One of the many benefits of attending the NSRA’s Street Rod Nationals is checking out the New Products section of the show. This year 48 companies showcased 199 individual items. The NSRA also awards a “Best New Product” in three price categories, plus a Best New Safety Related Product (a highly coveted award by the manufacturers). Below are some of the highlights from this year’s New Products area, plus the winners.
For about $200, CON2R builds you a custom 15-inch, flat-face steering wheel with a choice of six spoke patterns and two spoke styles. You also get a choice in the color of the solid ABS ring, which is grooved for your fingers. The wheel comes in an industry standard three-hole mounting pattern.
SO-CAL Speed Shop has always been at the forefront of suspension products, and their latest creation is great one. Following the design of the ‘37-41 Ford spindle, SO-CAL’s latest product is the first reproduction one-piece spindle and steering arm combo (the arm is not studded or a bolt-on). Forged from 1045 steel, a pair of spindles will run about $270.
O’Brien Truckers specializes in anything made from aluminum for your hot rod, and debuted their Fenton Buick Nailhead finned valve covers at the show. Selling for just under $300 a pair, the design replicates the Fenton design from 50 years ago and will fit the 264, 322, 364, 401, or 425 engines.
Butch’s Cool Stuff now offers this pair of ’52 Mercury frenched-type headlight rings that can be used to create that classic look for your custom. The rings are sold for under $80 for the pair.
For about $200, United Pacific Industries can get you either a driver- or passenger-side door latch mechanism for your ’32 Ford five-window. It includes the inside door handle shaft remote and the remote rod. The righthand latch has the receiver for the door lock cylinder.
United Pacific Industries
Best New Safety Related Product & Best New Product Under $200
Hagan Street Rods received two awards for their Fatties Super View Mirrors. The mirrors offer no blind spots or night glare plus 800 percent more viewing area.
Best New Product $201 to $1,000
Classic Instruments’ Sky Drive system allows you to operate your electric speedometer with GPS satellite technology and accuracy, which eliminates using any type of transmission calibration. The Skydrive system sells for $250.
For just under $1,000, Alumicraft Street Rod Grilles will sell you their ’39 Ford DeLuxe grille that features laser-cut top and fender flanges. They are available with the front polished, fully polished, or with chrome-plated grille bars.
Alumicraft Street Rod Grilles
Steering you forward is Borgeson Universal, and they’ve come out with a modern steering solution for your mid- and full-size Ford power steering needs. With bolt-in installation, you can add their power steering box with a quick 16:1 steering ratio. The full-size box is sold for $609.
Ron Francis wiring has been cranking out the new products for hot rodders for decades, and this year showed their new kit to help wire up a supercharged ’89-93 Ford Super Coupe Thunderbird 3.8 V-6, plus you can use you stock ECM and sensors. The kit retails for about $650.
Legens Hot Rod Shop had the trucker in mind with these new stainless steel tailgate concealment hinges that eliminate the need for chains, straps, or cables to support the tailgate when it is in the “down” position. They sell for about $350 for a pair.