The Shop March 17

THE SHOP

MARCH 2017

OFF-ROAD WHEELS & TIRES • FUEL PUMPS • BODY STYLING

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CONTENTS // March 2017 // Volume 19 Number 10

FEATURES \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 8 ALL THE RIGHT PARTNERS

The Clarion Builds 1991 Acura project combines legendary lines with the newest technologies.

By Michael Farino

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BODY STYLING

The right wheels & tires won’t stop when the pavement ends.

Kits and spoilers make a strong statement.

Items with plenty of pull.

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NEW SHELBYS FIND THEIR NICHE

FULL THROTTLE Fuel pump sales go with the flow.

By John Carollo

By Tom Morr

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The latest power and control upgrades.

ROLLING OFF-ROAD

TOWING & HAULING PRODUCTS

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

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By Anthony Bowe

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By John F. Katz

A monthly update of online news.

Superformance builds modern vehicles using 1960s designs.

RESTYLING

36 DENIZENS OF THE ROCKS Ricky Artes embraces the offroad culture at JeepersDen.

By Eddie Wieber

28 SPOILED—WITH A FLARE

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While down from their heyday of a few years ago, body styling products still have their place.

The latest truck, car and SUV parts that add style and utility.

By Josh Poulson

RESTYLING PRODUCTS

WORLD OF SPEED Creating an auto-centric museum in Portland.

By Tony Thacker

PAG E

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See our Aeromotive product selection in our March/April Sale Flyer!

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CONTENTS // March 2017 // Volume 19 Number 10

PA G E

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FEATURES \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ DEPARTMENTS \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

ONE MORE THING.............................................80 Finding the Right Tires Through AI.

COMING NEXT MONTH

MARCH 2017

SHOP SIGN 101

By JoAnn Bortles

That’s a big up-and-coming thing—the freedom of being in your vehicle and being able to travel and stay in remote places.

That’s big-time business right now.

Ricky Artes President, JeepersDen On shops outfitting 4x4s for off-road excursions.

See story on page 36

OFF-ROAD WHEELS & TIRES • FUEL PUMPS • BODY STYLING

Tips on the art of directing people to your business.

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Alphabetical listing of this month’s advertisers.

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Get Creative.

AD INDEX.........................................................79

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• Truck Caps & Tonneaus • Tint & PPF • Diesel Performance • Precision Engine supplement

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ON THE COVER

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Off the road and rolling: When the pavement ends, stylin’ with some rugged shoes and wheels helps keep the shiny side up. See story on page 17.

(Photo courtesy American Force Wheels)

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’ve written before about the incredible artistry found in the specialty automotive aftermarket, from the perfect tone of a finely tuned engine to the master’s touches inside and out of an award-winning custom.

Hand-in-hand with the automotive artistry your shop displays every day is the creativity needed to see something where others can’t. While one definition of Jef White artistry is creating something that’s more than the sum Executive Editor of its parts, creativity is more about using what’s at hand www.TheShopMag.com in an unexpected way.

Creativity can be mixed in to big projects, like the World of Speed auto-centric museum in Portland. Starting with the usual components including star-studded vehicles, the design team then got creative with exhibits, such as a Wall of Sound that explores the relationship between cars and music, and the use of furnishings like real Eames chairs that feature automotive materials and components in their construction.

“The member’s lounge looks like it’s right out of an episode of Mad Men,” says Tony Thacker, who served as executive director and part of the WoS development group. That contemporary connection can make visitors feel like they’re experiencing something special.

Creativity can be part of small projects as well—and not just for your customers. For instance, JoAnn Bortles took a random piece of 12-gauge steel, got out the plasma cutter and some straight edges and got creative building herself a unique, eye-catching shop sign.

“Not bad. I think I’ll keep the ground metal as the base and do a purple-to-green candy fade on it,” she says after seeing the finished product. Maybe some ghost spray gun images!”

In fact, creativity can be applied to more than just the products you offer. It can also be used to drive new services.

Ricky Artes, president of JeepersDen in Orlando, enjoys going on off-road excursions to remote places. Come to find out, his customers also enjoy going on off-road excursions to remote places. Artes got creative and began offering overlanding experiences to fellow Jeepers.

“That’s a big up-and-coming thing—the freedom of being in your vehicle and being able to travel and stay in remote places. That’s big-time business right now,” he notes, anticipating a July trek to Colorado for a ghost town tour. “No hotels, no main roads, all dirt roads... it’s gonna be pretty badass.”

A common theme in all of these quotes about moments of creativity is enthusiasm.

Successful creativity automatically produces excitement—excitement that keeps you moving toward that next goal, and excitement your customers can see and feel as well.

So, take a look around at your business and ponder some unexpected uses for the resources at hand. It’s time to get creative.

PUBLISHER REGAN DICKINSON rdickinson@nbm.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MICHAEL MURRAY mmurray@nbm.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR JEF WHITE jwhite@nbm.com MANAGING EDITOR EDDIE WIEBER ewieber@nbm.com DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR ANTHONY BOWE abowe@nbm.com ART DIRECTOR IVETH GOMEZ igomez@nbm.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA CRANSTON linda@nbm.com EASTERN TERRITORY SALES MANAGER MICHAEL MURRAY mmurray@nbm.com WESTERN TERRITORY SALES MANAGER RYAN WOLFE rwolfe@nbm.com SALES SUPPORT KRISTINA STEINER ksteiner@nbm.com TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTOR MIKE MAVRIGIAN birchwdag@frontier.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOANN BORTLES, JOHN CAROLLO, MICHAEL FARINO, JOHN F. KATZ, TOM MORR, JOSH POULSON, 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 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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The second vehicle in the Clarion Builds resto-mod program was a 1991 Acura NSX that now checks in at 400-plus hp with plenty of modernday upgrades inside and out.

ALL THE RIGHT PARTNERS The Clarion Builds 1991 Acura project combines legendary lines with the newest technologies.

By Michael Farino

E

very vehicle has a story to tell.

Clarion Builds started as a creative marketing campaign for car audio and electronic systems maker Clarion. The program provides in-depth documentation of the journey a car makes through various shops during a complete restoration—with a twist of modern upgrades added to the mix.

It’s the brainchild of Clarion VP of marketing and automotive enthusiast Allen Gharapetian and was created to pay homage to the classic lines and iconic style of legendary vehicles in automotive history by completely restoring them to factoryfresh condition and then significantly upgrading them with modern technology.

Taking an iconic classic car from rust bucket to show winner involves a lot of people who have a collective love for automotive history and a desire to make what is already great into something excellent.

With the successful completion of its jaw-dropping 1974 BMW 2002 restomod in 2015, Clarion knew it was on to something big and wanted to continue

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the program with an epic second build.

The company set its sights on something a little unordinary—something different that would surely capture the attention of every millennial that had posters of this ’90s supercar on their wall as a kid—and picked up a well-used example of Acura’s legendary NSX. But this NSX had 230,000 miles on the odometer. It had 25-year-old technology everywhere you looked. So, it became clear that to properly restore this NSX and then pull off a wild transformation unlike anything seen before would take a world-class team.

TRIED & TIRED, BUT NO JUNKER Clarion’s 1991 Acura NSX was by no means a junker when it was first brought in. It was actually still a good-looking example—on the outside. And rightfully so, as its previous owner was an NSX enthusiast with a long history of owning many different versions who kept the car clean and out of harm’s way.

However, being a true enthusiast, the previous owner wasn’t afraid to drive the

car, and racked up plenty of miles during his ownership. The car’s engine was tired, running about 40-hp short of what it had when new, plus the suspension was waning and the interior was in dire straits.

Immediately, Clarion got to work on a game plan that would involve a cosmetic makeover, major engine and drivetrain upgrades, suspension and brakes upgrades, interior overhaul and several 21st-century technology updates.

For each specific part of the build, Clarion looked to industry experts and shops that could be relied upon to deliver quality work. The first part of the project was finding a builder familiar with the NSX. For this, Clarion commissioned the help of AutoWave, a well-known Honda/ Acura specialty shop in Huntington Beach, California, that has seen the better part of 1,000 NSXs in its shop for varying levels of maintenance, repair and major upgrades.

The first thing AutoWave did was completely assess the car and its numerous components in order to get a feel for the kind

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ALL THE RIGHT PARTNERS

The numbers were impressive on AutoWave’s dyno after the build.

Out with the old...

of wear and abuse it may have encountered along its 25-year journey to its Clarion Builds makeover.

...in with the new—a 3.2 liter DOHC VTEC V-6.

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HORSEPOWER TO THE GROUND Having determined the car’s engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and other components to be fairly tired and in need of refreshment, Clarion decided to replace them with modern parts. More than willing to take on the challenge, AutoWave was able to source a low-mileage 3.2-liter DOHC VTEC V-6 and 6-speed transmission from a 2004 NSX donor car that it had out back.

However, a simple engine and transmission swap wasn’t wild enough in terms of total horsepower and performance gained,

so a CT Engineering supercharger pushing 8 pounds of boost was bolted to the motor, as well as a larger set of fuel injectors, a bevy of electronic sensors and a new Infinity ECU from Clarion Builds partner AEM Performance Electronics that enabled the car to run on any combination of 91-octane pump gas and E85—pushing the total horsepower to 460 at the crankshaft.

AutoWave spent many hours tuning the car from the 200 hp it had when it came in to more than 400 hp out the door.

Of course, getting this horsepower to the ground was another concern, and for that, Clarion turned to build partner KW for its Variant 3 coilover systems. Installed

by AutoWave, the KW suspension system dramatically improved the car’s overall cornering capabilities, putting it on par with today’s high-performance supercars.

To help maintain the added grip, Michelin supplied a set of Sport Cup 2 tires for track duty and a set of Pilot Super Sports for general daily driving. To round out the drivability of the car, StopTech supplied Clarion with its Big Brake Kit at all four corners.

With the engine in the car, Clarion Builds partner AEM Inductions created a special one-off, 3D-printed cold air induction system and very special stainless steel exhaust system that offers an engine note unlike any other NSX on the road.

AGGRESSIVELY STYLED EXTERIOR Shifting attention to the body, as mentioned earlier, the car was in pretty good shape to begin with, but that didn’t stop Clarion from exchanging the slightly sunwarped bumpers for new OEM replacements, and upgrading the hood, fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler and air diffusers

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ALL THE RIGHT PARTNERS Chris Forsberg takes the refurbished NSX for a test drive.

both front and back with more aggressively styled upgrades from Downforce.

However, fitting these new aftermarket parts to the car would be a challenge, even to seasoned paint and body professionals,

The dash and center console before.

so Clarion teamed up with Diamond Hills Collision in Diamond Bar, California, to get the paint and body done right.

No strangers to exotic supercars, Diamond Hills spent hours fitting the new body panels to the car to ensure perfect gaps throughout. Once all of the new panels were massaged for fitment, they were removed from the car and prepped for paint—leaving its sophisticated, allaluminum, monocoque chassis completely exposed for a while.

When choosing a paint color for the car, the original factory black was out of the question, as Clarion’s build team agreed

The interior was gutted, preparing for a high-tech upgrade that was a combined effort among LeatherSeats.com, Westminster Upholstery and Beach Autosound.

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that there are just too many black NSXs out there. So the team chose Blu Caelum, the same color option offered on the Lamborghini Huracán.

Diamond Hills Collision carefully and systematically painted the car and all of its parts, then reassembled it with care piece by piece.

HIGH-TECH CABIN With 230,000 miles of wear and tear, the interior was next on the list of projects to tackle. However, this is also where a great deal of the build got more technically advanced.

The interior wasn’t just a refresh of the leather, carpet, headliner, etc. It was also where the majority of the electronics upgrades were being installed. Refreshing the interior upholstery of the car was a combination effort between LeatherSeats.com and Westminster Upholstery in Anaheim, California.

The guys from LeatherSeats.com worked with Clarion to create a unique color scheme for the car’s now more technologically advanced cabin, and actually flew out to personally install the leather seat covers on the original NSX seat frames.

Ditching the dirty, worn-out ivory interior, the car now sports a classy, black-onterracotta-brown theme.

Westminster Upholstery reskinned the door panels with fresh leather, laid down a fresh custom black loop carpet kit, added

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Fabricating center console components.

black Alcantara headliner and trimmed the trunk to match the cabin’s fresh color combo.

The interior didn’t stop at just changing the color, however. The car was sent to Beach Autosound in Huntington Beach, California, to install some of Clarion’s latest electronics, as well as some Clarion Builds partner-supplied gear.

Inside the center console, the factory radio was pulled out in favor of a 2016 model Clarion NX706 touchscreen navigation system, and Clarion’s Full Digital Sound (FDS) audio processor, digital speakers, digital tweeters and digital subwoofer.

Beyond the audio system, Clarion also added four of its advanced exterior vehicle cameras to the front, back and both sides of the car, and tied all four to its SurroundEye video processor that provides drivers a full 360-degree view around the vehicle.

With a custom LCD panel mounted in a JDM NSX navigation pod on top of the center console, SurroundEye helps drivers avoid nasty bumps or potential hazards while driving. With radio and exterior cameras out of the way, Beach Autosound also installed an Escort 9500CI Platinum laser/radar detector and Viper SmartStart 4.0 alarm system.

SOMETHING TO BEHOLD From start to finish, the car took about nine months to build. However, without Clarion’s precision time management and hand-selected team of dedicated local specialist shops and industry partners willing to put in the hours, attention and parts needed to build the car right, it could have easily been a two-year build.

Needless to say, all teams involved had to endure some early mornings and late nights to complete various elements of the build on schedule, but in the end, the amount of time and hard work put into the car paid off in dividends, having churned out one of the nicest resto-mod NSXs in the world.

Overall, the Clarion Builds program has yielded two extremely exciting builds, and

Better stopping power in order to go faster.

it’s no surprise that word on the street says a third is just around the corner.

Visit them at www.clarionbuilds.com to watch their builds from start to finish.

Installing new leather seat covers on the original NSX seat frames.

Installing custom exhaust by AEM.

Custom high-tech interior, after.

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THESHOPMAG.COM

Arizona Car Week & Industry Movers Our monthly roundup of online news.

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

RIDETECH ‘48-HOUR C10’ CROSSES THE BLOCK Anthony Bowe is THE SHOP’s Digital Content Editor, overseeing content on the website (www. theshopmag.com) and in the daily eNewsletter. Send news tips or other inquiries to abowe@nbm.com.

The readers have spoken!

Since launching in August 2015, THE SHOP website has pushed nearly 2-million page views. We hope that means we’ve become a valuable news source for shop owners’ day-to-day fill of industry information.

Just as quality control is a key principle to ensuring your shop remains on top, we rely on our readers to help us improve. If there’s a news item we missed, or something great is happening at your shop, we’d like to share it in our eNewsletter and on our website. Send me an email any time at abowe@ nbm.com and let’s start a conversation!

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.

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Right on schedule, RideTech’s ambitious 1968 GMC C10 48-Hour Build was finished at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, Arizona mega-event in time to be auctioned. The 48-Hour Build saw a base truck transformed in front of live audiences at Barrett-Jackson’s new DIY Pavilion—the first build of its kind to take place at the auction.

The RideTech team on Sunday, Jan. 22, drove the truck onto a lift and installed the exhaust.

Once that was finished, the team from Adam’s Polishes made the build shine like a jewel. The build team then installed the trim pieces that were removed when prepping for the wrap and detailing, and for the first time could stand back to admire their work.

One lucky buyer also enjoyed the RideTech team’s work… to the tune of a successful $82,500 bid for the truck at auction.

The customized truck includes upgraded Forgeline wheels, BFG tires, Baer brakes, Fitech EFI, No Limit Engineering fuel tank, Currie crate rear end, Vintage air conditioning, Classic Instruments gauges, KICKER audio system, C&R radiator, American Autowire wiring and a new RideTech StreetGrip suspension. http://shopmag.biz/RideTech48

CAR SHOW CELEBRATES ‘FUTURE CLASSICS’ Call them the hot rods of tomorrow.

The Future Classics Car Show filled out the entirety of its rooftop location in Scottsdale, Arizona, with modern classics from around the country and brought together multiple generations of automotive enthusiasts for one big party that looks forward rather than back.

The second annual Future Classics Car Show presented by ClassicCars.com attracted more than 100 cars, ranging in years from 1975-2017, to the rooftop of the parking structure at the Scottsdale Quarter in celebration of vehicles that may not be honored elsewhere during Arizona’s Car Week.

A 1998 Toyota Supra owned by Alek Heit was awarded Best of Show and other class winners included a 1977 Datsun 280Z, a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am and a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

The show, set at the beginning of Arizona’s Car Week, offers an alternative to more traditional concours events that happen around the Scottsdale area. One of the most unique aspects of the Future Classics Car Show is the expert panel of judges, who are normally used to judging at events like Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, headed by Andy Reid, East Coast editor for ClassicCars.com.

“The turnout was incredible and the cars that showed up truly fit the theme of Future Classics.

We’re also incredibly excited at the diverse crowd that this event attracted,” said Roger Falcione, CEO

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THESHOPMAG.COM of ClassicCars.com. “This seems like the perfect gateway to help bring younger collectors and more traditional collectors together and help ensure the passing of the torch in this great hobby.”

As the show wound to a close, the vehicles circled down the parking structure’s ramps in something resembling a parade lap, and dispersed upon exiting the structure.

Winners at this year’s Future Classics Show included: • Best of Show—1998 Toyota Supra, Alek Heit • Featured Ford Class—2017 Shelby GT350R, Jonathan Fonggee • Instant Classic (2006-’17) Domestic—2016 Corvette Z06, Ryan Barstad

MOTOVICITY PROMOTES BRETT KINSFATHER TO VP OF SALES AND MARKETING Motovicity Distribution has promoted Brett Kinsfather to vice president of sales and marketing. Kins-father succeeds Brian Lounsberry, who was promoted to CEO of the company in December.

“Having recently served in this same role myself, I am particularly aware of what it requires,” Lounsberry said. “Since joining our team, Brett has established a strong track record of success, and I know he will do the same as our new VP of sales and marketing.”

Kinsfather has served as Motovicity’s sales and marketing manager since 2015, leading the warehouse distributor’s dayto-day sales and customer service activities while overseeing the company’s overall marketing efforts. He joined Motovicity’s management team in 2012 as marketing manager, where he directed the company’s rebranding efforts and created a series of B2B sweepstakes and promotional campaigns featuring many of the industry’s leading brands.

