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Observations from a civilian at SEMA 2009

dmc68

New Member
Since this is my first post, let me introduce myself. I've owned a 68 Mustang since around 82 when I bought it as my first car and daily driver. Once I got outta school and bought new cars, it's been sitting in the garage for a number of years and I have decided to bring it back to life. Unlike most early Mustang owners I know, I never went thru the 'I wish I had never sold her' stage. I just stopped driving her. Next year it's gonna be time to bring her back to life.

In November 2009 I was one of those chosen to go to SEMA as a regular consumer and tweet my observations of some new products and speak to some reps at various booths. That was the assignment for the first day and the other two days we got to be on our own.

Because SEMA takes up the ENTIRE Vegas Convention Center, it is next to impossible to cover all the booths in 3 days much less 2. Soooo in order to look at ALL the booths (since I may never get this chance again), I went up and down EACH aisle and wrote down the booth number of those companies with interesting stuff to check out on there website later. I actually managed to see ALL the booths and even speak to some knowledgeable reps.

So why tell the Mustang nation about this so late? First in SoCal late in 2009, early 2010 there were some Act of God rains resulting in flooding in part of my house. Taking care of that took the better part of 3 months between cleaning up, landscaping the area for better drainage and having the backyard fixed up since it was gonna take some major excavation anyway. After that there was some procrastination plus my notes were lost because so much stuff was moved (quickly) secondary to the flooding.

But NOW I have found my notes, tied the booth numbers to companies, and tied the companies to their websites. So each day (roughly) I'll share some of the companies that had products of interest to us Mustang folk and you can check out the sites for yourselves. At least since I'm SO late in sharing this, their new products should be on their sites by now.
 
Welcome. We're here to help or hinder in some cases :vic but it should be fun getting your pony back on the road.

I am curious about how you chose this Mustang forum versus others? Or are you visiting many in this restoration project?
 
Welcome to the fix. What are your plans for your 68? Which body style is it? Looking forward to your SEMA vendor posts. How did you get selected to be at SEMA?
 
Thanx for the great reception. Before I start the first post, a few replies to the above questions:
I chose StangFix after doin a Google search for Mustang forums and after lookn this one over found it was the most comprehensive w/ regards to resuscitating & modifying a pony. I really liked the fact it was separated into my years of interest w/ enough posts so I wouldn't be just askn myself questions.
My pony? A 68 J-Code Fastback that still has the original 302. It's been sitting in hibernation ever since after having the engine rebuilt years ago and proceeded to break a valve stem (twice!) Evry time the shop fixed it (free of course) it lasted about 100 miles. Finally the company went out of business (good riddance). Since I did not have the time or money to deal w/ the problem I spent the next several years riding my bikes and using a different family car. Some modifications I had made before that were to upgrade to dual exhaust, re-upholster the front seats and replace the door panels and carpet on the factory DELUXE interior and install a stereo (from Custom Autosound) w/ a real cassette deck!. I also had installed a Global West suspension system, so she was dropped by about a 1/2 inch or so (I think). I promise to start postn pony pix when I have her brought from my Moms place to my house and start the revival. I haven't decided yet on which way to go, but it WON'T involve full Recaro seats, a fuzzy dash, and speakers big enuff to kill small animals at 30 paces.
How did I get chosen for SEMA? My daily driver other than my bike is my 2003 Lightning. There was a post from someone in the know about a program the publicity department at SEMA was running for civilians to fill out an application of vehicles owned, clubs a member of... and they chose people based on how much of a gearhead you appeared to be. I guess I made the cut. So the first day I visited the required number of vendors, posted the required number of tweets and got to be on my own for the next 2 days. SEMA really takes the entire week to see thoroughly, so the final 2 days I went thru at light spped and wrote down the booths w/ good stuff and took brochures ONLY for the interesting areas and spoke ONLY to the reps about products of which I had an interest. I'm just glad I found my notebook...
 
