SEMA 2016 RECAP : the GOOD the BAD and the UGLY

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Over the past week, Cindy and I went running around the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and took tons of pics of all the cool Jeeps, trucks, cars and products at the 2016 SEMA Show. In fact, when all was said and done, we ended up with about 4,000 photo and posted up over 150 individual thread highlighting what we saw but in spite of it, we know full well that we still came up short from capturing everything that was there. That being said, of the things we saw, I thought it would be fun to do a highlight featuring what we considered to be the best and the worst of SEMA 2016.

BEST NEW PRODUCTS
NEW Dynatrac ProRock XD60 Standard-Cut Axle
Of the best new products we saw at the 2016 SEMA show, I'd have to say that the all new Dynatrac ProRock XD60 full float rear axle with it's low pinion or standard-cut axles ranked right there at the top. With its proprietary design features, increased strength, most ground clearance in it's class and being about 50 lbs. lighter than a UD60, it really is about as good as it gets. Click on the link below to see more pics.

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?...S-NEW-Dynatrac-ProRock-XD60-Standard-Cut-Axle

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NEW Dynatrac Axle Packages
If there's one thing to be said about competition, it's always great for the consumer and at the 2016 SEMA show, the perfect example of it could be found at the Dynatrac display. In an effort to respond to pressure coming from their competitors, Dynatrac released 3 new axle packages that made it all but crazy to consider anything else available out there. Click on the link below to see more pics and detailed information:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40557-2016-SEMA-BREAKING-NEWS-NEW-Dynatrac-Axle-Packages

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NEW Bestop NX Glide Zipperless top
As much as love running a soft top on all our Jeeps, there's nothing more frustrating than trying to deal with their zippers especially when they get dusty or when it's cold out. In an effort to address the frustration that Jeepers have dealt with for decades, Bestop has finally come up with a solution and it was to do away with the zipper completely and introduce what they call, the Glide. Click on the link below to see more pics of this new zipperless top.

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40649-2016-SEMA-Bestop-Lime-Green-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unlimited

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NEW EVO MFG Sport Cage
One of the most frustrating things about running a sport cage in a 2011-Up Jeep JK Wrangler is the fact that the center stack on the dash forces you to run a dash cross bar quite a bit higher than was the case with a 2007-10 JK. Of course, if you're on the short side, this can make seeing over the bar difficult even with the seat pumped all the way up and that can make it harder to see where you're going especially on a tough obstacle. While it was originally introduced at the 2016 EXPO show in Pomona a month before, EVO had their new Jeep JK Wrangler, "Spicy Chicken" on display at the Nitto Tire booth and shots of this cage can be seen there. Simply click on the link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40628-2016-SEMA-Nitto-Tire-EVO-Spicy-Chicken-Jeep-JK-Wrangler

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Carrichs New iPad Mini Mount
As simple and silly as it may seem, this new iPad Mini Mount made by Carrichs was one of the coolest new products that Cindy and I saw at the 2016 SEMA Show. It was a super clean solution to mounting an iPad Mini over your radio but without it being difficult to remove and access the radio. Of course, unlike so many of the products featured at SEMA that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, this thing was cheap enough to be a stocking stuffer and still be something any Jeeper would love to get. To see more pics, click on the link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40816-2016-SEMA-Carrichs

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Skyjacker Tailgate Saver
Parts and accessories for a Jeep that cost $100 or less are hard to come by at a show like SEMA or at least, without them being silly and whenever we come across something in this price range and is actually useful, we always take notice. At the 2016 show, Skyjacker released what they are calling the Tailgate Saver and it's a simple and adjustable solution to keep your oversized spare tire from jiggling around on your tailgate - the number one cause of tailgate damage. And, with a price tag of $80, it's definitely worth giving a look. Click on the link below to see more photos of it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40665-2016-SEMA-Skyjacker-Red-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unlimited

