SEMA 2015: Project (Currently Unnamed)??

This 1971 Datsun 240z was handed down to me by a very close friend.  That said, I am giving him the honors of naming this build.

This 1971 240z will get a full on restomod build.  The build concept behind this is a combination of bringing back the old JDM fee with a pro touring look.  No show wires, engine covers, leather interior upgrades, etc...  One of the fun parts of the car is it still having it's original rear window louvers.

(Again, with sponsors, some are added or removed.  So henceforth, changes may be made.) Modifications will include a staggered wheel and tires set from Motegi and Nitto Tire.  Absent from the rendering will be addition of fender mirrors. The heart of the car will be the SR20DET blacktop from our drift car.  This motor was modified with a Disco Potato turbo, 300zx MAF, upgraded injectors, and enthalpy tune...pushing an estimated 350hp.  (For more info on our drift car, click here.)

UPDATE 06.01.15: The plans for the above remain the same.  However, the timing isn't good for this project, and therefore it is put on hold.  Be sure to watch for the resurrection.

SEMA 2015: Project Brutus

With the excitement of the release of 2015 Ford F150, this was a project MSA couldn't pass up building.  This 2015 Ford F150 is named Brutus just due to its styling and graphics.  MSA has typically brought to the table a themed vehicle that is heavily decorated to reflect the theme or a vehicle that is subtle.  This project's goal was to bring a bolder outer appearance that isn't gaudy.

As with most builds, renderings are built and submitted to sponsors.  Some are accepted and some are denied.  So the rendering may change throughout the year as sponsors are added or removed.  Thus far this is the hope for the build:

Showtime Metalworks front bumper

Rigid Industries LED Light bars

Rackworks Rack

Matrix Paint (no vinyl)

McGaughy's 6.5" Premium Lift

Roadwire Leather Interiors

BedRug

BedSlide

Retrax Bed Cover

20" American Force Thor polished with faceplate technology

SEMA 2015...The Projects start

SEMA Show logo is the trademark/copyright of SEMA

SEMA 2014 is now a thing of a the past.  Soon magazines will start printing their features and photoshoots from the show.  As with many things, when one chapter closes, another begins.  Preparations for SEMA 2015 have begun.  MSA itself is undertaking several builds this year.  Each will have it's own featured blog page.  Stay tuned...

2016 Ford Bronco Release is a fake. Here's how to tell.

With the excitement of the release of the 2015 Ford F150, rumors spread of a possible Bronco as well.  The internet and social media ate it up.  Word spread quickly and generated quite some excitement.  However, as a person who does renderings and plays with Photoshop, there are several tell tales that say the release images are fake and are digitally created.

Comparing the original photo with the new bronco photo, here's what the "untrained" eye didn't see.

Carefully look at this comparison image.  You can tell the Bronco is taken from the F150 image on the right.  The window reflections, angle of the picture, and all other features are the same.  This shows us that if the Bronco was a true, created concept vehicle, both vehicles had to have been parked in the exact same spot and the photo taken from the exact same angle.

However, in this image, if both vehicles were at the exact same spot, the reflection in the back window, says otherwise.  The lines and reflections would be the exact same with added reflections thanks to the Bronco's larger quarter glass.  That isn't the case.

The same holds true of the rear image.  Look at the reflections and the background as you look through the passenger window.  The structure and reflections are all the same.

Taking a second glance, you will notice both back glasses have the exact same reflection.  The Bronco's slightly altered to match the recreated back half.  The same reflection still wouldn't hold true if the image of the Bronco was real.

I don't think anyone has said that these images were real.  However, there are many sites that are pushing and saying the release itself is real, even as far as mentioning engine options.  There are well known automotive sites, such as Edmunds, that do not have any info supporting the Bronco's release.  So for now, we sit and wait on Ford to see if they will truly resurrect the Bronco.

MSA and the Arkansas Traveler's present the Grand Slam Auto-Rama August 24th, 2014

This is an event that's bound to be a grand-slam.  (Pun intended. :D)

The Arkansas Traveler's and MSA have teamed up to put on the Traveler's first Auto Expo.  50 vehicles selected from various car shows and events from around the state have been invited to display their vehicles in front of Dickey Stephens stadium during the game.  The selected vehicles range in all years and comprise of some of the baddest cars and trucks in the central area.

The primary sponsor, Crain Kia, will have 2 modified vehicles on display: a Hulk themed 2014 Kia Soul and a Batman themed 2014 Kia Optima.

And of course, MSA will feature it's own lineup of vehicles including Kim, the 1989 240sx MSA Formula D Pro-Am drift car - and Black Rhino, the 2014 F350 Dually built and debuted at the 2013 SEMA Show.