Wheels & Accessories

For those of us who don't think 18-20' rims look quite right on a 60's era Mustang & related, the pickins can be rather thin. BUT, there was one company with vintage as well as contemporary sizes available with classic styles:
Rocket Racing Wheels
(http://www.rocketracingwheels.com/index.php)
Wide range of styles that are designed for classics AND classic wanna-bees like the new Challenger, etc... (altho I must admit I do kinda like the new Mustangs)

If you've upgraded your suspension, dropped the body and have the desired for 18"+ rims, two good companies that can accommodate you were HRE ]www.hrewheels.com/] and iForged (for custom made rims in certain styles) ]www.iforged.com/global/global.php]

Finally, for those who need to store that extra set of rims and/or tires inexpensively, check out the 'Tire Glove'. There are similar products out there already, but this is the best version I've seen for the price.
]www.tmimportexport.com/index-en.asp]
 
Glad to decided on Stangfix...I am a regular member of 5 different mustang forums and its by far the best.....

keep the info coming...very interesting.
 
Sorry for the delay - running thru some sites to check for actual Mustang relevance of products - back Friday
 
Interior Stuff

One thing I found is because our cars are ‘vintage’; those who make ready to fit accessories are relatively few. So when it comes to interior pieces most of them have probably already been seen on our boards already.

Auto Custom Carpets - Great replacement carpet. They use the original patterns to make ‘em.
http://www.accmats.com/

A couple of firms make seat covers in various materials to protect our pleather when traveling, showin’ or daily use:

Wet Okole - they make custom fitted covers of a wetsuit material built to take much punishment and in a multitude of color choices..
http://www.wetokole.com/

Ruff Tuff - custom fitted in a number of fabrics and colors BUT I would try to find an example of their work to see it in action. But their site does allow input of a early Mustang as a choice but it looks like you could input anything (I would call 'em first)
http://www.rufftuff.com/

Dashtop by Palco manufactures …replacement dash tops, plus door panels, etc…
http://www.dashtop.com/

Coverking - Dash & car covers (nice) but nothing for our seats.
http://www.coverking.com/

A new product introduced was by Covans Thunder Road – muscle car dashes ± gauges. Not too many dashes designed for AND including Autometer gauges.
http://www.covansthunderroad.com/

Another company probably already covered would be TMI. They manufacture replacement seats for the early ponycar - including 'RestoMod'
http://www.mustangupholstery.com/

Katzkin - when you want to recover your seats in top of the line leather befitting an exotic (whether you cover them up or not). They DO NOT have the early Mustang listed as a model on the website so I contacted the West Coast Regional Manager who put me in contact with someone in Southern Cal:
http://www.katzkin.com/main.html

Reva Mraz
Office Manager
Coach Auto Restyler, Inc.
1051 N Parker Street
Orange, CA 92867
714-639-8236
She in turn put me in contact w/ someone associated w/ Katzkin who does custom work in SoCal: Dan Borunda - 562-244-3941.
She has already spoken to him and he awaits a call from anyone who wants to talk Mustang seats in leather.

The last company doesn’t make interiors per se but they do SUPPLY the material. So if your custom upholsterer needs a contact for a leather you may have seen but they don't have - check out Coast to Coast Leathers:
http://www.coast2coastleather.com/]

Oh, another company I found does seat belt re-webbing. We don't think about it much, but if you have it long enough you'll need it - if just for appearances. Check out SEATBELT SOLUTIONS
http://www.seatbeltsolutions.com/

And finally (really). For those of you who ARE putting modern seats in w/o them looking as tho’ you’re goin’ racing or posing w/ the Fast & Furious crowd, check out Procar Seating by Scat. Silly name but the seats can look as ricer or sophisticated as you choose. They have adapters for the Mustang as well.
http://www.procarbyscat.com/

That's it for this looong edition. There WERE of course several more companies but they specialized mostly in European & Japanese cars.
 