In his new role as vice president of sales and marketing, Kinsfather is responsible for leading Motovicity’s sales, customer service and marketing strategies. http://shopmag.biz/MotovicityKin

• 1995-2005 Domestic—2005 Pontiac GTO, Kyle Baker • 1975-’94 Domestic—1981 Trans Am, Mark Miller • Instant Classic (2006-’16) Euro— 2011 E82, Bally • 1995-2005 Euro—2001 VW Jetta custom truck, Chris Kingston • 1975-1994 Euro—1976 BMW 2002, Rav Sandin • Instant Classic (2006-2017) Import— 2014 Nissan GT-R, Nathan Ricci • 1975 – 1994 Import—1977 Datsun 280Z, Keith Ross • Diamond in the Rough—2005 Scion Xb, Chris Wilson http://shopmag.biz/FutureHotRod

MOMO & WELD RACING JOIN FORCES MOMO and WELD Racing have joined forces after WELD was acquired by Cisneros Corp.

MOMO USA, headquartered in Detroit, is a leader in European and road racing-focused products including road wheels, steering wheels and safety products reaching over 60 countries. Kansas City-based WELD is a dominant presence in the North American motorsports wheel market.

Both companies’ investments in technology and engineering provide customers with cutting-edge designs and measurable performance advantages, according to a release announcing the partnership.

Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD Racing, will continue to lead the company following the acquisition.

“We are thrilled with the partnership,” Young said. “Since its inception in 1964, MOMO has been an innovator in the performance industry, and a pioneer in the development and expansion of automotive accessories. The experience and resources that MOMO and Cisneros Corp. bring will be instrumental in continuing our global growth.”

The transaction, according to both companies, will not cause any disruptions to the operation of either the WELD or MOMO brands, and WELD will maintain its Midwestern manufacturing facility in Kansas City. http://shopmag.biz/MOMOWELD

BOB COOK SALES AGENT MARKS BIG ACHIEVEMENT Mike Katz of Bob Cook Sales has earned his Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) designation.

“Bob Cook Sales is in a very select group of aftermarket automotive rep firms that have three agents with their CPMR certification: Mike Katz, Eddie Hamilton, and Les Rudd,” according to a news release by the company.

CPMR graduates earn the right to use the distinctive designation and gain membership to MRERF’s Institute for Professional Advancement (IPA), according to Bob Cook Sales.

CPMR candidates invest one week annually for three years to gain knowledge and insight into operating a more progressive and efficient rep firm. http://shopmag.biz/Cookatz

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Americans spend a lot of money on outdoorsy vehicles that at least look ever-ready for off-road adventure.

(Photo courtesy Rolling Big Power)

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

The right wheels & tires won’t stop when the pavement ends.

F

or a people so often self-stereotyped as couch-bound and screenaddicted, we United States of Americans spend a lot of money on outdoorsy vehicles that at least look ever-ready for off-road adventure.

Look is indeed the key word here, as many of those high-riding, big-wheeled behemoths will never actually see so much as a gravel lane. And that’s fine, from our point of view, because their owners still buy plenty of rugged-looking parts and accessories—including custom wheels and tires, which are the focus of this article.

What’s important for us to understand is the difference between show and go; between strutting the boulevard on the rotating equivalent of Jimmy Choo heels, and actually driving way out past where the pavement ends.

Like every other subject we tackle, this one leads ultimately to a frank and honest conversation between yourself and your customer, regarding the latter’s realistic expectations for the use and performance of their vehicle. When the subject is wheels

By John F. Katz and tires for a custom truck, that conversation is as important as ever.

OUTFITTING FOR OFF-ROAD Slee Offroad of Golden, Colorado, stocks a full The right wheels and tires look good line of accessories for and give customers late-model Toyota fourthe versatility they need wheel drive vehicles. for a variety of driving conditions. (Photos courtesy Rolling Big Power)

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

“We have a showroom, a warehouse, a fabrication department, and an installation facility,” reports Ben Swain, sales manager, “but our specialty is outfitting late-model Land Cruisers for what we call overland or expedition use.”

And in that particular segment, Slee claims to be the largest in the country.

“Our typical customer wants a vehicle that performs in all functions, from daily commuting to off-road adventures on the weekend—not just to enjoy the vehicle, but to go hunting, camping, skiing, etc.”

Modifications begin with tires. A brandnew Land Cruiser lands in the showroom on a set of P-metric 285/60R18 skins, nominally mud-and-snow-rated but still engineered primarily for a smooth and quiet highway ride.

As Swain quickly points out, the P in P-metric stands for Passenger. “So, one of the first things we do is upgrade to an LT, for Light Truck, rated tire, which has more durable sidewalls, a higher load capacity, and deeper, more aggressive tread.”

But not too aggressive. Swain draws a distinction between all-terrain tires, which are engineered for a wide range of surfaces, and maximum-aggression mud tires, which are engineered specifically for, well, mud.

“Mud tires have much larger tread lugs, with larger gaps between them, so when the tire spins it self-cleans the mud from the grooves.”

But those same stiff, isolated lugs actually compromise traction on most other surfaces, particularly slick rocks, ice or packed snow.

All-terrain tires are useful in a variety of environments. (Photo courtesy Falken Tire)

“So, an all-terrain tire is going to be more useful for a broader range of conditions.”

Recently, Swain adds, “we’ve seen a lot of changes in the tire industry. The manufacturers are offering more tire models, including more tweener tires, so customers can find a tire that’s tailored to their particular needs.”

These include P-metric mud-and-snow tires that have a more aggressive tread pattern, i.e. more like that of an all-terrain tire; actual all-terrain tires with a softer rubber compound that’s better suited for winter conditions; and more-aggressivethan-usual all-terrain tires that perform better in mud with less compromise on other surfaces.

Some manufacturers While manufacare even offering allturers offer more

terrain tires with “a more aggressive sidewall design”—looking, frankly, more like dedicated mud tires, and giving customers “the style they want without the compromises inherent in a more aggressive tread pattern.”

TRACKING TIRES Toyo Tire U.S.A. of Cypress, California, offers “light truck tire patterns that span from rugged to refined,” says Todd Bergeson, senior manager for Product Planning and Technical Services.

choices, aftermarket wheel-and-tire upgrades are still limited by the amount of clearance to the fenders as well as steering and suspension components—and not just when the vehicle is parked.

A suitable wheel/ tire package for off-road use maximizes sidewall height without compromising the fit of the tire inside the wheel well, or the full movement of the suspension and/or the steering. (Photo courtesy Falken Tire)

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Allterrain tires are engineered for a wide range of surfaces.

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

“If you prefer a quiet, comfortable ride but need a tire that can tackle 4-plus-rated trails in Moab, then our Open Country A/T II is right for you.”

On the other hand, Toyo’s Open Country M/T features “large, tough, mud-clearing lugs and large sidewalls to protect the wheels from rocks,” while its Open Country R/T offers “something in between all-terrain and mud-terrain, with a quiet ride on-road and the rugged look of a mud tire.”

Toyo even makes the commercial-grade Open Country C/T for professional drivers who spend at least half of their driving time off-pavement.

Another notable example of the growing trend toward crossover tires is the new Repulsor Mud Terrain line from Rolling Big Power in Corona, California.

“Our Mud Terrain tire is directional, which is unusual,” says Andy Franko, national sales manager, “and that reduces rolling resistance for a smoother, quieter ride, while providing the grip to go through mud, dirt, or anything else that stands between you and your destination.”

Rolling Big Power is currently developing milder all-terrain and highway tires as well.

Swain also cites “a lot more size options for the same tire model, which makes it easier to find the proper fitment for each vehicle, with the right diameter but not too much width.”

Just as some tread patterns may prove too knobby for even serious off-roaders— depending on their particular needs—so, too, some tires may be just too big.

“Even though consumer style trends have influenced wheel design, you’re not going to mount a set of 22s on an off-road vehicle.” notes Ryan Osborne, product manager for FX Products, exclusively distributed through Keystone Automotive Operations. “It just isn’t practical. Rim diameters of 15 to 17 inches remain the standard for off-road use.”

“A low-profile tire will not flex and conform to its environment,” Swain explains.

“The more sidewall you have, the more compliant the tire is going to be off-road.”

Not surprisingly, then, Swain prefers to keep the Land Cruiser’s showroom-stock 18.0 x 8.0-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Remember that “for off-road-ability, we’re trying to gain some sidewall. Now in some 20

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Understanding a vehicle’s intended use is the first step in selecting the proper wheel-and-tire package. (Photo courtesy American Force Wheels)

Quality aftermarket wheels can offer added utility to today’s restyled trucks and Jeeps. (Photo courtesy American Force Wheels)

cases you can go down in wheel size, but there are only a few 17-inch wheels that will clear a Land Cruiser’s 13.9-inch brakes.

So, generally, we have to go to a larger tire size—but only one size larger, maybe two.”

The Land Cruiser’s stock wheel-and-tire package measures about 31-1/2 inches in diameter. By fitting slightly larger tires to the stock wheels, “we can get close to 33-1/2 inches,” which significantly improves offroad performance without causing fitment issues.

Swain, in fact, emphasizes the sweet spot that maximizes sidewall height without compromising the fit of the tire inside the wheel well, or the full movement of the suspension and/or the steering.

“You might be able to gain some clearance by changing the suspension and raising the ride height, but the tire size is still limited by the physical shape of the wheel well.

And if you can’t turn the wheel all the way with the suspension fully compressed, then you’ve lost off-road capability.”

On some vehicles finding the sweet spot

might require tires that run a little wider than the wheel wells, but that, too, is a compromise. The wheel wells protect the passenger compartment from noise, as well as the sides of the vehicle from debris flung by the tires, and obviously, the further the tires stick out, the more those functions are impaired.

Additionally, many modern vehicles rely on the front tires for energy absorption in a collision; the Land Cruiser is actually engineered to encapsulate a tire that tears loose from the suspension—which it clearly can’t do if the tire is already outside of the bodywork.

Bergeson adds a word of caution regarding tire inflation.

“If a larger-than-factory tire is fitted, tire pressure must be adjusted accordingly, to ensure that the tires will safely carry the load. The correct pressures can be determined from tables found in the Tire and Rim Association Year Book, (available at www.us-tra.org/publications.html). Or call Toyo’s technical service hotline.”

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“Our family is deeply grateful for your support and help. . .”

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

WHEELS TOUGH ENOUGH Returning to those stock Land Cruiser wheels: Swain finds not only their size ideal, but their forged aluminum construction as well.

“Forged aluminum wheels are the most durable wheels available in the industry,” he believes. “Many aftermarket aluminum wheels are cast at low pressure, so they are not as durable; and many of them are made in low-quality facilities outside of the U.S., which is also a concern.”

He’s no fan of most steel wheels, either.

“A steel wheel is designed foremost to be inexpensive. It’s stamped and then welded together,” and so never as perfectly round as even the humblest cast wheel that at least benefits from machining. “Steel is also heavier than an aluminum forging, and we’ve found them to be more easily damaged by impact.”

And, despite a widespread misconception, you are not going to repair a bent steel rim out on the trail with a hammer; even if you could pound it back to some approximation of round, it’s still not likely to hold air.

Rolling Big Power offers both cast and forged aluminum wheels, and Franko notes its cast wheels “are built to last” under the toughest conditions. “But a cast wheel is heavier than a forged wheel, because with a forging you can achieve the same strength with 25-percent less material.”

He emphasizes that any off-road wheel has to be stronger than a street wheel.

“The materials are the same, but we use more of it. For example, the sidewalls of our aluminum truck wheels are twice as thick as on our aluminum car wheels.”

The other wheel manufacturers we interviewed generally agree.

“Off-roading definitely presents challenges to the structural integrity of the wheels,” says Osborne of FX Products, “so material choice becomes an important factor. For example, if a consumer is racing buggies, then a lightweight aluminum wheel is usually recommended—whereas a sturdier steel wheel is the better choice for really tough conditions.”

“From an engineering standpoint,” notes Alessandro Borges of American Force Wheels in Miami, “smaller-diameter wheels with thicker spokes will hold up better than a larger-diameter, thin-spoke design.

Jumping, crawling, or even just fast driving off-road can present challenges” that a wheel is not likely to encounter on the highway.

“We trust that if our wheels can withstand deep, thick mud,” Borges continues, “then they can withstand harsh, rocky trails—or any other terrain. In design, material and even the sizes we choose, American Force wheels are prepared for the worst.”

Wheels don’t really influence traction, so surface conditions matter less when choosing wheels as opposed to tires.

“Wheels are engineered to support the tires used in specific environments,” notes Vic Makonis, a sales associate at Keystone Automotive. “So, while tires change drastically depending on the driving surface, wheels really don’t. One exception would be the use of bead locks, which are not legal for the street but are common in offroad situations,” where drivers may want to temporarily reduce tire pressure in order to maximize the contact patch.

Style is important, but true offroad wheel-and-tire packages need to be more about “go” than “show.” (Photo courtesy FX Products)

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Borges recommends bead lock wheels “for heavy off-roaders who plan on a mix of terrain”—specifically American Force 17.0 x 9.0s with a -38mm offset.

Another exception would be wheel finish, which, according to Osborne, should be matched to specific environments—“as chrome and polished finishes require routine maintenance to keep them free of scratches, rust or tarnish. Elements such as water can corrode or otherwise damage these finishes, so they aren’t suggested for off-road use.

Black wheels require some maintenance, but tend to be more forgiving.”

In any case, “FX Wheels has something for any consumer’s personal preference,” Makonis says. For example, he noted that the FX 12 and 14 series are an upgrade for consumers seeking a unique look for onroad use, while the 308 series is designed for off-road conditions.

“FX Wheels, like most aftermarket wheels, go through rigorous testing in tough conditions,” he adds. “The factory wheels tend to be built for style over function, and are not the best choice for an off-road situation.”

HAPPY TRAILS Which brings us back to the dichotomy we cited at the beginning of this story—between the image and the reality of off-road-ability.

“Just like OE cars,” RBP’s Franko notes, “new trucks are coming with bigger wheels and lower-profile tires, which provide better braking, handling and cornering.

When you get into mud and sand, it’s obviously different than on pavement. But a lot of trucks these days will never see dirt. Our products are certainly capable, but most of our customers aren’t into rock-crawling, or running the Baja 1000. They do want to personalize their vehicles, to set themselves apart from their friends and neighbors. So, we make stylish wheels and tires that run as smooth as possible both on and off-road.”

Those customers may even represent a majority. But hardcore expedition enthusiasts are not going to be happy with those products. So, remember that conversation we mentioned?

“First, we would ask about the intended use of the vehicle,” says Borges. “Do you like to explore desert terrains in Glamis?

Are you climbing plateaus and boulders in Moab? Are you going mudding in the deep, swampy South?

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a mistake than it is to improve on the factory wheels.”

“Ultimately, consumers need to be educated,” Makonis concludes, “so they have realistic expectations of the end result. They need to understand that the benefits of up-fitting sometimes come with compromises in handling and road noise—so that they do not regret their purchase later on.”

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

“Secondly, do you plan on daily-driving the same vehicle that will be taken offroad?” That might mean a very different wheel-and-tire package.

Osborne advises asking for “the year, make and model—and its intended use.

What’s the ultimate goal of the build? What suspension mods have been done or are planned—that is, will the vehicle maintain the OE ride height, be leveled, or lifted?”

Specific suspension brands and products can influence backspacing and offset.

“Similarly, have brake mods been done or are they planned? What size tires are on the vehicle now, and are there any plans to upgrade to a bigger, wider size down the road? Are there fender flares and, if so, what kind—and is the customer’s preference for the wheel to stick out or be tucked under the flares?”

“It’s very common for an enthusiast to want a certain look,” adds Swain, “and so they purchase a wheel that doesn’t even allow us to fit the stock tire on a lifted vehicle. It’s actually much easier to make

Educated consumers make the best customers, because they understand what they’re buying and its intended purpose.

(Photo courtesy FX Products)

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 southcentral Pennsylvania.

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TOWING & HAULING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Tailgate Shelf

Bestop, Louisville, Colorado, presents the new Roughrider Tailgate Shelf, a convenient, durable rear gate storage solution for tailgating, camping, running errands or any experience that requires carrying extra gear.

Designed for 2007-’17 two-door Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models, the shelf fits easily onto the inside rear gate. It is made of heavyduty composite with a polyester mesh pouch that can be removed to create a traditional shelf or turn the tailgate into a convenient workspace. Simply push a spring-loaded button to deploy.

Ball Mount Display

Husky Liners, Winfield, Kansas, offers a Ball Mount Display for its Action Accessories brand. Retailers that purchase one adjustable ball mount and fixed ball mount can get the retail display for free. The display includes one ball mount stand, a 10inch adjustable ball mount and a 12inch fixed ball mount to be displayed in a showroom or other customer area.

Weight Distribution & Sway Control

Husky Towing Products, Wilsonville, Oregon, offers its Centerline TS Weight Distribution and Sway Control system. Designed to deliver performance, increased ground clearance and a smooth, quiet ride, the Centerline TS resolves many of the shortcomings of older technology. It reacts to trailer sway conditions with lift brackets, head and spring bars that work together for an improved, highly responsive ride. Trunnion-style spring bars are matched to popular weight ranges, and universal EZ Adjust frame brackets allow for easy installation and adjustments.

Weight Distribution System

CURT Mfg., Eau Claire, Wisconsin, introduces a heavier-duty model of its advanced TruTrack Weight Distribution System. The new model features a 15,000-pound gross trailer weight capacity, suitable for the largest RV trailers and campers. The system combines the functions of weight distribution and sway control into one product, providing smooth, safe towing and eliminating the need for additional sway control.

It uses a spring and cam system and adjustable support brackets to keep the trailer better-aligned with the tow vehicle.

Sway Control with Weight Distribution

Cequent Performance Products, Plymouth, Michigan, offers the Reese Steadi-Flex Sway Control with Weight Distribution system. Designed to combine the best of sway control and weight distribution, the Steadi-Flex keeps trailers steady while still allowing the tapered spring bars to flex as needed for a smooth, quiet ride.

