Photos by Corey Decker
The world’s largest gathering of automotive excellence takes place annually in the Las Vegas Convention Center around Halloween (first week of November), which is quite a crazy time to be in Sin City. But that’s not the main spectacle for us gearheads who make the pilgrimage each and every year. SEMA has grown into the world’s stage for debuting some of the wildest custom builds, the best new products, and catching up with friends and industry partners from all corners of the globe.
For us C10 enthusiasts, there was a HUGE turnout (as you can see through these pages), but ALSO we had a special debut in our Motortopia/Engaged Media booth. The staff has been hard at work behind the scenes (while also creating a ton of content), and the “official debut” of our project truck Sergeant Square made its way onto the Las Vegas Convention Center floor to show just how far we have come in such a short time.
Chris Hamilton and crew have put an insane amount of hours, blood, sweat, and tears to create something special for a great cause. This insanely clean yet custom Squarebody C10 build will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the great folks at Mission 22 and their goal to end Veteran suicide by providing support and programs that help give back to those who gave it all.
The ‘official debut’ of our project truck Sergeant Square made its way onto the Las Vegas Convention Center floor to show just how far we have come in such a short time.
Sergeant Square wasn’t the only badass C10 to debut this year at the SEMA show either! There were a ton of gorgeous C10 builds throughout the halls and in company booths showing off the latest and greatest wares and workmanship. With so many to see, we captured the best of the best for you to drool over at home—as SEMA is a trade-only event (except for Friday, which is now open to the general public). So sit back and browse through our favorite discoveries, and head to Motortopia.com for extended coverage and more. See you at the next one!
In many ways SEMA is the annual pulse check of the aftermarket automotive industry. Exciting new products, mind-blowing builds, and major automotive personalities can all provide insight on the state and trajectory of the industry.
Over the past few years, the converted-EV presence at the event has grown significantly. This year, in the “Future Tech” zone, more than 15 exhibitors showcased parts, tools and educational offerings that catered to this emerging technology. Additionally, over 60 electric swapped vehicles were on display, ranging from European sports cars such as a Jaguar E-Types and Porsche 911s, to American classics such as Ford F-100s and Chevy Camaros, all of which had been converted to push some serious current instead of burning gasoline.
Not only does the aftermarket EV industry now have major buy-in from event organizers (such as SEMA), tier-one manufacturers, and OEMS, but automotive media is starting to take notice as well. Over the course of the show, automotive legends such as Richard Rawlings, Chip Foose, and Ben “The Stig” Collins, could all be found in the Future Tech zone checking out the next chapter in hot-rodding. Long-time gas-powered enthusiasts are realizing the performance potential and creative opportunities that lie within electric power.
If there is one key takeaway, the electrified presence at SEMA 2023 indicated an increasingly bright future for the aftermarket EV industry. We are excited to continue to cover the emerging technologies, builds, events, and culture that will steer this huge industry disruption, and we look forward to having you along for the ride.
Photos by Tim Cachelin
The SEMA Show in Las Vegas has always been a playground for gearheads and automotive enthusiasts, but 2023 was different. It was like walking into a sci-fi movie, but better because it was real. The Future Tech area, set in the Main Hall, was an e-revolution on display. Over 50 vehicles ranging from sleek classics to the latest models, all converted to run on electric power lined the area, making it a veritable electric avenue.
SEMA 2023’s Future Tech area was buzzing non-stop for four days, and not just from the hum of electric motors. RJ de Vera, SEMA VP of Marketing, summed it up perfectly: “People love to tinker, modify, and personalize. And what better way to do that than by turning your beloved ride into an EV?” It’s like giving your car a heart transplant, but the heart is a battery, and it beats with electric power.
For those who cherish the classics but are keen to keep pace with the times, the availability of modular EV Drive system kits has been a game changer. LegacyEV, Hypercraft, and Ampere EV are just a few of the big names who’ve jumped into the EV conversion pool. While the current price point for complete systems starting around $55,000 might seem steep, Ampere EV CEO Matthew White anticipates a decrease in costs as efficiency improves and demand grows. “It is feature-rich, and it does have a lot of stuff, but we understand the average person probably won’t consider that at the price point, so our goal is to get more efficient and get our prices down,” White explained, highlighting the balance between innovation and affordability.
The automotive world is at a crossroads, with OEMs scratching their heads. They’re juggling strategy, investments, and the hard truth of consumer interest. But in this dilemma lies a silver lining for the aftermarket industry. It’s like discovering a new continent of opportunities, especially in the EV conversions department. We discovered Tier-1suppliers, such as GKN, now offering e-motors used in current production models to the industry, which hasnever been seen before. Also, Ford came with force onto the EV area with a fully prepared F-150 Lightning, an awesome Super Van and Neil Tjin’s Mach-E off-roader.
The Central Hall at SEMA 2023 was a melting pot of ideas on EV technology, policy, and the future of automobiles. Here, the discussions weren’t just about shiny new cars; they were about shaping the industry’s trajectory. LegacyEV played a crucial role, highlighting their focus on training by announcing new EV Technician standards in collaboration with EVTEC (see sidebox), setting the rulebook for the next generation of EV wizards.
