Photos/Story: T-Bone
Day one of the big show.
We rolled out of Southern California leaving our boy Panzer to watch the homestead and keep our loved one company. A beautiful day anticipated a great ride through the California Desert to Las Vegas some 230+ miles to the east. First a couple of stops to pick up some supplies for our friends already at the show and we were rolling the 24’s up the barren asphalt of the 15. A quick stop for a Bob’s burger in Baker and we are heading into the city.
We have been talking to Emily Sherer to model with us on Thursday and looks like we will be sharing her with Sway-A-Way. Sheer coincidence that we see the Sway-A-Way rig as we exited the 15 in Sin City. We check into the hotel and head over to the convention center to pick up our Media Badges. Alan Dicker helped us out and we were strolling through the outdoor show in no-time. We have usually been able to get into the halls during set-up but the security was tight not allowing anyone other than exhibitors. So we were not able to get some previews. But while they were setting up the show inside the cars were all set outside.
It’s hard not to run into So Cal local friends at this show, and as we turned a corner we saw Matt Hunt of Hell on Wheels shop in Westminster. He built the Affliction Chevelle you see above. Bad ass rig with an 871 blower. He spent the past 26 hours cleaning the car after they were torturing it at the dry lake bed, doing donuts and brodies all for the cameras. Dirt was everywhere!
Next to the entrance to the central hall was the Heroes Truck. This 10,000 lb 2005 Chevrolet Silverado was started 5 years ago and features an incredible patriotic mural paint job of every piece of sheetmetal. Inside and out.
We also ran into Dana Manier and Bernt Karlsson of The 401k Club Hot Rod Shop. Bernt has spent the past 6 months taking a Holden Ute, Pontiac G8, Maloof, and 2013 Camaro to build a custom car like no other. While we were there, people were walking by saying things like “Wow a Camaro/El Camino” and others saw it as an Australian Ute. That’s what’s neat about the SEMA Show there are people from all over the world.
Some other nutty stuff was a series of 4 bikes built by RK Concepts. These things are incredible. From dirt bike inspired to military monstrosities. Hope you enjoy the show as much as we are. Give us a shout to “find something for you”.