See how K&N Detailing in Orlando, Florida built a custom Honda Acty kei truck for SEMA. From paint correction to ceramic coating, explore our full SEMA build process.
Introduction: Bringing a Honda Acty SEMA Build to Life
Building a vehicle for the SEMA Show is one of the highest achievements in the automotive world. For K&N Detailing in Orlando, Florida, our goal was to create a build that reflected our craftsmanship, creativity, and relentless attention to detail. That vision came to life through our custom Honda Acty SEMA build.
Rather than following the traditional supercar or full-size truck route, we chose a Honda Acty kei truck—a platform that’s unique, unexpected, and perfectly suited to showcase high-end detailing and finishing work. The result was a SEMA-quality build that turned heads and represented our brand on a global stage.
Why We Chose the Honda Acty Kei Truck for SEMA
The Honda Acty is a Japanese kei truck known for its compact size, reliability, and character. In a show filled with exotic builds, we wanted something that would stand out instantly.
What Made the Acty the Perfect Choice:
- Rare and eye-catching platform in the U.S.
- Lightweight and highly customizable
- Growing popularity in the import and kei truck scene
- Ideal canvas to showcase professional detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coatings
Choosing the Acty allowed us to tell a story—transforming a humble utility truck into a SEMA showpiece built with precision and purpose.
Planning the SEMA Build: Vision, Design, and Execution
Every successful SEMA build starts with a clear plan. From day one, our objective was to keep the build clean, cohesive, and detail-focused.
Our vision included:
- Show-quality paint and finish
- Clean exterior aesthetics without over complication
- SEMA-level detailing standards inside and out
- A build that reflected the K&N Detailing brand
This wasn’t about excess—it was about flawless execution.
This process took over 3 years to fully execute.
Paint Correction and Exterior Refinement
One of the most critical aspects of our Honda Acty SEMA build was the exterior finish. Under SEMA lighting, even the smallest imperfections are visible.
Before protection was applied, the paint underwent a complete:
- Multi-stage paint correction
- Swirl mark and scratch removal
- Paint leveling and refinement
- Final polishing for maximum gloss and clarity
This process ensured the paint looked flawless from every angle, whether viewed up close or from across the show floor. This process took 30+ hours to get it looking perfect!
Ceramic Coating for SEMA-Level Protection
Once the exterior was perfected, we applied a professional-grade Gtechniq ceramic coating to lock in the results.
- Enhanced gloss and depth
- Long-term paint protection
- Resistance to light scratches, dust, and contaminants
- Easier cleaning during and after the SEMA Show
Ceramic coating is a crucial step for any show car, and it’s one of the most popular services we offer at K&N Detailing in Orlando, Florida.
Wheels, Stance, and Exterior Details
The exterior details completed the overall look of the Honda Acty. From the wheel setup to the stance, every element was chosen to complement the vehicle rather than overpower it.
Key focus areas included:
- Clean wheel and tire fitment
- Balanced stance for show presentation
- Subtle exterior accents
- Consistent finish across all surfaces
Every detail was intentional and aligned with the overall vision of the build. Especially showing off our Hello Special Widebody Kit.
Interior Detailing and Finishing Touches
SEMA builds are judged on details—inside and out. The interior of the Acty received the same level of attention as the exterior.
Interior services included:
- Deep interior detailing
- Trim and plastic restoration
- Glass polishing
- Finishing touches in hard-to-see areas
- Custom suede headliner with starlights
- Custom suede centerconsole
- Entire Dash and Door Panels being Flocked
- Mooneyes fabric in door panel inserts
- Reupholstered Seats
This level of care is what separates a standard build from a true SEMA-quality vehicle.
Challenges of Building a Honda Acty for SEMA
Building a SEMA vehicle comes with challenges, especially on a unique platform like a kei truck.
Some of the biggest challenges included:
- Sourcing rare Honda Acty parts
- Working within tight SEMA deadlines
- Balancing creativity with simplicity
- Meeting show-level expectations across the entire vehicle
These challenges pushed us to refine our processes and elevate our standards even further.
The Honda Acty SEMA Reveal
Seeing our Honda Acty SEMA build on the show floor was a moment we’ll never forget. Surrounded by world-class builds, the Acty drew attention, sparked conversations, and showcased what’s possible when passion meets precision.
For K&N Detailing, this build represented:
- The power of creativity in automotive detailing
- The growth of small businesses with big goals
- Our commitment to elite-level workmanship
Project Sponsors and Partners
This Honda Acty SEMA build would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and partners who helped bring this vision to life. Each brand played a key role in elevating the build to true SEMA standards.
We would like to give a special thank you to:
- Toyo Tires – High-performance tires that completed the stance and performance of the build
- XKGlow – Custom lighting solutions that added a modern, show-stopping touch
- Airlift Performance – Air suspension components that delivered the perfect SEMA-ready stance
- Viair – Reliable air management and compressor solutions
- Iceboxx Customs – Climate and custom solutions that supported the overall build functionality
- Universal Air – Advanced air suspension components for smooth and precise control
- Upturn Prints – High-quality custom graphics and printed elements
- Speedzone Performance – Performance expertise and support throughout the build process
- Squared Designs – Creative design elements that helped define the visual identity of the Acty
- Dabitat – Professional-grade paint booth solutions that provided a controlled environment for high-quality painting and refinishing
- Tropic Glitz Paint – Custom automotive paint products that delivered the vibrant finish and show-quality appearance seen on the SEMA floor
Their collaboration, craftsmanship, and shared passion for automotive excellence helped transform our Honda Acty into a true SEMA showpiece.
What This SEMA Build Means for K&N Detailing
This Honda Acty project reflects exactly what K&N Detailing Orlando stands for:
- Precision craftsmanship
- High-end paint correction
- Professional ceramic coatings
- Obsessive attention to detail
Whether we’re working on exotic cars, daily drivers, or custom builds, our mission remains the same—deliver SEMA-level results on every vehicle.
Serving Orlando and Central Florida
K&N Detailing proudly serves Orlando, Florida and the surrounding Central Florida area, specializing in:
- Paint correction
- Ceramic coatings
- Show car detailing
- Custom automotive projects
If you’re looking for professional detailing services in Orlando, FL, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.
Contact K&N Detailing Orlando, FL
If our Honda Acty SEMA build inspired you and you’re ready to elevate your vehicle, contact K&N Detailing in Orlando, Florida today.
Follow our journey, explore our services, and experience what SEMA-level detailing looks like—every single day.
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