Imagine a room where Chip Foose and Richard Rawlings and his Gas Monkey crew rub shoulders with the YouTube auto vlogger brigade in the EV conversion epicenter! That was the scene at the Legacy EV RePower stand. V-8-mad content creators such as Tim ‘Shmee150’ Burton, Freddy ‘Tavarish’, Rich Benoit of Rich Rebuild, Sam Hard, and Ben ‘the Stig’ Collins all had their jaws on the floor seeing the Gas Monkey Garage Testarossa and the E-Rod build converted to electric, which generated many dedicated videos on their respective channels. This really shows a shift in perception within the automotive world. Electrification is not just a fleeting trend; it’s the new norm.
This year’s SEMA Show threw a wrench into the old belief that only gas guzzlers could deliver adrenaline-pumping performance. EVs and converted-to-EV machines flexed their muscles, showing off torque and power that would make any V-8 blush. It’s a pivotal moment, proving that sustainability can sit in the driver’s seat alongside raw power.
The vibe at SEMA 2023 was clear: the future for EV enthusiasts and the automotive industry is bright. We’re riding the crest of a revolution where electric meets classic, and the thrill of driving is being reimagined. As this edition clearly illustrated, the future for EV enthusiasts and the automotive industry is incredibly promising. We are part of a revolution where innovation meets tradition, and where electric propulsion is becoming as exciting and desirable as traditional powertrains. This transformation is opening up new horizons for creativity, performance, and environmental responsibility in the automotive world.
A Ford Model A’s Electric Rebirth
What happens when you take a 1930 Ford Model A to SEMA and give it an electric heart? LegacyEV and Fellten showed the world in a dazzling four-day transformation—they rolled in with a classic, and rolled out with the future.Their mission was to enter the show with a roaring gas engine and leave it with the hum of an electric motor. The original 348ci Big-Block ICE engine and T-5 manual transmission were shown the door. In their place, the team installed a Zonic 180 electric motor and a Torque Trends TorqueBox reduction gearbox. But the star of the show was the Fellten 55 kWh universal battery pack – a powerhouse that snugly fits under the hood of most classic cars – yet was installed here in the back of the cab.
The Zonic 180 and Fellten UBP55E: A Perfect Match
The 180 kW Zonic motor combined with the 2:1 reduction Torque Trends TorqueBox and fed by a mighty Fellten universal battery pack (UBP55E) give the Model A super burnout powers it never had before.). This four-day adventure at SEMA was more than a showcase; it was a testament to what’s possible when expertise, passion, and cutting-edge technology come together. LegacyEV and Fellten completely turned back the clock and catapulted a classic into the future.
Fellten’s UBP55E universal battery pack not only turned heads in the E-Rod, it also took home the prestigious Global Media Award. With its 55kWh capacity and built-in CCS charging, top-notch thermal management, and power delivery that’s built for speed, this pack is truly an integration wonder. It’s like the perfect puzzle piece, designed to fit seamlessly under the hood of your favorite classic—be it a muscle car like the Mustang or an off-road champion like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser. After a year of rigorous development and testing, the UBP55E is now rolling off the production line at the Fellten facility in the UK. This isn’t just a UK story, though, with distribution channels including LegacyEV in the USA. Here are its key features at a glance:
EVTEC’s Grand Debut at SEMA 2023
The SEMA 2023 show wasn’t just about the glitz and glamor of electrified classic cars; it was also about the people who make these electric dreams a reality. Enter the Electric Vehicle Technician Education Council, making its grand entrance at the show.
EVTEC is establishing EV technician standards. This initiative,championed by LegacyEV’s president and co-founder Maverick Knowles, and Baily Soto, the mastermind behind the Certified Technician Program, is poised to revolutionize the industry. It’s not just about learning the ropes; it’s about raising the bar for safety, accessibility, and the adoption of EV technology. They aspire to be the lighthouse guiding the way in EV technician education bysetting unparalleled standards in EV product safety and retrofitting practices. Their vision? To create a world where EV technicians are not just trained but are masters of their craft. The 2023 Certified Electric Vehicle Technician Standards are the building blocks of EV expertise. Categorized into seven key ideas and eight essential skills, they provide a thorough framework for understanding and excelling in the world of EVs.
EVTEC’s approach to learning is hands-on, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills. This practical training covers everything from EV maintenance and diagnostics to charging infrastructure and battery management. It’s about equipping the next generation of technicians with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Visit www.evteched.org for more information and access to the 2023 standards.
When it comes to automotive events, you’ll find nothing larger or more recognized than the SEMA Show. While most people perceive this event to be a car-and-truck show, it isn’t. It’s an industry-only trade show designed for aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and related companies to network and show off the latest and greatest parts.
Are most of these parts installed on top-notch vehicles? Yes. Are there more high-end builds than any other automotive event? Yes. So, in a way, you can say it’s a “show” but on a totally different level.
Each year people from all over the world travel to Las Vegas the first week of November to attend this event, and this was the 60th year they have done so. SEMA organizers recorded more than 130,000 attendees with 70,000-plus buyers and 3,000-plus media personal, all from over 140 countries. While the size of the crowd was massive, the size of the venue was even more impressive: With over a million square feet indoors plus all the massive outdoor areas, attendees had literally no way to see every vehicle.
Engaged Media, the parent company of Street Trucks magazine and our sister titles, sent the editorial team to SEMA so that we could give our readers the best truck coverage possible. The company also hosted a booth in the Central Hall, right in the middle of Hot Rod Alley. In the booth, we debuted our Sergeant Square C10 build you’ve seen for several months throughout the build process, which was done to benefit Mission 22. The booth stayed packed from opening to closing each day as attendees stopped by to salute the Sergeant in person.
