The faltering economy had many wary of what the industry's largest aftermarket show would bring, but a healthy turnout of more than 50,000 proved the resilience of the aftermarket industry-oil-powered and otherwise.
"A couple of people thought this industry had a stake in its heart before the show," said SEMA chairman Jim Cozzie. "But look around. These folks never stop. They never lay down and they never take no for an answer."
The turnout of outstanding oil-powered rigs was on par with previous years with the number of diesel-powered trucks far outnumbering gas-powered. This number improved with the addition of the "Green is Cool" section in the back of the north hall. Here, the owners of trucks converted to vegetable oil could strut their stuff and brag about their mileage and the fact that their vehicles can run off the deep-fryer grease from most Chinese restaurants.
Also worthy of mention was the biodiesel-converted Hummer that will be driven by Buzz Aldrin to the South Pole, doing environmental research along the way. On its way it will also stop at schools to get kids interested in science. Chances are it's going to get more of them interested in off-roading and diesel trucks.
 If you don't like this paintjob,...  If you don't like this paintjob, there's always other fish in the sea. |  The interior of the fishmobile...  The interior of the fishmobile was pretty awesome as well. |  Bigfoot's flat red paintjob...  Bigfoot's flat red paintjob was different. This truck isn't just a poser, it can jump. |
 Mighty Mouse displayed its...  Mighty Mouse displayed its prowess at rockclimbing on one display. |  |  Kelderman was there with its...  Kelderman was there with its signature lift kit on a Harley-Davidson model. |
 Buzz Aldrin will be piloting...  Buzz Aldrin will be piloting this biodiesel-powered converted Hummer to the South Pole in a scientific mission meant to research global warming and inspire more kids to become scientists. The idea being that a hands-on approach is more appealing. We'd say a Hummer on tracks is about as hands-on as you can get. |  Dino Fuel qualified for the...  Dino Fuel qualified for the "Green is Cool" section at the back of the north hall with its '06 Ford F-250 Harley-Davidson Edition 4x4 Crew Cab shortbed. Powered by a 6.0L Power Stroke converted to a Vegistroke V-3 system, the claim on the rear read "122 mpg." A Kelderman Air Ride along with KMC 20-inch chrome Rockstars and 38.5-inch Pro Comp Extreme All Terrains helped lift this rig above the crowd in more ways than just mileage. |  Kelderman and Dino Fuel teamed...  Kelderman and Dino Fuel teamed up to concoct Big Red, an '03 Dodge 3500 dualie 4x4, the world's first Mega Cab. It's powered by a 5.9L Cummins with a Dino Fuel Alternatives Vegiram system. The cab has been extended to fit the hot ladies that want to ride and the rig sits on 24-inch custom semi wheels and 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires. |
 |  This rig from Full Force looked...  This rig from Full Force looked the part but no one was around to give the details. Apparently, they were out in partial force. |  |
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 |  Snoop Dogg was there in his...  Snoop Dogg was there in his armored car. |  Evil Twin did the suspension...  Evil Twin did the suspension setup on this menacing F-450. Check out those nasty lug nuts. |
 Show attendants admired but...  Show attendants admired but didn't get too close to that even more menacing front rim. |  Coined Narly Davidson, this...  Coined Narly Davidson, this F-250 has an adjustable 10- to 12-inch air lift courtesy of Kelderman, custom-fit dualie rear fenders, F-450 front flares, and 24-inch Super Dome wheels among a slew of other upgrades. |  |
 |  |  The motor on Narly Davidson...  The motor on Narly Davidson wasn't untouched either, with an S&B Intake, a custom 4-inch dual straight-pipe exhaust, and Superchips Flashpaq with a custom tune. |