SEMA 2026

[bigmuddy]

More...

Note the white rim picture, just because it is a SEMA build doesn't mean it is done Well...

Ive been seeing those baja pickups on the net and really like them! But Ive always had a thing for the baja bugs

I have a buddy that has the SEMA broncos roll thru his shop and most are just absolute shit shows.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I've worked on many ex-SEMA trucks. Agree, most are all looks and no performance. The good parts are glued on, never dialed in. The post show and see what actually drives out. Sometimes it is amazing that some stuff actually can drive. I have the keys to a "600 HP turbo V8" 2019 SEMA Frontier 'Desert runner' at work. It gets spooky at about 30 MPH. Not the good spooky, the what is going to fall off spooky.

I just did the clicky click on google maps. I had 9 miles of walking outside of the halls. No idea what I did in the isles in the halls. 75% of West hall, 100% of central, 25% of the upper hall.

 

[Soylent]

Steve Kramer is the owner's name. He's been around in the industry for a long time.

Todd Z.

That’s right, Steve. He put a Full Traction long-arm suspension and pair of Hansens on my Rubicon back in 2014 with no issues . Was just concerned as a member here had problems in the past few years. Wondered if @Broncobowsher heard any issues with the business or not.

 

[Broncobowsher]

That’s right, Steve. He put a Full Traction long-arm suspension and pair of Hansens on my Rubicon back in 2014 with no issues . Was just concerned as a member here had problems in the past few years. Wondered if @Broncobowsher heard any issues with the business or not.

Not much of business. Just the standard small business issues every small business I know is fighting. Trying to get materials, competent workers, shipper issues. I hear the same from every business owner I know these days. Didn't go into details.

 

[Soylent]

Not much of business. Just the standard small business issues every small business I know is fighting. Trying to get materials, competent workers, shipper issues. I hear the same from every business owner I know these days. Didn't go into details.

Thanks. That’s what I wanted to hear.

 

[DirtDonk]

The Jeep guys are having none of it anymore. Trying to get their money back after a two-year wait, never hearing back, hearing that "it's at powder coating" or "we'll send you a tracking number later" and all the other excuses. That's when they can actually get ahold of someone.
Similar to some of the complaints from members here. So while they still do seem able to ship bumpers now and then, the complaints are getting louder.
Can't remember when CalMini took it over, but seems it was about 10 or 12 years ago now? Maybe longer?

Do any of the companies show at SEMA? Or was he just attending the show, like others?
As said, CalMini has been around for a long time (looks like 40 years this year!). Remember seeing all their ads in the magazines? Some nice stuff actually.
Branching out heavily seems to have created some additional hurdles.
Taking a long time to produce one bumper is standard operating procedure. But now the delays are getting to be pretty epic.

Paul

 

[toddz69]

Do any of the companies show at SEMA? Or was he just attending the show, like others?
As said, CalMini has been around for a long time (looks like 40 years this year!). Remember seeing all their ads in the magazines? Some nice stuff actually.
Branching out heavily seems to have created some additional hurdles.
Taking a long time to produce one bumper is standard operating procedure. But now the delays are getting to be pretty epic.

Paul

He used to have a booth that included Cal Mini products and Hansen bumpers (and maybe Full-Traction at one time too, but that was often a separate booth). This year's booth only had Hansen bumpers in it (and no EB versions from what I saw). I was really surprised to see him there - as far I can remember, he hasn't exhibited at SEMA for nearly 10 years or more.

Todd Z.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Hanson did have a booth, west hall. Steve is slowing down, doesn't get to the shows every year. Last time our schedules lined up was 5 years ago. I think he comes every other year or so now.

As I mentioned earlier, it isn't just small businesses having trouble getting product out. I just found the paperwork, I have had a set of Bilsteins on order for 15 months. I have some inside connections and get decent feedback on what is going on. They are being built in Ohio (American made) but had to wait on a part out of Germany, and a handful of other setbacks.
Then there was the house I had built a few years back. That was months behind schedule. A tract home that should have been done in 6 months at most, over a year and a half.

I think there are two things going in opposite directions. Instant gratification. I want it, Amazon has it delivered from a giant warehouse to your door the nest day, and sometimes the same day. I think a lot of people are starting to think that is how everything is. Just stacks of inventory waiting to deliver at a moments notice. Then there is the opposite issue of trying to actually make something. Finding people who want to work, who have any skill. Then bring together materials, tools, people, and get a finished product. And do that in California...
It takes longer to get anything doe these days while people are less willing to accept any wait. This isn't just one business that this happens to, it is everywhere. I have been involved in 2 building projects at work. One was well over a year behind. 18 months was over 2½ years. The otheris double the projected time, and still no idea when it will be done. Just remembered a third one. Couple weeks ago, 3-day project. 2 weeks in and they are done. Nobody can make a decent time estimate anymore.

 

[ntsqd]

Do those lug nuts even make a connection with the studs?

I asked if a custom set of rock rails was possible from a Taco vendor and was told yes. Easily 4X the projected delivery time. I was about to contest the CC charge because I couldn't get the vendor to respond when UPS sent me a tracking number. Not the vendor, UPS. Makes me uneasy about asking a different vendor about some minor alterations to their rear bumper design.