We also debuted our Project Stockish, a ’23 Sierra build you’ve also seen on these pages. It starred in the Dropstars Wheels booth after making its way from North Carolina to Las Vegas to represent the wheel company as well as Street Trucks.
To get you the best print and digital coverage in the world, we packed our most comfortable shoes and stocked up on plenty of water and energy drinks to prepare for the miles we would walk each day as we tracked down the best trucks and the newest products.
This is one event we refuse to miss. And because it’s open only to the automotive industry, it’s a must for us that we attend to bring you as much coverage as possible. Follow our social media pages as well as the Motortopia YouTube channel for even more content from the show!
If you would have told Kyle Delfel that he would own a shop (Del Fab), build a badass SEMA award-winning Bronco, take home the top Ford Design award, and be shot for the cover of Tread all in a single year—he would have just laughed at you. You see, Kyle is about as humble as it comes, surprising from someone oozing with such talent. He had never set out to do any of this—at least not right out of the gate.
Let’s rewind back to 2005; Kyle had just turned 16 and was cruising a 1975 Bronco. Like most of us gearheads, from that point forward he went through vehicles kind of like underwear. When he was just 18 years old, Kyle built his first solid-axle swap in the way of his 2004 GMC Denali XL. It was solid-axle swapped on 40s and his daily. Back then he wheeled an 1987 Toyota 4Runner, also solid-axle swapped on 40s, of course.
“Before he even knew what configuration, color, or anything, he signed up to buy it that day. When he got to the dealership, he found a Cactus Grey, black diamond, 4-door 2.3 automatic, hard top, non- sasquatch Bronco waiting for him in all its glory.”
Back to present time, June 15, 2020, when the return of the Bronco was real, Kyle knew he had to have one to commemorate his very first truck. He started cruising through the models trying to pick the right Bronco to bring to life his childhood memories, but he stalled out a bit. With seven variations and all the options, he got overwhelmed and never placed an order. Come June 2021, his local Ford dealership, Bickford Ford in Snohomish, Washington, secretly told Kyle the Ford training Bronco would be parked out back at a certain day and time. He was allowed to sneak back there, lift the car cover, and gawk at the utter beauty. At that point, he was hooked and knew he needed to now own one.
A few weeks later, the dealership received their Mannequin Bronco, so Kyle convinced his wife—who didn’t like the Broncos at all—to come check it out with him. No surprise, she absolutely fell in love, too. They went home ready to order ‘his and hers’ Broncos since they couldn’t agree on a configuration.
“With only 102 miles clocked on the odometer from driving it home and running a few errands around town, it was in the shop on the lift and going under the knife.”
After learning they were going to wait over a year to receive ordered Broncos, Kyle once again started searching every national auto locator hoping that if the mannequins had shipped. He knew somewhere out there a Bronco had shipped that was for sale.
One Sunday night he found a few leads which inevitably turned into a sleepless night, excited to call around first thing in the morning hoping to capture at least one of the elusive Broncos he hunted down. Sadly, nothing panned out as they were early advertisements and could not be sold yet. More and more frustrated, Kyle’s obsession for needing to put his touch on a new Bronco stewed.
Less than an hour later that same morning, he received a call from Tucker Key, his salesman at Bickford Ford, saying they had a cancelled order that he could purchase. Before he even knew what configuration, color, or anything, he signed up to buy it that day. When he got to the dealership, he found a Cactus Grey, black diamond, 4-door 2.3 automatic, hard top, non- sasquatch Bronco waiting for him in all its glory. After signing the paperwork, Kyle’s wife made it pretty clear that she just got a new car. Not even 48 hours later it was lifted with new wheels and tires, and Kyle was hooked. He was ready to give it a solid-axle swap, but cooler heads prevailed, and he decided he should find “his own” Bronco to cut up now and keep the nice one stock-ish—for now.
Six days after the purchase of the first bronco, he found a black, base model, 4 door, 2.3L, soft top, with zero options. He made a call and reserved the Bronco at a dealership about an hour away or so. During the drive there he received multiple phone calls asking if he was close as there were other customers wanting to buy it. When he showed up, he was met by a serious high-pressure sales staff. He was so discouraged he almost left without the Bronco. However, already owning an early delivered Bronco, and knowing just how hard they were to come by at this point, Kyle bit his tongue and drove off with Bronco numero dos.
With only 102 miles clocked on the odometer from driving it home and running a few errands around town, it was in the shop on the lift and going under the knife. Naturally a solid-axle swap and 40s were in store for it, and of course, it snowballed from there.
“When Kyle was fervently hunting a Bronco to solid axle, his only requirement was a 4-door since he has three daughters and he wanted to be able to share off-road adventures with them, just like he got to do with his dad when he was a kid.”
Kyle called up his buddy Solomon from The Ford Era, hoping that during such a tough time to find parts in stock, he could help. When Solomon heard the plans for the second Bronco, he quickly connected Kyle with Cris Payne from Truck Guru to help the Del Fab crew go all out and make this a full SEMA build. They only had roughly nine weeks from tear down to when it needed to be on its way to Las Vegas for a SEMA Show 2021 debut.
