I used to go to SEMA quite often,but due to my current geographical placement,it's somewhat impractical to drop in.I've never been impressed with bling,but you could pick up some great ideas for the next project.And as for the overdone 50s cars,this old phrase comes to mind "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap".Dolly Parton
Jive-bomber. We've been here since last Saturday and had to do the the usual requests of my wife. A trip to Red Rock Canyon for a stroll along the trails. Lots of walking! Then, a stroll around the BIGGER and newer casinos. Lots more walking! Then, a visit to some more casinos. Lots more walking! Then, it was Tuesday and my time for SEMA. Man-oh-man, do my feet and hips hurt. But, I stuck it out from 9:00AM 'till about 4:00 PM when I had to say "Uncle!" But, I was back at it yesterday with pretty much the same routine. But, I covered far fewer aisles and didn't care. But, I will attest to your choice of photos to submit. The blue Ford/Zephyr was spectacular. The little gray coupe, which was the last of your photos was so stunning, my wife even commented about its beauty. That was a comment I never thought I would hear from her as the little chopped '34 coupe we had years ago was one of her least favorite cars we have ever had. She just didn't like the chopped roof. I know, I know, sacrillegious, right? Anyway, I'm going to give it another try today, should my feet and hips hold out for one more round. Now, to finish this up, I'll ask. what did you think of the over-the-top bundle of stainless steel tubing that was assembled for the Burning Man event? Un-freaking-believable!!!
all day surrounded by; car guys, cars, car parts, car technology, car ideas, car events not to mention all night, shows, bars, restaurants, woman etc......man i wish i went.
Guys, if you have a friends that are buyers for a parts shop or are in the automotive development industry, they can register and get you a pass. If you do it early its only 25 bucks for the pass. Its totally better to go as an exhibitor, you gain access to the halls before 9am. You get to take photos without all the yahoo's leering or just standing their on the phone in front the car you want to shoot. about a qtr of the show is outside so if you local you can walk through no problem. I got a bunch of photos for work- my hips and feet are toast, I can only do 2 days. Industry parties drained the rest. two blisters and tired hips later I'm home. Like Jay said, with this is the type of show you need to be able to appreciate ALL custom cars of all types, hard work goes into all of them even if they are not your flavor, they all keep interest alive and the business going for all the thing you like in the automotive industry.
Somebody educate this dumb hillbilly... what is the purpose/point of the fold up headlight on the blue Ford? That black T Roadster... man o man o man! I needs the precious!
The tilting headlight, which is pretty wild in how it actually works, is for access to the hardware that holds the front skirts on. The front skirts actually move some when the wheels turn so you couldn't do something as simple as you would have on a rear skirt.
That's the access to the steerable skirt. There's an incredible amount of tech snuck into this car. With the headlights you touch a part of the lens and it has a sensor that activates the mechanism to put the lens up or down.
SEMA is a great place to see some great ideas. This is not the place for traditional customs for sure. But if you like to talk to guys like Gene Winfield, Rick Dale or any other old school guys they are just here walking around. I think Gene almost took my girlfriend from me while here. I think I am be ok with that. Two days is plenty. SEMA used to be more customs and now it is really Trucks and accessories. Remember 70% of the 32.5 Billion dollars annually in specialty equipment is for trucks and SUV's. If your looking to see the top customs this is not the place. If your looking to see some cool cars and new products it is. I will be in my element this weekend at Goodguys in Pleasanton. There will not be 1 underivable 200,000 dollar Ford truck or Jeep there. Abe is correct just have someone register you. They let anyone n that fills out a form and pays.
Went today, going back tomorrow ( if my legs hold out). If your driving you can park for free at The SLS. When you get Tram tickets, get your RETURN ticket (s) at the same time. Locals ride for a buck a ride, but if you have to buy tickets at the vending machine their $ 5.oo each way.
For those that dream of seeing SEMA, not to rain on a parade as it is worth seeing it. Realize that the few images you have seen are the few HAMB friendly vehicles out of over 2,000 vehicles. Now if you like new Corvettes, 67 Mustang fastbacks, and a few street rods and don't mind an endless supply of over the top in your face Rat Rods and a ton of lifted trucks, and colorful drifter cars. But like to meet people like Bob Drake, had a nice conversation, talk with Linda Vaughan, meet Dave from Bitchen Rides, meet Vic Edelbrock, stand in line to get Aaron from Ass Monkey, Chip Foose, and other Velocity Channel personal signatures or the beautiful display girls, and move along with hundreds of others up and down isles like a science fiction movie. Go for it!
All the cars pictured here are super neat but that Merc is a mind blower. So glad this type of innovation is still alive.
I was fortunate to get a day to go thru the show. That gray '33 or '34 coupe was my absolute favorite of the whole show. I got a few photos of it but none as good as the frontal shot you provided. Thanks for that! I could have hovered over that car all day but I was with two friends who were of other persuasions when it comes to cars and they wanted to move on. I hope to see an article on it...there really wasn't much as to the owner, builder, how it was built... I did talk with Gene Winfield...he is 88 and still going strong!