SEMA 2006 Coverage: ►Back to SEMA Index
11-06-06: This year we were treated to a first peek at literally hundreds of new products for Mustangs of all vintages. SEMA is the show that most manufacturers will debut their new products as well as pull the covers off tasty prototype parts they have in the works. What we saw this year is more exciting than ever. Not only are there some landmark products in the works for the new S-197 Mustang, but there are some major new developments in the vintage and restomod sectors as well.
Because we were so taken with this year's crop of new and exciting products, our team has decided to start a new tradition here at TheMustangNews. Starting with this year's coverage we are kicking off an annual "TMN SEMA Show Product Awards" program for Mustang and Ford related products at the show. Our awards will serve to recognize and bring attention to new products that bring ingenuity, value, and genuine wow factor to the Mustang enthusiast. We are proud to recognize this year a "Best of Show" and "First" through "Third" place for products that we felt really went above and beyond to meet a need or forge new ground.
That said, our wider based "2006 SEMA Show Product Showcase" will recognize a vast selection of new products that you will want to read about. So with that, take some time and check out some of the new parts and accessories that are coming to you!
Best Of Show: '05-'07 Retro Bumper Trim - Retrospective Designs Inc. 
Of all the new accessories and parts we came across, these new chrome bumper trim pieces from a small company in Wyoming, Michigan stood out more than any other. These new bumper trim pieces are made of an impact resistant ABS plastic with a chrome finish and a protective UV coating. They come in pairs for either the 2005-2007 V6 or GT Mustangs. Installation is a snap, they attach permanently with a high-bond 3M tape.
What they do for the car visually is nothing short of amazing. They bring punch to a car that almost looks plain without them. This is especially so for the V6 Pony package cars as pictured where the chrome grillwork reflects and really looks sharp. I spoke with the principals of the company who developed this new product, who were very enthusiastic about it. They worked hard to assure that these trim pieces are made in the USA, which earned big points with us.
Retail pricing for the chrome Retro Bumper Trim is expected to be around $449 per pair. The quality and fit is superb. They have an OEM look with a three-dimensional mold profile, so they don't look at all like laser cut sheet steel, but a real factory piece. Best of all, they install in less than an hour! More information can be obtained at www.retrospectivedesigns.com of by calling 616-538-2008
First Place: '05-'07 Mustang 9" Rear Axle - Currie Enterprises
With 500, 600, and 700 hp Mustangs becoming commonplace today it only makes sense to put Ford's legendary 9" differential behind it. It wasn't rocket science to imagine that the wizards at Currie Enterprises in Anaheim, California would do something about this. As predicted, they showed off their new bolt-in 9" axle package built especially for the S-197 Mustang.
It's a work of art that replaces the stock 8.8 axle assembly, offering an immense selection of options and upgrades. The Currie unit replaces the factory unit without modifications and utilizes stock disc brakes, brackets and suspension. Is that cool or what?
The base package includes a new welded housing with jig-mounted OEM brackets for suspension and brakes. Super heavy duty axles and large bearing housing ends are included for durable high horsepower use. From there you can option any variation of 9" differential and carriers.
If that weren't enough, Currie Enterprises has put together a host of additional accessories that include a set of slick billet or adjustable steel control arms and torque arm. Their arms feature exclusive "Johnny Joint" end bushings that have cushioned bushings that allow smooth pivots and articulation under pressure without binding.
There is so much more to this new package than we can cover here but suffice it to say we felt it was a major new development for racers and track hounds alike who are tired of replacing 8.8 differentials every couple races. For more information go to www.currieenterprises.com.
Second Place: '05-'07 Mustang Sport Seat Interior Package - TMI Products
While many might say that retro is getting a little old fashioned we have to admit that this new line of interior replacement upholstery and trim pieces for the S-197 Mustang is really cool. While the 2005+ interior is a vast improvement over the car that came before it, there is a lot to improve upon in the way of spicing it up.
These new seat packages bring some of the two-tone flair made famous by the '65 Mustang Pony and the '69 Mach 1 interior themes. TMI Products offers their new interior packages in a variety of classic, bright and custom color combinations with patterns from yesteryear but with the comfort, fit and support that is demanded today.
Packages include seat upholstery and some striking door panel trim enhancements that go a long way to upgrade the look and feel of the interior. The quality and fit is actually above OEM levels, bringing an upgraded feel of quality and finish to the Mustang.
Retail pricing for the packages is to start around $849. Packages can be installed in an experienced shop or by the confident and talented hands of owners. Having done a few upholstery replacements in our time we can say that it's not that hard. The only caveat to that is that today's Mustangs have seat mounted airbags and that's an area that some might not want to get into. Overall though we give TMI Products a big hearty Booya! More information www.tmiproducts.com
Third Place: Complete 1967 Mustang Chassis/Body - Dynacorn International
This is no rotisserie restoration. No, this is a brand new, complete and ready to build upon body shell. No kidding. Think about that. With this new development, it,s now possible to build a brand new 1967 Mustang from the ground up, using not a single solitary vintage or NOS part. This is a major movement in the world of vintage Mustang restoration and well, now vintage Mustang building.
Well, lets step back a minute. This new assembly on display by Dynacorn International Inc. is not yet in production as the company is still working with Ford Motor Company on all the legal licensing issues. Because this is a prototype is the only reason we are not handing a "Best of Show" award to this new product. That covered, lets talk more.
In a long Q & A discussion with Larry Brogdin of the Oxnard, California based company we learned that the tolerances, metal thickness, stiffness and rust resistance of the body structure meets or exceeds the original Ford built chassis. They took measurements from Ford Mustangs built at all three factories; San Jose, Dearborn, and Metuchen, to assure that their chassis would be compatible with both after-market and OEM parts like door hardware, glass, trim, etc.
The company already manufactures many replacement parts already like floor pans, fenders, quarter panels and the like. So they aren't new to this by any means. This project encompasses all of those parts and added over 100 new stampings.
Once the company gets licensing issues behind them, they have plans to eventually offer complete bodies for 1965-1968 models. The chassis which is actually assembled in Asia is expected to come in at around $15,000 including doors. As to how the VIN number issue works, the situation is different for every state. With the exception of Texas and a few other states, you can perform what is called a "chassis replacement" under the law that allows a new chassis/body to replace an old one that is significantly damaged or dissolved. You essentially use an existing VIN number on the new body.
This development may give market to some of those old rust-buckets or wasted bodies out there too far gone for restoration, but will now have worth because they have a clean VIN. We will be watching to see how this new development plays in restoration circles and with MCA. Can of worms? We think maybe. More information: www.dynacorn.com
There are far more new products to see besides our award winners. So read on. ►TMN SEMA Show Product Showcase
|
