Custom Sounds & Tint Texas Heat Wave Set for July 22 – 24

AUSTIN, TX (07.21.22) – The 2022 Custom Sounds & Tint Texas Heat Wave will fill the massive Travis County Expo in Austin Texas July 22nd thru 24th. This event supplies an opportunity for vehicle enthusiasts to show off their custom vehicles and compete against other enthusiasts for awards and cash prizes. If it has wheels it can be registered for the event. All makes and models ranging from Model A to 2022 are welcome!

“We have also incorporated a Tattoo Expo into our event. Entry to the Tattoo Expo is included in your registration or ticket purchase. You will have the opportunity to be “inked” by some of the finest tattoo artists in Texas” Texas Heat Wave’s David MacDonald related.

Custom Sounds & Tint will have their best Audio Sale of the Year with products and displays from Focal, Kenwood, JVC, JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Hertz and Pioneer in the air conditioned comfort of the large Customs Sounds building.

Remember the event is The Texas Heat Wave and temperatures are at record levels across the southern US. Please be prepared.

Elite Customs will be displaying the Heat Wave van with its wall of 16 10-inch woofers and other audio builds.

JC’s Window Tint & Car Audio will be displaying some of their audio builds as well.

There are over 100 vendors selling and displaying automotive aftermarket products on the 128 acre property with parking for 4000 cars. 

It’s not too late to get a vendor spot, register or buy tickets, go to heatwaveshow.com

Steel Valley Regional XI Set for July 22 – 24

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.21.2022) –The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2022 Steel Valley Regional XI July 22rd thru 24th presented by ARC Audio.

“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring MECA 4X, MECA 2X, IASCA 3X, EMMA3X and MASQ competitions. The HARV will be open Friday July 22nd at 1PM until 9 PM for staging and a day of Tweak n Tune. Competitors can also register for MECA 2X on Friday if interested for an additional $40. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes with vendors and retailers set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.

Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura (Head Judge), Brian Huston, Steve Tyler, Sharon Tyler, Steve Cornell and Curtis Helms. This is our 10th Anniversary Show and will be the biggest and best show ever!!

12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, Karma Audio, JL Audio , Italia Hi Fi, Focal, Mosconi, Gladen, Black Hole5, Illusion Audio, Dynaudio, Zapco, ESB, Audiowave Ltd, Accuton Automotive, Resonix, AAMP/Stinger, ART Technolgies, Audio Visions, Vibe Audio , Davis Distribution. US Acoustics, Stereo Installs, Erins Audio Corner, Vangaurd Designs and Audible Physics.

IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR XI and being part of the IASCA judging team. This event is one of a few on the East Coast that will prepare SQ competitors for the upcoming IASCA World Finals October 8th and 9th in Lebanon MO. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their runs at the 2022 Championship.”

IASCA Judges will be Travis Chin, Rusty Gregg and Keith Turner.

MECA Staff related “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR with Arc Audio as Title Sponsor. Four of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”

MECA Judges scheduled for SVR are Richard Papasin (Head Meca Judge) , Mike Flanagan , Vinny Taylor and Julian Ridi. A big thanks to Larry, Klifton and Keith Turner for working to make this one of the highlights of the MECA season.”

EMMA USA Judges are Tom Meyers(Head Emma Judge), Ben Zimmerman, Mic Wallace and Jeff Smith). EMMA is in its second year in the US and is Europes number 1 Sound Quality Format. Competitors are lving the new and fresh SQ format Emma offers. MASQ Sound Quality Organization will also be at the event as another option for the competitors to participate in. Howard Cantor and judges also plan on attending.

Klifton Keplinger is Head Scoring Technician along with help from Lori Wallace. Charles Knight from Alegius Design is our website coordinator. Tony Pasquale will be there to help competitors prepare for the show along with tuning support and helping Larry with show coordination.

Concluding, Chijner relayed, “Without the help from ALL the participating Sponsors and continued support from the competitors this show could never happen. It is very important to Thank ALL the Sponsors by using their products and saying Thank you to them when you see them”

ALL the information on the show and participating sponsors can be seen on the website below.  

