O.K. I wasn’t getting that sense from the article. To me, it sounded like that’s what EVERYBODY was doing.

And just for the record, I agree with you on the extreme “bling” stuff. Just like some of the hideous piercing, hair, and clothing styles some kids wear. BUT, although most of the time “I” think it looks awful, I would still argue for their right to do it. Cuz every once in a while you see something new that actually has some real style.

It’s not that I was looking for rah, rah, on the SEMA coverage… but at the same time, all “I” was reading was that EVERYTHING was awful, tasteless, pointless, vanities upon vanities, and chasing after the wind…

An interesting article, but a little perspective – we’ve been through this before. During economic downturns, someone or some group is always rushing to declare the death of the car, or at least the death of the cars that people really care about. During tough times, interest in utilitarian modes of transporation – the original Rambler, early Japanese cars, etc. – increases, and custom cars, along with performance cars, are derided as “silly” or a waste of money. Which, to some extent, they are, but people aren’t required to be rational when spending their money. They do, however, have to have the money to spend in the first place.

It happened in the mid-1970s with the fuel crunch, in the early 1980s with the second fuel crunch and resulting recession, and in the early 1990s with the recession that drove the first George Bush out of ofice.

Yet, when the economy bounced back, so did the interest in cars and customizing them.

The customization trend had been growing under the radar for years. The Fast and the Furious made it into a mainstream phenomemon.

Now it is getting hammered by the collapse of the new-car market and a blossoming recession. It will come back, although it will manifest itself in a different way.

Of course not. Look, if you want “gee isn’t this all just so awesome” coverage of the SEMA show, it won’t be hard to find. Surely you’re not suggesting that NOBODY at SEMA goes for “extreme shock value.”

Are you trying to convince me that only 5% of the “car-owning public” (evil folks maybe?) create enough business to support all those SEMA companies?

This is ridiculous. “Evil folks?” The five percent I refer to are those who modify their vehicle to the point where day-to-day utility is considerably diminished. I’d argue that maybe a sixth of SEMA exhibitors actively courts this crowd/scene.

If SEMA is suffering as a result of the economic downturn (nobody seems to deny this), which firms would you argue will suffer most?

Really? Are you telling me that ALL the companies at SEMA are merely aiming for “extreme shock value”? Exactly what does that mean?

While you may object, it seems pretty clear that there isn’t ANYTHING you liked at SEMA… Apparently, customizing just isn’t your cup o’ tea. Makes me wonder why you were the one sent to report for TTAC.

Finally, I don’t think you are REMOTELY close with the “95%+ of the car-owning public see cars as appliances” line. Are you trying to convince me that only 5% of the “car-owning public” (evil folks maybe?) create enough business to support all those SEMA companies?
I don’t think so Ed…

The automotive aftermarket isn’t in great shape compared to the last decade or so of strong growth. Again, not something that is subject to my opinion. My theory is that as the market contracts, the most over-the-top, garish and unnecessary elements of the market will be squeezed. I am neither frightened of nor threatened by these extreme elements, I simply think they have had their moment in the mainstream, and will return to relative obscurity in the niches they emerged from.

The successful aftermarket firms of the future will offer products that improve the looks, utility, efficiency, and yes, performance in ways that offer more than extreme shock value. Or further refinement of a long-cliched aesthetic strain. Or extreme performance at the expense of reliability and useability.

What is it?

I think it’s some deep seated belief that it’s heretical to tinker with what the OEM has provided us.

It’s utterly blasphemous to envision a bone-stock vehicle as a blank canvas ready to be painted in the colors of creativity, no matter what form it takes.

Must you turn your xB into a rolling disco extravaganza? How dare you turn your 300 hp STI into a 500 hp monster!

Perhaps it’s the strobe lights that are too frightening? Maybe they’re scared of screaming turbochargers and hissing blow-off valves.

Oh, why can’t we all be thoughtful, sensible, and caring citizens who make do with Camrys? (I would’ve added Accords, but those get customized alot too)

Is it the individualization perhaps that the PC crowd can’t stand?

Is it the power enhancements that frighten their timid souls?

Is it the refusal to bow down to the modern luddites screaming that we must return to the caves that constricts their anuses?

What is it?

On second thought, that sounded bad.

Today’s SEMA = stereotypical corporate sterility, boring, bling-ridden, bimbo-fest….

I’m with JEC on the whole tuner culture – avoid at all costs if you aren’t the “follow the crowd”, lemming-type…

Automotive “Circus Circus”, so to speak.

For those who know of SEMA only from web galleries, SEMA is a trade show first and foremost. Though granted, it’s grown into a very over-the-top trade show …and they do play pretty fast and loose with the rules as to who qualifies as an “industry person”.

Nonetheless… it’s a week of auto aftermarket-related product exhibits, conferences, press announcements, secondary shows(e.g., APEX at the Sands), and mucho horsepower eye candy.

Inasmuch as they group exhibitors by product type, the LVCC South Hall has become a Custom Wheel-Blinding Bling-Thong Babe ghetto of sorts. While this gets big play on the web, everyone isn’t selling diamond-plated 24″s for Escalades or coffee-can mufflers for Hondas.

Over-the-top show cars?

1-If you’re selling parts and you want booth traffic to look at your new line of blocks- injectors-suspension bits-lug nuts-headers-fuzzy dice, etc… you package the parts in a sweet show car.

2 – Plus, all* of the OE’s parcel out “dollar cars” to top tier builders to customize and showcase their respective sponsor’s products throughout the three halls.

Does anyone really need a truck with tank treads? Hmmm…probably not, but it gets the sponsor much-desired PR buzz/viz.

*(This will probably change in the very near future).

So this is the second article today belittling the SEMA show. Granted, it is not my cup of tea, but who am I to judge what makes a cool custom? Or more to the point, what mods an aftermarket manufacturer produces and displays on a car destined for a SEMA show? The point is to show off your wares so “talented” individuals might purchase them and make a rolling work of art worthy of your critisms.

Is there ANY car produced that could not do with some change? Be it larger brakes, better cooling, more comfy seats? And though I am not so hard of hearing that I require shakers and enough wattage to power a whole grid section of the Vegas Strip, someone might think it’s the bees knees! Some poor chap might just need all that neon to find his contact lenses after the shakers pop them out. Some underfinanced boy racer needs the quick fill decal on his gas cap door to separate him from all the posers at the local hangout.

Yes, I agree much (most) of the SEMA show is bling not worthy of a real car guy, but since when does function have to fit for in custom cars anyway?

I know, I know, keep my 2 cents to myself…

Kurt.