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Currie Enterprises Currectlync Steering System
For years, I have been recommending the Currie Enterprises HD tie rod as it has been something I've trail tested for years and has proven itself to be the strongest and easiest to adjust out there bar none. Of course, it's biggest downfall had always been it's significantly higher price to the limited competition out there. Fortunately, new competition is putting fire to their feet and now that they're feeling the heat, they've drastically reduced the price of their tie rod and drag link and you can see more information about it here:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40847-2016-SEMA-Currie-Enterprises-Currectlync-Steering-System

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FAVORITE JEEPS
Jeep CJ-66
Starting our week at the Mopar display, one of the first Jeeps we came across at the 2016 SEMA Show was this concept called the CJ66. Basically, it was a CJ6 Tuxedo Park body on a TJ frame and the purpose of it was to highlight Mopar's new commitment to the restoration of old iron. Specifically for this show, they were featuring a new 345 HEMI crate motor that could be installed with just 6-wires making it possible to install a modern engine in an old Jeep. Click on the link below to see more photos:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40623-2016-SEMA-Jeep-CJ66

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Jeep Crew Chief 715
Without question, this Jeep Crew Chief 715 that was originally introduced at the 2016 Moab Easter Jeep Safari is one of my favorite concept vehicles I've seen from Jeep, ever! I was so glad that they brought it out to SEMA and you can see more pics of it by clicking on the link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40625-2016-SEMA-Jeep-Crew-Chief-715

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Nitto Tire/EVO MFG Spicy Chicken
In a sea of BLING, EVO's Spicy Chicken was probably the most functional built up Jeep JK Wrangler at the 2016 SEMA Show. Sure, it was still flashy but there was little doubt that you could take it right off the convention floor and hammer it across the Nevada desert. Click on the link below to see more pics of it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40628-2016-SEMA-Nitto-Tire-EVO-Spicy-Chicken-Jeep-JK-Wrangler

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Bawarrion Jeep JK Wrangler Rhino Grill
It took us a while to realize that Bawarrion is a manufacturer of a new and pretty cool bead lock wheel but that's because we couldn't stop staring at the sweet Jeep JK Wrangler with a custom rhino grill front end that they brought out to the 2016 SEMA Show. Click on the link below to see more pics of this sweet Jeep:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40629-2016-SEMA-Bawarrion-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unlimited

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DCDirtsports Willys Truck
Talk about jaw droppers! This awesome Willys Overland pickup truck outfitted with trailing arms, coil overs, bypass shocks and massive 46" Mickey Thompson Baja Claws was parked outside at the 2016 SEMA Show and it just looked amazing. Click on the link below to see more pics of it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40491-2016-SEMA-DCDirtsports-Willys-Truck

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Omix-Ada Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer & Fireball Trailer
It'd be a toss up as to what I'd want to have more at the Omix-Ada display, the 1949 Willys Jeepster or this super clean 1966 Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer pulling a classic Fireball trailer. Click on the link below to see more pics of it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?...Ada-Kaiser-Jeep-Wagoneer-amp-Fireball-Trailer

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Omix-Ada Willys Jeepster
This gorgeous, show room perfect 1949 Willys Jeepster that Omix-Ada brought out to the 2016 SEMA Show was simply to die for. I was at a loss for words when I saw it and the only other Jeep that I might of wanted more was the 1966 Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer they had on display just down the way. To see more pics of this Jeepster, click on the link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40619-2016-SEMA-Omix-Ada-Willys-Jeepster

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Crown Willys CJ2A
Another great company that manufacturers parts for old iron is Crown Automotive and in recent years, they've started to bring out some old iron to show off at their SEMA display and this Willy CJ2A was one of the ones present this year. Click on the link below to see more pics of it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40638-2016-SEMA-Crown-Willys-CJ2A