Visit steelvalleyregional.com for more.

7 Days Left: SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Display Applications Due July 29

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show’s Feature Vehicle Program.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company, allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app, which displays each vehicle’s image, make, model, year, color, the products used as part of the build, the builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.  

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The competition is judged by industry experts with top honors presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Application by the July 29 deadline.

For any additional questions on submitting your Feature Vehicle application contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

Click here for a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines.

Custom Audio Hosted The 6th Annual Anna Shelter Car Show

ERIE, PA (07.20.22) – The area in front of the Custom Audio location in the West Ridge Plaza was filled with over 100 cars on Sunday, July 17th to benefit The Anna Shelter…before the rain came around 2 PM.

Custom Audio’s Sondralee Orengia related “Rain and car shows do not go well together. This past Sunday’s event was a reschedule from the original Anna Shelter Car Show date of Sunday, June 26th. That day the weather forecast called for rain and we rescheduled. This past Sunday the weather forecast was for scattered showers. When the rain started around 1 o’clock people buttoned up their rides and headed home.”

The West Ridge Plaza area in front of the Custom Audio store was packed.
A wide variety of show cars were spotlighted.

The Anna Shelter animal welfare organization in Erie PA was established in June of 2004. The organization will help dogs, cats, small animals… even horses, one animal at a time. During the Sunday event there were gift baskets, raffles, 50/50 opportunities, food trucks on site and dash plaques for 100 show cars.

Orengia continued “Cars started showing up early to beat the weather. In all we had just over 100 cars, trucks and vans show up for early fun before the rains came and shut down the event. Despite the condensed time the event raised close to $4000. for the Anna Shelter to further their important mission.”

Show cars were lined up next to the road in the West Ridge Plaza.
Matt Thompson greeted attendees and explained the Anna Shelter mission in front of Custom Audio.

On Sunday Custom Audio’s showroom was open and staff members engaged with enthusiasts about the wide variety of aftermarket 12volt products available today.

As an added bonus local television channel JET24 broadcast a news story Sunday evening.

Visit customaudioshop.net for more.

Tint World Expands Colorado Service with New Store in Aurora

AURORA, CO (07.20.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its successful expansion in Colorado with the opening of its second store in the state.

Tint World Aurora, CO, owned by Ray Ruiz, provides customers throughout the Denver metropolitan area and central Colorado with premier automotive aftermarket services and accessories, including window tint, mobile electronics, audio and video equipment, paint protection films, and more.

“Tint World offers a comprehensive selection of best-in-class products and services to enhance performance, comfort, style, and safety,” Ruiz said. “The predictable, proven Tint World franchise model positions franchisees for immediate success by empowering them to deliver unique value and premium service for all categories of drivers and vehicle owners. And the range and depth of ongoing franchise service and support available truly set Tint World apart from the rest of the industry.”

Tint World Aurora, CO serves Aurora, Denver, Commerce City, Broomfield, Littleton, Lakewood, Strasburg, Parker, Bennett, Golden, and Thorton. 

“Ray’s commitment to the Aurora community and to customers throughout the Denver area, combined with Tint World’s superior offerings, have set him up for sustained success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “His dedicated implementation of our franchise model shows that Tint World is a powerful opportunity for ambitious owners who share our values and mission.”

Tint World Aurora, CO is located at 3155 Chambers Road, Unit F, Aurora, Colorado 80011. To book an appointment, request a quote or find out more about Tint World’s products and services, call (720) 338-6677 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/aurora-107/.

Nakamichi Intros a New Single DIN Multi-Media Receiver with Built-In DSP

MIAMI, FL (07.20.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio is pleased to introduce a new single DIN multi-media receiver with built in DSP.  The NQ723BD features time alignment, 40-band EQ and 3D surround sound all in a compact single DIN chassis.