The sleek, easy-to-install, no-drill system also comes with stylish cast components, automotivestyle friction material and a simple pin-and-clip assembly to reduce wear of the head and on the friction pads.

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All-In-One Kits

Firestone Industrial Products, Indianapolis, presents its Ride-Rite All-In-One Kits for customers looking for a complete, one-stop air spring solution. The no-drill kits bundle a high-performance Ride-Rite air spring kit with a wireless air compressor for maximum performance and convenience. The kits allow for a single part number and a discounted overall price. Ride-Rite kits use air pressure to provide load support.

They level off-center loads, decrease suspension fatigue, increase vehicle stability and reduce bottoming out.

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2

A p L 5 t S p c k S n l L a f p

Colorful D-Ring Isolators

2017 Super Duty Air Support

Air Lift Company, Lansing, Michigan, presents its new, heavy-duty LoadLifter 5000 and LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Series to support and protect 2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 4WD pickups. LoadLifter 5000, the company’s heaviest-rated air spring kit, is specifically engineered for Super Duty hauling and towing The new LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE line offers all the benefits of the LoadLifter 5000 with the addition of an exclusive internal jounce bumper for added shock absorption and extra protection for heavy loads.

Titan Air Springs

Hellwig Products, Visalia, California, offers its Air Spring Suspension for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD pickup. The Big Wig’s 2,800-pound bags allow owners to tow and haul heavy loads with improved safety, stability and comfort by maintaining a level ride height, improving overall drive control. Features include heavy-duty brackets and larger bags that require less air pressure, resulting in a softer spring rate and a more compliant ride. When paired with the optional compressor and tank mount, air pressure can be adjusted on the fly.

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Remov-A-Ball® Head Platform • Remove and stow ball when not in use • Spring loaded sliding pin ensures positive lock • Spring loaded safety chain loops • 2-5/16” zinc-plated, high strength steel ball • Large top plate footprint • Rated for up to 30,000 lbs. GTW & 7,500 lbs. vertical load*

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Rugged Ridge, Suwanee, Georgia, presents its new line of D-Ring Isolators for Jeeps and off-road vehicles. Designed to eliminate the rattling, banging and clanging D-Rings cause against the bumpers while not in use, the isolators feature a three-piece design that incorporates a collar that clips to the outside perimeter of the shackle, as well as two washers that insulate between the shackle pin and the bumper mount. Molded of sturdy polyurethane, they are available in 3/4- and 7/8-inch applications in a variety of colors including: black, red, yellow, green and pink.

•

Increased king pin/jaw contact design

•

Self-latching jaw & king pin indicator assures positive connection

•

Wider footprint for increased stability

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Utilizes custom under-bed rail kits with quarter turn quick-locking system

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Wider 9" (vs. 6") king pin funnel on stamped rounded head for easier connection •

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Increased king pin/jaw contact design Pre-assembled - Installs easily

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18,000 lbs. - 26,500 lbs. Gross Total Weight

*Check manufacturer’s vehicle weight ratings for your specific capacity. Minimum truck bed length of 6’ required.

© 2017 Cequent Performance Products, Inc.

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TOWING & HAULING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Hitch Rack

RockyMounts, Boulder, Colorado, offers the new SplitRail hitch rack that securely carries two bikes. Light, strong, and easy to use, the system can be expanded with the company’s single bike add-ons to carry three or four bikes (max capacity 120 pounds).

The bike trays can be laterally offset to avoid seat/handlebar interference and a front wheel ratcheting system securely holds any type of bike with a tire diameter of 20-29 inches and width of up to 3 inches. Integrated retractable cable locks, lock cores and keys to lock the SplitRail to the vehicle’s hitch are included.

Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock Hitch-Mounted Trailer Protector

Luverne Truck Equipment, Brandon, South Dakota, presents the Textured Rubber Tow Guard, the latest in its mud and splash guard line. The Tow Guard is a protective trailer hitch attachment that mounts at the rear of the vehicle and shields a trailer in tow against mud, stones and other road debris. It features a universal design, simple useas-needed installation and a dependable USA-made construction. It is available in a universal width of 72 inches to fit most full-size pickups and SUVs, with two flap length options: 15 and 20 inches.

BOLT, Milwaukee, introduces its OffVehicle Coupler Lock that secures a trailer when it’s not attached to a vehicle. The system features patented one-key lock technology that permanently programs locks to a vehicle’s ignition key. Made of hardened steel for added security, the Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock works with 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch and 2-15/16inch couplers to keep a variety of trailers secure while unattended. It serves as a visible theft deterrent with a unique plate tumbler sidebar to prevent picking and bumping.

Tow Light

Custer Products, North Canton, Ohio, offers its S.M.A.R.T. Rider Tow Light for professional and consumer use.

S.M.A.R.T. stands for: Simple, Magnetic, Alerting, Radiopowered Tow light. The wireless system provides high visibility and durability, with 42 bright LEDs that provide stop lamp, tail lamp, side marker lamp and turn signal functionality. The signal is sent wirelessly by an included four-pin transmitter fitted into the tow vehicle’s trailer wire harness plug. It includes a 12-volt charger.

Improved In-Drawer Lighting

TruckVault, Sedro Woolley, Washington, introduces its improved In-Drawer Lighting Accessory. The battery-powered LEDs are easy to install and provide greater visibility. Eight white and eight red lights illuminate TruckVault drawers without producing heat. Each unit is encased in an extruded aluminum body that can be mounted with a bracket or hook-and-loop strips that come with the light. The body measures 8.25-inches long, 1.5-inches tall and 0.75-inches deep. Large activation buttons are easy to locate.

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Jeep JK Roof Racks

Rhino-Rack USA, Aurora, Colorado, offers the Rhino-Rack Backbone and Pioneer Platform System for Jeep JK Wrangler models. Maintaining the vehicles’ aesthetic appeal, the RhinoRack Backbone and Pioneer Platform combination has a static load rating of 800 pounds and a dynamic load rating of 264 pounds of extra weight by distributing it evenly over the body of the vehicle. The Pioneer is built from a combination of reinforced nylon and aluminum for strength, durability and weight savings, and its low-profile design makes loading and unloading easy.

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Lip spoilers are less aggressive looking than pedestal-style spoilers.

While down from their heyday of a few years ago, body styling products still have their place.

By Josh Poulson ar accessories are a lot like clothing—even though the styles change over the years, the core products stay the same.

For instance, last year my wife came home from the store with a new pair of Hunter boots (see photo). Now, to me, they looked like something to put on if she wanted to go fly fishing—but since I am not up-to-date on fashion, she informed me that they were the hottest trend.

Of course, when she told me the price, I was even more shocked as to how a pair of rubber boots—boots that look like the pair I used to wear when I played in the rain as a kid—suddenly have become popular and pricey.

That’s just one example that goes to show how hard it is to predict future trends. Car accessories might not be as unpredictable as clothes fashions, but when we really look at it we have to stay in tune to the trends of what people

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want—whether we think it looks good or not.

THE POPULAR THING Painted parts like spoilers and wings, body kits, fender flares, chin spoilers,

Car accessories, like clothing and shoe styles, change over the years.

But at the core, products stay the same...

etc., seem to go up and down in popularity. But having them part of your product line is important, so that when someone asks for them, you are ready.

Lately, I believe body kits and ground effects have taken the biggest hit on the popularity scale.

Years ago, it seemed like everyone wanted a body kit on their car. I remember scouring the internet for hours looking for manufacturers that had body kits for not-so-popular models.

Back then, some people were buying very poor-quality fiberglass or carbon fiber body kits online, and then were upset when we couldn’t make it look like the car they saw on the seller’s website. The body lines never matched up, the kit would always need major modifications done to it before paint, and then, when you did paint it, the poor quality would become apparent when the paint was baked on.

We eventually got to the point that we would have to tell customers we wouldn’t

MARCH 2017

1/30/17 8:52 AM

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

The rivet style fender flare has been popular for a few years because of its tough look.

As long as there are trunk lids on cars, there will be a need for spoilers.

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install the parts unless we saw them first. In more recent years, the ABS plastic materials have improved. They are much easier to paint and install, and look much better as well.

Despite these improvements, the demand for them is not what it used to be—but then again, who knows what tomorrow will bring?

MORE STYLES In the truck category, fender flares, too, have changed a lot over the years.

It used to be that the flare manufacturers had at most three styles.

They would have an OE style, then a smaller style and then a much larger style that would require some cutting.

Now, when you look around the SEMA Show or at the trucks and Jeeps on the road, you’ll see many more styles.

The rivet style has been popular for a few years because of its tough look, but we are noticing a trend back to the

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smooth look. The biggest reason behind this, I think, is that people want to be different. So now that the rivet style is everywhere, some trendsetters seem to be going in the opposite direction.

Again, it’s good to be ready for whichever way the market leads us.

TAKING FLIGHT Out of all the painted parts categories, my personal favorite is the spoiler/rear wing market. Spoilers have been around forever, it seems, and many manufacturers and shops have made a lot of money selling them over the years.

It’s amazing to think back to the days when we would have a universal, twopedestal spoiler that we put on a dozen different models of cars, painted to match, just because it looked good and fit well.

Today, it is rare to be able to get away with having a universal spoiler on a car.

Customers know what the OE style looks like and usually prefer it.

I feel the dip in spoiler sales started when lip spoilers began dominating the market.

Lip spoilers are less aggressive and even though they accent the car, they don’t do as much for the look as pedestal spoilers do.

Vehicle manufacturers started becoming more aggressive on pricing, which also influenced a decline in aftermarket accessory spoiler sales. The good thing is that as long as there are trunk lids on cars, then there will be a need for spoilers.

Customers know what the OE style looks like and usually prefer it.

We may not be putting universal spoilers, or large metal Erector Set-style spoilers, or even lip spoilers on in the future, but being in the aftermarket has also proven that when a trend hits we can respond quickly and profitably.

So, have an open mind when a customer asks for the next pair of rubber boots to be installed on their car. That very well could be the start of a new trend!

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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This small act creates a big effect on their safety.

Changing their headlights in pairs has a big effect too – giving them better visibility and driving safety.

Change in pairs – with Philips OE quality lighting.

Change in pairs

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Body The demand for smart-looking rides is as robust these days as ever.

F

or a generation of driving enthusiasts, one of the easiest ways to customize their rides has been to add some exterior styling accessories. But, like most markets, styles evolve with the times.

We asked three industry insiders what they think is in store for the body styling market in 2017. Here is what they had to say: THE SHOP: What are the trends and what is in demand now for body kits and other types of exterior styling accessory products?

The demand for body kits has opened the trend of customization and originality. It allows customers to upgrade their vehicle at their discretion, giving them the look they want at an affordable price. With a wide-range of exterior styling products, the market thrives on giving a customer their own sense of originality.

Robert Murgado, EGR USA:

Trends vary from year to year. Right now, everything widebody is hot. From custom oneoff kits to Rocket Bunny, Libertywalk, and RWB. And on the other end of the spectrum, others like clean and simple, like OEM-looking lip kits, and low-profile wings. Neil Tjin, Tjin Edition Road Show:

Popular satin black: it complements and adds style; kits also help protect doors and fenders. (Photos courtesy Airdesign USA)

The truck stuff is on fire for us. And the lowBilly Longfellow, Airdesign USA:

The lowered look is becoming popular again on street trucks.

(Photo courtesy Tjin Edition Road Show)

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ered look is coming back—showing up in street Silverados, Tacomas and Rangers.

It’s a different look, but it shows how the market has always evolved.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

TS: What do you think influences the demand for body kits and other types of vehicle styling today?

RM: We can definitely agree budget influ-

ences a customer’s shopping decision.

However, many will pay the means necessary if it is a quality product. Region, and a customer’s lifestyle, also influence the demand. Some audiences use our product for off-roading purposes or showcasing, whereas others use our product due to the climate where they are living to protect their vehicle.

NT: Budget is one. Body kits and most aero parts aren’t cheap. Doing a custom widebody or any body modifications can get expensive. Even buying a Libertywalk, Rocket Bunny or RWB kit can set you back thousands of dollars. And the other is the buzz, word of mouth, what others are doing. If something catches on, everyone wants a part of the action. Widebody kits have exploded over the last few years, and the trend seems to be building, with more and more SKUs coming out almost monthly.

BL: People see something on the car next to them at a stoplight, or in a parking lot, a car lot or at a car show and they want it.

End-users in rural areas are motivated not just by looks but also because after they put bigger tires on their truck, they find they need to protect the truck from all the mud and gravel those tires sling around. Plus, in many areas, flares and mud flaps are required by law to protect other vehicles.

TS: What models of new cars & trucks are consumers most likely to be “up-styling?”

Are OEMs including any of these items as options on new cars/trucks?

RM: From a manufacturer’s perspective,

we tend to have a demand with full-size trucks. OEMs have been recently jumping on the bandwagon and have been open to entertaining the idea of styling.

NT: Hot new cars would be the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS, Honda Civic, Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ. Older cars that are popular are the RWB Porsches, Nissan 240s, and high-end cars like the Libertywalk

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THE SHOP

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Body Due to the growth, various manufacturers have risen in the market. However, quality has decreased due to outsourcing.

EGR is a vertically integrated company manufacturing right here in the United States, where quality is a top priority.

NT: More and more widebody stuff. Clean and simple is still popular, but everything nowadays is going widebody. You say Kits that the words RBW or Libertywalk match facand everyone goes nuts. And with tory paint are also that, budgets have gone up, and so popular on newer Mustangs. (Photo have the type of builds. Five to 10 courtesy Airyears ago, people weren’t cutting up design USA) Porsches, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, or half-million-dollar sports cars like the McLaren, but nowadays a lot—and I mean a lot—of people are!

BL: The biggest thing about it is no paint, no drill, which has opened a whole new line of customers that have come on board now, because it’s easy to put it on. The kit changes the whole package of a car because it’s so themed.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

RM:

No-drill body kit products install easily, giving customers an upgraded look within minutes. (Photo courtesy EGR USA)

Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Trucks would be the F-150 and Tacoma.

They are not really included as options

by OEMs, as they are expensive and change the body lines of the cars quite significantly.

Honda does a pretty good job with its OEM lip kits.

BL: The full body kit for the Mustang is popular, but eight times as many F-150s

were sold last year, so it’s a no-brainer that those are the most popular vehicles to upgrade. Smaller trucks like Tacomas and Colorados are also popular because they’re easier to drive around town. Plus, a miniRaptor could be coming in the future.

TS: How has the market for body kits changed in the past 5-10 years?

TS: How have the products evolved in style and material composition?

RM: As we continue to evolve and

grow, many manufacturers have leaned away from drilling into the vehicle. We are a poly-chronic society which means we tend to do multiple things at once.

NT: Much better styling, much better materials, and, most importantly, much better fitment. Just a few more reasons for the increase in popularity. Also, way better platforms to choose from, in the sense that now you can modify everything from a Fiesta ST to a McLaren with body parts.

BL: New materials can make any car or truck not only look unique, but look like

Body kits provide handsome off-road protection. (Photo courtesy EGR USA)

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Some like the clean and simple look.

(Photo courtesy Tjin Edition Road Show)

TS: How have installation techniques and methods evolved?

RM: We like fast and easy, which has

resulted in all of our products being nodrill and easy to install. It gives customers an upgraded look within minutes.

NT: The fitment of the kits is night-andday better now, but with widebody kits you have to cut your car, so that is something new. Now guys are cutting the fenders on their $200,000, $300,000 and $400,000 cars.

High-tech robotic manufacturing methods enable parts to be mass-produced with pinpoint accuracy, which are then installed simply and permanently with high-tech adhesives.

Another advantage to attaching with adhesive as opposed to bolts or rivets is that a flare bonded with adhesive moves with the truck; it doesn’t vibrate independently, which can cause attachment failure. It also means that flares can be bigger.

BL:

TS: What is most important for restyling shops to know about this market?

Being dynamic and adapting to diversity. This market is constantly changing and as a manufacturer you have to be ready and open to change.

It’s an important building block into a successful business.

NT: That it can change at any time with the trends of the market. One day it is all about Rocket Bunny, the next day it’s all about RBW, and before you know it, it’s all about subtle lip kits and wings... and maybe some carbon fiber for good measure.

RM:

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

something the factory would do if the factory produced a special edition.

Honda’s OEM lip kits are an example of carmakers getting in on the action. (Photo courtesy Tjin Edition Road Show)

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

By Eddie Wieber

ou can smell the mountain air, you can hear the excitement and see with your mind’s eye the dirt roads, clear streams and snow-capped mountains when Ricky Artes, president of JeepersDen, talks about the trip he’s planning this summer.

“We’re going over there (Colorado) July 28 to August 13 for two weeks,” he says “to take the ghost town tour. No hotels, no main roads, all dirt roads... it’s gonna be pretty badass.”

The trip passes through Pueblo, the Sand Dunes, Buena Vista and St. Elmo, with four days in the Ouray area, the Switzerland of North America.

This is a real deal Jeep shop. But it’s not out West and it’s not in Appalachia either; it’s in Orlando, Florida.

Ricky Artes embraces the off-road culture at JeepersDen.

Shop headquarters is the retail center, comprised of a 1,200-square-foot showroom displaying accessories for all types of customers.

(Top) JeepersDen involves its customers and neighbors in shop activities “to give back to the community that’s supporting you,” Artes says.

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Ricky Artes of JeepersDen attended 43 events in 2015—from Moab to Pennsylvania to Tennessee to Georgia.

THE GREAT OUTSIDE JeepersDen operates from a two-acre site in Orlando, where the weather is normally mild enough to complete a lot of work outside and where the business makes as much use of the yard as it does the areas with walls and roofs.

Headquarters is the retail center, comprised of a 1,200-square-foot showroom with another 800 feet of warehouse space attached. Shop-wise, inside is another 1,200 square feet equipped with a couple of 2-post lifts, jacks, welders, a plasma cutter, a strut machine that goes on the wall (important for safety), tire machine, balancer, equipment to fill up portable CO2 tanks, drill presses, mills, band saws and generally all kinds of tools and

equipment that goes into operating a Jeep accessory shop.

And then, of course, there are the toolboxes.

“Our toolboxes are our major pieces of equipment,” Artes adds, “with all the right hand tools we need.”

Out back are a couple 10x20 containers, and down the street is an additional 2,500 feet of offsite storage.

