HOLLY HILL, FL (10.16.2020) – Metra Electronics is shipping new dash kits for 2020-up* Nissan Sentra models. The 99-7638 dash kit is for a Single-DIN radio provision with a pocket while the 95-7638 is designed for specific Double-DIN modular radios.
The 95-7638 fits radios which have an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen, like the Alpine iLX-207. This kit is also compatible with Pioneer’s 6.8” modular radios and has special brackets included for installation of the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX touchscreen in-dash receivers.
Both of these dash kits are painted with a gloss black face, silver trim, and textured housing to match the factory finish. They are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics.
AVON LAKE, OH (10.16.2020) – Looking for a custom automotive heat blocker? Why not create your own with Form-A-Barrier heat shields from Design Engineering, Inc.
The lightweight, formable rigid barriers provide excellent thermal protection up to 1,300°F with a minimal gap of 1 inch to the heat source, and mechanically fasten with pins, screws or bolts to stay firmly in place.
“Form-A-Barrier can be formed or bent by hand to conform to odd shapes,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Racers and builders can use them for an infinite number of applications, including firewalls, interiors, engines and other areas and many non-automotive applications.”
Form-A-Barrier is constructed of a high temperature rated foam material in between sheets of heat reflective thin dimpled aluminum. Offered in 12″x12″ (#011002) square sheet and new 12”x24” (#011013) rectangle sheet, Form-A-Barrier is resistant to most automotive lubricants and chemicals. Additionally, the Form-A-Barrier is available in custom sizes up to 45” x 75” as a special order, making it a great solution for any size project.
For more information about bendable Form-A-Barrier kits and DEI’s complete line of vehicle heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (10.15.2020) – MECA is set to present separate SQL and SPL World Finals for 2020. The Sound Quality League (SQL) Finals will be held outside Nashville at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds in Ashland TN the weekend of October 17th and 18th. The Sound Pressure League (SPL)World Finals will be held at the SoundCheck Customs retail store in Lafayette IN the weekend of October 24th and 25th. SoundCheck Customs is the MECA Retailer of the Year. With the volatile and confusing COVID-19 issues and repercussions Commissioner Stern has concentrated on fulfilling the club’s mission for quality sound-off events, with a renewed emphasis on safety and crowd health and well-being, as all deal with the realities of the pandemic, and government requirements and guidelines.
MECA Commish Steve Stern (R) with very active MECA member Christopher Anderson. They are pictured with Anderson’s “Car” that has taken 1st places at recent MECA State Finals.
TRU Technology will be the Sound Quality League (SQL) Title Sponsor for the event outside Nashville, TN at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds, in Ashland City, on the weekend of October 17th and 18th. ARC Audio, Linear Power and Zapco are Co-Sponsors. 60+ vehicles are expected for 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 Install classes, RTA Freq Out, and 2 SQ2 2-seat Sound Quality classes. MECA will also offer it’s Show & Shine car/truck/motorcyle show on Saturday.
The SoundCheck Customs location, with a multi acre parking, will be the site of the SPL Finals in Lafayette, IN.
Incriminator Audio, Sundown Audio, XS Power and Ohio Generator are supporting as co-sponsors for the Sound Pressure League (SPL) World Finals to be held at the SoundCheck Customs store location in Lafayette, IN on the weekend of October 24th and 25th. RP Patel, owner at SoundCheck Customs, volunteered to host and help sponsor the event. It is great to have a Retail Member with the ability and participation demonstrated by RP and his crew. There will be 18 Sound Pressure classes, 5 Park & Pound classes, and the MECA Kids classes vying for Championship rings, sponsored by SoundCheck. The traditional Qualifying on Saturday, and Top 3 on Sunday for the Ring and 6′ trophy as World Champ, contest proceedings will take place. This event will include the Finals contests for Dueling Demos, Ride The Light, and our Show & Shine competitors. A BBQ is being planned for Saturday for the Members/Competitors and their families and friends, and fans.
All pieces of the MECA puzzle came together with many State and Regional Finals in September that determined the State Champs in all classes. Now the Big SQL and SPL Finals events will put a cap on a memorable season.
Annual Club Awards will be presented at the events. Events will be starting soon for 2021 in areas that can have them. As conditions stabilize MECA will provide information to keep the spirit of car audio sports active and engaging.