LED Light bars - What's with all the price differences?!

These days, LED light bars are all the rage. You can find 50" light bars ranging from $300 to excess of $2000.  The differences?  Here's 6 criteria I've found on how they are being judged.

CREE

CREE is a brand.  It's the manufacturer of the LEDs that are the light bars are composed of. CREE LEDs are hailed as being the best out there.  Most if not all of your LED light bar companies are using these CREE in their light bars.  On a personal level, I can't tell you if they're the best because I haven't seen or performed a comparison test myself, but there seems to be little debate on this.

Lumens

Lumens is how the light bars are being compared these days in regards to brightness.  However, it's somewhat misleading.  How? Lumens is basically defined as measureable light per sq ft.  For easy math, let's say that the light is rated at 10,000 lumens.  That means that light bar could produce a light beam of 10 ft wide and 1000 ft deep or a beam of 1000 ft wide and 10 ft deep.  See where I'm going here?

IP Rating

There are specific ratings on how well the light bars are sealed.  IP is a rating system used for that.  The numbers are then broken down in to what degree these bars are sealed, whether its from water merely splashing onto it or if the light bar can physically be submerged without issues.   The first number represents to what degree dust is kept out.  The second represents the level in which water is kept out.  If you want further explanations here, here's the Wikipedia link for easy reference.  A rating of IP68 means the bar is dust tight and is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer around or over 1 meter.

Manufacturing

With those factors being used as a comparison, here's the skinny on the Chinese brands that are so popular out there.  They're all made in the same Chinese province: Guangzhou.  There are 7 main manufacturing plants in the same district, all of which have the same designs (and some have made their own in house designs).  Every "off-brand" is sourced from one of these plants.  (This I learned from a trade show in Taiwan from one of the plant reps.)

So what sets a few of these brands apart?  For starters, some companies are purchasing the individual parts from these plants.  On import, they assemble them and add better sealing components to increase their ratings.  Some even coat the casings to prevent sun fading.

Made in the USA?  To earn the right to say that, the product must be "all or virtually all" made in the US, including its components as defined by the FTC. (Source: http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus03-complying-made-usa-standard)

Examples:
Bulldog Lighting is promoted as Made in the USA.
Rigid Industries is USA Assembled (the ONLY component made overseas is the LEDs per an RI rep).

Warranty

Most overseas and off-brand light bars carry a 1 year warranty.  Some carry 3, 5, and lifetime warranties.  If this is key to you, I'm sure you will research what the manufacturer carries before your purchase.

Housings

If you look closer at how the light housings are designed, you will see a reflector housing and the LED in the center.  There are variations to the reflector housing designs between a few companies.  The only company that makes anything remotely different here, is Rigid Industries.  Each LED is in a projector housing.  Best visual comparison I could provide you there is the difference between a halogen and a projector headlamp.

So....what's the best?

To the eye, every single one of these are blinding. You might even notice lighting for a good distance. But everyone has their threshold in what they're willing to spend on these puppies, so my opinion is this.  If you're wanting it for the looks, I'm sure the off-brands would work great for you.  I've heard of some who have used silicone to help provide an extra seal.  Just like the aftermarket headlights, you have a 50/50 chance of seeing condensation in them, so it may be a good idea to do so as a precaution.  If you plan on riding at night at any kind of speed, get a light that has done testing on the beam patterns.  After all, you are buying these for your safety.

MSA's 10th Annual Car Show wrap up

Photo Credit to Dell Cox

What an amazing event it turned out to be.  We raised a good deal of money for the high school and things went smoother than ever.  Even found a better way of doing this by accident!

Here are your trophy winners:

BEST OF SHOW > Randy McNew...1967 Ford Mustang
BEST CLASSIC > Eric Ray...1963 Pontiac Tempest
BEST ENGINE > Marlena Crenshaw / Chris West...1979 Datsun 280zx
BEST AUDIO/VIDEO > Matt Harrington...2004 Acura TL
BEST BIKE > Kevin Betts...2005 Suzuki Hayabusa
BEST PAINT > Jay Delanty...2012 Nissan 370z
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - CAR > Sam Shirley...2012 Jeep Wrangler
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - BIKE > Garrett Luedke...1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

AWD
1) Cody Ashmore...2008 Mitsubishi Evo X
2) Jason Rozanski...2012 Subaru STI
3) Wendell Moore...2010 Subaru WRX

Acura/Honda > Street
1) Clay Walker...1995 Honda Civic
2) Brandon Shumate...1999 Honda Civic SI
3) Omar Vang...2006 Honda Accord 

Acura/Honda > Mild
1) Alvin Laird...1997 Honda Civic
2) Chad Sayers...1995 Acura Integra GSR
3) Charles Price...2011 Honda CRZ

