Car Toys Tulsa Partners with Local Businesses to Drive Bike Sales

TULSA, OK (08.13.2021) – The motorcycle category is driving sales across the 12volt industry. Car Toys Tulsa has added fuel to their motorcycle business by partnering with local businesses. KMOD is a very popular radio station across the Tulsa marketplace. Uncle Bentley’s Pub and Grill is a popular meeting spot for area bikers. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, has partnered with these two businesses to put his store’s brand and products in front of area bikers at weekly evening events.

Bikers filled the lot at Uncle Bentley’s Pub… and more bikes were to the left.
The Rockford Fosgate tent drew attention to the demo bike.

KMOD has a wrapped SUV that they utilize at events and Car Toys Tulsa has a large logo on the back hatch window. KMOD, 97.5 is Tulsa’s Rock station, is a sponsor of the Crude Roundup that is set to takes place on Saturday, September 11th at the Exchange Center.

The KMOD SUV carries the Car Toys Tulsa logo on the back hatch glass.

“Participating with Uncle Bentley’s Pub every week to host an evening event for bikers has been very strong. The center where Uncle Bentley’s Pub is located is very large with tremendous visibility from main streets. The event last Thursday had over 100 bikes in the parking lot. We sell at the event and even do some installations there. Being at the event also gives an opportunity to speak with a lot of bikers and set up appointments at the store for bigger jobs. For those bigger jobs we installed a bike lift in the installation bay. Bret Bisel is our motorcycle tech and the lift makes him time much more efficient and productive” Stewart related.

At the events donations of canned goods are requested and those donations are given to a local charity.

“Our bike business is very strong and the weekly evening events at Uncle Bentley’s Pub have a lot to do with it” Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, stated.
Bret Bisel, Car Toys Tulsa motorcycle tech, is pictured with the bike lift in the installation bay.

Concluding, Stewart offered, “Rockford Fosgate has such strong offerings for bikes. We have one of the RockFord Fosgate event promotion kits with 10×10 tent and large banners. We have a loaded bike under the tent too.
Jeeps are hot now also and we transport things we need at the event in our Jeep Gladiator.”

Great to see 12volt retailers like Car Toys Tulsa connect and work with other area businesses to create excitement in their markets. That visibility then leads to business for the retailer.

Visit cartoystulsa.com for more.

Automotive Aftermarket Legend Mark Fukuda to Keynote MasterTech Expo

TEMPE, AZ (08.13.2021) – Mobile Solutions has announced that Mark Fukuda will present the keynote address for its first annual MasterTech Expo training and learning event, to be held March 6-9, 2022 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. In addition, Fukuda will teach a course alongside Tom Miller, decorated fabricator and owner of Musicar in Portland, Ore. The duo will present innovative fabrication techniques as part of the event’s “School of Fab” education curriculum.

Entitled “Keys to Success,” the keynote address will take place March 9 prior to the event’s awards presentation. Fukuda will provide an engaging mix of life and career experience with an insightful roadmap to navigating the industry’s current challenges.

Fukuda has a storied and colorful history in the automotive aftermarket. As a car audio competitor, he holds the record for six consecutive world championships as well as 12 SPL (sound pressure level) records and 11 national championships from various competition organizations. His award-winning 1989 Chevy Astro van has become an icon in competitive circles. Achieving Master-level certification from MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals) in 1995, Fukuda has won numerous awards including Installer of the Year for Car Stereo Review, USACi (Unites States Autosound Competition International) and other publications.

Mark Fukuda

Fukuda’s continued creative mastery and willingness to share knowledge led to a substantial career path, founding a retail store, installation training facility and home theater building service. He later spent five years with Rockford Corporation before venturing into sales representation and distribution, leading to his current role as president and CEO of Wave Electronics.

Fukuda will be joined at MasterTech Expo by the same vehicle that put him on so many winning stages and magazine covers. The iconic Rockford Fosgate-themed Astro van, which Fukuda is currently modernizing with custom-built modifications, will be on display in front of Rockford Fosgate’s booth.

“Words don’t describe the sheer impact Mark has had on this industry,” said Bryan Schmitt, CEO and founder of MasterTech Expo. “Despite his success, he has always been willing to take guys aside and offer his advice and experience. The personal effect on many professionals in our industry, myself included, has provided us direction, drive and purpose. We are so deeply honored to have him at our inaugural event.”

Automotive aftermarket professionals can register for Mobile Solutions’ MasterTech Expo by visiting mastertechexpo.com/attendee-registration. Tuition for the learning event is $799.00. Hotel accommodations can be made at mastertechexpo.com/host-hotel.

Visit mastertechexpo.com for more.

Kleinn Airhorn Releases JT Remote Starter

TUCSON, AZ (08.13.2021) – Upgrade your Jeep Gladiator JT / Wrangler JL / JLU (without factory keyless remote entry) with a Kleinn Wireless Remote Start designed specifically for your model. Cool down your Jeep in the summer and warm it in the winter before you climb in and drive away. Kit is a Plug-N-Play system with no wiring connections required.