So off they went, 1-ton axles were picked, fitted, and a bald set of 40s were used for mockup. Kyle decided to post up a few teaser pics on social media, and that’s when the internet went crazy. There were all kinds of articles, posts, and comments ripping him apart from every angle. “How could you ruin a new Bronco…” “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve seen this week…” and so on. But, that’s what social media is these days it seems, a bunch of ‘can nots’ picking on the ‘can dos.’ Kyle tried not to let it get to him as the stress of SEMA and parts delays were more than enough to keep him occupied. Kyle worked day and night around the clock with his oldest friend Richard Albertson by his side every step of the way. As the deadline quickly approached, he called in for some more manpower.
Kyle’s dad, Brian Delfel, came to the rescue, along with help from Powder Coating, Inc. in Everett, Washington, rushing overtime and powder coating every surface underneath this insane Bronco build. Aaron’s Olympic 4×4 Supply set up the carriers and ring and pinions in the axles, speeding up the assembly process. Dayne from Ardor Printing came through in a major way, designing the graphics using their other Bronco as a template. Kyle recalls, “We must’ve wrapped it 10 or 11 times until we got the fit exactly how we wanted it.” Roger Habich, a local family friend and fabricator, built a custom aluminum gas tank to give clearance to the new 1-ton drivetrain while having all the machined components to allow the factory emissions and fuel pump to fit properly. Also, Marc in the Bickford Ford parts department spent countless hours helping them order many replacement Bronco parts to complete the build.
Adam, a local 3D scanner and composite specialist, helped complete Kyle’s vision for a throwback first gen influenced grille and helped get it 3D printed and in hand. With less than a week until they had to leave for SEMA, they chose to cut up the 3D printed grille and a factory Bronco grille to build a hybrid by local legend, Kasey Debeau, who handled the body work and paint.
“As they drove the Bronco down the Las Vegas highways at 70+ mph to their first photo spot, it was the first time that Kyle felt the success sink in a bit.”
The seat covers showed up just days before they had to leave. After finishing up the install on those, they only had one more part to install before they loaded it in the trailer and took off south for Vegas. The following morning, they swapped out the 40s for donut rollers, clipped the custom grille in (still reeking of fresh paint solvents) and stuck the Bronco in the enclosed trailer with zero test miles.
The Del Fab crew headed straight to Blake Gordon’s Fab Shop where they unloaded the Bronco, put the big tires back on, detailed it, and did the last final checks on the truck and finally drove it on the road for the first time. Parked safely in the shop, the crew clocked a few much-needed hours of sleep before their first photoshoot. As they drove the Bronco down the Las Vegas highways at 70+ mph to their first photo spot, it was the first time that Kyle felt the success sink in a bit. They simply looked at each other as they cruised and smiled, “We did it!” After the photoshoot they tested out the 4wd on some rocks, leading to the first reveal of the finished Bronco on social media since the first crucifixion of announcing the solid-axle swap.
So excited for the completed vision to come to life, they drove the Bronco that whole day and most of the following day, stopping and taking many photos along the way, which of course were shared on social media. This time, the internet went crazy and loved it, resharing and commenting their appreciation (quite contrary to the first barrage of naysayers). With the Bronco now dirty, they attended a lakebed bonfire and barbeque with buddy Blake Gordon and friends that night.
They woke up the next morning with only hours until they had to stage the Bronco in its SEMA booth spot. Hours later as they rolled into the SEMA Show a gentleman handed Kyle his business card through the window and said, “If you don’t see me again today, please give me a call.” He didn’t end up crossing paths again that day, so he called, and it led to an interview with some very high-up Ford Motor Company individuals. As they parted ways, the gentleman who gave him the card told him the Ford booth was having a little event the next morning and invited Kyle and his crew. When they showed up the next morning, Ford had announced that Kyle and Del Fab won a Ford Design Award—a true dream come true!
Hard to beat such an amazing week in Vegas, but they had to try. On the way home from SEMA Solomon tagged along for some fun. They took the Bronco up to Kyle’s local mountains which had just been blessed with a ton of snow. They were all surprised with the dumping, but it ended up being the perfect backdrop for this beautiful photoshoot. When Kyle was fervently hunting a Bronco to solid axle, his only requirement was a 4-door since he has three daughters and he wanted to be able to share off-road adventures with them, just like he got to do with his dad when he was a kid. And the family tradition continues, since SEMA Show 2021 they have spent many weekends up in the snow as a family, and will continue to use this truck for what it was built for—not the trophies, but just enjoying the outdoors as a family.
Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the March/April 2022 issue of Tread Magazine.
