One of the best things about walking through SEMA is learning about new products you’ve never seen before, as well as getting re-acquainted with some familiar names. Here’s highlights of some of the products I saw at SEMA this past fall.

American Eagle Wheel Corporation:
There are too many ways to customize your ride to count, but when you throw on custom wheels you can change the whole personality of your ride…is it low key, flashy or over the top? You can make it whatever you want with wheels from the American Eagle Wheel Corporation. They are the oldest and largest domestic manufacturer of aftermarket wheels, making their products in factories in California and South Carolina. Their line includes classic wheels like the chromed out BOSS 338, wheels especially built for off-roaders like the bulletproof B.A.D. Wheels, and the first 20” dually wheel on the market for all the truck enthusiasts out there. See more on their website at www.americaneaglewheel.com

BASF:
This year at SEMA the BASF booth showed off some awesome builds utilizing their Galsurit paint system. This product uses a state-of-the-art European technology that leaves the finished product with a liquid shine. The ease, speed and durability of this product are highlighted by the manufacturer, and with the stamp of approval from Chip Foose these claims must be true! He even has his own line of over twenty different colors, leaving the consumer with a great variety of hues to choose from. The booth included Foose’s 1948 Cadillac Eldorado “Eldorod” finished with a custom blended Deep Blue from the Glasurit 90-Line waterborne system. This smooth, sleek ride kept company in the booth with the mean green “Grinch,” a 1970 Chevy Camaro. The Ringbrothers also used the Glasurit line to finish off this masterpiece in Custom Green. To find the perfect color for your next project car go to the BASF website at www.basfrefinish.com/glasurit

Continental Tire:
Continental Tire showed off their tire line on a variety of hot rides. One product highlighted was their PureContact all-season tire, which improves fuel efficiency, braking ability and ride comfort. Another product of note is the CrossContact LX20. Both tires were showcased in this year’s Consumers Digest “Best Buys in Tires.” Find out more at www.continentaltire.com

Edelbrock:
“Proven Performance” is the philosophy of this respected manufacturer of performance enhancing engine components, and the history behind this company reflects this mantra. In 1938 Vic Edlebrock Sr. entered into the world of hot rods with the purchase of a 1932 Roadster. In the process of working on this car he designed his own aluminum intake manifold called the “Slingshot” because he was not happy with the performance of the car thus far. This endeavor began a long history of customization to achieve optimal performance, after many trials and tests. In 1948 he bought one of the industry’s first dynos, bringing his research capabilities to another level. Edelbrock as a company has come a long way since then, producing a variety of intake manifolds, carburetors, fuel injection systems, cylinder heads, and a range of other products from accessories to entire crate engines. Their product development is never ending, this year they expanded their E-Force Supercharger line, and announced the development of their E-Street universal electronic fuel injection system. To see more of what they can add to your favorite hot rod go to their website at www.edelbrock.com

Holley Performance Products:
Fuel is the life blood of your ride, and having the right fuel delivery system can make all the difference in your engine’s performance. Whether you prefer the old school carburetor or want to add the technology of fuel injection Holley has what you need. As a compliment to their fuel delivery products Holley’s brands include Hooker Exhaust Systems, NOS Nitrous Systems, Weiand Air Systems, Earl’s Plumbing Systems and Flowtech Exhaust Systems. Holley became a part of automotive history when they built the carburetor for Henry Ford’s Model A, and have continued to contribute to the industry ever since. Learn more on their website at www.holley.com

Kicker:
Anyone who knows automotive sound systems knows that Kicker cannot be ignored. Kicker’s booth at SEMA featured some unforgettable projects that highlighted why the brand has been “Livin’ Loud” since 1973. Highlighting Kicker’s new Ford Custom Accessories Performance Audio System upgrades program, available at participating Ford dealerships in early ’13, was a Ford F-150 tricked out with a 10-inch powered subwoofer enclosure driven by a 200 Watt RMS high-efficiency digital sub amplifier, plus four 6×8” coaxial door speakers, powered by a 4.1-Channel DSP Amplifier. Or if all-out custom is more your thing then TJ Lavin’s 1951 Ford Shoebox is the car for you. Divine 1 Customs outfitted this ride dubbed “Forgiven” to pay tribute to WWII bomber planes. The sound system includes Kicker QS 6.5” component speakers, a KQ5 equalizer, ix amplifiers, and two 10” CVX subwoofers customized to look like missiles behind the front seats. To see what Kicker has for your sound system take a look at their website at www.kicker.com

Kooks Custom Headers:
Having the right headers and exhaust system can make the difference between average performance and great performance in your custom ride. Kooks Custom Headers not only has off the shelf products for Ford, GM and Chrysler/Dodge, but also offers custom solutions made to order. Get Kookin’ with Kooks on their website at www.kooksheaders.com

