Every year one of the most contested competitions at the NSRA's Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, isn't found outside in the parking lot but rather in an air conditioned room just off of the north end of the exhibit hall.
The naming of the New Product of the Year has become a highly coveted honor for those in the street rod aftermarket, as the companies that get chosen for the top awards are guaranteed a substantial amount of free publicity concerning their latest product.
There were almost 200 new products entered this year, and the NSRA breaks them down into three different pricing categories: Group A for items that retail for up to $100, Group B for items between $101 and $500, and Group C for items $501 and above. A fourth award, the Best New Safety Related Product, is also picked from the entries and voted on by judges who are based in the street rod industry. After the judging was over the general public was welcome to enter the room and see what was being offered. The respective winners of each category can be found in this issue in the main story about the Nationals, but here are some of the other new products that were under consideration at this year's show.
McMillan Rod & Custom from...
McMillan Rod & Custom from Marshfield, Michigan, released their stainless steel chin bar for the '33/34 Ford. They are also capable of doing custom bumper, grille, and nerf bar work.
Pure Choice Motorsports, manufacturer...
Pure Choice Motorsports, manufacturer of brake-related items, had several items in the "Under $100" category, including these nifty wheel cylinder banjos that allow the brake line to end at the banjo rather than at the wheel cylinder.
Johnson's Hot Rod Shop in...
Johnson's Hot Rod Shop in Alabama debuted their "Perfection" line of aluminum products, including this vintage-looking four-spoke aluminum steering wheel.
Though American Autowire has...
Though American Autowire has a line of GM-based wiring harnesses for restorers, they also offer a line of universal harnesses and kits for most any hot rodder out there.
Their new Highway 15 Nostalgia...
Their new Highway 15 Nostalgia Kit comes with vintage-looking braided wire.
Noone Customs not only had...
Noone Customs not only had three choices of seats available (such as this vintage bucket seat) in the New Products room, they have also been developing some unique engine management systems.
Brookville Roadsters won the...
Brookville Roadsters won the "$501 and Up" category with their all-steel roadster pickup body, but they also had a handful of other products on display too, such as this '32 Ford roadster dash that comes with a glovebox door.
The GTech tie-rod ends from...
The GTech tie-rod ends from Fatman Fabrications (on left) are for the Mustang II IFS and have a longer stud than a normal tie rod (right), which should help correct bumpsteer. They sell for $42 a pair.
The simple design of this...
The simple design of this all-aluminum '36 Ford grille belies what would have to be a substantial amount of meticulous work on the part of its manufacturer, Alumicraft Street Rod Grilles, in getting it to look and fit right. It comes in stock form with 3/8-inch bars, but can be made with 1/4-inch bars.
McMillan Rod & Custom offered...
McMillan Rod & Custom offered a new line of stainless steel moldings (in 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch) that can be bought by the foot. Besides side trim, the product could be used as accents on running boards, pickup bed strips, and more.
Southern Air is the air conditioning...
Southern Air is the air conditioning manufacturing division of Southern Rods & Parts in South Carolina, and they had a product for each of three price categories. In the "Under $100" category, their fused-protected relays work well with fans or accessories that need extra protection.
Trique Manufacturing had their...
Trique Manufacturing had their stainless steel Altman Easy Latch Kit on display. This one is mounted to a '40-47 Ford pickup door, but they sell many vehicle-specific bear claw latch mechanisms as well as a line of universal-fit units.
Need a compressor and alternator...
Need a compressor and alternator bracket for a 235- to 270-inch Chevy inline-six? Vintage Air has you covered. The bracket comes with a double-groove harmonic balancer pulley too.
Borgeson's new vintage-looking...
Borgeson's new vintage-looking stainless steel steering column (which comes in 18-, 26-, 30-, and 34-inch lengths) starts at $159, with polished versions starting at $189.
Dayton Wire Wheels, which...
Dayton Wire Wheels, which has been around since 1916, showed off their 20-inch Retro Knock-Off race wheel. Custom sizes, some up to 22 inches in diameter, are also available, but you're looking at spending roughly $900 per wheel.
Bob Drake always has a plethora...
Bob Drake always has a plethora of products to show at the NSRA Nationals, and among this year's items was this '41-48 Chevy passenger car gas tank that will not only work with both carbureted or fuel injected vehicles but also bumps the capacity from a stock 16 gallons to a larger 18 gallons. Not bad for $175.
Electricity experts Ron Francis...
Electricity experts Ron Francis Wiring has won several awards for their products in past years, and they debuted a few this year, too. At less than $20, their LS-11 low voltage sensor, which alerts you when the vehicle voltage drops below 11 volts, seems like a bright idea.
Clayton Machine Works, makers...
Clayton Machine Works, makers of simple but stylish aluminum interior door handles, window cranks, and valve covers introduced a direct bolt-in, machined forged aluminum, brake and clutch pedal assembly for Camaros and Novas, but it will fit other applications as well.