While the new and late model used cars markets are suffering through a recession, old car enthusiasts are still going full bore showing their gems, busting knuckles in the garage and purchasing products to enhance their baby.

At the recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas awards were presented to the Best New Products of 2009. Over 2,000 aftermarket products were entered for awards.

Three products dominated the Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product category.

Taking the top spot was the -

 ShockWave v3.5 Manufactured by Air Ride Technologies

Air Ride Technologies has been a long time key player in air suspension systems. Since its introduction in 1999, the ShockWave has been constantly reinvented bringing SEMA kudos for their new version 3.5.

ShockWave has adjustable shock valving to allow for tuning of the ride quality and handling performance of the vehicle it is installed on. With a single adjustable unit, the compression valving is pre-set at the factory and the rebound valving is adjustable to allow fine tuning of the ride quality and handling performance. With the double adjustable ShockWave, there are individual adjustment knobs for rebound and compression valving. This allows the driver to independently adjust rebound and compression valving providing for even more control of the ride quality and handling performance of the vehicle.

For more information you can visit  Air Ride Technologies at http://www.ridetech.com

The first runner up was the -

 69 Mustang Fastback Replacement Body Shell designed by Dynacore Classic Bodies

The 1969 body shell joins the 68 and 67 shells the company manufacturers.

Dynacore Classic Bodies body shells include most of the structural parts, brackets and braces welded in place, plus doors and deck lid already assembled. Very little body work or adjustments are required.

With the Dynacore manufacturing process there is no more need to do cutting and welding in floor pans, work to locate replacements for rusted out braces or struggling to make the wheelhouse line up to the trunk pan and the quarter panel.

The body shells are not completely ready to be finished, but Dynacore makes sure they are as close as you can get. There will still be some shop time fitting and working to make everything line up which would be just the same as if you were working with a 40 year old body shell.

The steel used in the Dynacore Classic Bodies products is 1006 universal automotive grade steel. In most cases the gauge is thicker than that of the original. The steel possesses fewer additives allowing it to be a bit more flexible and workable than the original.

The manufactures suggested retail price for the 1969 shell is $16,500 plus a crating and handling charge of $495.00 including doors, export brace and deck lid. Shipping is not included.

For more information visit Dynacore Classic Bodies at http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/

The Second Runner Up was -

Cross-Ram Throttle Kit for 302/351 Ford manufactured by TWM Induction

TWM Induction presented a real cross-ram manifold for the Ford 351 Windsor small block engine as a new product at SEMA. The manifold features eight long runners for stump-pulling torque and overall sharp looks.

Their valley plate, with extended port wall construction enabled TWM to machine several different port configurations from OEM to 225's and beyond Suggested retail price is $5795.

TWM Induction can be found on the web at http://www.twminduction.com/

By Jeff Bressler

Jeff  has specialized in automotive freelance writing for the last fifteen years, and is an award winning writer and broadcaster. His areas of writing expertise include NASCAR, general motorsports, and auctions., and has written from a financial, technical, news or review standpoint.

He has written in a wide range of automotive and motorsports publications, newspapers, websites and blogs.

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