Walking the talk: “Being out there all the time, customers see how I wheel and they see that Florida, it’s different,” says Artes, who the stuff we build is not breaking,” says Ricky Artes“In of JeepersDen.

originally comes from even warmer climes further south in Puerto Rico. “We don’t have the cold; it’s open air. We’ve got three bays that are covered; the rest are outside.

It’s kind of a different place; we can work wherever we want in the back yard.”

The main focus of that work is accessory installations on Jeeps and trucks that move in and out of the shop in a day or two, Artes says, and includes anything from wheels and tires to lift kits, superchargers, 4-link installs, roll cages and coilovers.

Other projects are more long-term— radical coilovers with Dana 60s, some CJ8 Scrambler restorations, as well as CJ7 and YJ restorations and motor/engine conversions—and might be in the shop for months at a time.

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“We install everything we sell,” Artes says. “We have four employees who do installs all day and two others who focus on fabrication and we’re still scheduled out two or three weeks most of the time.

Normally, we’ve got anywhere from 18 to 30-some cars dropped off, waiting in line, not even on the schedule yet.”

Some jobs have to be sent elsewhere, so JeepersDen works with local specialists: a window tint shop, a stereo shop, a diesel shop, a performance shop and a dyno operator.

“We work with a lot of businesses.

Just find the right one that wants to do good work and go from there. And work together; it’s all back-and-forth.”

PART STORE, PART SHOP Artes started doing automotive detailing in high school, soon after moving to Orlando in 1995 and opening a mobile detailing business. That same year, he bought his first Jeep.

In 1997 he continued to grow the detailing business and started a truck and Jeep accessories business, Exotic Enterprises Inc., which is still the mother corporation of JeepersDen. Like many, he started the install side of the business from home in 2002, in the garage, spilling into the backyard and the spare bedroom.

“But I ran the business like a corporation would be run,” he says. “Customers were actually nice enough to bring their stuff to my house and we would lift it there. I would deliver parts; go to warehouses and pick them up, since I didn’t have a retail center.”

He continued on like that until November 2002, when after a long search, “I got the keys to the retail building and

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in 2003 I opened up this place and it’s just been busy ever since. We never really had a slowdown. Even when the crash came in 2007 and 2008, we stayed pretty steady.”

The internet has changed the automotive aftermarket parts business forever. While it’s easier to get things faster, it’s also much

more competitive. For Artes, it’s a matter of making the best use of available space, workflow and cash flow.

“We have a pretty good stock of things a customer would take home and install, like some bumpers or winches,” he says. “The stuff that needs to walk out is here. But

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THE SHOP

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Long-term projects include CJ8, CJ7 and YJ restorations.

we’ve been bumping down the inventory on things we’re going to install, because I can have it the next day and you’re not going to be getting scheduled in before the next day, so it doesn’t matter. The WDs and the freight companies have gotten to where we can order something and have it the next morning. That’s what they’re there for. Pick the right ones, build good relationships and every morning you’ll have a delivery truck.

“I’m a hobbyist just like my customers are,” Artes adds, “so I’m always trying to find the best price myself. But pricing is an issue in the industry overall. We are always trying to stay competitive. We’re always on the phone with vendors, trying to negotiate the best price. But I won’t play the ‘I gotta make so many points above cost’ game.

That’s not my customer’s problem. For us, it’s stay competitive with the industry and be done with it; don’t argue about it with the customers.

“On the back end, I’ll fight with the vendors. But the days of making 35 percent on a product line are over across the board.

You’ll make 12 percent on some; some you’ll make 40 percent. The internet has

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The shop is equipped with lifts, jacks, welders, tire equipment—and all kinds of tools needed to fix up a Jeep.

Another venture for the shop is “over-landing” and includes guiding and outfitting customers in remote areas.

and iHeartRadio are also part of the shop’s advertising and marketing mix.

The internet has had a big impact on the automotive aftermarket parts market, but doing well in business is still a matter of providing great customer service and making the best use of space, workflow and cash flow.

gotten so competitive, but in the end, you can’t have a good product at the cheapest price. It’s not gonna happen.”

EVENTS, ADVERTISING & THE LOCAL CULTURE Artes used to race at W.E. Rock events and still attends gatherings all over the country. He believes it’s an important part of the business.

“In 2015, I was at 43 events—from Moab to Pennsylvania to Tennessee to Georgia,” he says. “Being out there all the time, customers see how I wheel and they see that the stuff we build is not breaking.”

Local events, on the other hand, help spread word-of-mouth advertising, while sponsorships like high school softball, baseball, soccer, and other forms of community involvement have paid the most dividends.

“They take care of you by putting your 40

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banner up,” Artes acknowledges, “but you don’t do it for that reason; you just do it to give back to the community that’s supporting you.”

The website (jeepersden.com), social media as well as some local radio, Pandora

THE ROAD AHEAD Artes says he plans to keep the business going along the same path—or rather, off the same path—for the foreseeable future.

Some of that means continuing relationships in Puerto Rico, where he’s been doing business since 2006 and has recently merged his retail location with another shop.

The 4-door Jeep JK brought a whole different clientele to the Jeep market and it’s had some impact on JeepersDen and the local Jeep market.

“People who would have had a Suburban now can buy a Jeep with a trunk and two back doors,” Artes says. “That’s where the whole mall crawler thing is and we have a lot of those customers. But I’d say 90 percent of our Jeep customers use them.”

Another venture is the adventures part of the Jeep off-road lifestyle, the over-landing part of the business, of which the summer

The main focus of work at the shop is accessory installations on Jeeps and trucks. “We install everything we sell,” Artes says.

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Six-month-old Jade is ready to start welding!

those travelers and that they need a trusted source for those supplies.

And those in turn mean even more accessories.

“I think everybody starts by driving their Jeeps out of state and driving their Jeeps everywhere, and then before long they figure out that it’s not comfortable, and if

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Colorado trip is a part.

“That’s a big up-and-coming thing—the freedom of being in your vehicle and being able to travel and stay in remote places.

That’s big-time business right now.”

For sure, it’s part of the excitement of traveling and exploring. But Artes is also aware of the cache of supplies demanded by

Alicia has been part of the business since 2003 and runs the front counter and showroom.

you break when you’re out of state, it’s a long drive home.”

So a lot of those people end up hauling their Jeeps with their pickups and trailers.

And, as circumstances would have it, some of JeepersDen’s business involves outfitting those customers with hitches, gooseneck installations, diesel performance and other towing accessories for their trucks.

All in all, Artes has held to a simple philosophy that has kept JeepersDen thriving for the past 13 years: “You have to be out there, in people’s faces. You can’t just sit here and expect business to come in; you’ve got to work; you’ve got to market yourself; you’ve got to advertise. Other than that, do great work, keep your quality up and be honest. And people just keep coming.”

l

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RESTYLING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Paintable Covers

Rugged Ridge, Suwanee, Georgia, offers its expanded line of JK Exterior Accessories featuring new Mirror Covers, Door Handle Covers and Liftgate Hinge Covers with paintable finishes. Constructed of ABS plastic, the covers have a smooth, black finish and can be painted to match the vehicle. Paintable trim covers are available for JK mirrors, mirror arms, door handles and liftgate hinges for a combination to suit any taste. Each cover installs with the included automotive-grade adhesive backing for a secure fitment.

Bed Rail Mounting System

Go Rhino, Brea, California, presents its new Sport Bar 2.0, featuring an open-channel bed rail mounting system compatible with most roll-up, folding and retractable bed covers. Sport Bar 2.0 offers two LED mounting solutions— standard, fixed mount or power-actuated— that allow all types of lights to be installed, including LED, HID and older halogen. With the optional power-actuated model, which can be purchased afterward, a patent-pending hideaway light mount is included that allows customers to retract the lights into the center of the Sport Bar 2.0.

Protective Exterior Coating

LINE-X, Huntsville, Alabama, introduces LINE-X ULTRA, a new, scientifically advanced protective coating that delivers durability and aesthetically-pleasing style options for full vehicle exteriors, specific parts of vehicles, specialty automotive applications and commercial uses. Offering eyecatching smooth textures, colormatching options and strong UV protection, LINE-X ULTRA features a thin application coupled with improved performance. It adheres to a variety of surfaces to protect steel, aluminum, fiberglass and more.

Land Cruiser Sway Bars

Hellwig Products, Visalia, California, presents its new Front and Rear Sway Bars for 2007-’16 Toyota Land Cruiser 78/79 Series and 200 Series models. The bars provide handling and body roll control improvements to make the vehicle safer and more capable. The increased anti-roll rate of the upgraded sway bars helps compensate for the additional weight from vehicle armor, heavy loads or the higher center of gravity on lifted vehicles. The bars are forged from heat-treated 4140 chromoly steel and finished in the company’s Hammertone powder-coat.

Alloy Wheels F-150 Ram Air Hood

Dawn Enterprises, Valley View, Ohio, offers its new Ford F-150 functional Ram Air Hood. Designed to increase performance and style on 2015-’17 F-150s, the painted ram air hoods are available with an optional cold air intake.

Manufactured in the USA using glass-reinforced engineered plastic, the hoods are lightweight without sacrificing strength or durability.

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Scott Drake, Henderson, Nevada, presents its new Legendary GT5 Alloy Wheels for classic Mustangs and Fords. The Legendary GT5 alloy wheel is inspired by the original wheels equipped on 1965 Shelby GT350s. The lightweight GT5 is a 15x7, one-piece, cast aluminum alloy wheel that can accommodate larger tires. Each wheel features CNCmachined details and a clearcoat finish. Center caps and lug nuts are sold separately.

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D

A i 7 d s d d a d d C i c r e

Mini LED Emergency Light Bar

AEM, Hawthorne, California, presents its CAN Dash 7-Inch and CAN Dash 7-Inch Logging Super Bright digital dash displays. The high-contrast, sunlight-readable, color digital displays include an integrated glare diffuser and shade hood so that they are readable in even the brightest daylight conditions. They are designed to accept channels from CAN bus connections and do not include analog inputs. Two CAN bus channels are included so that it can receive and collect data from AEMnetenabled and third-party devices.

Challenger Widebody Kit

Classic Design Concepts, Wixom, Michigan, offers the new Group 2 Challenger Widebody Kit that provides aggressive and functional styling to all 2008-’16 Dodge Challenger models. The Group 2 kit includes full replacement front fenders and rear billboards. The parts maintain OE design cues and bodylines, with an additional 6 inches of width over stock. The fenders and billboards have a flattened wheel arch to give the illusion that the car has been lowered, even at stock ride height. The parts are designed and manufactured in the USA using high-impact ABS.

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Digital Dash Displays

Super Bright LEDs, Earth City, Missouri, presents a Mini 360-Degree LED Emergency Light Bar. Designed for police, fire, EMS, public safety, roadside assistance, waste removal, utility, and DOT vehicles as well as tow trucks, tractors, and wreckers, the unit’s internal flash controller has six programmed modes that can be controlled with a rocker switch and momentary push button (sold separately). No external ballast is needed. The light bars are available in amber, red, amber/white, or red/white color configurations and a magnetic mount option is available.

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RESTYLING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

Vehicle Protection Package

3M Auto, St. Paul, Minnesota, offers its Scotchgard Vehicle Protection Package. Designed to protect cars from fading, stains and spills, Scotchgard products provide a protective layer that helps repel common substances that can stain or blemish vehicles.

Professionally installed products include: Scotchgard Fabric Protection, Scotchgard Leather & Vinyl Protection, and Scotchgard Carpet Protection, as well as Scotchgard Paint Protection Film ProSeries to improve the durability of exterior paint.

LED Fog Lamps

Philips Automotive Lighting, Farmington Hills, Michigan, and its Lumileds LLC division, offers expanded European make and model coverage for Philips X-tremeVision LED Fog Lamps. The advanced LED lamps are designed as a plug-andplay replacement for the H8, H11, and H16 halogen fog bulbs found on popular late-model vehicles from Audi, BMW, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, SAAB, VW, and Volvo. They deliver a bright, white 6000K light that matches the color of Xenon and LED headlights.

Auxiliary Lights

Westin, San Dimas, California, offers HyperQ LED Auxiliary Lights.

Sold in pair packs, the compact HyperQ features four 5W Cree LEDs each. The post-mount, pivoting-base mounting bracket allows adjustment of the LED light direction for flexible product use. The pair pack includes: two HyperQ LED lights with mounting brackets; hardware and wiring harness with two connectors; in-line fuse; relay and switch.

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Easy Ship Toolbox

Camper Tie-Downs

Torklift International, Sumner, Washington, presents its newest Truck Camper Tie-Down fitments for 2017 pickups, including Ford and Dodge applications out now, and others to come. Available products include: steel tie-downs; lightweight, military-grade aluminum Talon tie-downs; SuperHitch; StableLoad suspension stabilizers; and HiddenPower auxiliary battery trays. The tie-downs are made in the U.S. and help prevent rust and bed damage by avoiding having to drill into the truck bed or bumper to haul a camper.

Off-Road Lighting

Baja Designs, San Marcos, California, presents its OnX6 Light Bar systems that offer several levels of high-performance lighting. The 10-inch-long OnX6 light bars feature exclusive MoistureBlock technology and anodized aircraft-grade aluminum extruded housing, with a CNC-machined, anodized billet aluminum bezel.

The mounting brackets are made of corrosion-proof, 316-grade stainless steel and include stainless steel fasteners.

All lenses are user-replaceable, and made of high-impact, hard coated polycarbonate material.

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RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

,

Dee Zee Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, introduces the latest addition to its Red Label Tool Box line: the Easy Ship Tool Box. The toolbox offers the convenience of being delivered to a home without the need to schedule a freight delivery appointment.

The Easy Ship Tool Box is a full-size crossover toolbox with a crown-style lid with full pan stiffener and lockable stainless steel paddle handles. It features Sound Reduction Technology SRT in the lid, and can be assembled easily in as little as 45 minutes.

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RESTYLING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

50-Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank

TITAN Fuel Tanks, Idaho Falls, Idaho, presents its new Travel Trekker 50-Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank System.

The tanks are made of flexible, military-grade polymer that won’t rust or corrode and is 415-times less heatand cold-conductive than aluminum.

The Travel Trekker tank meets or exceeds DOT standards and include an in-cab controller that allows the driver to transfer fuel by pushing a button. The tank measure 19-inches tall and 17.5-inches deep and mounts in the bed of the truck, leaving room for fifth wheel balls and gooseneck hitches.

Foam Cleaning

Foam Power, Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a Foam Power Cleaning Chemistry distributorship providing access to both Foam Power’s cleaning equipment and its diverse stable of cleaning chemistries that offer safe, economic and effective cleaning. The ever-evolving product line of cleaning equipment and cleaning chemistries include applications for shop floor cleaning, walls/garage doors, hoists, degreasing engines, automobiles and more.

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O

Tacoma Hood Scoop

Airdesign USA, Oceanside, California, presents its new OE Style Hood Scoop for 2016-newer Toyota Tacoma models. The scoops are manufactured with the company’s proprietary over-molding technology that encapsulates highimpact, multilayer Senoplast with an elastomer polyurethane that contours to the hood surface for an exact fit. They are top-coated with German automotive Mankiewicz satin black class-A OEM paint finish in factory colors, and install using 3M tape and glue with no painting or drilling required.

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C p S f t a i b a c l f h a s

Off-Road Series Light Bars

Custer Products, North Canton, Ohio, presents its Never Night Off-Road Series LED Light Bars. Engineered for high-performance off-road use, the light bars feature state-of-theart LED technology to provide bright illumination while using very little battery power. Light bars combine a wide flood beam pattern for the close-proximity lighting needed for low-speed technical driving with a far-reaching spot beam pattern for high-speed driving. Curved light bars are available for even greater light spread.

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Work Truck Locks

BOLT (Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology), Milwaukee, offers its BOLT Locks that work with a vehicle’s single ignition key, now available for heavy-duty work truck applications.

BOLT locks can be used to secure tools, gear, trailers and other valuable equipment. Using patented technology, the locks are permanently programmed the first time the ignition key is inserted into the BOLT lock cylinder, immediately coding the cylinder to that unique key. Various lock models are available including padlocks, receiver locks, cable locks and more.

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RESTYLING PRODUCTS

RESTYLING/AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES

SUV/Minivan Awning

Napier, Niagara Falls, New York, introduces the new Sportz Cove compact, lightweight awning that attaches to the back of SUVs and minivans. The awning provides shade and shelter, with a universal attachment sleeve that seamlessly connects to the vehicle. The Sportz Cove stores behind the seat and can be used for tailgating, traveling, fishing, beaching and even lounging at a picnic. It fits a variety of mid- to full-size SUV and minivan models, from Honda CRVs to Cadillac Escalades.

OE Step Bars

Raptor Series, Hayward, California, a CYC Engineering brand, offers its new Oval Step Tubes. The curved, 5-inch, OE-style tubes are black e-coated and feature fully welded end caps and 30-degree, OE-styled bends on each end.

Tacoma Snorkel

ARB 4x4 Accessories, Auburn, Washington, offers the tough, stylish Safari Snorkel specifically designed to deliver a large volume of cold, clean air to 2016-up Toyota Tacoma models. Featuring the new ARMAX design, the snorkel is optimized to ensure that the airflow throughout the body meets or exceeds that of the factory inlet design, while protecting against dust and water ingestion. The snorkel body is made of UV-stable, crosslinked polyethylene material, with a substantial wall thickness for added strength.

Iridescent Car Wrap Colors

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, Mentor, Ohio, introduces its Supreme Wrapping Film ColorFlow Series. The color-shifting, iridescent films feature the performance and conformability of all Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Films. The ColorFlow Series includes five new colors with a unique satin finish: Rising Sun (red/gold), Urban Jungle (silver/green), Roaring Thunder (blue/red), Fresh Spring (gold/silver) and Rushing Riptide (cyan/purple), allowing installers to create dynamic, unique, iridescent car wraps.

Light Bars

Rigid Industries, Gilbert, Arizona, introduces its Adapt LED Light Bars, designed to adjust instantly to driving conditions. The RIGID Adapt offers eight selectable beam patterns that range from broad short-distance lighting to highly focused long-distance lighting in a single fixture. Beam patterns can be selected manually with the RIGID Dash Controller, or may be placed in an Adaptive Mode in which Adapt engages its Active View technology to actively adjust light output suitable for the vehicle’s speed. They are available in 10-inch to 50-inch lengths.

