................
PE 14
Philips Automotive Lighting................................... 31
Fidanza Performance........................................... 56
Howell EFI............................................................
PE 14
Ranch Hand Truck Accessories............................. 21
MagnaFlow.......................................................... 59
King Engine Bearings...........................................
PE 14
Road Armor.......................................................... 32-33
MAHA USA........................................................... 56
MAHLE Aftermarket..............................................
PE 14
Speedtech Performance....................................... 54
Mishimoto............................................................ 57
TrailFX.................................................................. 19
Nitrous Express.................................................... 58
Transfer Flow Inc.................................................. 29
Performnace Automatic........................................ 58
Trim-Lok Inc......................................................... 36
PML..................................................................... 59
Turn 14 Distribution............................................. IBC
Race Ramps........................................................ 56
Westin Automotive Products Inc............................ 37
Rancho................................................................ 56
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.
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Drivers Experience Porsche in LA
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I
f you’ve ever wondered about the extent some luxury brands will go to provide full service to their customers, it’s time to head west. Porsche Cars North America has opened its second U.S. Porsche Experience Center (PEC LA). The new, $60 million facility will serve as the company’s premier West Coast destination for the public, including automotive enthusiasts and Porsche customers, according to the company. Located on the 405 Freeway in Carson, California, the 53-acre complex is also the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America. PEC LA features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a changing race car exhibit and a fine-dining restaurant. “This is a significant milestone for Porsche, as we further expand our presence in the United States,” said Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG. “Our decision to open a second Experience Center in North America underscores our commitment to the largest sports car market worldwide.” Guests and corporate groups visiting the new facility can hone their driving skills on courses built to demonstrate the power, responsiveness and safety of Porsche sports cars, he explained. The company opened its first $100 million Experience Center and North American headquarters in May, 2015 in Atlanta. Visitors to PEC LA can participate in instructor-led, 90-minute experiences on the driver development track in Porsche sports cars. The eight training modules include two handling circuits, an ice hill, an off-road course, a dynamics area, a launch control and acceleration straight, as well as a low-friction handling circuit, low-friction circle, and hydraulic kick-plate. Guests can also reserve meeting space, view historic Porsche race cars or dine at Restaurant 917. The state-of-the-art business center features 6,000 square feet of main event space. 66
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Visitors to PEC LA can participate in instructor-led, 90-minute experiences on the driver development track in Porsche sports cars.
The Porsche hybrid family at the Porsche Experience Center.
The new complex is also home to Porsche Motorsport North America, the only authorized sales, parts, and service provider in the United States and Canada for all purpose-built Porsche race cars, the company stated. PMNA provides engine and transmission servicing, onsite race support at multiple international racing series, and certain restoration services. A glass wall inside the atrium of the new Porsche Experience Center provides visitors with a view into the Porsche Motorsport North America workshop, where historic race cars are repaired, track
vehicles are maintained, and race cars from owners and collectors are exhibited. The Atlanta Porsche Experience Center hosted 36,000 visitors in its first year of business. With facilities on each coast, the U.S. is the only country with two Experience Centers, representing the largest investments for Porsche outside Germany, according to the company.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared on THE SHOP’s website and in our daily eNewsletter. Learn more at theshopmag.com.
JANUARY 2017
12/2/16 10:34 AM
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