Tag: custom cars

China’s highest-ranking diplomat tours CARSTAR Abbotsford and 360 Fabrication

Rick Francoeur of CARSTAR Abbotsford and 360 Fabrication (right), giving a tour of the operations he co-owns with his brother Daryl to Chinese officials, including H.E. Consul General Liu Fei, the highest-ranking Chinese diplomat in Canada.

By Laura Ballance Abbotsford, British Columbia — April 15, 2017 — You can tell you’ve gained a certain reputation when high-ranking foreign officials start asking if they can stop by for a visit. Rick and Daryl Francoeur, owners of CARSTAR Abbotsford and 360 Fabrication, received an unusual request in March when the People’s Republic of […]

Fire engine repair takes specialized skills

Even relatively minor damage to a fire engine requires specialized repair. Photo courtesy of E-One Factory Service.

By Barett Poley Ocala, Florida — December 14, 2016 — The business of repairing or refurbishing a fire engine can be a tricky thing, and the custom-fabricated vehicles need to be up to scratch to do the difficult job they’ve been assigned. With a new pumper engine costing upwards of $500,000 USD, the best option […]

BASF launches Zyrilliant Color Series, reveals 2017 ‘Color of the Year’

BASF’s 2017 “Color of the Year” is Reflexion Nebula, shown here on a custom Nissan Skyline GT-R. According to BASF, the colour shifts from blue to gray, depending on your point of view.

Southfield, Michigan — November 7, 2016 — The 2016 SEMA Show has officially wrapped for another year, but not before BASF unveiled a new line of colours and announced its official 2017 “Color of the Year.” According to the company, the R-M Onyx HD and Diamont Zyrilliant Color Series is a collection of 108 colours […]

Live@SEMA: Cam Miller named ‘Ultimate Builder’

Cam Miller of HS Customs won the 2016 Battle of the builders with this 1969 Chevy Camaro.

Las Vegas, Nevada — November 4, 2016 — Cam Miller has been named “Ultimate Builder” for his resto-modded 1969 Chevrolet Camaro at the 2016 SEMA Show’s Battle of the Builders. Miller is the owner/operator of HS Customs, located in Logan, Utah. The build took three years to complete. This year’s Battle of the Builders started […]

Live@SEMA: Battle of the Builders down to Top Ten

Brad DeBerti and his menacing 2017 Ford Raptor have made it into the Top Ten finalists at SEMA's Battle of the Builders. The Ultimate Builder title will be announced on November 4.

Las Vegas, Nevada — November 2, 2016 — The competition first narrowed from 98 entrants down to 21, and now the Top Ten finalists in the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders are set to go head-to-head. The builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in […]

Live@SEMA: Project Underdog unveiled

The restyled 1972 Ford Maverick built by Project Underdog. Actor Sung Kang joined forces with SEMA and other industry organizations to help promote youth outreach and inspire a new generation of automotive enthusiasts.

Las Vegas, Nevada — November 2, 2016 — Actor Sung Kang is probably best known for his work on the Fast and the Furious franchise, but his appearance at this year’s SEMA Show was all about his Project Underdog vehicle. Kang partnered with Shell and SEMA on the project, designed to promote youth outreach and […]

Customs for Urban Teens makes a difference for youth in Vancouver

CUT Program participants and volunteers discuss a current build, a '47 Chevy pickup. The program, which provides at-risk youth with practical experience, needs a new space in which to continue its work.

By Jeff Sanford Vancouver, British Columbia — October 27, 2016 — The Customs for Urban Teens (CUT) Program does great work in introducing at-risk, urban youth to the wonders of the custom world. At the same time, the kids get hands-on experience with auto restoration and customization.  There’s no doubt the program helps kids and […]

Axalta announces winners of 2016 Calendar Competition

Micky Heflin of Kentucky's 1933 Ford Roadster, painted with Axalta's Nason brand. The Roadster is one of 12 finalists selected to appear in Axalta’s 2017 Custom Finishes Calendar.

Glen Mills, Pennsylvania — October 19, 2016 — The competition from across North America was fierce, but Axalta Coating Systems has narrowed down the entries in its 2016 Custom Finishes Calendar Competition to the final dozen who will appear in the 2017 calendar. Custom car owners and builders from across the United States and Canada […]

BASF to unveil ‘Color of the Year’ and latest Chip Foose build at 2016 SEMA Show

Rendering of the 1939 Cadillac Coupe restyled by Chip Foose and painted with Glasurit 90 Line. The car will be officially unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Southfield, Michigan — October 14, 2016 — BASF Automotive Refinish is set to reveal its inaugural “Color of the Year” at the 2016 SEMA Show, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. “BASF will showcase its largest display yet at SEMA featuring our latest advancements for the automotive refinish market,” said Dan Bihlmeyer, BASF […]

PPG bringing a star-studded lineup to 2016 SEMA Show

Bobby Alloway and Charley Hutton are just two of the celebrities scheduled to put in appearances at PPG's SEMA Show booth this year. Other notables include Tom and Mitch Kelly, Darryl Hollenbeck, Kenny Youngblood and the stars of Graveyard Carz.

Mississauga, Ontario — October 13, 2016 — PPG is going full blast when it comes to celebrity appearances at the company’s 2016 SEMA Show exhibit. PPG has lined up quite a few of the automotive world’s celebrity builders and painters for the show, as well as a dazzling display of paint jobs and world-class custom […]