2021 Ford Bronco
ENGINE: 2.3L Ecoboost
SUSPENSION: Fox 10-inch travel remote reservoir 2.5 coilover front/rear; Ruffstuff Specialties front radius arms; Custom front and rear track bars with Ruffstuff Specialties heims/bungs; Custom rear links with Ruffstuff Specialties heims/bungs; Fox 2-inch 2.0 bump stops front/rear; Artec Industries shock towers with trail gear tube clamps and custom tubing to make an engine cage/shock tower brace that mounts the front shock reservoirs; Custom front frame cross member housing track bar bracket to give frame rigidity after removing the IFS lower control arm crossmembers;
WHEELS & TIRES: Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS 40 13.50 17; KMC Grenade 17×8.5 beadlock wheels, 0 backspace
INTERIOR: RFS motorsports custom black leather/suede seat covers and matching arm rests in red stitch; Custom reshaped carbon/ suede oem bronco steering wheel by Johnny; Switch pros switch panel for lights/lockers/air compressor; ARB dual onboard air compressor; Dash top/door panels/grab handles custom dyed black from original grey;
EXTERIOR: Bronco fender emblems from Bronco Depot USA; Racktek roof rack; Rigid 360 series 6” front lights on rack; Rigid pods on rack sides/rear/rear bumper; Rigid 6’ light bar in bumper; Rigid rock lights; Custom rear tire carrier fitted into OEM rear cargo hook fasteners allowing access to rear storage compartment housing onboard air hook up, air hose, tire gauge, winch control; 4WP Factory series bumpers/fender deletes/ side steps/winch plate; Smittybuilt 9.5k winch; Custom 3D printed grille modeled and painted to resemble first gen bronco grille including FORD instead BRONCO; Custom 1979 Bronco Freewheeling sunset inspired graphics in hi-vis done by Dayne at Ardor printing, along with amber wrapped park lights; Custom spare tire delete panels housing OEM backup camera; Rear and front wheel wells cut and opened up to allow 40s easily; Debbie at Powdercoating Inc; Front body mounts and lead frame extension brackets modified to allow 40s to steer; Custom intercooler mounts to allow OEM tow hook intercooler bracket combos to be removed to fit custom skid plate that flows with the 4WP bumper; OEM rear axle brackets moved from stock dana 44 rear to new sterling 10.5 diff; Custom drive shafts by DrivelinesNW; Kartek limit straps front/rear; PSC full hydro ram/ power steering pump/ orbital/fluid reservoir; Artec Industries front axle truss / ram mount and hi-steer knuckles; Yukon diff covers/ chromoly axle shafts (1550 u-joints)/ zip lockers/5.38 ring and pinions/axle seals/and bearings; OEM new Ford balljoints/front wheel bearings/rotors/ all axle hardware; SSBC billet calipers front/rear; Warn hub lock outs; RockJock front sway bar
Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Jan/Feb 2024.
The Street Trucks magazine team proudly presents Sergeant Square in its final form, ready to make a significant impact in the fight against veteran suicide. With precision, passion, and purpose, our team worked tirelessly to ensure every detail met the highest standards, all for a noble cause: Mission 22.
After careful assembly and fitment of our new American Chassis frame and LMC Truck body panels, Sergeant Square is really taking shape. The project reached a pivotal moment as it was left to the skilled hands of Shane Murphy and Dack at Street Dreams Paint and Body Shop. There, the truck underwent a final disassembly, preparing it for the transformative stages of paint and graphics.
The first item to tackle is the bed cover and vehicle graphics. The truck’s exterior boasted additional vinyl graphics, including a distorted American flag on the hood. This symbol represented resilience, echoing the strength of the veterans that Mission 22 strives to support. The truck bed received a special touch, a Pro’s Pick aluminum bed cover wrapped in black gloss vinyl, adorned with the names of sponsors and contributors. This gesture honored the support received throughout the project, turning Sergeant Square into a rolling canvas of gratitude.
Inside, Fesler USA’s new interior components were installed, elevating the cab to a realm of luxury and comfort. This included a new filberglass dashpad, doorpanels, headliner and custom bench seat. The black leather, fixed with gray plaid pattern, is a perfect touch.
Under the hood, Ididit Steering and Borgeson USA components ensured smooth handling, emphasizing safety alongside performance. New headers from Hedman Headers were added, promising enhanced engine efficiency and a resonant, powerful sound. We also took the time to bolt in our new headlights from Dapper Lighting, and wow, they are nice!
Sergeant Square stands not just as a truck but as a beacon of hope and support. Street Trucks magazine is honored to present this remarkable vehicle at SEMA, where it will serve as a testament to the collective effort poured into its creation. Mission 22’s representatives and all who contributed to this project will witness the fruition of their dedication before the truck embarks on its final mission: the Barrett-Jackson auction, where every dollar raised will aid Mission 22’s vital cause.
Rob Ward, classic car enthusiast, advocate for electric vehicle technology, and CEO of Legacy EV, has just announced his candidacy for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) board of directors. Ward’s campaign highlights his commitment to investing in new vehicle technology to grow the total addressable market.
Through his campaign, Rob hopes to promote a greater acceptance of new technology, like EV powertrains, in the aftermarket so that all SEMA members can benefit from this growing market trend.
“Not only are aftermarket technologies evolving, but so is how we do business,” said Ward. “As a SEMA board member, I would focus my efforts on ensuring SEMA members have access to high-quality data and training around emerging technologies as well as professional development on new business strategies.”
The SEMA board is responsible for promoting the automotive aftermarket industry and representing the interests of SEMA members, which include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and enthusiasts. Ward’s campaign focuses on bringing a fresh perspective to the board and promoting innovative solutions that can help the industry adapt to the changing automotive landscape.
Overall, Ward’s candidacy for the SEMA board highlights the growing interest in electric vehicle technology and how that growth can be leveraged to benefit all SEMA Members. With his extensive experience and passion for the industry, Ward is a promising candidate who could help lead SEMA into a more sustainable and innovative future.
Visit https://www.rob4sema.com for more info.
About Rob Ward:
Rob has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting companies, investing in real estate and constantly challenging himself to do big meaningful things. He started an electrical company in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona, working closely with oil companies, power plants, food processing facilities, and semiconductor manufacturers on industrial electrical automation and system integrations. As his electrical company expanded, he considered business ventures that could get him back into the automotive industry. In 2018, seeing the potential for electrification, he knew this was where he could bring value.
“I love building things, seeing an idea turn into a business, and a business turn into a solution that the industry really needs, and watching a team set goals and reach their goals. This gets me excited!”
