Every year, tens of thousands of people flock from all over the world to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, better known as SEMA. More than anything, this annual show is the biggest automotive and aftermarket trade show in the world, where thousands of automotive companies debut their latest and greatest products for potential builders, buyers, and retailers. In 2004, we scoured more than 2 million square feet of exhibits, booths, and vehicles to bring home some of the coolest products for mini-truckers nationwide to consider.
If you were a little disappointed with what Santa left under your tree, don't despair. It's not too late to take back those sweaters, socks, and dental-hygiene gadgets, and get what you really wanted. Pick up a new toolbox to complement your new garage storage units, or the most advanced new welders, or some of the hottest apparel and accessories. There's a little bit of everything for the most hard-core mini-trucker out there in our 2005 SEMA product section.
We wanted to bring you the absolute best products at the show in one easy-to-use wish list so Santa won't be confused next time, and you'll actually get something you wanted. So go ahead, don't be afraid to tear out these pages, circle the stuff you can't live without, and send them to every single person who gave you the shaft on gifts. For more information, contact the companies we've included.
Ultimate Versatility
Miller brought out its new Millermatic DVI All-in-One MIG welder, which features Miller's new, exclusive Multivoltage Input Power Cord. This allows the machine to have the option of connecting to both 115- and 230-volt power receptacles. In addition, Miller's exclusive MVP (multivoltage plug) power cord adapters offer ease of use by eliminating the need for additional tools to change jumper links. For more information, contact: Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Dept. MT, P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058, (800) 426-4553, www.millerwelds.com.
Colorado Air
Drop the front of your '04 Colorado by as much as 4 inches with Chassis Tech's new Colorado AirStrut. No welding is required because the new AirStrut replaces your factory coilover-strut front suspension. For more information, contact: Chassis Tech, Dept. MT, 260 S. Hibbert, Mesa, AZ 85210, (800) 437-6748, www.chassistech.com.
Get Your Cool On
Flex-a-Lite's new radiators are equipped with universal mounting-system side tanks, providing adjustable mounting for electric fans, coolers, and so on. The radiator tanks include internal fins for improved heat transfer. Six popular styles cover the majority of available applications. For more information, contact: Flex-A-Lite, Dept. MT, 7213 45th St., Ct. E., Fife, WA 98424, (800) 851-1510, www.flex-a-lite.com.
Three-Piece Boyd
Boyd Coddington brought out its new three-piece wheel line, available for 18- to 26-inch wheels. This new line offers a variety of custom finishes, including anodized, chromed, polished, powdercoated, or any combination thereof. The forged three-piece wheel is built with style and performance in mind. For more information, contact: Boyd Coddington, Dept. MT, 861 A E. Lambert St., La Habra, CA 90631, (562) 697-1470, www.boydcoddington.com.
Auto-Air Pearls
The world's leading water-based paint system has been expanded to include new translucent pearls. Auto-Air Colors brought out its new line of translucent pearls to show the benefit to both the custom airbrusher and automotive enthusiast. For more information, contact: Auto-Air Colors, Dept. MT, 14 Airport Park Rd., East Granby, CT 06026, (800) 509-6563, www.autoaircolors.com.
All-In-One
Eclipse introduced its brand-new AVN 2454 Audio Video Navigation unit. This is the only double-DIN all-in-one unit that doesn't require a separate ECU (hide-a-box) unit. The AVN 2454 mounts in a factory double-DIN instrument panel opening for a factory fit and finish and uses a 6-1/2-inch TFT touch-panel display for ultimate driver convenience. For more information, contact: Eclipse, (310) 327-2151, www.eclipse-web.com.
Serious Bass
Livin' Loud reaches new extremes with Kicker's most powerful amplifier ever. Specifically tuned for ultimate sub-bass performance, the ultra-efficient Class D design delivers a rock-solid 2,500 watts. For more information, contact: Kicker, Dept. MT, 5021 N. Perkins Rd., Stillwater, OK 74075, (405) 624-8510, www.kicker.com.
How Fast, Officer?
Nordskog Performance displayed its new GPS speedometer with trip meter and odometer. No calibration is required, so it'll work on any vehicle, regardless of tire size, axle ratio, or transmission, giving you unlimited applications. For more information, contact: Nordskog Performance Products, Dept. MT, 1120 Yarnell Pl., Oxnard, CA 93033, (805) 483-2411, www.nordskogperformance.net.