LINE-X Protective Coatings:
This year LINE-X Protective Coatings showed us that their products are for more than just pick-ups and Stormchasers when they unveiled the 2013 Camaro coated in LINE-X Body Armour by West Coast Customs. This product sprays on in a thin layer, but offers the protection expected by a heavy protective coating. Learn more about Body Armour and other products from LINE-X at www.line-x.com

Optima Batteries:
For 40 years Optima has been providing reliable battery power with their Spiralcell Technology. The applications for their products range from modern vehicles with lots of accessories; trucks, SUV’s and hotrods needing a strong burst of ignition power; and marine applications. It’s easy to figure out which battery is right for you by looking at their color-coded system, and you can check out their website if you’re still not sure which battery will charge up your ride. As a company their long history, and backing by parent company Johnson Controls, ensures they will continue to advance their product’s technology. Most recently they introduced a direct fit replacement battery for the Toyota Prius, introducing this product into a new faction of the automotive market. Whatever your needs check out their website at www.optimabatteries.com to find out what they can help you power up.

Original Parts Group
If old school muscle is for you then you need to check out Original Parts Group. Their extensive line includes replacement parts for Chevelle, El Camino/Malibu, Monte Carlo, Tempest/Lemans, Cutlass/442, Skylark, Cadillac, Riviera, Grand Prix, Catalina and Bonneville. They have interior and exterior parts, electrical, mechanical, or pretty much anything you may need…and if you want to make your life a little simpler you can even purchase a crate engine. Their customer service is always helpful, or you can go to their website for more info and “how to” videos. To learn more go to www.opgi.com

Road Magnet:
Since 1907 Road Magnet’s parent company, the Kirk-Habicht Company, has been designing and manufacturing springs for all applications. The experience behind this company yields a product that not only can be used in a broad range of vehicles, but also can be used for a daily driver or the car you bring to the track. Adding to the options are about 20 standard color choices, whether you want to drop your ride or give it a lift. Another plus is that their warranty is not void if you do the install yourself. Road Magnet springs are manufactured in Baltimore, MD, and this manufacturer stands behind their product. If you want to know more go to the testimonials section of their website, or just start shopping at www.roadmagnet.com

Sherwin-Williams:
This year at SEMA Sherwin-Williams’ booth featured some eye-catching projects coated with Sherwin-Williams paint products. On the second day of the show NASCAR legend Ray Evernham debuted his first auto design project the “ForPly.” This 1964 Plymouth Belvedere is street legal with a Dodge R5-P7, 750 HP race engine under the hood. The paint scheme includes a matte finish Radiant Red color throughout with Graphite racing stripes. The paint kit used for this project, the Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Restoration System, will get anyone working on their project car a professional finish for under $500. Watch out for the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ where this car will be auctioned off, the proceeds benefitting IGNITE, a facility for adults with Autism or Asperger Syndrome. To find out more about this great project and other builds using Sherwin-Williams’ coatings check out their website at www.sherwin-automotive.com

Street Scene Equipment:
If you are looking for some exterior styling accessories to give your ride that extra edge then Street Scene Equipment is the place to go. Their products can be used for projects involving all types of cars, trucks or SUV’s ranging from Ford to Chevy, Chrysler and beyond. Their products have been featured in countless build projects, and have won a number of awards. This year at SEMA they won a Special Recognition Award from Ford for Outstanding Achievement in Design. Their products were used in several projects featured at SEMA including the Linex/West Coast Customs Camaro build. Their team also worked alongside Chip Foose and LMC Truck on the WD-40/SEMA Cares 1953 Ford F100 build project. If you consider the end result of these two projects alone, there is no doubt that Street Scene Equipment offers the quality accessories you need to bring your ride to the next level. See more at www.streetsceneeq.com

TMI Products Inc.
Who says classic car interiors can’t have a little luxury? Enter TMI products, makers of custom seats, door panels, headliners, and the like for Ford, Chevy and Volkswagen. The great thing about their custom seating in particular is that they generally use the factory seat frame and cover it with their custom designed seating with extra padding and lumbar support. They match the OE colors and the styles are in keeping with the original look for your car. Their products are also high quality, which will make a difference in how your interior weathers the long term wear and tear of regular use. Check out their website to see their 11 reasons to choose TMI for your new interior.
I have personally reupholstered the seating in my ’68 Camaro and I would pay any amount of money to never have to do that again! The pros make it look easy but don’t be fooled, it’s a lot of work. These seats eliminate all that work and bolt right into the factory provided bolts holes – ease and comfort all in one, it doesn’t get any better than that! See what they can put in your ride at www.tmiproducts.com

XPEL Paint Protection:
After putting in hours to get that paint job just right the last thing you want is to see chips once you get your ride on the road. XPEL has the solution, with a product line of films and protection kits to keep your car looking as fresh as the day it rolled out the paint booth. Their installations run the gamut, from old school roadsters like the one shown in the photo on the left, to a new Audi or Aston Martin. To find out how you can protect your ride check out their website at www.xpel.com