As CEO and Co-founder of Legacy EV, the face of aftermarket EVs, Rob combined his passion for aftermarket restorations with his electrical engineering and entrepreneurial spirit to build Legacy EV into an innovative industry leader. He has built dozens of classic cars, most notably, a 1930 Model-A Sedan that went from a hot rod resto-mod to an impressive 400-volt EV repower. His builds have won awards and accolades that include six magazine features, four magazine covers, a Top Truck Award, and a place in a Premiere Classic Car Auction Top 50. His 23+ years of experience in electrical systems integration allowed him to use that depth of knowledge to create some of the most cutting-edge EVs in the industry. His company has created the nation’s first Certified EV Technician Program and developed an international network of EV-authorized installers. With this entrepreneurial fortitude, he has forged distribution agreements with major manufacturers across the EV industry, negotiated EV conversion contracts with government agencies, and played an integral role with battery manufacturers, pushing EVs and battery capabilities to world records.
https://www.rob4sema.com/
I know I’m a little behind the curve on this one, regarding my pal and friend Art Chrisman who passed July 12th, 2016, at the young age of 86 years. He, as you know, was one of the founding fathers of NHRA Drag Racing, as well as the patriarch to one of its legendary families—hard core all the way through!
My father and I saw his famed #25 car exceed 140 and 180 mph to be the first winner at the Bakersfield U.S. Fuel and Gas Championships in 1959. Then came the Hustler and the man became legend, one of the true breed of men that command respect without a word spoken. Like all the John Wayne characters rolled into one guy!
I met Art in the ‘80s when he started using Pete & Jake’s parts on projects at his hot rod shop. Imagine my elation, Art Chrisman buying parts from Jake and me. Rest in peace, my friend.
SEMA 2016 was a blast. It was really busy, especially with Brad Fanshaw and the guys from our Shift and Steer podcast, Matt D’Andria and Aaron Hagar. Go ahead, pick an adjective: unbelievable, incredible, amazing, astonishing, great, enormous, mindboggling, extraordinary—they all just barely describe the 2016 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Show.
Seriously, I’ve been attending since 1973, back in the days of the Anaheim Convention Center, and I’ve never experienced anything the likes of this year’s gathering! How do I know it was huge? Because I was at ground zero in the The Shift and Steer studio based in the “Oh too Cool” Derale booth, hosted by good friend and Derale jefe, Tom Longo. (Thanks, Tom, it was sweet!)
While attending SEMA I had to stop by the new SO-CAL Speed Shop, the Las Vegas store—or get shot by owners, the Ribaudo family. The store is really nice and just across the strip from the convention center. Lenny Sr. and Jr., report a lot of traffic (and not only during SEMA week). The store has become a tourist destination, especially for our Asian friends. The store is a well stocked “speed shop” in every sense of the word and carries everything from engine parts to sheet metal for Mustangs, pickups and Chevys. The best of luck with that new property!
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the February 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.
For the seasoned professionals, getting vehicles built, painted and polished for SEMA is such a regular to-do that many shops are bringing multiple trucks to Las Vegas.
It’s tough enough to manage just one project let alone more, but the hustle is real, and the results are nothing short of immaculate and impressive. But you’ll soon see for yourself the finished products from some of the finest automotive artists out there. From classic trucks to lifted and lowered late-model haulers, they’ll all be there fully customized and ready to drive, which is proof that no type of build is out of reach these days.
With the support of today’s aftermarket and the brilliant minds behind these projects, there really is no limit to what can be created.
Stay tuned and as we bring you more of the vehicles from the big show:
Built by Delmo’s, Kevin’s C-10, featured in the Royal Purple booth, showcases an implanted LS7 motor, full AccuAir system, Delmo CST wheels, PorterBuilt Dropmember kits and Dakota Digital gauges to help monitor the truck’s vital signs.
Auto Marine Custom Upholstery out of Alberta, Canada, took on the interior overhaul, and accessories from Marquez Design were showcased throughout the C-10’s interior and exterior. The sinister black paint work was also handled north of the border by Lange’s Shop. At a show that had so many trucks this is still one to watch.
This short-bedded, big-windowed beauty is another truck of Delmo’s. At the AccuAir’s booth, it has an LS3 complete with custom Tri-Power intake manifold, which Mullenix Racing Engines helped pull together. Delmo Special 22-inch wheels have taken up residence underneath the fenders, and PorterBuilt Dropmember kits helped close the gap around them. Of course, a full AccuAir system has been pieced together for this C-10’s ride height adjustability. Other sponsors for this beauty include Holley, Dakota Digital, Eddie Motorsports, Magnaflow, Kicker, Be Cool and Autotrend EFI. Arizona locals iKandy Paintworks and Prescott Hot Rods have also jumped onboard to bless the Chevy with paint and interior work, respectively.
Demented Customs is Jamie’s shop, and because it’s located in Hobbs, New Mexico, there’s plenty of off-road country to test the truck. He’s no stranger to building lowered cars and trucks, but for this particular build, he chose to take the high road to SEMA. The Demented Tundra, in Leer’s booth, has tons of off-road accessories from Addicted Desert Designs, suspension components from Ready Lift Off-Road and goods from Rigid Industries lighting, and of course, a Leer shell with bike rack. Oh, and for kicks, this baby is TRD supercharged, too.