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Crown Willys Station Wagon
In addition to the immaculate CJ2A they had on display at the 2016 SEMA Show, Crown also had this awesome Willys Station Wagon that looked as if it were just pulled out of a barn. But, in spite of its classic patina, the inside of it looked clean and appeared very street worthy in all other aspects of it. Click on the link below to see more pics of this cool Jeep:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40641-2016-SEMA-Crown-Willys-Station-Wagon

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FAVORITE NON JEEPS
Fab Fours Kymera
For all the Jeeps that we just couldn't stand being that they were all wearing a hideous Darth Vader looking Grumper Grill, I'd have to say that this beast made by Fab Fours and called the Kymera was without question, one of the most impressive builds at the 2016 SEMA Show, bar none. Not only was it unique and made with care and attention to detail, it's clean presentation on the convention floor made it look like a concept vehicle being featured by GM. Super big kudos to Fab Fours for an awesome job. To see more pics of this sweet rig, click on the link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40723-2016-SEMA-Fab-Four-Kymera

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Daystar Power Wagon
How do you not love a rig like this. Built in just 50 days and entirely by employees of Daystar, the Bootlegger Dodge Power Wagon was just fun to look at. Click on the link below to see more pics and info on it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40659-2016-SEMA-Bootlegger-Daystar-Dodge-Power-Wagon

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Axalta International Harvester Scout II
While International Harvester Scout II's aren't exactly rare, to find one that looks as if it just came off the show room floor like this one did at the 2016 SEMA Show, is. It literally was about the cleanest, rust free factory looking Scout I have ever seen and if you want to see more pics of it, simply click on this link:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40586-2016-SEMA-Axalta-International-Harvester-Scout-II

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FJ Company FJ45
Far from being as common to see as something like a Jeep CJ7, there are still a fair amount of Toyota FJ40's out on the road today. That being said, coming across a 4-Door FJ45 is extremely rare and finding one as immaculate as this is almost unheard of. Click on the link below to see more pics of this beauty:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40532-2016-SEMA-FJ-Company-Toyota-4-Door-FJ45

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Marmon Wasp
It's hard to imagine a time where every modification you made to improve your vehicle's performance was something you had to dream up, make and install. And, when I look at something like this 1911 Marmon Wasp, I am truly inspired by the history behind what made it so special. Click on the link below to see more pics and learn a bit more about it:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40522-2016-SEMA-Marmon-Wasp

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Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser
More than just Jeeps, I truly have a love for all off road vehicles and have a real appreciation for old iron. When I came across this old Toyota FJ25 at the 2016 SEMA Show, I have to say that I honestly had no idea what I was looking at and had no idea that the FJ line of Toyota off road vehicles went so far back or ever looked as cool as this. To see more pics of it, click on this link below:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40656-2016-SEMA-Toyota-FJ25-Land-Cruiser

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wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
THE WORST
Fab Fours Grumper Stainless Jeep JK Wrangler
It's bad enough that there are companies who are making Jeep parts that are designed to manipulate or disfigure its looks and to the point where it's has the appearance of devolved angry mutant. Of course, I'm talking about parts like the 7-slot grill delete or the hideous neanderthal looking unibrow that seem to be so popular these days. But, to completely erase it's DNA by replacing it's grill with a Darth Vader or Cylon looking mask is just wrong to me. I mean, I get there are guys who want to make their Jeep "look" badass but running 40" tires on 24" wheels on a factory Dana 30 front axle and wearing a robot looking face isn't the way to do it. Or, at least not in my opinion. It is because of this that I have added the Fab Fours Grumper grill, windshield and fender kits to my "worst" list. Click on the links below to see more pics.

