Every year over one hundred thousand people involved in every area of the automotive industry walk for miles through the Las Vegas Convention Center to see what’s new and exciting in the automotive aftermarket world. Although the builds being shown off throughout SEMA are amazing, it’s the products on display that contribute to the finished products that are these amazing machines. Here are some cool products I got to check out this year at SEMA:

Billet Badges
Did you ever want the letters of your name in chrome across the hood of your car, or maybe you had a better idea to replace the famous mustang silhouette on the grill of your Ford? Well just give Billet Badges a call and they will help you create, design and manufacture whatever your imagination can concoct! They specialize in one off badges and emblems with no minimum order. They offer some standard badge shapes to start with, or you can create something completely from scratch. If you want to make your build that much more customized you should definitely get in touch with these guys. Check them our HERE

Classic Performance Products
If you want to raise the bar on your classic ride’s suspension, braking, or a long list of other components CPP is the place to go shopping. What’s great about CPP is that you can pick one kit that has everything you need for your particular car. Their Mustang II IFS package is one example, allowing you to add upgraded independent suspension to your Ford Mustang or truck, or even some Chevy models. But sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference – for instance their FitRite LS Engine Adjustable Brackets are a little piece that can make your LS conversion a lot easier. Whatever upgrade you have planned for your classic, I recommend taking a look at the Classic Performance Products website or talk to their customer service team for help with your next project.

Edelbrock
Edelbrock was one of the original group of manufactures that came together to create SEMA, and over 50 years later they are still going strong. Edelbrock’s catalogue of performance equipment is always impressive – whether you’re a professional builder or a backyard hobbyist they have something that’s going to make your car faster! Many of their performance upgrades are bolt on packages, which makes getting some extra speed behind your ride that much easier. There is the Victor Series Manifold for the Ford 5.0L Coyote engine, which adds 27 ft-lbs of torque and 16 horsepower over a stock manifold, or the Cross-Ram LS3 intake, which is ideal for a Chevy LS3 with twin turbo applications and can add 27 horsepower and 28 ft-lbs over the average aftermarket intake. Of course they don’t stop with Chevy or Ford, there is something for the Jeep lovers, Subaru drivers and lots more. Take a look at their website and see what they have for your ride!

Fertan by CRP Automotive
When you endeavor to restore a classic dealing with rust is an inevitable enemy you’re going to encounter. There are lots of ways to get rid of it, from media blasting, to grinder, to the good old fashioned combination of elbow grease and a wire brush. Now you can add one more tool to the arsenal: the Fertan line of products by CRP Automotive. I got to watch the Fertan Rust Remover at work, and it was pretty cool. A rusted piece of metal was dipped into a bowl of the liquid, and a few minutes later it emerged looking like new (hence the photo). The possible uses rushed through my head as I watched this demonstration…rusty nuts and bolts, all those little pain in the neck pieces that are equally tedious and delicate…no more scrubbing and scraping (or just giving up and replacing), this stuff is the answer! They have a line of products including a Rust Converter, Metal Coating and Primer. If this sounds like something you could use start shopping HERE

LINE-X 3-D Effects
I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me as I walked by a Jeep that had a tire track pattern running up the side…was that 3-D or really good airbrushing? Turns out it was a combination of both! This year at SEMA LINE-X unveiled the newest application of their super-strong Body Armour protective coating, using it to create 3-D designs. The design is created, then transferred to the vehicle. Everything is sanded and prepped for the application of LINE-X coating, then it’s sprayed. Additional effects are painted onto the coating to give the 3-D effect even more life. This is a pretty cool technique, and I’m sure this is just the beginning! Check out their website to learn more about all the ways LINE-X can be used in any build.

Metro Moulded Parts
Unless you are lucky enough to come across a ride that’s been carefully stored in a heated garage or one that’s spent it’s life in a mild climate, your restoration will most likely include replacement of all those soft, rubbery parts. What may seem like a small detail is an item that can add up quick – this stuff is everywhere from the piece that seals the trunk to the weather stripping at the little vent window. If you are ready to get going on this replacement Metro Moulded Parts is a good place to start. They make all kinds of weather stripping and rubber parts for a long list of makes going back to 1907. Take a look at their website HERE to find out more.

POD – Power On Demand
The POD line of products has just about anything you might need to jumpstart your car, to charge your phone, or to signal for help if you’re stuck on the side of the road. Anyone who drives an old school should have one of these jump start kits – classic cars were made before “dummy lights” to tell us our headlight or something else is on, and since everyone has a “dummy” moment once and a while it’s good to be prepared! And if not for yourself it may come in handy for one of your driving buddies – breaking out one of these is quicker and easier then the old fashioned cable-style jump. Take a look at their website and see their full product line HERE

Tiarra Luxury Grilles
Who doesn’t want a little extra bling bling on their ride, and where better to put it than right up front on the grille? Tiarra Luxury Grilles specializes in giving both old school and new school rides a little extra shine when they’re riding down the street with a wide selection of grilles with customization options. So if you want to give your ride a little extra something for everybody to see when you pull up check them out HERE

Wheel Assist by Gaither Tool
Everybody has their own little technique for changing a tire…from the careful knee balance move to just having some good biceps so you can pick the tire up and put it in place, there are lots of ways to do it some easier than others. But if you’re dealing with heavy tires or big rims it gets harder to get them in place, and easier to damage them in the process. Enter the Winntec Wheel Assist by Gaither Tool. All you have to do is get the tire on its stand at floor level, and this tool does the rest of the work for you. Easy to use levers lock and unlock the wheel’s position, and raise it or lower it to the elevation you need. You can also rotate the tire into the position you need to line it up with the studs. This tool is super easy to use and something anyone who works on their car often should think about adding to their garage. Check it out HERE