Bagged / Juiced Car
1) Danny Farias... 2009 Nissan 350z
2) Cruz Nunez...1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
3) Freddie Hernandez...1996 Cadillac Fleetwood

Bike > Other
1) Thongsay Singkhek...Honda Ruckus
2) N/A
3) N/A

Bike > Cruiser
1) Garrett Luedke...1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
2) N/A
3) N/A

Bike > Sport
1) Mike Provost...2006 Suzuki Hayabusa
2) Raymond Jeffries...2005 Suzuki Hayabusa
3) N/A

Boat
1) John Phillips...2011 Rouse Performer 18
2) John Parham...2003 Scotts Marine performer 18
3) N/A

Classic Car
1) Bobby Gillespie...1966 Lincoln Continental
2) Terry Norris...1977 Datsun 280z
3) Matt - ProAuto...1950 Mercury

Domestic Car > Street
1) Arteja Stamps...2013 Dodge Challenger
2) Justin Yandell...2000 Viper Venom
3) Logan Galusha...2000 Chevrolet Camaro

Domestic Car > Mustang: Street
1) Kyle Elliott...2008 Ford Mustang GT
2) Daniel Hudson...2004 Ford 40th Anniversary GT
3) Heath Marchese...2013 Ford Mustang GT

Domestic Car > Mustang: Mild
1) Steve Padgett...2007 Ford Mustang GT500
2) Damien Henrickson...2002 Ford Mustang
3) Doug Kivett...1998 Ford Mustang GT

Domestic Car > Mustang: Custom
1) Ryan and Susan Aycock...2012 Ford Shelby GT500
2) N/A
3) N/A

Hot Rod/Street Rod
1) David Garrett...1923 Ford T-Bucket
2) N/A
3) N/A

Import/Euro/Other Car > Street
1) Brian Stanyer...2007 Nissan 350z
2) Dell Cox...2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT
3) Jonathan Boyd...2004 Mazda RX8

Jeep > Street
1) Matt Straschinske...2014 Jeep Wranger 4dr
2) John/Elzie Mikles...2008 Jeep Wrangler 4dr
3) Andrew Layrock...2013 Jeep Wrangler 4dr

Jeep > Custom
1) Sam Shirley...2012 Jeep Wrangler 4dr
2) Ronald Jauregui...2012 Jeep Wrangler 4dr
3) Blake McNally...1997 Jeep Wrangler (2dr)

Nissan/Infinity > Street
1) Joyce Watts-Fields...1975 Datsun 280z
2) Lee Ann Blount...1995 Nissan 300zx
3) Kevin Maradiaga...2013 Nissan GTR

Nissan/Infinity > Custom
1) Derek Kien...2000 Nissan Silvia
2) Danny Bokamper...1974 Datsun 260z
3) N/A

Toyota/Scion > Street
1) Luke Mercado...2000 Lexus LS400
2) James Sylanouvong...2000 Lexus GS300
3) Juan Espnosa...2002 Lexus IS300

Toyota/Scion > Custom
1) Tony Tran...2007 Lexus IS350
2) N/A
3) N/A

Mini Truck > Custom
1) Dustin Bell...1997 Chevy S10
2) Larence Duarte...1994 Toyota Pickup
3) Shane Henrickson...1988 Ford Ranger

Truck Full Size - Street
1) Mike Provost...2013 Ford F350
2) Zach Glover...1983 Chevy Silverado
3) N/A

Truck Full Size - Mild
1) Jacquelyn Wiles...2009 F250 FX4
2) Shena Sanders...2001 Chevy Silverado
3) N/A

Truck Full Size - Custom
1) Jeremy Penland...2010 Dodge Ram 2500
2) Tanner Borland...1992 Chevrolet Silverado
3) N/A

Truck > Classic (70's and under)
1) Matt @ ProAuto...1941 Chevrolet Cabover
2) Bradley Payne...1965 Chevy C10
3) N/A

Truck - Under Construction
1) Justin Smith...1991 Mazda B2200
2) N/A
3) N/A

Car - Under Construction
1) Lawrence Ryan III..1995 Nissan 240sx
2) N/A
3) N/A

MSA's 2014 SEMA Project: Sarge

Thanks to our awesome sponsors on this project.  Here's the skinny.

Project Sarge is owned by a local Veteran.  Having served 2 tours in Iraq, he was medically discharged when diagnosed with cancer after encountering a chemical agent during his tours.  After beating cancer, he felt the need to get back into service and joined the local Sheriff's Department.  It's our pleasure to be doing to this build for him.