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Jeep Headliner

BedRug, Old Hickory, Tennessee, a Truck Hero Inc. company, presents its Jeep Headliner. The fully custom die-cut headliner kits install quickly without the need to remove the hardtop. They are constructed from 100-percent waterproof material that resists harsh chemicals and won’t stain, stink, mold or mildew.

The 1/2-inch polypropylene foam helps insulate the interior from road noise and heat. Kits are available for 2006-up Jeep Wrangler JK and JK Unlimited Models offering full roof coverage, or Freedom Panels only.

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The Hillbank division provides late-model flexibility. Offering aftermarket performance parts and installation, Hillbank is positioned to add product lines as new enthusiast-oriented vehicles hit the market.

New Shelbys Find Their Niche

By Tom Morr Photos by Ted7.com & Max Sigwart

Superformance builds modern vehicles using 1960s designs.

O

ne of the performance industry’s biggest recent wins was the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015, aka H.R. 2675. The legislation allows boutique manufacturers to get federal VINs for up to 325 vehicles per year, under certain conditions.

It has created numerous opportunities for manufacturers and installers/technicians.

One of the driving forces behind the law is Superformance. Founded in South Africa, the company has been owned by naturalized U.S. citizen Lance Stander and his family since 2005.

The company’s history is as alluring as the 1960s-designed cars it manufactures.

In 1996, Stander became a Superformance customer in his native South Africa, where Hi-Tech Automotive built new Superformance Cobras by paying royalties to Shelby. He considered it “a $10,000 plastic car.”

At that time, Stander’s family successfully owned and ran Hillbank Motor Corporation, South Africa’s largest chain of automotive salvage yards with 13 locations throughout the country.

“About 60 percent of the accident-damaged cars in South Africa wound up at a Hillbank,” Stander says. His dad originally launched the company in 1977 (on the hill

next to a bank, hence the name Hillbank Motors) as an exotic car dealership before expanding into the auto salvage business.

In 1998, Stander came to the U.S., intent on replicating Hillbank’s salvage success.

“I found out that a million-dollar business in South Africa is a multi-billion-dollar business controlled by a few big companies

here,” he says. “After spending six months traveling from salvage pool to salvage pool, I backed off of the idea.”

On previous trips to the U.S., Stander had purchased exotic cars and shipped them overseas. So, he had contacts with several specialty dealers here. A visit to Superformance dealer Dynamic Motor

Superformance/Hillbank is a classic family business. All five members of the immediate Stander family work at the company: Lance, wife Deborah, and kids Shayna, Ashton and Branden.

Some staff members were originally customers and consider Superformance a dream job.

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PERFORMANCE

New Shelbys Find Their Niche

Superformance vehicles are manufactured by HiTech Automotive in South Africa. With a footprint of 800,000 square feet, Hi-Tech is one of the largest privately owned automotive assembly operations in the world.

(Photo courtesy Hi-Tech Automotive)

Sports in Ohio during Stander’s 1998 trip opened a door.

“They told me that the Superformance dealer in California wasn’t performing and offered me the franchise,” Stander says. “Initially, I wasn’t interested: ‘I’m not selling plastic cars; not happening.’

In South Africa, the Cobra had no value.

Then I found out what Cobras went for in the U.S. Even 19 years ago, Cobras were selling in the $50,000 range. I couldn’t believe they got that kind of money for what was in my mind a kit car.”

Stander decided to do it. In 2004, he and his family acquired the Superformance U.S. distribution rights from Hi-Tech Automotive CEO Jim Price. A year later, Stander cut a deal with Price to assume control of Superformance and own its tooling and IP. Hi-Tech continues to manufacture Superformance and Shelby cars alongside other niche vehicles such as the Noble M400 in its 800,000-square-foot facility—one of the largest privately owned automobile factories in the world.

NEW VS. KIT VS. REPLICA VS. CONTINUATION The so-called kit car industry has always offered some opportunities for shops and performance parts manufacturers. Homebuilt projects are often completed by shops, and car owners/builders who do manage to complete a road-worthy build usually need some type of professional troubleshooting.

This gives kit cars a bad connotation.

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AFTERMARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Superformance has a few criteria for selecting parts vendors.

“It comes down to testing and availability to the factory in South Africa,” Lance Stander says. “Bilstein is in South Africa already, and the rest of the components we tend to ship from the U.S. and the U.K.” Suppliers such as Wilwood have the engineering expertise, ability to machine the Shelby logo into calipers and capacity to fill orders without delay. To show examples of powertrain options to customers in the U.S., Superformance builds display cars using crate engines from Roush, Ford Racing and BluePrint Engines.

Superformance also uses OE parts.

“Some of the original component manufacturers are still around, and we continue to source from them,” Stander says. “Our turn signal is 1953 VW Beetle, because that’s what was on the original Cobra. Our guy makes it from the original tooling.

Also, we got the tooling for the Cobra taillights and make them ourselves, as with the GT40 headlights.”

All-new components set Superformance vehicles apart from the “kit car” cadre. Currenttech parts allow Superformance models to drive and handle better than their 1960s predecessors. This also creates additional revenue streams for respected aftermarket manufacturers such as Bilstein, H&R and Wilwood.

Licensing for road use can also be tricky.

Stander elaborates: “The original kit car procedure was that you could assemble a car in your garage, but couldn’t make multiples. Doctors and lawyers didn’t want to do that and looked for workshops to assemble the cars. In California, SB100 allows 500 private party-built cars a year to be smogged according to the year they resemble. First you go to the DMV and show the invoices if you built it at home, then you apply for an SB100 certificate.

Once you have that, you go to CHP, then you go to BAR to verify that it meets the regulations for the year it resembles, then they give you a label, then you go back to the DMV, and they send you a registration.”

As a company that sells multiples of very collectible vehicles designed in the 1960s, the kit car regulations don’t apply to Superformance.

The other industry challenge with the various replica kits is that components aren’t consistent. The cars are often finished with used parts, sometimes purposeadapted. This presents archaeological challenges for shops when a kit car comes in with problems.

Superformance addressed this by getting Carroll Shelby’s blessing and working out a licensing agreement. In return, Shelby made original blueprints and specs available.

“We’ve now built more than 1,000

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PERFORMANCE

Shelby Cobras,” Stander says. “Carroll originally built about 800.”

In the case of the new Shelby Daytona Coupe, Superformance hired prominent contributors from the original team, Peter Brock and Bob Nestad. They worked on tweaking their 1964 car, which they originally had only 90 days to execute from napkin sketch to testing.

The new Shelby Daytona Coupe is slightly larger than the original and has suspension refinements, A/C, power steering, electric windows and power brakes to increase its roadworthiness.

“We built Daytona #98 for Carroll,” Stander recalls. “I took it to him, he told me to get in, stood on it and got sideways.

That’s what they do. He grabbed second and brought it out sideways again, grabbed third and straightened it out. I thought, ‘This will be amazing to be in an accident with Carroll Shelby: lying in the hospital, tubes all over, and a big smile on my face!’”

Shelby put about 600 commuter miles on the car the first two years he owned it.

“Then he called and asked us to put an automatic in it,” Stander continues. “I told him I didn’t want to mess up his car. He said he’d find someone to do it if we wouldn’t.

Instead, we built him a new one with an automatic and exchanged it for his old car.

I have the paperwork, the notarized title in Carroll’s name. My wife and I have put 22,000 miles on the car since. His (new) one with the paddle-shifted automatic is still at Shelby American in Gardena.”

Superformance Cobra and GT40 bodies are made to original specs. Most customers choose the more-affordable, hand-laminated fiberglass bodies, although aluminum is also available. Current manufacturing tolerances are evident by door gap consistencies, which far surpass anything built in the 1960s. (Photo courtesy Hi-Tech Automotive) MARCH 2017

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PERFORMANCE

New Shelbys

COMMUNITY-BUILDING

Find Their Niche

Carroll Shelby authorized Superformance to build new Cobras and Daytona Coupes; GT40s are made in cooperation with Safir GT40 Spares. Lance and Ashton Stander delivered the #98 Daytona to Carroll Shelby, and later swapped it for one with a paddle-shift automatic.

THE CONCEPT OF A NEW SHELBY Superformance (superformance.com) builds new vehicles using 1960s designs.

“People have a hard time understanding the concept of a new Shelby,” Stander says.

“The only replica we have is a Superformance MkIII, a rectangular-framed roadgoing version of the Cobra. Everything else is licensed as a new Shelby or a new Corvette Grand Sport. Call it a clone if you want, but it’s not a continuation—it’s a brand-new car. Is a 2017 Mustang a continuation of the 2015 Mustang?”

The cars retain the period design and appearance but are assembled with allnew components—quantumly simplifying servicing. The Shelbys also carry official Shelby CSX VIN numbers and are eligible for the Shelby Registry and judging at Shelby Association of America Club (SAAC) events.

The official Shelby recognition usually gives Superformance cars higher resale value than kit Cobras.

Using new, standardized components is a blessing for Superformance owners and repair shops. Part numbers are cataloged, and spares are readily available. Suspect period parts such as the Lucas electrics have been upgraded to modern standards.

Previously, Superformance and other continuation/replica cars could only be sold as rolling chassis. The legislative argument was that the automakers have to comply with current CAFE and safety standards, so a new car that looks old should, too. As a result, the Superformance cars are shipped without powertrains.

The customer can then get the engine and transmission of their choice, pending intended use, budget and local emissions regulations.

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“If you picked a roller out of the showroom you could have the car in as little as two weeks,” Stander says.

This creates lucrative opportunities for performance shops. Superformance can’t legally authorize installation shops, but it can make recommendations to customers.

“Normally, shops that have serviced Superformance cars approach us,” says Stander. “They’re used to seeing scary kit car Cobras. Then they get a Superformance with brand-new parts, made to factory specs, with good replacement parts sourcing and ask to be referred to our customers in the area. It helps us if the shops are active in local shows and track days.”

For example, Superformance has up to 30 cars at any given time receiving powertrains at nearby V’s Performance in Orange, California. Superformance also has an unofficial Guinness-type competition for fastest time to make a roller Cobra into a driver. Bob Bondurant did it in 8.5 hours for a cable TV show, and Erick Voss at Voss Performance (Placentia, California) is the

Another vital part of Superformance’s success is its owner community.

“Our ultimate goal is to have a Superformance lifestyle like Harley has with HOG (Harley Owners Group),” says Lance Stander. “SCOF (Superformance Car Owners Forum - superformance.org/ scoff ) is a wonderful group of Superformance car owners that supports each other and partakes in a multitude of cruises and car events.”

The international association also serves as the official tech-support advisor group.

Another forum, Second Strike (secondstrike.com), documents the history of each car and has written Superformance owners’ manuals.

One rolling chassis advantage is that customers can have it their way. Cobra and Daytona purists like the classic 289 and 427. The 5.0-liter Coyote is popular for daily drivability, and this customer even opted for a twin-supercharged 427FE.

current record-holder at 6.5 hours.

Superformance also has a few select dealer territories available. Prime domestic opportunities include Texas and Florida. International Superformance dealers are located in Dubai, China, Japan and Australia.

The vehicles arrive at Superformance as rollers on metal skids. Until details of the Low Volume Act are finalized, Superformance continues to sell its vehicles without engines and transmissions.

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PERFORMANCE Superformance collaborated with Shelby American Inc. to release 15 limited-edition Sebring Shelby Cobras at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

BARRETT-JACKSON DEBUT

Superformance collaborated with Shelby American Inc. to release 15 limited-edition Sebring Shelby Cobras at the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January.

The special-edition Cobras are exact replicas of the cars that were raced at Sebring and other legendary road courses in 1963 and 1964 by Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Allen Grant and Dave MacDonald.

“We’re very excited to partner with Shelby and Baume-Mercier for the release of the special-edition Sebring Cobra Roadster and matching watch,” said Superformance CEO Lance Stander. “The Sebring Cobras are extremely unique and we can’t think of a better way to commemorate Carroll and the iconic Shelby American team drivers.”

Engineers meticulously researched the subtle differences in each car’s appearance and configuration at the time they were raced, and consulted Allen Grant, Dave MacDonald’s son Rich, as well as MacDonald’s two personal mechanics, Wally Peat and Ted Sutton, to ensure the car’s accuracy.

Sebring Edition Cobras were limited to a production of 15 cars (two with aluminum bodies and 13 with fiberglass bodies) and available in four driver liveries: Ken Miles (red painted body with #16 painted roundels), Dan Gurney (black painted body and yellow stripes with #15 painted roundels), Allen Grant (yellow painted body and black stripes with #96 painted roundels) and Dave MacDonald (black painted body and yellow stripes with #198 painted roundels).

Each car comes with a commemorative Baume & Mercier Shelby Sebring watch numbered with the customer’s Cobra CSX number.

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Hillbank is a dealer devoted to retail sales and also distributes the Caterham Seven. The Hillbank/Superformance showroom has several ready-to-roll vehicles, including GT40s, which are hot thanks to the new GT and Ford’s 50th anniversary victory at Le Mans last summer.

DIVIRSIFICATION WITH HILLBANK MOTORS Superformance has sold more than 4,000 rollers worldwide since the company’s inception. Still, Stander understands the ongoing need to look for additional opportunities.

He came to the U.S. to open junkyards and wound up selling Shelbys. The recession also underscored the value of having eggs in more than one basket.

“Before the economy turned, we were building close to 500 cars a year,” Stander says: “Forty Cobras a month, 10 Daytonas, 10 GT40s. At the height of the bad economy, we were doing fewer than 80 cars a year. We kept discounting and couldn’t give a car away. We couldn’t even afford locks to lock the door and walk away.

Eventually, I said, ‘Screw it, I can’t afford

to sell them at a loss. I’m not selling anything, so I might as well mark it back up to where it’s supposed to be. So, if I do sell one, at least I’ll make a little money.’ Then people started wanting them again. That marketing approach worked.”

Stander also launched Hillbank subsidiaries under the same roof. Hillbank Motor Corporation is an official Superformance dealer and also distributes the Caterham Seven, a U.K.-built lightweight sports car based on the classic Lotus Seven.

Additionally, the Hillbank Motorsports (hillbankmotosports.com) branch focuses on modern aftermarket muscle: performance parts for Mustang, Fiesta ST, Camaro, F-150, C7 and Focus ST currently, plus crate engines from Ford Racing, Shelby Engines, Lingen-

The Superformance MkIII is one of the company’s best-sellers. A replica of the classic Cobra, the MkIII is more road-friendly, thanks to a TIG-welded ladder frame as opposed to the Shelby Tojeiro-style tube frame. This particular model’s owner chose to clearance the hood to fit a Paxton supercharger.

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felter and Roush.

The bulk of the business is mail-order, but Hillbank Motorsports does over-the-counter retail sales and installations for local customers.

The revenue split between Superformance and Hillbank is currently about 60/40. Hillbank gives the Standers the

flexibility to expand into other enthusiastoriented vehicles as they hit the market.

MARKETING The Stander family built Superformance through personalized service. Their marketing approach follows suit: Superfor-

PERFORMANCE

The latest Superformance built-under-license classic is the Corvette Grand Sport. Only five originals were built in 1962-’63, and the Superformance models are true to Duntov’s specs. Customers can choose original power—a Weber-carbureted 377-ci small-block—or opt for modern LS performance.

mance prioritizes events where company employees and Superformance owners can do show-and-tell.

Some are grassroots, such as the local Orange County and Malibu Cars & Coffee events, Petersen Museum Shelby Birthday Cruise-In, and Supercar Sundays in Los Angeles. Club-oriented Superformance events include Cobra Owner Club of America (COCOA) and SAAC (Shelby American Automobile Club).

Broader-scope visibility includes Barrett-Jackson auctions, La Jolla Concours, Monterey Car Week and Ford Out Front at the SEMA Show. Hillbank Motorsports also sponsors select club racers and ProTouring/autocross competitors.

Superformance is an example of how the Low Volume bill is creating business opportunities for boutique manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers and shop owners.

Superformance/Hillbank has grown to 18 full-time employees and is in the process of moving from its current 21,000-squarefoot facility to a much larger building.

“Once the details of the Low Volume Bill are sorted out, we’re set to grow even more,” Stander predicts.

AMERICAN

ICONS flowmastermufflers.com

hurst-shifters.com

bmracing.com

Come see all our new and exciting products by visiting us online or by calling 707-544-4761 MARCH 2017

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PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS High-Power Turbo

Garrett by Honeywell, Torrance, California, introduces the Honeywell Garrett GTX 5533R Gen II turbocharger, featuring new, advanced GTX compressor wheel technology in a largeframe turbo producing 1,000 to 2,500 hp.

Designed for race classes with specific compressor inlet diameter rules, the GTX 5533R Gen II starts with a high-strength, near net shape, forged blank. The compressor wheel blade profiles are CNC-machined to make the thinnest blades possible, and the wheels are available in 85mm, 88mm, 91mm, 94mm, and 98mm inducer diameters.

Coyote Intake Manifold

Edelbrock, Torrance California, introduces a new intake manifold for 2011-’16 Ford 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engines. The Edelbrock Victor II intake manifold is designed for use with Coyote engines running in the 1,500-7,500-rpm operating range.

It features long, tapered, crossover-style runners with a large plenum for improved performance. Cast aluminum construction makes the intake manifold suited for nitrous, supercharged and turbo applications. It includes provisions for all emissions equipment and retains the stock fuel rail.

Type II Power Steering Pumps

Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories, Cleveland, offers chrome-plated aluminum Type II Power Steering Pumps. The compact Type II pumps fit well in cramped engine compartments and are available with either a top or bottom pressure port.

They include either billet aluminum AN fittings, 90-degree hose tube or standard OEM slip fit for the company’s clip-on black plastic reservoir. The pumps provide up to 1,200 psi (optional 850 psi valve is available), flow 3 gpm and are built using 100-percent new components.

They require the use of a presson pulley and come in polished aluminum, stealth black powdercoated or as-cast finishes.

