TMCP #666: SEMA 2026 Part 2 – Ringbrothers’ “BILLIE” GTO and the Story Behind It, Oracle’s Classic-Car LED Upgrades, Vapor Trapper Takes the Gas Smell Out of Your Garage, Vintage Air Keeps Your Classics Comfortable, and Detroit Speed Goes Mopar!

A mother’s beloved Pontiac inspires a Ringbrothers custom, a teenage Mustang project launches a lighting company, and Detroit Speed finally gives classic Mopars some serious pro-touring attention! Our second of three SEMA 2026 episodes brings five conversations from the Las Vegas show floor, with stories that go well beyond the specifications on the display signs.

Mike and Jim Ring introduce BILLIE, their 1965 Pontiac GTO-inspired convertible built from a rough Tempest. The customer wanted to recapture memories of his mother’s Pontiac, while the brothers wanted to preserve the styling that made the ’65 special. They explain the widened bodywork, LT4 and 10-speed automatic, Roadster Shop chassis, and cleverly adapted Ford Galaxie seats. The conversation also takes an unexpected turn as they share their account of the Aston Martin cease-and-desist dispute, discuss the freedom to modify cars, and explain why knowing what to leave alone can be the hardest part of a custom build.

Next, Oracle Lighting founder Justin Hartenstein shows Rob how modern LED technology can fit behind original taillight lenses. From Fox-body Mustangs and third-gen Camaros to classic Chargers, the discussion covers installation, sequential signals, startup animations, and the engineering behind an even glow. Justin also shares how his four-cylinder ’87 Mustang became a 351 Windsor project—and how garage-built lighting modifications eventually grew into Oracle.

Tom Mischke of Vapor Trapper tackles a problem familiar to many classic-car owners: a beautiful vehicle that leaves the garage smelling like gasoline. His serviceable charcoal canisters address fuel-tank vent odors, with different sizes and mounting options for custom installations. Tom explains how the product developed through his restoration business, why replaceable charcoal matters, and how builders including Ringbrothers, Fat Fender Garage, and Detroit Speed are incorporating it into their work.

Rick Love returns with Vintage Air’s latest developments, including brushless cooling-fan kits, expanding SureFit applications, configurable control-panel lighting, and a portable hose crimper. Rob also reflects on meeting Rick during his first SEMA trip in 2010 and the help Rick has offered ever since. In the episode introduction, Rob celebrates Rick’s ARMO Hall of Fame induction—an honor Rick hadn’t mentioned during their interview.

Finally, Detroit Speed build shop manager Zach Arlen walks through the company’s new Aluma-Fra