Click here to view the product page

Remote start your Jeep using the included two (2) long range remotes that work up to 2000 feet away. Can be used on Jeep JT, JL and JLU equipped with the factory keyless entry to take advantage of the extended range of the Kleinn remote.

Once installed, programming the remote start unit is required. A programmer interface is included. You will need a Windows computer with USB port to program the remote start module. Check the application chart to find the right remote start for your Jeep.

Visit kleinn.com for more.

KICKER Hosted an Extensive Training Session for Audio Express in Tempe, AZ

TEMPE, AZ (08.12.2021) – Audio Express Team members attended an extensive training session conducted by KICKER at the Residence Inn in Tempe AZ on Monday, August 2nd. Nearly 70 Audio Express Team members from the company’s Phoenix and Tucson locations attended.

The large meeting room at the Residence Inn in Tempe was an ideal setting for the Audio Express training session.
Hands on opportunities provided attendees with first hand knowledge.

Aaron Malin, KICKER Global Training Manager and Ken Bundy traveled from Stillwater OK to conduct the session. Malin commented “The meeting was really terrific. All in attendance, nearly 70 people, were very attentive and our training included a lot of hands-on demonstrations including the KEYLOC and applications. In-vehicle listening sessions in the Murfco demo truck added a real world aspect to the session for attendees. There was some fun too with raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions.”

Aaron Malin (L) and Ken Bundy offered raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions. The KICKER Bullfrog was among the prizes.

Rob Valdez, Audio Express COO, related “We were extremely happy with the training that was so well set up and executed by Aaron Malin and Ken Bundy from KICKER with Steve Parsley from Murfco. The breakfast and location were awesome and we appreciate being partners with the KICKER Team. It was very gratifying to see our team members attend the KICKER training on their day off.”

Audio Express is closed on Sunday and Monday which allowed staff members to attend the Monday training.

Visit kicker.com for more.

SEMA Seeking Young Vehicle Builders for Virtual Regional Qualifiers

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2021) – SEMA’s support for young, up-and-coming vehicle builders continues, as the Young Guns category of the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition kicks off with the Eastern U.S. regional qualifier on August 14, 2021.

With three qualifier events in this year’s Young Guns program, the events are divided by regions—Eastern, Midwest and Pacific, taking place August 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Selected participants will be interviewed and judged remotely via video chat.

Top prize for one young vehicle builder (age 27 and under) at each qualifier event is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, in November. The prize includes transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure for rising young builders who may not otherwise be able to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television.

“We’re seeing great innovation from our young builders”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are beyond excited to welcome our Young Guns back to a live SEMA Show this year.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

DEI Releases UTV Heat Control Kit for Honda Talon

AVON LAKE, OH (08.12.2021) – Enjoy a cooler, comfortable ride on your next UTV adventure with a new Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit (part # 902111) from Design Engineering, Inc.

Now available for Honda Talon 2-seat models and 4-seat models, the kit is made from high quality, long-lasting, durable materials to reduce heat in the center console area while also sealing it from dirt and mud build-up. An Extreme Heat Barrier is included that blocks radiant heat from the engine and exhaust on the passenger seat to keep riders fully protected.

2019 Talon 1000X

“Our Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit is made using multiple materials that are best-suited for the job,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “That includes our semi rigid Form-A-Barrier™ to block heat and dirt from the lower section of the tunnel, and our Heat Screen aluminized glass fiber material to block heat on the top”

Talon riders enjoy a more comfortable ride with complete protection, including blocking dirt and mud from building up in the tunnel area. The kit installs easily with detailed instructions, and the materials will not absorb water.

Each kit includes CNC cut pieces:

Form-A-Barrier material used in the tunnel – good to 1,300° F
Radiant Heat Screen material used in the console – good to1,200° F
Radiant Extreme Heat Barrier used behind the passenger seat good to 1,750° F
Hardware & fully detailed installation instructions

For more information about DEI’s Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit for Honda Talons and the company’s complete line of powersports products, visit www.designengineering.com

Annual DEI Cruise-In Set for Saturday, Aug. 21

AVON LAKE, OH (08.11.2021) – Enjoy a traditional rite of summer as Design Engineering Inc., in partnership with the city of Avon Lake, hosts its annual DEI Cruise-In on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Offering wholesome fun for the entire family, the Cruise-In will feature food, music and, of course, the hottest cars, trucks, SUVs, race cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles around.

“We’re inviting the entire community to come out and enjoy a Saturday evening of great cars and family fun,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director at DEI. “Community cruise-ins are a great way to meet your neighbors and take a walk down memory lane. Plus, the first 300 participants will receive a free commemorative gift!”

Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the Weiss Baseball Fields, 33401 Webber Road, across from DEI headquarters. It will include activities, music, food vendors and more.

