STEPPIN’ UP TO A LIFTED TUNDRA
March 15, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Spotlighter
Meet the Best New Product Award Winners – Goodguys Columbus 2025
A look at the best of what’s next in the aftermarket
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
The Center of the Aftermarket Universe
The Goodguys 27th Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus once again proved why it’s the crown jewel of summer shows—not just for killer rides, but for the aftermarket industry’s biggest stage. At the heart of the action was the New Product Showcase, where innovation met asphalt and the hottest parts in the game were officially unveiled. Held inside the Bricker Building, this was ground zero for builders, brands, and gearheads looking to see what’s next in performance, style, and drivability.
What’s New, What’s Next
From suspension breakthroughs to slick bolt-ons and next-gen wiring solutions, this curated collection of fresh hardware gave attendees a first look at what’s about to hit the streets—and the shelves. With awards on the line and plenty of eyeballs walking the floor, companies brought their A-game, packing the display cases with smart engineering, clean design, and purpose-built upgrades. Whether you’re a pro builder or garage warrior, this was the place to get hands-on with the future of hot rodding.
Standouts and Award Winners
Among the dozens of innovative offerings, a few products stood out and earned top honors—and they deserve a closer look. The official Goodguys New Product Awards spotlighted some truly clever engineering and fresh thinking, with winners selected for their originality, quality, and impact on the industry. We also had our own favorites from the showcase—pieces that grabbed our attention not just for what they do, but how well they do it. These highlights represent the kind of forward momentum that keeps the aftermarket alive and thriving.
Auto Metal Direct – 2025 Best Exhibitor Booth
Auto Metal Direct (AMD) made a powerful impression at the Columbus show, sweeping the Best Exhibitor Booth award—announced in the official event awards list—where they were recognized for their standout presence and presentation quality. Staking out prime real estate in the Bricker Building, the team created a dynamic, interactive space that buzzed with builder meetups, influencer visits, and live projects. The award reflects AMD’s commitment to showcasing not just parts, but passion—crafting an immersive experience that clearly resonated with both attendees and show judges.
Auto Metal Direct
3348 Gateway Centre Parkway
Gainesville, GA 30507
Toll-Free: (833) 404-4777
2025 Best New Product Garage, Shop and Tools – Crocodile Cloth
Crocodile Cloth PowerSCRUB
Taking home Best New Product in Garage, Shop, and Tools at the 2025 Goodguys Nationals, Crocodile Cloth PowerSCRUB proves that not all wipes are created equal. Designed for the kind of messes that laugh at traditional paper towels, PowerSCRUB features a dual-sided design—one side textured for serious scrubbing power, the other smooth to polish and absorb. Whether you’re dealing with grease, grime, or who-knows-what from under the workbench, this wipe doesn’t flinch.
Engineered with contractor-grade strength and infused with aloe and vitamin E for hand-safe use, PowerSCRUB bridges the gap between rugged performance and skin-friendly comfort. It’s 3X larger than standard wipes, stays moist longer, and is tough enough to handle your dirtiest shop jobs without shredding or smearing. If your tools, hands, or workspace need a deep clean, this award-winning wipe delivers the muscle.
2025 Best New Product Interior Components – Dakota Digital
RTX Instruments for 1995-98 Chevy/GMC Trucks
Winning Best New Product in Interior Components at the 2025 Goodguys Nationals, Dakota Digital’s RTX Instruments for 1995–98 Chevy/GMC trucks deliver the perfect blend of OE style and modern capability. Designed specifically for the final years of the GMT400 platform, this setup nails the look of the late-‘90s dash—so well, in fact, it might fool even the most diehard OBS fans… until the lights come on.
Underneath that era-correct face is a full suite of modern electronics, including CNC-machined housings, crisp LED backlighting in your color of choice, and a high-def TFT message center that can be tailored to show everything you want to see—and nothing you don’t. Installation is plug-and-play thanks to the included control box, making this one of the easiest ways to update your interior without compromising the original vibe. It’s factory style, reimagined with 21st-century brains.
2025 Best New Product Tires and Wheels – Forgeline Motorsports
Carbon Forged Deep Lip Barrel
Snagging Best New Product in Tires and Wheels at the 2025 Goodguys Nationals, Forgeline’s Carbon+Forged Deep Lip Barrel isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a masterclass in modern wheel engineering. At the center of it all is the proprietary carbon fiber barrel, a serious leap forward in reducing unsprung weight where it matters most: the outer perimeter. This deep-lip design doesn’t just look aggressive—it’s functionally lighter, stronger, and more responsive than traditional aluminum.
The result? Less inertia, quicker acceleration, sharper braking, and a real improvement in ride quality and cornering feel. We’re talking 40% lighter than aluminum in the spots that count, backed by lab-tested fatigue strength and impact resistance that surpasses SAE and TUV standards. Pair that with Forgeline’s forged aluminum center and custom finish options, and you’ve got a wheel that delivers exotic-car-level performance in a fully bespoke package. For those who demand the best—and want it to look the part—this barrel leads the pack.