It’s rare to find these trucks in the possession of the original owner and with only 66k original miles on the odometer. The paint is also the same stuff that was sprayed by the factory 42 years ago. Yeah, a double take may be in order after reading that, but it’s no joke—it’s all true.
John Gonzalez’s ’74 C-10, which he has affectionately dubbed “Buttercup,” in the United Pacific Industries booth where the company will be showcasing its quality LED lighting parts and accessories for all types of classic cars and trucks, features suspension components from PorterBuilt and Crown Suspension, as well as a CPP Hydroboost big brake system and a 22- and 24-inch US Mags wheel combo.
A Gen IV 6.0L and a 6L90E transmission combo keeps the truck in motion. A full TMI interior has helped resurrect the fading original upholstery, and a Vintage Air AC system and gauges from Dakota Digital have given the cab a comfier, more modern touch.
Gonzalez has built the truck, his first SEMA project, at his place, Johny’s Garage in Bell Gardens, California, and he’d like to offer “thanks to John Padilla at United Pacific for this amazing opportunity and Eric Rodriguez at Wolf Design for the rendering artwork.”
After months of prepping a vehicle for SEMA and spending thousands of dollars on parts, the last thing most builders want to do is immediately subject their latest creation to harsh conditions on the open road. Notice how we said “most” builders. Enter KC Mathieu, owner of KC’s Paint Shop. His plan is to drive his SEMA projects from their home base of Fort Worth, Texas, to Las Vegas and back.
This particular ’49 F-1 features a No Limit Engineering Big 10 chassis and a Ford Racing 5.0L Coyote engine with a Roush supercharger. If that isn’t enough to win you over, a set of Budnik wheels (along with a matching steering wheel) and Falken Tires have been brought in, as well as a full Wilwood big brake kit.
LMC Truck restoration products have been used throughout the build inside and out. A RestoMod air system keeps the cab cool for the long drive from Vegas.
Other sponsors include Be Cool, Currie, ididit, HeatShield, Ron Francis Wiring, Hughes Transmissions, Dakota Digital, RideTech, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, Kwik Performance, Inc., Superchargers Online, Hides Leather and VP Racing Fuels.
To develop a new air suspension product line, Mike Alexander teamed up with Eric Conner from SoCal Suspension to debut FLO Airride Mfg.’s new product lineup at this year’s SEMA Show. Partnering with Injen Technology to install and show off its NNBS intake and tune, this is an exciting build to behold.
In less than three months, they took a stock cruiser and outfitted it with all-new FLO Airride products and Michigan Metal Works suspension components all managed by the advanced Air Lift Performance 3H. Tucking massive 26-inch Billet Specialties BLVD wheels with Baer Brakes Extreme 6s+ setup, this is one “new new” body (NNBS) we couldn’t wait to see come to life. Daley Visuals, PlainNSimple, McGaughy’s, Sadistic Iron Werks, Roadwire and Image Street Rods along with a few close friends joined in on the thrash to bring this to life ready for its center-stage debut.
Representing the latest in the evolution of air suspension technology, Jonathan Lee’s 1959 Chevy Apache, featured in the McGaughy’s Suspension SEMA lineup, shows off the all-new FLO Airride Mfg. product line. This beautifully grounded Apache makes use of the full McGaughy’s Camaro clip front end and big-brake swap along with AccuAir management laid out on custom Delmo Specials.
Built by Eric Conner and the SoCal Suspension crew, this classic features goodies from Eddie’s Motorsports, Dakota Digital, Kicker Audio, Vintage Air, Powermaster Performance and more.
This square-body was inherited from James’ father, Kody’s grandfather. The two figured that restoring and improving on this family heirloom would be the perfect way to honor the truck’s original owner. Chris Stafford of Stafford’s Garage was recruited to manage/design/build the truck as well as lock down placement for the finished truck at SEMA (at the Precision Replacement Parts booth).
The truck now sits on a full custom frame built by Cody Stoute of Popeye’s Rod Shop using custom-spec Morrison frame rails, LongShot Fabrication Builder Series front cross member and QA1 adjustable shocks.
Up/down adjustment will be controlled with Air Lift’s 3H air management system. A 22- and 24-inch Raceline Hooligan wheel combo along with Toyo Proxes STII rubber will propel the GMC stylishly down the highway.
And speaking of highway propulsion, an LS427 from Blueprint Engines will be throwing down 620 hp and an estimated 600 ft-lbs of torque, which will make this baby a real mover. As far as the exterior goes, it will remain pretty close to what GM had originally intended. Chris ran with a two-tone paint scheme that he had dreamed up with early-model Corvettes in mind. LMC Truck has provided the emblems, and Precision Replacement Parts has stepped in with all of the weather-stripping and seals that the truck needed. All body and paintwork will be taken care of by Chris, along with Jeremy Pounds at Mo’s Paint & Body shop. Stoute has also begun work on the bed floor, exhaust and engine bay sheet-metal work. This is going to be a really hip square once it’s finalized.
Securing a prestigious spot at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) reception and booth in Central Hall, Nick’s ’68 will certainly make an impact on all who lay eyes on it. Outkast Kustoms, in Newark, California, is responsible for the build, and it has definitely mapped out one incredible project.
If you can’t quite pick up on what’s different about this truck, the ’69 Camaro bodylines might be the reason why. The custom one-off hood, grille and bumper, as well as the chopped roof and slanted back windshield also factor into this Chevy’s unique appearance. The bed and interior feature custom sheet-metal treatments, and the handmade taillights boost style points straight through the roof. The body mods made on this truck are outstanding.