This year the Cruise-In will also serve as a fundraiser for Valor Home of Lorain County—a transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. Funds will be raised through a $10 donation for anyone wanting to show a vehicle, with all years, makes, models and styles eligible to participate.

“Whatever you have is welcome,” Garrett said.

Originally hosted on the DEI premises beginning in 2016, the Cruise-In gained the attention of city officials when cars and trucks circled the block waiting to enter the parking lot. The city of Avon Lake now serves as an official event partner.

For more information about the annual DEI Cruise-In and how to register a vehicle, visit facebook.com/DEIcruisein

Oracle Lighting Launches New Camaro ColorSHIFT Headlight DRL Upgrade Kit

METAIRIE, LA (08.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS/LT. Oracle Part #1418 is now available with an MSRP of $229.95.

“Get a head-turning style on your 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS or LT model with a new color-changing DRL accessory from Oracle Lighting,” said Justin “JP” Perret, Oracle Lighting product specialist. “Our new Chevrolet Camaro Oracle ColorSHIFT RGBA kit allows you to upgrade your lights to any color imaginable and includes turn signal functionality so the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature for the turn signal. We spent quite a bit of time making sure that we delivered a product that looks great and is a breeze to install. Simply install this in place of the existing DRL boards and you’re able to change those boring white DRL to any color you choose.”

Use one of Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Chevrolet Camaro kit to choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use. Create a custom headlight for Camaro’s by simply replacing the factory DRL circuit board with this ColorSHIFT circuit board.

Additional features and specifications include:

  • Bright output with less power consumption
  • True amber turn signal functionality
  • Control colors, brightness, speed, and functions with controller
  • Customized look with even more personalization with ColorSHIFT technology
  • 1-year warranty

Headlight disassembly is required, and Oracle Lighting recommends professional installation utilizing Oracle’s premium silicone sealant. White and amber are road-legal colors. Other colors are not intended for on-road use, so, please verify all state and local driving laws before use.

“Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge LED kits for cars are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance,” Perret continued. “Stand out from the look-alikes with a Camaro LS/LT custom headlight look from Oracle Lighting.”

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

New Dash Kit for Hyundai Elantra from Metra Electronics

HOLLY HILL, FL (08.11.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit designed to fit 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra models. The 95-7399B dash kit fits an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and is painted scratch-resistant matte black.

A blankout panel that goes below the aftermarket radio screen is also included with this kit. It is made from the highest quality ABS plastic for an original factory-like fit and finish.

95-7399B Product Specifications
● Fits 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra
● Designed for an ISO Double-DIN radio
● Blankout panel included
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black

An installation video is available from Metra’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Rf_sgouHNIw and additional installation accessories can be seen at MetraOnline.com.

Electronic Outlet Celebrated The Company’s 50-Year Anniversary

LANSING MI (08.10.21) Electronic Outlet celebrated the company’s milestone 50-Year Anniversary with an in-store event on Saturday, July 17th, that ran from 10AM until 5PM.

A very happy and proud John Pavlik related “The weather was terrific and my wife Doreen, children and grand children were at the store. We had a very good day that included offering discounts on products and labor with priority bookings. Refreshments were enjoyed along with a catered BBQ lunch.”

John Pavlik, wife Doreen, children and grandchildren pictured at the 50th Anniversary Event. John is holding a plaque from his family that lists the nearly 20 DBA’s he has started over the years.

Continuing Pavlik offered “We work to keep our customers up to date with new technology. In-venicle connectivity is the forefront today. We included the new CRUX wireless Apple Car mod in our TV ads and had a working demo in the new Dodge RAM truck here in the lot for the event. That made for a great demo that opened people’s eyes”

A customer checking out some specials.

Bob English, Altron International Owner, relayed “A big congratulations to John Pavlik for 50 successful years in the electronics business. From one old-timer to another, sincere wishes for continued success from me and all at Altron International.”

Geoff Dixon, with Opus Marketing in the Michigan territory, was on site. “There was a nice turnout for the event. John does a really great job connecting with consumers in the area and really takes good care of his customers. He works with Altron for his KICKER products and we appreciate his support.”

Members of the Electronic Outlet Team pictured at the event.

“Mike, the first car stereo unit we sold 50 years ago was a Hitachi under dash 8-track and we sold a lots of them. Craig 8-tracks too back in the day when it was Craig/Pioneer. You had to be careful installing the Craig Hump Mount Powerplay because you could run a screw into the transmission” Pavlik related in a phone call with the 12volt News.

John gave his wife Doreen a kiss and said “I am a very lucky man. Thank you.”

“I was just 19 after 6 months of military time in the National Guard with $3000. in my pocket and said let’s do this. It’s been a great journey and I have enjoyed my run. Having Doreen and family by my side has made it a very enjoyable ride” Pavlik concluded.
For more see www.electronicoutletlansing.com