Shop Talk and More
SEMA 2017 Sneak Peek Of Builds & More
Las Vegas, Nevada will host the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show 2017. We could not resist the urge to scour the interwebz searching for the latest builds and more. We bring to you the SEMA 2017 sneak peek Of builds, celebrity appearances, products and more! The sources for the content below are properly cited, we encourage you to check out the SEMA links, visit the builders websites and enjoy. Be sure to tune into our social media channels, FB/CARSHOWZUS, Instagram @CARSHOWZ for live coverage from SEMA, October 30 – November 3.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.
The 2016 SEMA Show drew more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 3,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. (semashow.com)
Let’s kick off the sneak peek segment by checking out some of the builds that will be found at SEMA.
SEMA 2017 Sneak Peek – BUILDS
Darin Smith – Custom-built ’64 Chevy Pick-up
Darin Smith has been building and restoring classic vehicles with DWS Classics for more than 20 years. He handles everything from nut-and-bolt restorations to custom-built vehicles.
SEMA had a chance to preview the build he’s entering in the Battle of the Builders competition. Smith is blending old school with new school in his custom-built ’64 Chevy pickup. The red-themed truck includes unique craftsmanship throughout and custom touches that will make the vehicle stand out in the competition. (Juan Torres, sema.org, Sept. 2017)
Check out the video featuring Darin and his ’64 Chevy…
Liberty Walk Mustang
Next is a sighting from the Liberty Walk Facebook page, original post below, where a wide-body Mustang is being outfitted with a new LB kit.
I don’t personally see where LB mentions a “SEMA build” but Automobilemag has reported in their caption of the wide-body Mustang build, “Liberty Walk Performance Shows Off a More Muscular Mustang” subtitle, “Pumped up pony planned for SEMA” in their August 31, 2017 article.
Here is the original post from LB via Facebook:
Here are a few close-up snaps of the Liberty Walk Mustang build in-progress:
Jason Childress – ’62 Ford Falcon
Jason Childress of Gateway Classic Mustang calls his ’62 Ford Falcon build an “old-school hot rod with a twist.” Based in Bourbon, Missouri, Childress has a long history of building custom Mustangs.
SEMA had a chance to preview the build he’s entering in the Battle of the Builders competition. The ’62 Ford Falcon features a custom floor and frame, along with highlights throughout that make the vehicle special. Learn more about this unique build and why, as Jason puts, “it’s about making a piece of artwork and sharing it with the world.” (SEMA Editors, sema.org Sept. 2017)
Check out Jason and his ’62 Falcon in the video below…
WD-40 – Aaron Vaccar ’66 Ford Bronco
WD-40 Co. is teaming with noted builder Aaron Vaccar and The Vaccar Co. on a restoration build that blends old and new: the iconic ’66 Ford Bronco—the vehicle’s debut year—equipped with a turbocharged EcoBoost drivetrain.
Check out more about this build and the history of WD-40 and SEMA, here.

VACCAR Built ’66 FORD BRONCO
Zach Johanson ’70 Chevy Camaro
22 year old Zach Johanson and his 1970 Chevy Camaro are going to the SEMA Show to compete in the Battle of the Builders competition.
Check out Zach and his ’70 Camaro in the video below…
Keg Media Renderings
We cannot leave out one of our favorite concept rendering artists, @kegmedia. Keg Media completed 18 total renderings for SEMA this year. Check out a few of their SEMA 2017 renderings done for clients below and be sure to follow their instagram to check out the latest.
SEMA 2017 Sneak Peek – Celebrities
At SEMA 2016 we ran into our fair share of celebrities, Automotive Legends known worldwide. SEMA 2017 is going to be no different, the celebrity line-up is going to be jam packed with industry leaders. You can check out the SEMA 2017 Celebrity Appearance schedule, here.
Here’s a few pics of folks we ran into last year (SEMA ’16)
[flickr_tags tags=”semaceleb, magnuswalker” tags_mode=”any”]
SEMA 2017 Sneak Peek – Products
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is not just about the flashy rides. Although they capture a lot of attention on social media, the products showcase is what continues to drive our industry and it is also what gets showcased on the rides registered at SEMA.
Below is just a very small sample of some of the businesses and products they have to offer. Keep in mind, this is just the tip of the ice berg, nearly 3000 products were introduced in SEMA ’16.
AEM Performance Electronics: OBDII Can Bus Connectivity
Apollo Sprayers International: TrueHVLP Maxi-Miser Mobile Spray Systems
Focus Auto Design: Tough Formfit Guard
Hudway: Head-up Display
Mishimoto: Dodge 6.7L Cummins Intercooler Kit
Retro Manufacturing: San Diego Radio for Classic Vehicles
Soundstream: New Professional Lineup
Transfer Flow: 60-Gallon Replacement Tank
T-REX Grilles: New Raptor Grilles
SEMA 2017 Sneak Peek Wrap-up
If we come across additional builds or you would like to send us what you’re working on, shoot us a message via our contact form, here. We are looking forward to making the trip out to SEMA this year to check out the latest products, latest builds showcasing the products and of course to network. If you have a booth at SEMA and would like for us to swing by to introduce us to your business and want us to grab a photo, drop us a message via our contact form as well.
With over 3000+ photos and a ton of video coverage from SEMA 2016, we will be anxious to capture this years show! To check out last years coverage, check out, “SEMA 2016 Top Builds and Coverage of Hot Rides” article here.
An Infrastructure/Information Technology Manager by day, an automotive enthusiast the rest of my spare time. Most importantly a Father, Husband and a U.S. Navy Veteran! Combining my experiences and skills and came up with the ultimate creation of CarShowz.com. Armed with a camera who knows where this journey will take me but stay tuned, it's going to be an exciting ride!