PAPILLION, NE (10.15.2020)–Things are about to get LOUD in the MINKS states with ROCK-N-REV SALES now offering BUMPBOXX ! Rep firm owner Jeff (Boody) Budin announced Monday that with his distribution partner they now have all sizes and colors IN STOCK.
Jeff Budin headed down to the lake with a BUMPBOXX on his shoulder.
“I’m so stoked about this” explained Budin “Bumpboxx was a line I been after for about 3 years and now with a solid distribution partner it’s finally going down. The first run of inventory shot out the door and several 12-VOLT shops had instant success. I’m happy to say we now have every model and every color in stock and ready to serve dealers in the MINKS.”
One of the instant success stories came from Nate Gibson at ACCESS AUDIO in Ft Dodge, IA.
“I saw a fit for our store right away when Boody announced he had these Bumpboxx’s” tells Gibson “Our customer base loves making a statement with loud music and these things are LOUD!!! We made a small display in our store and sold THREE on the first day. I’m excited with having all models and colors available through local distribution and already placed my second order.”
“We were excited when Jeff brought the BUMPBOXX line to us. We brought it in and sold 3 the first day off the display we set up in the showroom” Nate Gibson, Access Audio-Ft Dodge IA stated.
With signature series product from the likes of SNOOP DOGG and the MOONSHINE BANDITS it’s easy to see how this line will be a huge hit over the holidays.
For more info on BumpBoxx availability in the MINKS states contact ROCK-N-REV SALES at rocknrevsales@gmail.com
OXNARD, CA (10.15.2020) – Scosche Industries is pleased to present their innovative new range of accessories that allow you to easily use the newly announced Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger as an in-vehicle hands-free phone mount.
Designed specifically to work with Apple’s new MagSafe Magnetic Wireless Charger, the patent pending MagicMount MSC magnetic mounts allow you to securely hold your MagSafe wireless charger with your phone charging on it. This means you can safely use your phone hands-free and charge it as you drive safely.
The initial four models (shown below) of the MagicMount MSC: the Dash, Double-Pivot, Cup-Holder, and FreeFlow Vent, will be available beginning January 2021, with more models to follow.
ERIE, PA (10.14.2020) – This recent Real Audio image post on Instagram certainly grabbed attention at The 12volt News. The old saying “A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words” is certainly true in this case and prompted a call to Kyle Kaulis at Real Audio in Erie PA.
This Denali makeover jumps off the screen as followers check out social media.
“That Denali got a real makeover. The crew crushed it with this job. Rock lights, rim lights, new carpet, complete new stereo system and reverse camera. The installation was finished late and that was a great opportunity for an image of the vehicle parked in front of the store. The Real Audio store, which lights up at night, was just perfect to highlight the Denali job” Kaulis related.
This Classic Chevy is positioned to show the Real Audio location too.
The story about how the Denali job came about it also very interesting.
“We were demoing a big motorcycle job in the parking lot and the Denali stopped at the traffic light. The driver heard the bike and pulled around to the store. He was so impressed with the system on the bike he asked about a system in his Denali once he had it detailed. We started to talk and soon we struck a deal to put all new carpet in his ride plus a complete stereo system, the lighting package and reverse camera” Kaulis stated.
Highlighting bike builds is driving business.
The system in the Denali featured SounDigital and Ground Zero amps and speakers with a Sony receiver. Race Sport Lighting put a spotlight on the Denali.
Over the past year motorcycle work has grown tremendously at Real Audio. Kaulis is a bike enthusiast and has traveled to bike events in New Jersey, Georgia and Florida. Contacts at those events has resulted in bikes being trucked to Erie for big installations. Recently a second location was leased for motorcycle installations.
Another bike build that grabbed attention.
The Real Audio store is located on a corner of a busy Erie street. Graphics on the building attract attention during the day and neon lights up the store at night.
OAKLAND, CA (10.14.2020) – Pandora has introduced the Endless Playlist, where artists can share their favorite songs along with personal messages, then pass the mic to fellow artists to make their picks. Beginning today, listeners can journey through handpicked songs and discover the music loved by Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Snoh Aalegra, The Neighbourhood, Billie Eilish, and Arlo Parks, with more to come in this ever-growing playlist.