Suspension & Steering

Because so many want to not only restore but upgrade the suspension and steering systems of original Mustangs, there were a number of options available from vendors at SEMA 2009:

Air Suspension choices
Hoffman - Autolock Air Suspension system
http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/aircommandconfigure.lasso?year=1968&make=Ford&model=Mustang&numdoors=2&step=system&product=aircommand
AccuAir - Air Suspension System (not listed by vehicle, tho')
http://www.accuairsuspension.com/
Chassisworks - ShockWave Air Suspension or Coil Over Conversion System
http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-230-shockwave-front-direct-fit.aspx
http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-221-front-coil-over-conversions.aspx
RideTech - Full systems w/ different options depending on your wallet
http://www.ridetech.com/shop/suspension-systems/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V194

Wheel removal hubs & wheels
Grant - original wheel removal system people
http://64.60.165.189/showapplications.aspx?year=1968&make=FORD&model=MUSTANG
NRG - upstart quick release hub system - nicer but possibly ricer...? (not quite vehicle specific unless you drive a Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru, you get the picture...but do have a number of non-vehicle specific versions)
http://www.getnrg.com/

Steering Columns & associated
Borgeson - upgraded power steering conversion boxes specifically for Mustangs
http://www.borgeson.com/
Ididit - well known to anyone working on his own car (look at the name !!)
http://www.ididitinc.com/retrofit_columns/65_69_mustang_fs.html
Flaming River - steering columns/ steering boxes/ power rack & pinion systems..omg!!
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=462/category_id=259/home_id=245/mode=prod/prd462.htm

Polyurethane replacement for Rubber Components

Energy Suspension - http://www.energysuspension.com/
Prothane - http://www.prothane.com/complete_kits.php

Full Systems (minus the air adjustments)
Chassisworks (mentioned 'em earlier)
Global West - Coil over systems and components
http://www.globalwest.net/1967-73mustang.html
Hotchkis - appear to have abandoned the Gen I ponycar market

Well that covered available suspension options at SEMA. It's amazing the number of poseur and performance air suspension systems are engineered for early Mustangs! Next up -- exhaust systems.
 
Exhaust

Altho the raw number of exhaust manufacturers makn stuff for the Mustang may not be great, there were several options at SEMA - many in the fabrication field. Of course for true fanatics you found as much or more info on this site anyway:

Hedman Hedders - long timer in the field w/ 2 options - one full length & one shorty hedders.
http://www.hedman.com/default.asp

Doug Thorley Headers - another long timer w/ only one ceramic or chrome coated option...
http://dougthorleyheaders.com/

Hooker Headers - real long timer ...bought by Holley. Have a new line called 'Darksides' - black ceramic coated. Have a few options once you get the hang of huntin thru the website.
http://www.holley.com/Categories.asp

MagnaFlow - several options - all w/ x-pipe - no headers but kick ass afterwards...
http://www.magnaflow.com/

Flaming River - yes Flaming River. Have a Header for use w/ their rack & pinion cradle kit...
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=378/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd378.htm

Sebring - exhaust parts for fabricators (nuff said)
http://www.sebringtuning.com/

Dr Gas - for exhaust fabrication tech nerds a fascinating company w/ a h/o innovation (x-pipe for example):
http://www.drgas.com/

Stainless Headers Manufacturing Inc. - If you have an interesting project such as stuffing a small block Ford engine into a Miata and need an exhaust system - these may be the ultimate people to contact. Even though they had a relatively small booth, their expertise was obvious. They also mentioned past experience building a system to put a Viper V10 in a 60's era Challenger.
http://www.stainlessheaders.com/index.aspx

Jet-Hot Coating - you know them, coatings for all applications - street/ track/ bike...
http://www.jet-hot.com/
 
Intake & Related

Thanx Sluggo - at least I know one person sees 'em. Hope you found something useful!