Ignition Systems

Ididit, Tecumseh, Michigan, presents its new id. IGNITION SYSTEMS. Choose from id.CLASSIC, id.PUSH, id.PUSH+ and id.TOUCH. The id.CLASSIC keyed ignition adds style and function to tilt steering columns, while the id.PUSH adds a modern twist. The id.PUSH is suitable for Sportsmen racers who hop in the cockpit, push and go. An upgrade to the id.PUSH+ brings the added security of a key fob and system status indicator. And the elite id.TOUCH features a touchsensitive button start as well as key fob with four programmable channels.

Superchargers

Sprintex Superchargers, Auburn Hills, Michigan, offers its Series 5 Superchargers.

The Sprintex supercharger is a positivedisplacement, mechanically driven, twinscrew-type compressor. A unique, patented rotor profile design ensures minimal internal leakage and has low parasitic losses. It operates by axially inducting air into the intake ports located at the rear of the unit. The air is compressed internally before being released via the discharge port located on the front side of the supercharger body. The power increase is linear, with instant throttle response.

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Forged Aluminum Wheels

American Force Wheels, Miami, introduces its aluminum Beadlock Series wheels. The lightweight wheels are forged from T-6061 aluminum and locked with a bead lock ring consisting of 24 ARP bolts.

The bead lock ring clamps the outer bead of the tire to prevent it from coming loose under even the most harsh and abusive rock crawling or racing conditions. The wheels add strength and good looks to Jeep TJ, JK or full-size pickup applications.

Fully customizable, they come in 17x9, 18x9 and 20x10 sizes.

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PERFORMANCE

LS-Swap Cast Iron Exhaust Manifolds

Hedman Hedders, Whittier, California, presents its new LS-Swap Cast Iron Exhaust Manifolds for American muscle cars, trucks and street rods. The manifolds feature a compact design, durable construction and are available in four finishes. The cast iron material is extremely durable, delivering worryfree power, generating lower under-hood temperatures, and quieting valvetrain noise. The manifolds are compatible with all LS-series engines, including both cathedral port and rectangular port heads.

Signature Exhaust Series

Billy Boat Performance Exhaust, Phoenix, offers Universal Mufflers to complement its exhaust system lines. The company’s Benchmark Muffler gives installers the option to adapt its deep, throaty muscle car tone on a universal level. A square tube design allows for more volume and more perforated surface area inside the tube for better flow and less restriction. The Billy Boat Timbre Cylinder offers a flexible component of design, balance and sound applicable to most any custom exhaust.

Swaging Positioning System

Huth Ben Pearson International LLC, Hartford, Wisconsin, introduces its Dead Stop Swaging Positioning System, an end-forming positioning system accessory for its machinery.

The Dead Stop makes swaging (expanding, reducing, shaping) repeated tube and pipe-based parts quicker and easier.

Green Motor Oil

LIQUI-MOLY, Hauppauge, New York, introduces its glowing green Molygen New Generation Oils. The green color signals strong protection that reduces friction by up to 15 percent and wear by up to 30 percent. The protection is provided by friction modifiers that smooth the metal surfaces in the engine and even-out microscopically small bumps. The Molygen product line features five glowing green motor oils that are available in 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, and 5W-40 viscosities. With Molygen Motor Protect there is also a wear protection additive that offers additional protection for the engine.

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PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS Exhaust Tips

SpeedFX, Exeter, Pennsylvania, offers a new line of Exhaust Tips designed to deliver an appearance upgrade for any ride. Featuring high-quality T304 stainless steel construction, the tips come in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. They feature no clamp, bolton capability for quick and easy installation, and applications are available in polished stainless steel or temperature black painted finish, and in a rolled, beveled or sharp edge. Applications include inlet diameters from 2.5 to 5 inches, body diameters from 3 to 8 inches and lengths from 7 to 18 inches.

LS Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set

Camaro Brake Kits

Wilwood, Camarillo, California, offers its new Aerolite Front Brake Kits for 2016 Chevrolet Camaro applications.

The kits feature forged aluminum Aerolite 6R radial-mount calipers and 14- or 15-inch-diameter, directional vane two-piece rotors. Six-piston calipers are available in signature gloss black, competition red and 22 additional color options. Wilwood’s BP-10 metallic-composite compound SmartPads, paired with either GT Spec37 slotted or SRP drilled and slotted rotors, deliver high-torque stopping power, optimized cooling efficiency and style.

MAHLE Original, Farmington Hills, Michigan, introduces an Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set for popular GM LS engines.

The gaskets feature OE-quality multi-layer steel (MLS) construction to ensure a positive seal under extreme temperatures. The sets fit GM LS engines made from 1997-2012, including the 4.8-, 5.3-, 5.7-, 6.0- and 6.2-liter sizes. The gaskets utilize three layers of 301, full hard stainless steel with an embossment on each layer at critical sealing areas.

The spring steel layers provide tension when compressed, keeping the joint tight.

Supercar Tire Cradle

Race Ramps, Escanaba, Michigan, offers its new Supercar FlatStopper tire cradle that prevents flatspotting of tires when a vehicle is stored for 30 days or longer.

The FlatStopper measures 16-inches-wide-by-28-inches-long and accommodates tires up to 14 inches wide. The concave design effectively cradles the tire, while the durable exterior coating prevents scooting on even the smoothest of surfaces, including epoxy and plastic modular flooring. Additionally, the FlatStopper will not leave marks on floors.

EFI-to-Carburetor Regulator

Aeromotive Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, offers its new EFI-2-Carb Regulator that allows any vehicle originally equipped with a return-style EFI-powered engine to affordably convert to a standard carburetor while retaining the full, stock EFI fuel system components—all with a single regulator.

With the new EFI-2-Carb regulator, no changes to the original fuel system are required. Installers just bolt on a carburetor and go. It allows use of the stock EFI pump in the tank, the stock EFI supply and return lines, and the stock fuel filter.

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Classic Chevy Clutches

Centerforce Clutches, Prescott, Arizona, presents its Centerforce I Clutch Kit for 1963-’95 GM car and truck applications. The clutches offer technological advancements over factory units, including Centerforce’s patented centrifugal weights and premium friction material that deliver light pedal effort and smooth engagement. The kits are designed to provide better-thanstock pedal feel and complement stock engines and motors with slight power increases from minor bolt-on modifications.

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PERFORMANCE

Hellcat High-Flow Fuel Injectors

DeatschWerks, Oklahoma City, introduces its new High-Flow Fuel Injector Line for Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat applications. The Hellcat-specific injectors utilize the Bosch EV14 xT nozzle design, replicating the OE nozzle placement for precise fuel delivery. Flow rates are available in 850cc and 1100cc, which on the 6.2-liter supercharged engine can support a range of up to 1,000-1,300 whp. The injectors are 100-percent plug-and-play fitment with everything included for installation, and are fully flow-matched and balanced.

Mustang EcoBoost Throttle Body

BBK Performance, Temecula, California, presents a Throttle Body for 2015-up Ford Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost Models.

Available in 65mm throttle bore that works with OEM and aftermarket intakes, the unit offers increased horsepower and quicker throttle response, reduced turbo lag and direct bolt-on installation. No custom tuning is required.

Trim Lok Restyler ad.pdf

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Split Sleeves

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), Avon Lake, Ohio, presents its protective Easy Loom Split Sleeves, designed to protect wire, hoses and cables exposed to caustic solvents, abrasion or the elements. Featuring a clean, classy woven material, Easy Loom Split Sleeves are simple to install or remove for maintenance. Made with a self-closing, split design with a 30-percent overlap, they are resistant to automotive fluids, chemicals and high temperatures, and are available in eight popular diameters from 5mm to 38mm in bulk 100-foot lengths.

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High-horsepower engines demand upgraded fuel pumps.

(Photos courtesy DeatschWerks)

FULL THROTTLE

S

ome say there are no unimportant Fuel pump sales go with the flow. By John Carollo parts in a performance vehicle.

While that may be up for eternal debate, there are certain components that need to work every time the vehicle “A fuel pump upgrade positively affects pump upgrades are increased capacity, reliis fired up. the engine where increased fuel flow is ability or compatibility.

Fuel pumps fall into that category. Prineeded to support the demands of high“Increase in capacity for high-power marily, a pump moves fuel from the tank horsepower engines,” says Lawson Mollica, applications when the OE pump is not to the engine. marketing & PR director, AEM Performance enough. Increased reliability or compatIts secondary function is matching the Electronics. “If you have customers who are ibility when an alternate fuel is used such fuel load to the engine’s induction system’s making power well beyond the OE-rated as E85 or methanol.” needs. And now, with sweeping use of elecpower levels, then a fuel pump upgrade is Smitty Smith, technical sales coordinator, tronic fuel injection (EFI), a consistent flow both imminent and necessary.”

Edelbrock, suggests that any time perforof fuel and volume are more important Rob Scharfenberg, chief engineer at mance upgrades are made to an engine (like than ever.

FUELAB, says the main reasons for fuel a performance carburetor, intake maniBeyond the primary functions for fuel pumps, inforWith the complex fuel pump assemblies mation about them is critin late-model cars, ical; both in usage but more there is no longer a so in educating and selling one-size-fits-all solution. (Photo courtesy to the consumer. And that DeatschWerks) alone is good enough reason to delve into fuel pumps.

REASONS TO UPGRADE When drivers come in looking for more power, the main benefits of fuel pump upgrades make a lot of sense.

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Fueled by

fold, camshaft, etc.), there must be some thought given to fuel supply.

“It only makes sense to consider making upgrades to the fuel delivery system,” he says. “Not just the fuel pumps, but also fuel filters, fuel lines, and fuel pressure regulators and relays. Flow rate and fuel pressure are very important to your engine’s performance and vehicle drivability. Make sure your fuel pump is capable of supplying enough volume of fuel—not just pressure—for the horsepower you will try to achieve.”

Kyle Fickler, director of business development for Aeromotive, explains that while fuel pumps don’t make horsepower, they can limit how much horsepower you can make.

“The performance enthusiast is looking for more flow at the operating pressure required for the combination. Once the flow and pressure requirements are determined, verify what fuel the customer is going to run,” he says. “Many fuel pumps are not compatible with E85, and service life will be reduced when used with E85, even if E85 is only used occasionally. As such, the ultimate benefit of using a prop-

erly engineered fuel pump is greater reliability and durability while easily feeding additional horsepower, resulting in less cost to the consumer and fewer comebacks for the installer. And not to be overlooked, we can usually offer a fuel pump that is much quieter than the pump you’re replacing.”

Agreeing with upgrades whenever fuel demand is increased, Chris Mills, senior technical product specialist at DeatschWerks Fuel Systems, says one thing customers tend to overlook is headroom within the fuel system.

“When I spec a fuel pump for a customer, I typically allow for a 20-percent overage,” he notes. “Another reason to upgrade a pump would be to accommodate the use of high ethanol content fuels, which may not be compatible with the OE pump or currently installed pump.”

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INSTALLATION TIPS Once sold on an upgrade, customers will need shops to install their new pumps.

Manufacturers have plenty of smart tips to help make sure the process goes smoothly.

“Keep a checklist based on manufacturers’ instructions and problems that MARCH 2017

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FULL THROTTLE

POPULAR PUMPS “The DW65c and DW300c compact fuel pumps are our most popular currently. The compact design allows for the 65c and 300c pumps to fit into the OE assembly properly and maintain the additional functions, like scavenging and fuel level management for saddle-design fuel tanks.”

Chris Mills DeatschWerks

the shop has run into on previous installations,” Scharfenberg recommends.

“Knowing the problems and solutions for installations can not only save time and future customer issues, but can be used to convince other customers that setting up a fabricated fuel system is something worth sending their way.”

Smith reminds installers about the power source.

“For electric fuel pump applications, the installer must use an appropriate relay (30-amp) to operate the fuel pump,” he says. “Wire the pump so that it is only running when the key is in the ‘on’ position. Always install a fuel filter (typically about 60-micron) before the fuel pump to keep out debris, and also one (about 10-micron) after the fuel pump to further filter the fuel.”

He also suggests using a fuel pressure regulator to control fuel pressure when needed.

“This will all make for a more reliable fuel system, and a better chance of making

“We have seen a push for our 50-1205, 320-lph E85 center inlet pump. It is a direct fit for 1987-’95 Ford Mustangs. On the other side, we now offer our 50-1005, 380-lph in-line fuel pump with metric inlet/outlet fittings, which allows people who are using AN 044 pumps to easily upgrade without the need to purchase and install AN fittings.”

Lawson Mollica AEM Performance Electronics “We have a new screw pump technology that helps give us greater resistance to cavitation (like vapor lock) as well as far greater efficiency (less current draw and heat buildup). New for 2017 is our twin-screw fuel pump that allows tremendous flow rates with a fraction of the heat buildup, and with less noise. Coupled with our DC brushless electronic systems, flow capacity is nearly double with the same amount of current draw as some OE pumps.”

Rob Scharfenberg

“We make reliable fuel pressure regulators, and also have a couple of in-line fuel pumps that work really well in performance applications for both EFI and carbureted engine applications. These pumps will flow up to 120 gph at 45 psi. Being an in-line fuel pump, the fuel runs through the pump so they can run cool and last longer and will support up to 2,000 hp on a carbureted application. These U.S.made fuel pumps are also rebuildable, and Edelbrock offers a rebuild service as well.”

Smitty Smith Edelbrock “Our new Aeromotive Stealth 340-lph pumps fit literally hundreds of applications and are now fully E85-compatible.

These pumps are a true plug-and-play option, utilizing OE-style pigtail, socks and hangers. It can support up to 700 hp forced induction EFI or 850 hp EFI naturally aspirated on gasoline. It is also a great choice for carbureted applications with the appropriate bypass fuel pressure regulator.”

Kyle Fickler Aeromotive

FUELAB

If you have customers who are making power well beyond OE-rated power levels, then a fuel pump upgrade is both imminent and necessary.

(Photos courtesy AEM Performance Electronics)

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the horsepower you are going to make and the fuel pump can support,” says Smith.

The properties of the fuel used are also a factor, Fickler advises.

“If your shop is focused primarily on continuous-duty pump gas vehicles, don’t lose sight of the challenges that pump gas provides in a performance fuel system,” he says. “If your application requires an external, in-line fuel pump, keep in mind that when you put fuel under a vacuum, you reduce the boiling point. Current pump gas formulations were never intended for external fuel pumps, given that the OEs have been putting the fuel pumps in the tank for 30 years. To minimize the chance

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FULL THROTTLE TANK OPTIONS In certain applications, fuel delivery system upgrades can include auxiliary or replacement fuel tanks. And, while these don’t always necessitate a fuel pump change, they can help deliver more utility for a variety of applications.

“Each of our tanks goes through a tremendous design process,” notes Mike DeFord, marketing manager, TITAN Fuel Tanks. “Our engineering manager, Klint Anderson, takes immense pride in the fact that our tanks are a direct replacement and use the stock sending units as efficiently as the stock tank does.”

TITAN’s top-selling tanks include extra-large, direct-replacement, midship tanks that fit 2011-’16 Ford shortbed, crew-cab Super Duty trucks, and the 50-gallon Travel Trekker auxiliary tank that feeds diesel into the normal tank as you drive.

“For an installer, our tanks are an easy profit center,” DeFord explains. “First, there’s a good margin, but on the backside the install is so easy and quick that it allows shops to make a great bit on the install or use the install as a valueadded tool to their business by offering specials such as half-price or even free installs with the purchase of a tank.”

Robert Green, director of sales and

marketing for Transfer Flow, says that when it comes to in-bed auxiliary tank systems for trucks, customers usually want the highest capacity they can get.

For replacement tanks, the popularity of Ford F-Series diesels is driving the market, but the company also offers replacement tanks for all major truck lines and cab chassis.

Transfer Flow has a complete line of legal and versatile refueling tanks and toolbox/tank combos as well.

Green also notes that no fuel delivery component changes are needed with Transfer Flow systems, and the company provides complete fuel tank systems that include everything needed for installation and use.

“While no special fuel pump or sending unit is required, we recommend every diesel engine owner treats their fuel with a high-quality biocide,” Green suggests. “And this isn’t just for customers with auxiliary fuel tank systems. The increased biodiesel blends and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels we have today can create an environment where lubricity is lacking, and even more important, bacteria and fungi can propagate in the fuel system.

Left untreated, this can result in costly repairs north of $10,000 if fuel injector systems get fouled.”

Auxiliary and replacement fuel tanks can be an enticing profit center for shops offering fuel system services, and use the stock sending units. (Photo courtesy TITAN Fuel Tanks)

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of suction side-cavitation, you must do everything you can do to minimize restriction on the suction or inlet side.”

That includes following the manufacturer’s filter and plumbing recommendation, along with pump mounting and wiring requirements.

“Hot fuel is the enemy of performance fuel systems, and for the system to operate at maximum efficiency, look to a single manufacturer to provide all the components and then follow their recommendations,” Fickler says.

Mills recommends fine-tuning your applications.

“With the complex fuel pump assemblies in late-model cars, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution,” he warns.

“Be sure your pump suppliers include an application-specific fitment kit for your car.

Proper fitment is essential for maximum performance and reliability. An ill-fitting pump just won’t get the job done in today’s complex fuel systems.”

Mollica’s tip for better installs? Do your homework.

“There are so many things that should be addressed when upgrading a fuel pump, including: properly installing a pre-filter to keep particulates in the fuel from contaminating the pump in in-tank installs; using the correct-size fuel lines and correct type of hose if you are using alcohol-based fuels; and correctly routing the plumbing to avoid pump cavitation and doublechecking for leaks in the connector hose between the fuel pump discharge and top of the tank in an in-tank installation,” he advises. “But, perhaps the number one tip is to ensure vehicle charging voltage, usually 13.5 volts, is available at the pump terminal (not the source of the power).”

Once verified, he continues, “use correctly sized wire that is rated for fuel submersion and check voltage at the pump with all ancillary electrical circuits turned on. Using the correct-size fuse is really important, because using the wrong size is dangerous. A very common mistake is that users install a relay rated for 30 amps and assume the fuse also should be rated for 30 amps. The fuse must be no higher than the maximum recommended by the fuel pump manufacturer. We recommend using a relay kit.”

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SALES TARGETS After understanding the benefits of fuel pump upgrades and learning a few new install tips and tricks, all that’s left is to zero-in on a targeted customer base.