SPECS:
MSA rock sliders with sealed/waterproof storage compartment.
MSA Grab handles
MSA Mesh Grille
LED Light bars
Aries front and rear bumpers
Custom Rear Tire Carries
Bright silver paint, scratched and semi-gloss cleared to simulate brushed aluminum
Riveting to simulate metal panels
Rugged Ridge Hurricane Fender Flares
Rugged Ridge Vented Hood
Rugged Ridge Short Snorkel
Teraflex 6" Long Arm suspension kit
RIPP Supercharger kit.
Magnaflow exhaust system


- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

MSA's 2014 SEMA Project: After Dark

The rendering is complete.  Construction is under way.  I will begin to post images and blogs of this wonderful build.  The vehicle's owner is a long time fan of C10s.  But he wanted this build to be unique and very much custom.  Reliable, but something no one else has ever done before.  Here in lies the results of the discussion.

SPECS:

2001 Chevrolet Silverado
1967 Chevrolet Front cap, door skin, bed side skin, tailgate skin
Chopped top
Suicide doors
Airbag supsension
Shaved Tailgate
Smoothed front bumper
Colors: Black withe Graphite accents
LED light bars behind the grille


- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

MSA's 10th annual Car Show - June 28, 2014

MSACarShow.com

MSA hosts it's 10th annual car show on June 28th, 2014.  All proceeds of this show are donated to the Conway Career Center (a division of the Conway High School).  Averaging approximately 100 quality, show vehicles from the state and surrounding states, this car show has proven to be one of the larger and most diverse car shows in the state.

Where: 
We have hosted this car show in various locations, starting at the parking lot our shop here in Conway.  As the show grew, we had to find locations that would accommodate the volume of show cars and spectators that would come to the show.  In 2012, MSA rented the Conway Expo Center (an indoor facility owned by the city of Conway) and has been the host location since.

When: 
We try to keep the car show on the weekend after Independence Day weekend.  However, this year's schedule conflicts had forced us to move the show date up a few weeks earlier.

Why?
The proceeds of this event is donated to the Conway High School Career Center and the proper Tax ID is provided to the donators on request.  Who is the Career Center?  The Career Center is a program within the Conway High School system that provides real hands on training for students.  Students get the opportunity to learn various fields such as raising Tilapia, building homes (framing, plumbing, electrical...), welding (building fences and trailers), and auto body (repair, restoration, bodywork, and paint).  The money that is raised by the car show provides these students with the tools and equipment to learn and money for trips, entries to competitions, and boarding for students that otherwise could not afford it.  We are helping to train our next generation and helping provide them with the tools to make it happen.

For more information on Classes and Events, go to MSACarShow.com.


- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Snow Pictures

It's not every year that snow comes down in Arkansas.  So we definitely wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.  Here are the shots we got.  Feel free to use as a wallpaper.  In fact, we'd be honored.

MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > What's SEMA without hurdles?

T'was the last day of the build before departure.  Late nights assembling last minute parts, the front end, the BedRug, BedSlide, Retrax Bed Cover, Automatic Cargo Lights, and the interior.  After it was all assembled, we took it for a test run.  It was a rocky drive and was deemed undriveable for the 22 hours drive it was to make in a few short hours.  We then scrambled to located a truck and a trailer with the capacities to pull Black Rhino.  The problem was, we would find a 5th wheel trailer and no truck with a hook up.  Or vice versa.  After a few hours, we finally located a bumper pull that would haul the load.

Or so we thought...  After finally getting on the freeway, the trailer began to sway some.  Due to the weight, the drive was no more than 60-65mph down the freeway.  Long nights and a 2 man crew taking shifts, the trailer blew a tire approximately 2 hours from Las Vegas.  Stressed and exhausted, they changed the tire on the trailer and continued.  30 minutes later, a second trailer tire blew.  Already late to the destination, the Black Rhino was pulled off the trailer and drove the rest of the way.

Black Rhino finally made it to the SEMA show approximately 5pm, Monday before the show.  By then, our booth spot was locked up and there were no entries into the location.  So we were then set aside in a new lot where many of the other "late" trucks were parked.  Seems like we weren't the only to have issues. There was another vehicle that was to be in the same booth that had suspension problems.  Broke down on the side of the road, they rented a local shop's bay for $2,000 that night!

The rush to SEMA and fulfilling sponsorship obligations is normally a stressful time for shops.  Unless you're just bolting on parts, you're looking at newly developed parts that are being tested.  You're looking at shops balancing clients and their SEMA build.  So many factors play into building a vehicle.  The final results are always incredible though, and it is always a memorable experience.  Thanks to everyone that's been following the Black Rhino Project.  Look for it's feature in Street Trucks magazine and Diesel Army Magazine.