Classic Instruments Puts Finishing Touch On Outstanding SEMA Show

Gauges — everyone needs them! Whether you are doing a straight restoration or an outrageous restomod, gauges are a critical part of any build. How else do you know what your systems are doing? Much like wheels, the gauge cluster you choose can make or break the build. Get it right and everyone will be talking about it. Get it wrong and everyone will be talking about it — but for the wrong reasons.

Classic Instruments knows the game better than anyone. It has been building some of the finest instrumentation for 43-years now. One of the company’s mottos is, “we build it better, or we don’t build it.” That is an essential part of the culture of the Boyne City, Michigan, company, who build everything in-house. Every gauge is custom-built for each customer.

Classic Instruments introduced three new products at SEMA this year, including a 4 5/8-inch speedo with an LED display, a '66 -'67 Chevelle instrument cluster, and a 2 1/8-inch tachometer.

Industry Commitment

The level of commitment that Classic Instruments puts into every build is the reason why so many top designers and builders choose them when it comes to putting the finishing touch on an interior. It is also why the company, and it’s employees, are so well respected.

That respect was evident during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) dinner, where the president of the company, John McLeod, received the Industry Recognition Award for his service to the aftermarket. Each year, the HRIA presents this award to an individual who has made an “exceptional contribution to the hot rod industry over the past 10 years; the recipient must be an employee or principle of an HRIA-member company in good standing.”

John McLeod was honored with an HRIA Industry Recognition award during its SEMA banquet. Not only does he help in the auto industry, but he also helps his community as a police officer.

The next time you’re at a car show, take note of all the gauge clusters with Classic Instruments on them. You will be astounded.

Case in point, SEMA 2019 is one of the most significant shows in which to debut a vehicle as prominent builders vie for one of the top spots in the Battle of the Builders competition. In the short time since the SEMA Ignited part of the SEMA Show began, it has quickly risen to prominence with shows such as the Grand National Roadster Show and Detroit Autorama because the entire industry is there and in the spotlight.

Right in the heart of Hot Rod Alley, this was one busy crew working the booth during the SEMA Show. From left to right: John McLeod, Bill Mullins, Judy Mullins, Cliff Carey, and Ron Hanna.

SEMA is a wonderful conundrum for auto enthusiasts. With over one million square feet of exhibition space, simply seeing all the four-wheeled wonders brought to Las Vegas is a task in itself. Automotive journalists work the four-day show photographing all the shiny cars and new products, bringing back the tantalizing news to our readers.

After the smoke cleared and we reviewed our photos, we were amazed at how many of the builds at SEMA 2019 were running Classic Instruments gauges. We thought it would be fun to pull out some of the gems for you to see. These builds are a great representation that almost anything you can think of, Classic Instruments can create. So, in no particular order, we give you some of our favorite rides, all sporting CI gauges. Enjoy the eye candy…