Additional features include:
• 2.5-line 12 bit VA LCD display (Multi-color custom color choice)
• Optical Output (rear Toslink port)
• Detach face
• AM/FM with RDS
• Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming (2-phone full time connection)
• Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, ACC, WAV, APE (Lossless Music) Front USB 2.0 and 2A/5V phone charging
• 3.5mm Front AUX in, Micro SD/TF slot (behind face)
• Maximum Output Power: 50W x 4 (4V Front, Rear and Subwoofer RCA Outputs)
• Downloadable Nak APP Control for IOS and Android phones
• SWI-Steering Wheel Interface compatible (adapter required)
• Includes IR remote control
• Short chassis (182x53x115mm)

“The NQ723BD is in stock now for  immediate shipment”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, “The new 2.5 line VCA LCD multi-color display can be configured to match any interior and is extremely easy to read.”  

MSRP: $112.95

For more information visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com or email Robin McNeal at robin@usa-nakamichi.com

BaT Auctions Presents: SEMA Student Builds

As part of an ongoing partnership with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), BaT is excited to auction a collection of 4x4s modified by automotive shop classes participating in SEMA’s High School Vehicle Build Program. This year’s builds are particularly special, as they were initiated in January 2020 but were delayed through lockdowns and school closings. Because of those delays, the program offered the hundreds of students who contributed to the builds the opportunity to receive hands-on, in-person instruction and training during a time when much of their learning had moved online.

The platforms for this year’s builds are five TJ-generation Jeep Wranglers and five 3rd-generation Toyota 4Runners. Aftermarket components were donated by dozens of manufacturers, including Warn, Skyjacker, ARB, Rancho, ICON, Rugged Ridge, and True North Fabrications, to name just a few. We’ll be auctioning the vehicles in two groups, with the first group of auctions beginning next week. A second group will hit the site in October. All of the vehicles are offered at no reserve and carry clean titles listing SEMA as the owner.

Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education initiatives. BaT buyers’ fees will be donated to the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity.

Vehicles in the first group are listed below and will be updated with live links as auctions go live.

  • 1997 Toyota 4Runner – John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois
  • 2001 Jeep Wrangler – Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina
  • 1996 Toyota 4Runner – OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska
  • 2002 Jeep Wrangler – Automotive Program at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) in New Mexico
  • 1997 Toyota 4Runner – Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Congratulations to the students and their capable instructors! We are so excited to support SEMA Education and the High School Vehicle Build program, and we can’t wait to share these builds with the BaT community.

Rockford Fosgate Rolls Out 1500-watt Audio Kits Purpose Built for 2019+ Polaris RZR Pro XP

Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio, unveils new aftermarket audio solutions purpose built for 2019+ RZR Pro XP 2 and 4-seat vehicles. Six aftermarket solutions are now shipping with the option of either a PMX source unit or a Ride Command interface, kitted as a Stage 4, 5, or 6 audio system.

The Stage-4 kit includes an AM/FM/WB digital media receiver with 2.5-inch color screen, 6.5-inch front speaker pods, 6.5-inch rear speaker cans, 1500-watt 5-channel amplifier, and 10-inch enclosed subwoofer. The Stage-5 adds a SiriusXM option and camera input to the source unit and upgrades to M2 speakers and subwoofer delivering more output and higher quality sound. For the ultimate pro audio experience, choose Stage-6 that includes the satellite radio option and camera input plus a serious step-up to 8-inch horn loaded rear speaker cans. The Ride Command kits feature the same speakers, amp, and subwoofer listed above but use the Ride Command unit as the audio source.

For extra bass response from Stage 4, 5, or 6 systems, Rockford Fosgate offers a second subwoofer solution for 4-seat vehicles. This 10-inch 400-watt subwoofer is designed to seamlessly integrate under the rear seat on the driver’s side.

All components of the kits are Element Ready to perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays. The speakers and subwoofer feature Color Optix LED lighting customizable via the included lighting controller and optional Color Optix app.