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40539-2016-SEMA-Fab-Four-Stainless-Jeep-JK-Wrangler
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40751-2016-SEMA-Hostile-Jeep-JK-Wrangler

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Revolution Jeep JK Wrangler
There was once a time when a Jeep was a symbol of the rugged outdoors and a means to venture though it. Today, it has reached a whole new audience and as we're starting to see more and more of, they are dwellers of an urban jungle. While I totally get the concept behind SEMA builds and the need to make them flashy, I simply don't get running massive low profile tires on enormous wheels but then, that's just me. To see more pics of this Jeep, simply click on this link:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40568-2016-SEMA-Revolution-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Unlimited

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Fittipaldi Sport Wheels Jeep JK Wrangler
Clearly, this is just me but in addition to face lifts and massive wheels, decorative aerodynamic body cladding on something like a Jeep JK Wrangler is something that I doubt I'll ever understand. Click on the link below to see more pics of this Jeep:

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?40618-2016-SEMA-Fittipaldi-Sport-Wheels-Jeep-JK-Wrangler

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THE WORST OF THE WORST
Unity 4WD
On the first official day of the 2016 SEMA Show, US Marshals conducted a search and seizure of products on display at the Unity 4WD booth who had infringed on patents and trademarks belonging to Omix-ADA and sold under the Rugged Ridge brand. Below is the official statement released by Omix-ADA's PR firm, JMPR Public Relations.

On Tuesday, November 2, the US Marshal’s office conducted a search and seizure of a variety of automotive aftermarket products as part of US District Court, Civil Complaint number 2:16-cv-02527-APG-CWH, due to claimed infringements of Omix-ADA®‘s patents and trademarks on products sold under the Rugged Ridge® brand. Based upon showing that it was likely to succeed on the merits of its claims for patent and trademark infringement, the district court granted Omix-ADA a restraining order against the certain parts suppliers that led to the search and seizure.

The seizures took place at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), taking place this week in Las Vegas. Omix-ADA worked hand-in-hand with show management teams to follow clear guidelines designed to help combat infringing product at the show, which was enhanced with the court order. Counterfeit product and copyright infringement is in direct violation of SEMA and AAPEX policies and the managing parties have taken appropriate action to remove violating exhibitors from the premises.

As a dedicated exhibitor, Omix-ADA would like to thank SEMA and AAPEX management for their help and cooperation in working with the company to help protect its patent and trademark rights, as well as the aftermarket customers. Omix-ADA is also pursuing litigation with several companies selling infringing product at various online retailers.

The company views counterfeiting and infringement as a serious and widespread problem in the aftermarket industry and one that can be combatted through proper legal channels, and would encourage other members of the aftermarket industry to follow a similar path.

Brian Alexander
JMPR Public Relations


In a nutshell, that's my recap of the 2016 SEMA Show. All opinions expressed regarding the vehicles and products shown are solely mine. I hope you enjoyed our coverage and if you have the time, I'd love to hear what you thought about what you saw.
 

JAGS

Hooked
Thanks for posting up. Is always great seeing the show floor, almost as if we're there and not from a lens. Even the ugly stuff gives us all something to talk about.
 

jesse3638

Hooked
Great recap and great coverage! It takes a lot of hours and days to walk around and look at everything and you take pics and share it all. It's like we are there but without having to do all the walking..;). Thanks for taking the time to do this. Now that you're home feel like driving to So-Cal on Saturday..haha. I'm kidding I know you and Cindy are probably beat. Thanks again.

Sent from my 831C using WAYALIFE mobile app
 

dchew

Caught the Bug
Thank you for your efforts over the last few weeks. Great reports and a lot of work.

I just went to Unity 4wd's website. Wow, just wow.

Dave
 

Brute

Hooked
Mahalo Eddie & Cindy...having walked the halls at SEMA for a couple days, I can truly appreciate the effort put forth by both of you...
 

DWiggles

Caught the Bug
:clap2: :2thumbsup:

Again, you guys must have worked SO hard to showcase an online walk through of SEMA and it really shows! Some the the products this year are AWESOME! I'm still catching up on all the threads, but the coverage seems thorough! its amazing that you guys can walk into a show like SEMA, and document it so well. Awesome stuff!
 

woof359

Member
maybe next year

always wanted to check out the SEMA show in person, maybe next year Bestop to come out with one piece canvas doors like a CJ
 
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