How does this dynamic musical journey work? It starts with an artist handpicking a song by another artist that they love, sharing a brief message explaining why the song is important to them, then handing it off to the artist they chose to do the same. The playlist operates as a musical game of tag, and will be updated with new songs and inspirational messages. Here is how the living, growing playlist starts, and listeners can stay tuned to discover who the latest artist will pick next.
Pandora Launches Artist-Made ‘Endless Playlist’ with Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, and more
Alicia Keys > Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work”
Maxwell > Snoh Aalegra’s “You”
Snoh Aalegra > The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather”
The Neighborhood > Billie Eilish’s “My Future”
Billie Eilish > Arlo Parks’ “Cola”
“The Endless Playlist is the first of its kind—a living, growing and inspirational playlist filled with great music and heartfelt commentary,” said Bill Crandall, VP of Editorial Content at Pandora. “Now more than ever, we want to create a platform that connects artists and music fans in a unique and personal way. This is just the beginning, the possibilities of where this journey can lead are truly endless.”
“I love this endless game of musical tag,” said Alicia Keys. “Music is the most incredible way to connect! Can’t wait for ya’ll to vibe with us.”
Pandora Premium listeners can tune into the Endless Playlist HERE. Pandora is also giving listeners with ad-supported Pandora and Pandora Plus the ability to unlock access to the playlist by viewing a short video ad via its Premium Access feature.
CHATSWORTH, CA (10.14.2020) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions is continuing to develop in-vehicle connectivity and safety solutions. The new RVCNS-74F is the latest example.
RVCNS-74F is a rear view integration kit that comes with an OEM style aftermarket tailgate handle camera. This is for customers who want to add a tailgate handle camera to select 2013-2016 Nissan Frontier vehicles with a 4.3” screen.
Plug and play wiring for easy installation is a time saver on this CRUX Sightline product.
STILLWATER, OK (10.13.2020) – Reacting on the news of no live SEMA Show 2020, Stillwater Designs has announced that it will conduct its own virtual, private trade event for authorized dealers to stream and watch. And for the first time, consumers world-wide can also view their own virtual show and see what KICKER products and innovations will be hitting stores in early 2021.
The mobile-audio manufacturer is producing KICKER UnMASKED! Live, streaming for three days October 21-23. It will be KICKER’s virtual look at the current state of the brand, a full look at new KICKER products shipping in 2021, and an interactive setup enabling viewers to ask questions and receive answers during and after the event being conducted from global headquarters in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
“We aim to be true to our roots and provide a one-on-one encounter like at our live events, while opening up and providing a new experience for 12-volt enthusiasts and the consumer public,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “These are audiences that typically never have the opportunity to experience the KICKER brand, people or products during the SEMA Show. It should be a lot of fun.”
Each day’s event will be shown to a specific audience with various topics covered during all productions, including a virtual, “rep-fest” pre-event day on Oct. 20. Then KICKER Sales Representatives and international distributors will conduct business and get a look at what’s new for 2021 on October 21 via live Zoom meetings with KICKER Regional Sales Managers and the KICKER Tech training staff. These productions will be private with only KICKER internal parties attending.
KICKER Authorized Dealers and their respective work staffs will attend a similar training, shown twice on Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom webinars by private invitation. While business will be the chief topic, KICKER associates promise an evening of fun, product unveilings, information and the opportunity to ask questions live. Attendees can also win valuable prizes during the show. Thursday’s show times are 9 a.m. CDT (scheduled for Eastern and Central time zones), and 4 p.m. CDT (scheduled for Mountain and Pacific time zones).
Finally, on Friday, Oct. 23, in a first for KICKER, the brand will share these new 2021 products with consumers earlier than ever before. Anyone interested can watch on KICKER’s Facebook account (/kickeraudio) using Facebook Live, and KICKER’s YouTube account (/kickerfanatic) on YouTube Live. Show time will be 5 p.m. CDT, with a question-and-answer session following featuring KICKER President and founder Steve Irby and industry social personalities Dereck Williston (Williston Audio Labs), Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez (Five Star Car Stereo), Robert “Hifi” Vega, and others. KICKER promises prize giveaways, visits from KICKER-sponsored celebrities and more.