“As mentioned above, vehicles that have other performance upgrades are likely to need fuel system upgrades of some kind,” says Edelbrock’s Smith. “When the vehicle is no longer in stock form, this is when they need to consider upgrades to the fuel system.”

Aeromotive’s Fickler notes that Fuel pump upgrades are typically part of other performance modifications, whether for forced induction or naturally aspirated setups.

“If the enthusiast at the sales counter says he is looking to support 500 horsepower, you need to verify what fuel, pressure range (carb or EFI) and whether it is forced induction or NA, just to start the conversation,” he says. “Keep in mind that E85 requires about 30-percent more volume than gasoline to make the same

Brushless technology, as found in this Power Stroke diesel lift pump system, is driving the advancement of the fuel pump market. (Photo courtesy Aeromotive)

horsepower and your pump recommendation needs to reflect that.”

Mills of DeatschWerks points out there is a danger factor to consider. “ Mo s t c u s t o m e r s modifying their car for increased power, especially

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FULL THROTTLE forced induction, are prime candidates for a fuel pump upgrade. Often the pump is overlooked in forced induction applications, however” he explains. “When this happens, fuel pressure will drop under higher loads and the engine will run dangerously lean. This leads to detonation and potential catastrophic engine damage.”

AEM’s Mollica agrees that forced induction fans are prime targets for aftermarket fuel pump upgrades. “(Fuel pumps) are a critical upgrade for engines that are forced induction or equipped with nitrous oxide, as well as naturally aspirated engines that have been heavily modified to deliver dramatically increased power.”

FUELAB’s Scharfenberg has a simple recommendation—the more complicated or involved the horsepower gains, the more likely a new fuel pump will be needed.

“Like all other power upgrades, vehicle modifications can be complex and require shop help. Fuel systems can be particularly difficult (to pitch), as most customers think first of the items that make them the power like turbos or nitrous oxide, not the parts that help them keep the power like fuel systems or strengthened axles, etc. Those looking for power-adders also need fuel system upgrades—and other upgrades as well.”

MOVING FORWARD Even with the impressive credentials of today’s fuel pumps, we

can’t help but wonder how technology will affect the future of the market. The manufacturers have some ideas.

“Fuel pumps will become smaller, quieter, more efficient and able to handle a wider range of fuels,” Fickler predicts, noting Aeromotive is bringing brushless technology to a broad range of fuel pump offerings.

“By combining a variety of pumping mechanisms with the inherent benefits of brushless technology, we can create additional flow at any operating pressure while drawing less amperage,” he says. “Aeromotive already utilizes brushless technology in our diesel lift pump and EFI Pro Stock fuel pump, and with more inline and in-tank pumps already in

development, we are taking full advantage of both the durability and efficiency of brushless technology.”

It’s an ongoing evolution, as Mills points out.

“The in-tank fuel pump design has already evolved extensively within the past decade. These pumps are smaller, compatible with multiple types of fuel, and perform functions beyond just sending fuel to the engine,” he says. “Further, the pump is now encapsulated within an assembly that requires the pump to be a certain shape and have specific components in order for the pump to perform all of its intended functions.”

Mollica sees one growing possibility.

“As direct injection engines become more prevalent, there will be a shift to manufacturing higher-volume DI fuel pumps,” he believes. “For electric fuel pumps, brushless motor-controlled pumps will become more common. The brushless pump can be controlled to deliver low fuel pressure/volume at lowdemand conditions

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and full pressure/volume at high loads.

With decreased fuel usage, less frequent pit stops may lead to more victories.

The ability to increase the flow capabilities of in-tank pumps allows performance enthusiasts to upgrade their existing fuel system instead of having to redesign it for larger, external pumps.”

He adds that supporting products like drop-in, multi-pump assemblies and surge tank assemblies further promote this ability.

“And, when done right, they provide enough flow for power levels two- to three-times higher than the factory-rated power level of an engine, without requiring a complete system redesign.”

Scharfenberg contends that technological advancements will help make fuel pumps better, more reliable and less expensive.

“This trend will only continue as time goes on. New pumping technology and advances with motors (especially DC brush-

Any time performance upgrades are made to an engine, there must be some thought given to fuel supply.

(Photo courtesy Edelbrock)

less systems) have raised the expectations in the marketplace.”

Smith also points to recent improvements to automotive fuel delivery systems in the past few years, including custom fuel tanks for popular early muscle cars that are now running EFI systems.

“These units incorporate the fuel pump,

a strainer filter to clean the fuel before it gets to the fuel pump, a gauge sending unit and a return line. I think we will see more of these fuel systems in the near future,” he says.

So, when it comes to following the fuel pump market, it’s best to just go with the flow.

New pumping technology and advances with motors—especially DC brushless systems—have raised expectations in the marketplace. (Photo courtesy FUELAB) MARCH 2017

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WorldofSpeed Creating an auto-centric museum in Portland.

By Tony Thacker

I

f you ever saw the TV show Portlandia, you will understand exactly what the city of Portland, Oregon, is like: cool, funky, wacky and wet; but under that thick layer of green there is a vibrant car town with so much going on it’s difficult to keep track of it all.

There are car collections, some numbering in the hundreds. I know of at least three warehouses in the center of the city that contain multimillion-dollar collections.

There are outdoor events like Bradshaw’s Tranny Show where they close the streets for a rod run. There’s Beaches, a weekly cruise at Portland International Raceway (PIR), located right in the city, that in the summer can attract 1,400 cars.

There’s The One Show that is perhaps one of the world’s coolest bike shows, while another motorcycle event called the Alley Sweeper sees literally hundreds of bikes ripping through the back alleys of Portland—it drives the residents crazy, but it’s a lot of fun.

Besides PIR and kart tracks, there’s also the Alpenrose Dairy Quarter Midget track for 5- to 16-year-olds. Just 30 miles south there’s Woodburn Dragstrip, one of the oldest continuously running strips in the country and, on the way right off Interstate 5, there’s a new automotive museum called World of Speed.

CAPTURING SPEED I had the great fortune to be executive director and part of the team that developed WoS as an auto-centric edutainment and experiential experience—it’s far from a dusty car museum.

Primarily, it’s an exhibition of American racecars displaying not only PDX’s rich motorsports heritage but also the bigger picture with, for example, a collection of Mickey Thompson’s land speed racers

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Primarily, WoS is an exhibition of American racecars.

Portland’s World of Speed was created as an auto-centric edutainment and experiential facility.

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d including the 4-engine Challenger as well as M/T’s 2-, 4- and V-8-engined record-setting dragsters.

M/T’s cars are featured in The Wall of a larger, Castrol-sponsored Sound exhibit exhibit that tells the history of explores the relationship between the absolute land speed record cars and music. for cars and motorcycles. A timeline depicts every record setter from Gaston de ChasseloupLaubat’s 1898 French electric car that set the very first record at 39.24 mph to the current record holder: Andy Green’s Bloodhound SSC that is aiming for 1,000 mph.

Another interesting exhibit is a full-size replica of the 31-degree Daytona banking complete with four real NASCAR racers. It shows how steep the track really is—almost impossible to walk up.

One of my pet projects was the Wall of Sound exhibit that explores the relationship between cars and music from Ike Turner radios, televisions, record players, and and Jackie Brenston’s 1951 hit Rocket 88 8-track players—there’s even a working to ZZ Top’s Eliminator of 1982. It also jukebox. It’s a really fun, interactive exhibit explores how we listened to music via that everybody can relate to.

“Thanks to all the amazing enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, the World of Speed—now in its second year—continues to be a place for young and old to come together to share their love of motorsports,” said David Schaeffer, executive director, World Three of Speed. “Their pasinteractive sion inspires us driving simulators inevery day.” clude Johnny Benson’s

1998 NASCAR Ford Taurus and a genuine 1962 Lotus simulator updated with modern computer technology and large, wraparound screen.

AUTOS & CULTURE We also furnished the museum with items contemporary to the vehicles, so it is peppered, for example, with real Eames chairs that used automotive materials and components in their construction. The member’s lounge looks like it’s right out of MARCH 2017

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WorldofSpeed

Are Auto Museums an Endangered Species? and allow a computer to drive.

Also driving this change is what drives many things—an aging population versus a younger population that cares less about automobiles than we did. I asked my 17-year-old if there were any kids in her school that care about cars and she replied, “A couple, not many, and they like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, not old cars.”

When we were growing up those vehicles existed but on the periphery; they were not aspirational for most people.

Now they are.

What does this have to do with auto museums? Well, if people don’t care, they don’t go.

Three auto museums that I know of all closed recently: the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan; the Museum of Speed in Salt Lake City; and the Riverside International Automotive Museum, Riverside, California.

Is it the start of a trend?

Back to museums, I spoke to museum consultant Marcy Goodwin of mgoodwinmuseumplanning.com.

“Museums that are solely rich guys’ collections are not sustainable,” she says.

“Certainly, the vehicles are a draw, but

WORTHWHILE COLLECTIONS? As museums are not most people’s A museum consultant believes that “museums that are solely rich guys’ business, let’s look at car collections collections are not sustainable.” that are facing a similar paradigm shift.

Very often, somebody has colhen was the last time you entered a lected an impressive array of autohorseless carriage museum? When mobiles, only to find that their was the last time you entered an auto kids could care less. Then what museum? happens?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. The We spoke to Paul Duchene, a The Mulhouse Museum in Mulhouse, France, national average for typical museum senior analyst with Hagerty Insur- was the Schlumpf Collection. Again, hundreds attendance in the U.S. is just one person, ance, who says, “The auction busi- of cars but few visitors. per square foot, per year. And, in my ness is very similar to the museum experience, that seems about right— to a small group. It’s what the railroad business in that it is populated by people unfortunately—and it does not indicate fans call foamers, people who foam at who have amassed collections, only to a rosy future, as many auto museums do the mouth. They’re always going to find that their children do not have the not even achieve that figure. same passion.

In many cases, these colcome. But, there has to be so much Are auto museums an endangered spelections are now heading for the auction more than rows of cars to engage the cies? I may be way ahead of the curve block.” general public.” here, but long term, I think so.

Tim Parker, a motoring department She continues that “museums have Societal and technological changes are consultant with Bonhams auctions, to tell stories that connect with visitors the cause. I believe we are at a point in says he’s seeing a growing volume of and help them understand what they’re our development that is as significant cars entering the market at No-reserve, looking at and how it relates to them. as man getting off the horse and grabwhich means they will be auctioned at No stories, no connectivity. A museum bing the steering wheel—when men and any price. has to be immersive from the moment women will let go of the steering wheel “One reason, at least, is that you walk in the door, (but) so many car Here’s a large, eclectic auto collection in Germany. aging collectors are cleaning museums are just big garages.”

The rows of cars with no signs have no story, and out their garages so as not There has been a fundamental shift in therefore no visitors. what the automobile means to us, and to burden their families,” he young people in particular. explains. “I think this trend is To an older generation, the car was going to continue, particularly in the middle echelon of cola means of escape. Using technology, lector cars, and that may well today’s kids can go anywhere. They don’t plateau prices, simply because need a car; don’t even care to own one. of oversupply. The special cars, Long-term, I think that’s going to the top 10 percent, will, howimpact our hobby; maybe not for a genever, continue to command eration, but the future will be different. top prices.”

—Tony Thacker

W

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Taurus, Adrian Fernandez’s 1995 Lola IndyCar and a genuine A Daytona 1962 Lotus simulator that exhibit shows just how extreme Maher updated with modern the superspeedan episode of Mad Men. computer technology and large, way’s banking Perhaps the most engaging wraparound screen. really is. aspect of this very interactive, At the time of writing, the WoS hands-on museum is the three (worldofspeed.org) was holding sim simulators developed in conjunction races on the last Thursday of the month. with local VR geek Keith Maher of VRmoIt also has a weekly Cars and Coffee event tioncorp.com. every Saturday morning, rain or shine.

The three cars are all real race cars: World of Speed is a cool destination with Johnny Benson’s 1998 NASCAR Ford lots to see and do for the whole family,

including a cool area just for kids. It’s primary purpose, however, is to educate and it has a very strong program that offers a wide variety of camps, classes and workshops for adults and children.

And it’s all very Portland.

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.

YOU CAN

WE WILL. OUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS SPRING 2017

R

Where Industry Leaders Meet

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TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS Coaxial Speakers

KICKER, Stillwater, Oklahoma, offers its premium QS-Series Point-Source Coaxial Speakers. The two models of 6.75- and 6-by-9-inch pointsource drivers are the latest addition to the elite Q-Class mobile audio line. Bi-amp-capable, the drivers feature a dynamic tweeter and cone design for improved frequency response, and an 18dB/octave crossover network and neodymium tweeter magnets to ensure superior overall sound quality. The speakers fit a host of vehicles without modification, and include adapter rings to fit several others.

Overhead Monitor

VOXX Electronics Corp., Hauppauge, New York, presents its new and improved 12.1-inch Advent ADVEXL12A Overhead Monitor. The newest addition to the Advent Mobile Video product line features an all-digital design with enhanced cosmetics and expanded connectivity options for smart devices. The 12.1-inch high-definition digital LED backlit monitor has a resolution of 1280 x 800. The system also includes a built-in, 100-channel FM transmitter with the ability to hard-wire, plus dual channel IR headphones, USB reader and HD inputs.

Classic Vehicle Radio

Retro Mfg., Henderson, Nevada, offers its Long Beach Shaft-Style Radio for the classic restoration market. The Long Beach system is satellite radio-ready with the SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, subscription required). The SXV300 plugs directly into Long Beach without the need for adapters or cables. The compact size allows it to install easily and discreetly behind the dash for a fully integrated look. Long Beach is a full-featured radio with iPod/iPhone compatibility and built-in Bluetooth, and is available in five styles.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

Kia Dash Kits

Scosche Industries, Oxnard, California, offers its custom, factory-fit Stereo Installation Dash Kits, including applications for 2015-up Kia Sedona and 2016-up Kia Sorento models. Designed to provide a seamless installation of an aftermarket head unit, the kits can be combined with other Scosche components including interfaces, harnesses, antenna adapters, speakers and sound system hardware to provide a total vehicle car audio solution. Features include: double DIN, OEM-matched matte black finish and automotive-grade ABS plastic panel construction.

Classic Car Radio

Custom Autosound Mfg., Fullerton, California, offers its USA-740 Radio for classic car applications. The USA-740 fits more than 400 vehicle models without modifying the dash. It is available with a bezel containing the car’s manufacturer logo, as well as large, OEM-style push buttons. Modern features include a USB input for flash drives to play back MP3/WMA song files, and an iPod dock. The 300-watt USA-740 is Bluetooth-compatible with remote microphone and has four RCA pre-outs for optional amplifiers.

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Wireless Apple CarPlay Receiver

Alpine Electronics of America, Torrance, California, introduces the iLX-107 aftermarket in-dash receiver dedicated to wireless Apple CarPlay.

The iLX-107 provides drivers with a seamless transition of their iPhone in and out of the vehicle without having to connect a cable. The system is an AM/FM receiver with a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen and LED backlighting for bright visibility. The iLX-107 is compatible with the Alpine TuneIt app, a free smartphone app that provides custom sound tuning for Alpine products.

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D

R p M a P T e b p i e i s o B S

Mercedes SiriusXM Tuner Kits

Digital Media Receiver

Rockford Fosgate, Tempe, Arizona, presents its PMX-3 Compact Digital Media Receiver. Designed for marine and motorsports applications, the PMX-3 features a 2.7-inch, full-color TFT display for optimum viewing even in full sun and is optically wetbonded to prevent dust or moisture penetration. It is IPX6-rated and includes a water-resistant rotary encoder knob with white LED button illumination and front-mounted sub-level controls. The receiver offers Pandora control capabilities, Bluetooth audio streaming and SiriusXM tuner compatibility.

VAIS Technology, Englewood, Colorado, offers the latest addition to its factory radio plug-and-play SiriusXM Tuner Kits.

The GSR-M01 kits are designed to work through the existing factory radio— including steering wheel controls—of select 2015-’17 Mercedes-Benz vehicles not equipped from the factory. The company offers similar SiriusXM units for Toyota, Ford, Porsche, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Scion, Subaru and GM applications.

WE’RE ALL EARS Part No. 10 99 i220

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

Part No. 10 98 i220

Toyota Blind Spot Monitoring System

Brandmotion, Southfield, Michigan, offers its Blind Spot Monitoring System for Toyota vehicle applications. The dual-camera system provides an added safety feature while driving in heavy traffic, changing lanes or merging onto the freeway.

It uses two cameras mounted under the outside rearview mirrors to watch the vehicle’s blind spots. When the driver turns on either turn signal, the image from the camera on that side of the vehicle activates the radio display screen. The 100-percent plugand-play system works with or without a backup camera.

KNIPEX – Tools Designed With Your Hand in Mind Suitable for simple and reliable clamping of 1-ear and 2-ear clamps • For clamps on CV boots, coolant and fuel lines, air pressure systems, compressors • Will not damage the press points on the ear clamps • The slim head permits good accessibility in confined areas • 10 99 i220 has an additional side jaw for easy clamping at a 90-degree angle to ear clamp when space is limited See a video of this tool: http://bit.ly/EarClampPliers

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KNIPEX Quality – Made in Germany

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TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS Vehicle Safety System

American Road Products, Santa Fe Springs, California, introduces the omniDRIVE Connected Car Active Safety Product that integrates 360-degree surround view monitoring (SVM) and blind spot cameras with a four-channel DVR that can connect via Wi-Fi to portable devices in a vehicle. The system allows the driver to simultaneously run navigation and realtime traffic apps on a smartphone or tablet.

An electronic control unit (ECU) stiches the four camera images together, creating one seamless bird’s-eye view of the car and its surroundings.

New Multimedia Receivers

KENWOOD, Long Beach, California, introduces seven new Multimedia Receiver models. The new double-DIN receivers for 2017 benefit from new features designed to create a better in-vehicle experience for drivers and passengers. The receivers have been upgraded with clear resistive displays to improve visibility and touch response.

In addition, a new Electronic Viewing Angle Adjustment helps to offset viewing problems caused by dash openings that are too low or high. The built-in algorithm allows the driver see a virtually aligned content display.

Mirror with Built-In Radar Detector

App-Tronics, Painesville Township, Ohio, introduces the Smart Nav 5A Mirror with built-in radar detector.