Most of the vendors listed are log time players but you may find a surprise or two at the options if you hunt of their sites long enough:

Trick Flow - MULTIPLE head choices depending upon desired combustion chamber volume, intake runner volume, exhaust runner volume...
http://www.trickflow.com/emain.asp

Affordable Fuel Injection - name says it all. For those who want to convert from Carbs to EFI
http://www.affordable-fuel-injection.com/

Edelbrock - nuff said. Heads & complete packages for just about any size US engine. Of course also has at least one carb to EFI conversion system ready to go as well along w/ recommendations for associated heads to use.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/index.shtml

Holley - long time player in performance, of course. Carbs, EFI conversion systems and various heads for EFI & carbs. New product introduced at SEMA was the Dominator EFI conversion system.
http://www.holley.com/Categories.asp

Professional Products, Inc. - may not have heard of 'em but multiple head options (some 50 state legal), EFI conversion systems w/ recommended EFI version heads available. Worth a look...
http://www.professional-products.com/index.php

Fuel Flex International: A V8 specific conversion kit to utilize E85 fuel
http://www.fuelflexint.com/index.html
 
Ignition & other Electrical stuff...

The range of accessories available for the Mustang was enough to make you dizzy. Of course not all of em should EVER be tried... but here are some options found:

http://www.keepitcleanwiring.com/
If you can believe the site – full wiring harness kits + MULTIPLE options available +
Billet wire management systems – clean up + upgrade cleanly
Billet door loom kits (hide wires running thru door jam)
Billet push buttons
Push button starters
Billet Firewall ports
Modular Door contacts
Modular wire separators
+ all the wires, tools and electrical wiring accessories need to install…
LED tail light conversion kits

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/
Bear Claw latches (door poppers)
Lambo door kits (& ‘worse’) (sorry – don’t kill the messenger)
Door Poppers (spring loaded)
Flush mount antenna kit (disappears when not in use) – ooooh
Axess touch Pad – programmable/ coded & wire to suit
Power window kits
Shaved door handle kits
In short (too late) – electronic toy store for car customizers. But the flush mount antenna looked REALLY nice while still having the range of a real thru the fender antenna versus the lower range hidden versions.

http://wiredritesystems.com/store/
all: wire management systems – not as flashy as Hoffman website but worth examining if installing accessories and need to clean up the spaghetti.

http://www.pertronix.com/
Ignitor to replace points
Billet Distributors w/ Built in Ignitors
‘Second Strike’ ignition box to provide additional spark

http://www.msdignition.com/
Ignition Box/ Coils/ Distributors/ Plug Wires

http://www.classicinstruments.com/
not for us per se BUT they do custom work. A must see website for vintage gauge design w/ style.

http://www.casmfg.com/
Looongtime makers of stereos for vintage cars… nuff said

http://www.americanautowire.com/factoryfit.html
Factory Fit OEM harnesses for full restoration
Classic Update series for modified restoration

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/
Starters/ Alternators (chrome/ retro look)

http://www.covansthunderroad.com/
Full & blank panels w/ Autometer gauges. Even a Carbon Fiber version. Expensive but nice if restomodding. New products from SEMA.

http://www.mitocorp.com/backup-camera-solutions.html
Rear view mirrors w/ Homelink – allows mirror to be programmed for garage door opener and up to 3 remote operations. Also rear view mirros w/ built-in rear view camera systems.

http://www.mr-gasket.com/hotrod/
Hot Rod Calculator – ‘Street & Strip ET predictor calculator

http://www.professional-products.com/
Powerfire Ignition System w/ Distributor, Coils. EFI System which they compare to EZ-EFI (by http://www.fuelairspark.com/) for power & ease of installation. Worth a look!!

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugeseries.aspx
Gauges, gauges, gauges – but you knew that. Also have datalogging systems
 
Wow... Great info. that you have posted. :10 I read this when it first appeared but I never seemed to notice it until today with all the info. Welcome to the fix. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
 
It's nice to know someone noticed. I hope everyone has found something of interest. I've found several products I intend to utilize when I start my 68 Fastbacks resuscitation next year. It was TIRING trying to cover every vendor in every hall but it was worth it 'cuz who knows if I'll ever get a chance again to go to SEMA (car guy mecca)
 
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