Joining in on the build is an A+ cast of sponsors, including VIAIR, Fast Fuel Injection, Currie, Odyssey Batteries, Vintage Air, Wilwood, Be Cool, Master Shift, Intro Wheels, AccuAir, Slam Specialties, Dakota Digital, Choppin’ Block, Scott’s Hot Rods, AVS, Grant Kustoms, King Kustom Kovers and a whole lot more. This truck is certainly a product of its environment in California’s Bay Area. Local automotive artisans have worked on it extensively, and it features plenty of impressive parts and accessories sourced from Nick’s immediate surroundings.
Originally a long-bed model, this ’67, All American Billet booth, has undergone quite a transformation at the hands of Jeremy Rice and the Tre5 Customs crew in Peoria, Arizona. In the powertrain/drivetrain department, the rebuilt 5.3L LS based V-8 features a COMP Cams camshaft, an All American Billet non-AC serpentine pulley setup, a 3-inch stainless exhaust from Black Widow and a ton of parts from Summit Racing. The wiring harness has been built by Modern Vintage Systems specifically for this truck.
The chassis was modified to lay frame on the ground with the assistance of Choppin’ Block front and rear suspension kits and ’bags and a four-way manifold from Slam Specialties. Twenty-two-inch Intro wheels have been powder-coated a transparent copper color to match the roof, which offsets the lighter color of the truck perfectly.
Brother’s Truck parts were brought in to replace the originals. A unique sapele wood bed kit from Bed Wood and Parts was brought in to class up the project, and iKandy Paintworks was selected to even out the truck’s surface before the final finish was applied. The cab features a new split bench seat, door panels and dash pad from TMI Products, as well as custom kick panels and a Powerbass sound system designed and fabricated by Elevated Design.
This is a killer build that features many intricate details and parts that just have to be admired up close.
Undertaking a total of eight builds for SEMA, Brandon Edwards of Cash Bred Off-Road of Converse, Texas, made this Ram at Bully Dog’s booth his main event for the show.
What you’ll see upon first glance is one bulldozer of a pickup truck. It has been treated to Cash Bred’s own in-house fabricated 20-inch lift kit. That’s a major spike in altitude and is definitely not a feat for amateurs to attempt, but for guys like Brandon and his crew, it’s all in a day’s work. Fox 2.5 shocks and coil-overs help smooth the ride, and to eat up the road or dirt, 40/15.50r26 Fuel off-road tires and 26×16 Specialty Forged wheels help make light work of rough terrain.
Helping the Cash Bred team along the way are TC Kustomz, which has stepped in with the paint and powder-coat duties, and MCVP contributed the quality vinyl wrap. Gold Standard Lighting has come aboard with its killer projector headlights, Rigid Industries lighting helps illuminate dark paths, and Fusion Bumpers keeps the truck looking rugged and safe from any potential love taps at both ends. Of course, a build this big features a whole lot more that can’t be squeezed into this brief introduction, but if sky-high trucks are your thing, you’ll need to see this beast for yourself.
Everyone else was getting in on it. Why not Street Trucks? Throughout the past few months ST teased what they might be doing. The guys there partnered with Index Ink Design on their next big project. They found a donor ’70 C-10 which will get the pro-touring treatment for a little autocross action. Starting from the ground up, the chassis will be revamped with coil-overs, rack-and-pinion steering and a big brake kit. From there we will plant a modern fuel-injected Chevy LS engine combined with a five-speed manual transmission. Styling will be simple and classy. Look for issues of the magazine on newsstands.
This 2500 HD High Country has been dubbed project “Bad Country,” and one look at it explains it all. The rig features a McGaughy’s premium 7-9-inch adjustable lift kit, Fox dual-reservoir shocks front and rear, Helwig Suspension anti-roll bars and airbag kit. Raceline Flow Form wheels, size 22×12-inch, and Toyo Open Country tires provide solid ground contact.
Featured in the Iron Cross Automotive, its low-profile HD front and rear bumpers and HD steps, along with a T-Rex black mesh grille and UnderCover bedcover, BedRug liner, swing cases and Avec USA LED light bars in the bumper and rock lights will make an impression. The interior will be treated with Roadwire leather covers and painted accent pieces for the right amount of style to flow into the cab.
For added power, a 3-inch intercooler tubing kit and a 3-inch turbo downpipe, as well as a polished stainless exhaust system from MBRP, an Injen Technology air intake and ECU and TCM tuning from PPEI will all team up for increased performance. An Edge CTS2 Insight programmer will help monitor performance parameters as well as control the truck’s LED lighting setup. Paintwork is by Mo’s Paint and Body in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and all performance and suspension upgrades by Backwoods 4×4 in Franklinton, Louisiana.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the January 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.
Magazine editors, contributors and industry insiders will discuss the global opportunities of electric trucks at SEMA next November.
In the first year of its existence, EV Builder’s Guide will moderate a SEMA 2022 panel: “The Electric Truck: Tap into New Opportunities.“
The panel’s appearance demonstrates the growing EV interest at SEMA but also the magazine’s importance to the larger aftermarket industry. “There was no EV presence there before,” says founding editor Chris Hamilton, “and now we’re hearing, ‘Keep up the good work.'”
Everyone loves cool engines right?! Well, we decided to capture all the best truck engine set-ups at SEMA 2019 so you can spend your afternoon drooling. Which one is your favorite? Check them all out!