SmartNav 5A (Android) is a truly captive, all-in-one, updatable, Wi-Fi rear view mirror with fully featured iGO Primo Navigation with turn-byturn directions, 11 million POIs and other navigational features.

Features include complete internal radar detection (X, K, Ka, KU and super-wide Ka) bands, minimal laser protection, and front-viewing DVR recording with pre-loaded viewable software. It shows date, time, speed and Google map location in full HD.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

Tesla Bass Package

NVX, Sherman Oaks, California, presents its B.O.O.S.T. Series Powered Bass Package Kit for Tesla Model S applications. The Tesla bass package features the company’s BE-TSLAS-VCW104 loaded enclosure, BDA7501 mono-block amplifier, XKIT42 amp kit and Audio Control LC2i premium line-out converter. The BDA7501 amplifier utilizes advanced Class D circuitry for a compact footprint without sacrificing output power. The Audio Control LC2i 2-channel line output converter connects the sound system to the factory Tesla stereo system.

Acura TL Radio Replacement Kit

Metra, Holly Hill, Florida, offers its 2004-’08 Acura TL Radio Replacement Kit. Customers can choose either the 95-7815B for DDIN installations or the 99-7815B for a single DIN solution. Use the corresponding wire harness to complete the installation. The kits are made in the USA using high-quality ABS plastics and injection molding technology for a precise design and fit. They are painted scratchresistant matte black to match the factory look and feel of the Acura OEM original panel.

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Jeep TJ Direct-Fit Dash Panels

AutoMeter, Sycamore, Illinois, introduces direct-fit Jeep TJ Dash Panels. Offering a factory level of fit and finish, the replacement dash panels provide an easy and convenient way to install aftermarket gauges without fabricating a mounting solution from scratch.

Made in the USA of high-quality composite, the panels are built to withstand the punishment of hardcore off-roading. Each panel comes complete with turn signals, high beam and warning indicator lights.

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Ignition Power Module

Rostra Precision Controls, Laurinburg, North Carolina, introduces the SourcePWR Smart Ignition Power Module. The SourcePWR unit can be connected directly to the vehicle’s battery to power any device up to 7.5 amps when the vehicle is powered on. A smart logic circuit in the module automatically turns off power when the vehicle isn’t running.

Bentley Head Unit Replacement

NAV-TV Corp., Coral Springs, Florida, presents the Bentley HUR V1 Head Unit Replacement, a complete radio replacement solution for 2004-’11 Bentley Continental, GT, GTC and Flying Spur models. Designed to allow the seamless installation of an aftermarket double-DIN radio while maintaining all factory features, the Bentley HUR V1 is 100-percent plug-and-play. It digitally interfaces with the factory amplifier to ensure premium Bentley sound quality, and the front fascia offers and easyto-read display and ergonomically pleasing controls.

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

Surround View Camera System

Rear View Safety, Brooklyn, New York introduces the RVS-77535 360 Surround View Camera System. The system uses four ultra-wide fisheye cameras to create a seamless 3D image of the vehicle and its surroundings, erasing all blind spots.

It also assists with parking and helps with navigation on narrow roads. The omnidirectional perspective creates a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, and the system also includes standard 2D views. A fully functional DVR capable of 24-hour loop recording is included.

The system can also be configured for larger vehicles such as buses.

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SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

S

igns aren’t cheap. Anyone who has had a sign made recently knows this all too well.

This article will help you to better understand how to create an effective shop sign.

There’s also a fun how-to, to help you create your own distinctive metal shop sign.

Shop signs fall into several categories.

There is the main sign that hangs in front of the shop, either on the building or/and out by the street. There are temporary shop signs that announce shop services; these are usually banners. And then there are the signs that help customers find the way to your shop. These are usually found at an intersection where customers will turn onto your street.

This last category is where people usually make mistakes. What is the sense of having signs made for your shop if people can’t read them? Think about how many times you’ve gotten frustrated trying to find a doctor’s office or a store, and driven right past it because of poor signage.

THE MAIN SHOP SIGN One of the biggest mistakes is shop signs with fine details that are hard to see. Even in towns and cities with strict size restrictions, you can still have a sign that gets people’s attention and lets them know: A) what your shop does; and B) the name of the shop.

The first thing you need to do is find out the sign regulations for your town.

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Never just wing it! Take the time to know exactly what your town requires. Some municipalities are very strict and the design for your sign might need to be submitted for approval.

If the sign needs to be smaller than you’d like, you might need to simplify the layout. Maybe you have a complex logo. That might need to be simplified.

And sometimes, your artistic pride might have to take a backseat to the needs of your customers.

That is, a sign is not much good if customers have a hard time understanding what’s on it. For example, say your shop name is in the shape of a car. Sure, it looks cool, but can it be easily seen by a car traveling by at 45 mph?

You might need to spell out the name of the shop, using the same colors, but in a clear font. Then maybe have the smaller logo nearby.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about signs is that people have a hard time

An example of a good roadside or temporary sign. Someone driving past can clearly and quickly see the name of the shop, get an idea of services offered, location and contact information. The lettering is bold, large and simple enough to see when driving by.

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An example of a sign that is too complex for the message to be clearly seen. One common mistake people make when designing signs is that we judge them from the computer screen. Step back and look at the computer screen from far away.

Then walk by it quickly and notice just what can be clearly read. When it comes to signs, simple is always better.

seeing (understanding) what’s on them.

There have been times when I have driven by a place several times before I finally notice what’s actually on its sign.

When designing your sign—whether working with a sign shop or doing it yourself—be honest about it. Stand far back and look at it from the perspective of the people you want to find your shop.

HANDY SIGN HINTS & HARSH REALITIES Most of us do not live in rural, unincorporated areas. That means that we must play by the rules.

You might think it’s very cool and artsy to have a beautiful car mural painted on an exterior wall of your shop. But your town might see that as a sign. In fact, I know of several places that had to paint over wall murals, as their city had a limit of one sign per shop and saw the mural as an additional sign.

There also might be regulations about temporary signs or banners. This is one area where it’s definitely better to get permission than beg forgiveness, because forgiveness with zoning problems usually comes with fines, and if they figure it by the day, it can add up!

Many shops will have a professional sign

Beware of any background that is multitoned or multi-colored. A simple two-color fade is about as complex as you need.

Sure, this looks pretty and shows the kind of work the shop does, but stand back and look at it. No matter what color the lettering was, it still would get fuzzy from far away.

Here are a few font examples. Number 6, Lumax Big Caps, is the font I use when signing my work. But in a poll taken, there were only two fonts that people said they could clearly see from across the room. Numbers 5 and 7 were the fonts best seen. That font is Arial Black. So even though Number 6 is my signature font, it wouldn’t be used for a sign.

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HELP CUSTOMERS FIND YOU Directional signs usually go at an intersection where your shop’s street meets up with a cross street. Many times, that cross street is a main road.

Thousands of people drive by every day and that location is perfect for advertising that your shop is right down the street and ready to serve them. Depending on zoning regulations, these signs can be large, permanent structures, or smaller temporary signs that are mounted on metal rods that are pushed into the ground, like those real estate signs you see on corners.

These signs are usually corrugated plastic and come in a variety of sizes. You can even order them online and design them right on the website. The average price for a two-sided, four-color, 18-by-24-inch sign is $12 to $15.

And this is the place where most sign mistakes are made. The most common mistakes are trying to cram in too much information, complex backgrounds (like a photo of your work), fancy fonts and/or lettering that is way too small.

Think about it as the 45-mph rule. If someone cannot clearly see what’s on your sign at 45 mph, then it’s kind of a waste.

For example, if your shop offers detailing service, repair service, collision work or non-custom services that the average

person will need, then many of your prospective customers will be traveling down that road. Let them clearly know that your shop is right around the corner or just down the street.

Or maybe your shop is offering a new service that you want to let folks know about. Roadside signs are a great way to introduce yourself to new customers.

And if your shop is in an industrial park, depending on the rules, these kinds of signs can make it easier for customers to find you. It can be extremely frustrating trying to find a shop in an industrial area.

Another big complaint I’ve heard is from people who drive around and around in an industrial area trying to find a shop. Unless you’re trying to keep a very low profile, make it easy for your customers to navigate to your establishment.

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CREATE YOUR OWN SHOP SIGN

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It’s fun and easy to create a unique metal shop sign using a plasma cutter. I’ve seen metal shop signs with cut-out logos and lettering, and I’ve always wanted one. Here is how I created mine.

1 Here are the tools and material I used for my sign. A Hypertherm Powermax30 XP plasma system, magnetic straight edges, large sockets, a heel dolly, and protective glasses, jacket and gloves. The only piece of metal big enough in my shop was a piece of 12-gauge steel. It would have worked better with thicker metal.

5 Turns out the heel dolly was perfect as a guide to cut the straight edges of the letters. Just slide the torch along the side of the edge like you would do with a pen. I had hoped to use the sockets for the curved surfaces, but I was just too impatient! So, I freehand-cut those. One trick I learned was to move around when cutting the letters.

Cut out a letter in one area, then move to another area and cut another. That way, the metal doesn’t get too hot and distort. I would have done that even if using thicker metal.

SHOP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

2 I measure the size of the sign I want to create. Then a line is drawn along those measurements using the straightedge and a marker pen.

3 There are several ways to do this next step. The low-tech way is to print out what you want the sign to say. It can be your logo, lettering, anything. Basically, you just draw it on the metal. I printed out the name of my shop and then cut out the letters, creating a stencil. Then the letters are traced using the marker. Remember to leave connecting pieces for the inner parts of the letters, like O’s, R’s and such.

4 Here’s my sign. Traced out and ready to cut.

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6 Once the letters were all cut out, it was time to cut out the sign. Now, you might wonder why I didn’t do that first. I wanted the area below the cut zone to be free of obstructions. I don’t have a grated cutting table. The metal was supported by two stands, and there was nothing but air under the cutting area. One very handy trick to get perfectly straight cut lines is to use a straightedge as a guide.

7 Not bad! It’s not quite as perfect as using a computerized cutting table, but these edges are very clean. Now to give it a quick grind to remove any slag, and shape up any roughness on my freehand curves.

shop design and create their sign. The most important thing to remember? It’s your sign! Not theirs.

Don’t have sign regret! Don’t let a sign shop talk you into something that is not going to work. Make sure to have them send you the layout or proof of the sign.

And don’t be hesitant to make changes.

Most sign shops will happily make changes. Remember, it’s easy to make changes on the computer program they are using. Creating the initial layout is what takes the time; making a font change, moving lettering around, or adding or taking things away can be done pretty quickly.

If they give you attitude, then take your business elsewhere.

One final tip—be sure the street number/ address on your building is large and clear.

This is another common mistake and a big source of frustration for potential customers.

JOANN BORTLES is an awardwinning custom painter, airbrush artist, welder/fabricator, tech writer, and photojournalist with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry.

She is the author of seven books on automotive, motorcycle, and custom painting. Her work has been featured in numerous automotive and motorcycle publications, and on NBC News, The Today Show, MuscleCar TV and Motor City Masters. She also serves on SEMA’s SBN Select Committee.

JoAnn owns Crazy Horse Custom Paint.

8 Sandpaper rolls were great for evening out the curves. It only took a few minutes to clean up the surface with a grinding disc.

Now it’s ready for some paint. I think I’ll keep the ground metal as the base and do a purple-to-green candy fade on it. Maybe some ghost spray gun images!

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ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER

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TOWING & HAULING PRODUCTS

PAGE #

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

PAGE #

Aeromotive Inc..................................................... 9

Air Lift Company................................................... 25

Aeromotive Inc..................................................... 58

ATECH Motorsports.............................................. BC

Bestop ................................................................ 24

American Force Wheels........................................ 56

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation - AACFI 21

BOLT.................................................................... 26

BBK Performance................................................. 59

Cequent Group.................................................... 25

Cequent Performance Products............................ 24

Billy Boat Performance Exhaust............................ 57

Chevrolet Performance......................................... 15

CURT Mfg............................................................. 24

Centerforce Clutches............................................ 58

Coast to Coast Intl............................................... 47

Custer Products................................................... 26

DeatschWerks...................................................... 59

CURT Mfg............................................................. 7

Firestone Industrial Products................................ 24

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI)............................... 59

Dee Zee Inc......................................................... 23

Hellwig Products.................................................. 25

Edelbrock............................................................ 56

Design Engineering Inc (DEI)................................ 59

Husky Liners........................................................ 24

Garrett by Honeywell............................................ 56

Driven Performance Brands.................................. 55

Husky Towing Products......................................... 24

Hedman Hedders................................................. 57

EGR Inc............................................................... 16B

Luverne Truck Equipment...................................... 26

Huth Ben Pearson International LLC..................... 57

Energy Suspension.............................................. 57

Rhino-Rack USA................................................... 26

Ididit.................................................................... 56

Fuelab................................................................. 63

RockyMounts....................................................... 26

LIQUI-MOLY.......................................................... 57

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow..................................... 53

Rugged Ridge....................................................... 25

MAHLE Original.................................................... 58

Huth Ben Pearson Intl LLC.................................... 63

TruckVault............................................................ 26

Race Ramps........................................................ 58 SpeedFX.............................................................. 58

Hypertech Inc...................................................... 11

Sprintex Superchargers........................................ 56

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc..................... 61 Knipex Tools LP.................................................... 73

RESTYLING PRODUCTS

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Tuff Stuff Performance Accessories....................... 56 Wilwood............................................................... 58

Liqui-Moly............................................................ 75

3M Auto............................................................... 44

McGard LLC......................................................... 19

AEM..................................................................... 43

Meyer Distributing................................................ 5

Airdesign USA...................................................... 46

Motor State Distributing....................................... 3

ARB 4x4 Accessories............................................ 48

Motovicity Distribution.......................................... IFC

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions...................... 48

Alpine Electronics of America............................... 72

Nickels Performance............................................ 1

Baja Designs....................................................... 45

American Road Products...................................... 74

Paramount Restyling Automotive.......................... 33

BedRug................................................................ 48

App-Tronics.......................................................... 74

Performance Warehouse Association.................... 71

BOLT (Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology)..... 47

AutoMeter............................................................ 74

Philips Automotive Lighting................................... 31

Classic Design Concepts...................................... 43

Brandmotion........................................................ 73

Rancho Suspension............................................. 37

Custer Products................................................... 47

Custom Autosound Mfg........................................ 72

Rebuilders Choice................................................ 65

Dawn Enterprises................................................. 42

KENWOOD........................................................... 74

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS

PAGE #

Road Armor.......................................................... 44-45

Dee Zee Inc......................................................... 45

KICKER................................................................ 72

Rolling Big Power................................................. 43

Foam Power......................................................... 46

Metra................................................................... 74

SPAL USA............................................................ 51

Go Rhino............................................................. 42

NAV-TV Corp......................................................... 75

Steelcraft Automotive........................................... 41

Hellwig Products.................................................. 42

NVX..................................................................... 74

Super Bright LEDs Inc.......................................... 47

LINE-X.................................................................. 42

Rear View Safety.................................................. 75

Thermo-Tec.......................................................... 39

Napier................................................................. 48

Retro Mfg............................................................. 72

Titan Fuel Tanks.................................................... 48B

Philips Automotive Lighting................................... 44

Rockford Fosgate................................................. 73

TrailFX.................................................................. 27

Raptor Series....................................................... 48

Rostra Precision Controls..................................... 75

Trim-Lok Inc......................................................... 59

Rigid Industries.................................................... 48

Scosche Industries............................................... 72

Turn 14 Distribution............................................. IBC

Rugged Ridge....................................................... 42

VAIS Technology................................................... 73

Westin Automotive Products Inc............................ 35

Scott Drake.......................................................... 42

VOXX Electronics Corp.......................................... 72

Super Bright LEDs................................................ 43 TITAN Fuel Tanks................................................... 46 Torklift International............................................. 45 Westin................................................................. 44

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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Finding the Right Tires Through AI

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I

f you’ve ever wondered if there’s a better way for customers to find the right tires online, Sears has rolled out a new, smarter shopping experience.

Sears Auto Center introduces the Digital Tire Journey, a web app that relies on artificial intelligence­—namely the IBM Watson Natural Language Classifier service—to help Sears Automotive customers identify the appropriate tires to fit their driving preferences within the following categories: Comfort Warrior, Value Seeker, OffRoader, High Performer, Safety Seeker and Winter Warrior.

Some customers find it difficult to choose from the thousands of different tire brands, makes and models available, and typical ecommerce websites selling tires often limit users to a drop-down menu of pre-selected choices without considering the driving and lifestyle preferences of shoppers, Sears officials note.

Sears Auto Center has introduced the Digital Tire Journey. The web app relies on IBM Watson Natural LanTo find the best tire, con- guage Classifier service to help Sears Automotive customers identify the appropriate tires for their needs. sumers need to consider not only their vehicle’s make, model and tire making an informed purchasing decision. the tires online, schedule an appointment size, but also how it supports their everyday “Our vision is to put our members’ for installation at the nearest Sears Auto routines and hobbies. lives in drive. We do that by investing in Center or reach a call center agent to ask The Sears Auto Digital Tire Journey was people, products and technology to keep additional questions and purchase the tires created to provide tire recommendations them moving safely on the road of life,” by phone. based on driving style through a customer’s said Brian Kaner, president of Sears Auto There are more than 600 Sears Auto response to the question, “When it comes Centers. “The Digital Tire Journey is an Center locations nationwide, offering a to tires, what’s most important to you?” A innovative service that helps customers full array of passenger and light truck tires, soccer dad may answer, “I am concerned cut through the clutter while integrating as well as batteries, accessories and more. about driving my kids safely,” so tires that digital, mobile and online with in-store Sears has offered auto parts since 1905 and have higher safety ratings are presented. shopping.” service since 1931.

After the user types in an answer, the To get tire results, shoppers simply enter Digital Tire Journey shows what type of a license plate or make/model of the vehicle driving style they have with the help of to view options from top brands chosen EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally the Watson Natural Language Classifier for the driver, along with objective ratings appeared on THE SHOP’s website and in our service. The tool then recommends tires from previous customers. daily eNewsletter. Learn more at theshopmag. with consumer ratings to assist drivers in Users have several purchase options: buy com.

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