Underneath that era-correct face is a full suite of modern electronics, including CNC-machined housings, crisp LED backlighting in your color of choice, and a high-def TFT message center that can be tailored to show everything you want to see—and nothing you don’t. Installation is plug-and-play thanks to the included control box, making this one of the easiest ways to update your interior without compromising the original vibe. It’s factory style, reimagined with 21st-century brains.
2025 Best New Product Paint and Car Care Products – Griot’s Garage
Griot’s Garage Silicone-Free Detailer
Taking home Best New Product in Paint and Car Care Products at the 2025 Goodguys Nationals, Griot’s Garage Silicone-Free Detailer is the go-to solution when you need a streak-free finish and a clean surface that won’t interfere with your next steps. Designed with both pros and DIY detailers in mind, this high-lubricity spray safely lifts dust, fingerprints, and polish residue without leaving anything behind—literally. No gloss enhancers, no fillers, and absolutely no silicone.
What sets this product apart is its true “body shop safe” formula, making it ideal for fresh paint, pre-refinishing prep, or any application where surface purity matters. It plays nice with every finish—from glossy clear coat to matte and satin—and even works double duty as a clay bar lubricant. Just mist, wipe, and move on. Whether you’re dialing in a ceramic-coated ride or doing final inspection on a fresh build, this detailer gives you a perfectly prepped surface with zero drama.
2025 Best New Product Peoples Choice Award – Pure Choice Motorsports
Pure Heritage Battery Cable Kit
When enthusiasts vote with their hearts—and their builds—you know it’s legit. That’s exactly what happened when Pure Choice Motorsports took home the 2025 People’s Choice Award for their Pure Heritage Battery Cable Kit. Designed to bring both performance and period-correct style under the hood, this American-made kit earned top honors from the people who wrench and drive the hardest.
Crafted with 1-gauge fully insulated copper welding cable and wrapped in vintage-inspired cloth braid, the Pure Heritage kit nails the sweet spot between function and form. The 8-foot positive lead features a red-traced black nylon braid and comes pre-crimped with a terminal and insulator; the 3-foot negative lead is solid black and equally dialed. Add in heavy-duty copper lugs, heat shrink tubing, and the kind of attention to detail that elevates even the smallest part of a build, and it’s no wonder this kit grabbed top votes.
Built to perform. Styled to match your heritage-inspired ride. Approved by the people.
2025 Best New Product Engine & Transmission Components – Rad Rides Performance Parts
Rad Rides 4L80E Billet Transmission Pan
Known for building some of the cleanest, most refined machines on the planet—including the 2025 Street Rod of the Year—Rad Rides by Troy knows the importance of detail. That same philosophy now carries over into their Rad Rides Performance Parts line, and their new 4L80E Billet Transmission Pan proves it’s not just about looks—it’s about performance and precision.
Machined from solid 6061 aluminum, this pan features thick 3/16″ walls for added durability, increased fluid capacity for cooler operating temps, and a raw-machined finish that matches the hardcore aesthetic. The kit comes complete with a premium O-ring, Vibrant drain plug, 17 ARP bolts, and all the filter components and brackets needed for a solid install.
Designed by builders who demand the best—on the lift and on the street—this pan is a perfect blend of form, function, and Rad Rides-level refinement.
2025 Best New Product Body and Glass Components – Revision Rods & Rides
Strong Hold Hood Latch System
Clean, secure, and engineered with intention—the Strong Hold Hood Latch System from Revision Rods & Rides is a refined solution to an often-overlooked detail. Built around a precision ball-and-socket mechanism and a dual claw safety catch, this setup delivers smooth operation with serious holding power.
The motion is intuitive: pull the release, squeeze the safety catch, and lift. Closing the hood is just as seamless—no slamming, no guesswork—just a solid, confident latch.
Whether you’re wrenching in the garage or showing off underhood details at a cruise-in, the Strong Hold system keeps things dialed in and locked down with purpose-built precision.
Revision Rods & Rides
22497 Elk Vale Rd
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 391-0083
Revisionrods@gmail.com
2025 Best New Product Electrical Components – Vintage Air
GEN IV & GEN V Recessed 3 Lever Control Panel
Vintage Air captured the Best New Electrical Component award at the 2025 Goodguys Nationals with their new GEN IV & GEN V Recessed 3 Lever Control Panel, a refined upgrade purpose-built for 1960–63 Chevy pickups. Precision-machined from chrome-plated billet aluminum, the panel brings smooth three-lever operation, soft-white LED backlighting, and a crisp blue “A/C On” indicator—all in a compact, clean layout that complements vintage interiors.
Designed for seamless integration, the panel is a direct bolt-in fit for 1960–63 C10 dashboards, eliminating the need for modification. It supports all Gen IV and Gen V Vintage Air systems and includes a matte Mylar face with included label plates for horizontal or vertical mounting flexibility. The overall fit, finish, and ease of use make this a standout solution for those upgrading a classic pickup with modern climate control—without sacrificing period-correct styling.