Wednesday, October 21 – UnMASKED! Live meetings, for Sales Representatives (by private Zoom invitation)
Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live webinars, for Authorized Dealers and store staffs (by private Zoom invitation)
Friday, October 23, 5 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live, for a world-wide audience (on Facebook Live and YouTube Live)
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.12.2020) – Manufacturing companies are gearing up for SEMA360, where they will showcase new products for the automotive specialty-equipment industry and prepare to meet with resellers from all over the world. Here are details on what some manufacturers have planned:
With many new and unique products in store for the coming year, Curt Group’s New Product Spotlight Page will be the first to reveal the company’s new products, and include photos, videos, key features for each product, custom vehicle builds, as well as downloadable key-feature fliers.
ORACLE Lighting will showcase new lighting products for the ’20 Chevy Camaro and ’19–’20 Chevy Silverado. Both the ’20 Chevy Camaro SS/RS Oracle Colorshift RGB+A Headlight DRL Upgrade and the ’19–’20 Chevy Silverado 1500 Oracle Colorshift RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade can make hundreds of different colors and dozens of patterns.
Redline Detection is introducing SpeedSmoke—a diagnostic leak detector designed to address the proliferation of boosted vehicles in the aftermarket. SpeedSmoke can pinpoint faults in naturally aspirated engines as well as pinpoint high pressure turbo, diesel, supercharged, boost leaks, with 100% reliability in just minutes.
Sharpline Converting Inc. will offer special discounted pricing on its latest products to buyers during SEMA360. The company manufactures roll striping, graphics, paint protection film and chemical protection products to every segment of the automotive industry.
Curt Group will showcase its newly introduced New Product Spotlight Page. With many new and unique products in store for the coming year, the New Product Spotlight Page will be the first to reveal CURT’s new products and include photos, videos, key features for each product, custom vehicle builds, as well as downloadable key-feature fliers.
Diode Dynamics will have its new SSC2 2-in. LED Pod, featuring high-output intensity and designed for maximum functionality, with custom-engineered TIR optics shining in highly useful beam patterns. With four standard backlight options, these pods are a powerful light option that can be mounted virtually anywhere on a vehicle, including spots where LED Light Bars are not an option.
Supreme Suspensions is featuring its new 1.6-in. Ratchet Tie-Down Strap Kit. Made from professional-grade, high-tensile polyester with triple-stitched webbing, the Ratchet Tie-Down Strap Kit features a 1,460-lb. Safe Working Load and a 4,400-lb. Max Breaking Strength. Easy-to-use “S” hooks constructed of ASTM equivalent 1045 structural steel help to resist deformation and deflection under heavy loads. They are also stratch-resistant, waterproof and UV-protected.
AEM Performance Electronics will featuring its new VCU300, along with other new EV products, during SEMA360. The VCU300 is used on both the Ford Performance CobraJet1400 (the fastest door-slammer drag EV in the world), and the Huff Motorsports EV Dragter (the first EV dragster to eclipse 200 mph in the quarter-mile).
BlueDevil Products is showcasing its BlueDevil Gasket Sealer and its BlueDevil Radiator Flush. The gasket sealer will repair and seal leaks in blown head gaskets, warped or cracked heads, heater cores and freeze plugs. The radiator flush restores efficiency to vehicles by helping remove grease, rust, grime or any other buildup that occurs during normal vehicle use.
TRAK Machine Tools will feature its new Toolroom Machining Center and demonstrate how easy it is to transition from manual work, such asmachining a prototype or test piece in Toolroom Ops, to full production machining in Production Ops. It’s a full feature three-axis machining center when you need to run low-volume production, and with the flip of a switch will work like its popular TRAK DPM.
Bully Dog and SCT Performance will offer SEMA360 specials and give away $50,000 in tuners as part of its Great Tuner Giveaway. Staff will showcase the SCT Livewire Vision Performance Monitor, and share information about the new vehicle coverage added to the SCT X4 Performance Programmer and the Bully Dog GT.
As a 100% online event created to fill the void of the in-person SEMA Show not taking place in Las Vegas, SEMA360 provides the industry with a trade-only platform that provides manufacturers and resellers an opportunity to connect and focus on new products, vehicles, education and doing business. Learn more by visiting www.sema360.com.
Manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, should email Kelly Clancy at kellyc@sema.org.
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