The plug-n-play design of these systems ensures a simple installation, now Rockford has made it even more efficient by creating a layered packaging system that makes components easy to find in the order that you need them. Rockford has also produced a complete series of instructional videos for technicians to view either at rockfordfosgate.com or on Rockford’s YouTube channel.

Product Details Page Links:
• Pro XP® Stage-4
• Pro XP® Stage-5
• Pro XP® Stage-6
• Pro XP® Stage-4 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Stage-5 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Stage-6 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Add-On Rear Sub Solution

Heise Ships New Chasing Headlight and Fog Light Kits

HOLLY HILL, FL (07.19.22) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics has added to their RGB Chasing LED product lineup. Now shipping is a Chasing Halo LED 7″ Headlights and 4″ Fog Lights Kit with Pro Controller and a Chasing Blade Halo RGB LED 7″ Projector Headlights and 4″ Fog Lights Kit with Pro Controller. These new lighting products fit Jeep  Wrangler JK & JL models 2007-Up* and Jeep Gladiator JT models 2020-Up*, and are designed to provide dramatic, colorful lighting with minimal installation time.

The JP-707RGBKT and  JP-708RGBKT include everything an installer needs to upgrade to chasing halo RGB LED headlights and fog lights. Each package includes a pair of 7″ chasing RGB LED headlights, a pair of 4″ chasing LED fog lights, and a Pro Controller. There are two different types of headlights offered in these new kits to fit the luminosity and style preferences of the consumer. Durable polycarbonate lens covers make these lights an ideal solution for adventurous Jeep owners. Additionally, these lighting sets work with other Heise Chasing RGB lighting products, allowing an entire system to use the same app and remote.

JP-707RGBKT Chasing Halo LED 7 Headlight Features:

  • Pair of 7″ headlights
  • 50 watts each
  • Lumens: 4200lm (high beam), 3200lm (low beam)
  • Color temperature: 6500K
  • Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
  • Lens: Polycarbonate
  • IP rating: IP68
  • Operating voltage: 10-32V
  • (2) H4 to H13 connectors included
  • Canbus decoders included

JP-708RGBKT Chasing Blade Halo RGB LED 7 Projector Headlights Features:

  • Pair of 7″ projector headlights
  • 55 watts each 
  • Lumens: 8000lm (high beam), 6000lm (low beam)
  • Color temperature: 6500K
  • Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
  • Lens: Polycarbonate
  • IP rating: IP68
  • Operating voltage: 10-32V
  • (2) H4 to H13 connectors included
  • Canbus decoders included

Fog Light Features:

  • Pair of 4″ LED fog lights
  • 30 watts each
  • Lumens: 3600lm
  • Color temperature: 6500K
  • Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
  • Lens: Polycarbonate
  • IP rating: IP68

Each of these kits includes Heise’s HE-CHASE-CB Pro Controller, specifically designed for use with Heise Chasing RGB products. It has two wireless control options; an included remote control or the free Pro RGB downloadable app for a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to change colors, sync to music, and more. A customer can easily group multiple controllers together through the app to add more chasing products.

            Pro Controller Features:

  • Addressable LED controller
  • 170+ color-changing patterns
  • Two independent zones for left and right turn signal functions
  • DIY pattern function
  • Music sync function
  • App controlled (Pro RGB app)
  • RF card remote included

These products are in stock and shipping now. RGB lights are for off-road use only, and not for use on public roads. Chasing RGB products are incompatible with other RGB or RGBW products and require a separate controller. *Some Jeep models may require additional brackets that are not included.

Visit MetraOnline.com for more information and for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications. 

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work to Deliver Fresh Industry Visibility for These Companies Across the US

SHREVEPORT, LA (07.18.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

The images below show Proline Car Stereo working with Alpine at the New Jersey Jeep Invasion 2022 in Wildwoods, DS18 showing all ‘We Like It Loud’ at the Summer Truckin’ Nationals at AT&T Stadium, KICKER at the KC Showdown Car Show in OKC and KICKER at the ArenaCross in Gallup NM. See even more @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook for more examples of the 12voltSTP Tool at work. To see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook, @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

Click to see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.