Últimas noticias

K&N-Sponsored Phat Phabz Takes On The Aluminum Body of a Ford F-150

The F-150 includes a K&N AirCharger intake and cabin air filter.

The pickup includes a K&N intake that offers an estimated boost of 23.01 horsepower

Many may not know it, but an aluminum body can present problems for anyone trying to bodydrop and 'bag a pickup truck.

“Aluminum can present a problem when cutting the floor and body of a pickup truck,” explained Jake McKiddie, owner of Phat Phabz in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McKiddie is well known as an airbagged suspension expert. Many vehicles he has converted have been showcased at shows across the country including the SEMA Show. He is also known as the fabricator who was the first to bodydrop and 'bag a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado as well as a 2016 Silverado. He was also first to bodydrop and 'bag an aluminum body Ford F-150.

“In order to do it right you need welding skills,” he added.

McKiddie was able to show off those skills when Matt and Michelle Holden of Dallas, Texas, asked him to bodydrop their 2016 Ford F-150. Not only was he tasked to perform this procedure, McKiddie also set the goal of making a full aluminum chassis with a bumper-to-bumper frame for the vehicle.

He was able to achieve both.

The air suspension system features Firestone F9000 airbags in the rear and Airlift 2600 Dominator 'bags up front. An Airlift Performance 3H controller that includes a fully integrated manifold and five custom presets that adjusts and maintain height and pressure controls the air system. The kit also includes height sensors that allow the system to automatically adapt to changes caused by the vehicle load. In addition, the system includes anti-cross loading plus axle equalization that corrects height without extreme changes in pressure, a show mode that permits either Matt or Michelle to control the air management with the vehicle turned off as well as through a smartphone thanks to the I-Level mobile app.

A Flo Airride Mfg. four-gallon air tank is mounted in the bed of the truck that maintains each of the four air bags in the suspension. A Bullet bed liner was included to protect the bed, which is covered with an Extang bed cover. In order to accommodate the lowered body of the F-150, the stock wheels and tires were exchanged for Intro EZ 26x9/26x12 wheels and Lexani LX30 295/30R26 tires.

2016 Ford F-150 bodydropped and 'bagged at the 2016 SEMA show

Featured at the entrance to South Hall, the Phat Phabz F-150 was an absolute showstopper at SEMA

The stock 3.6-liter V6 twin turbocharged EcoBoost engine was retained. However, its performance capability has been enhanced with the inclusion of a K&N 63-2592 AirCharger air intake system and a tune by Bo Woody of APS Automotive of Tuttle, Oklahoma.

The selection of the K&N 63-2592 AirCharger air intake system proved ideal for the F-150. The system provides an estimated boost of 23.01 horsepower at 3505 rpm. Moreover, Bo Woody of APS Automotive of Tuttle, Oklahoma, tuned the stock 3.6-liter V6 turbocharged EcoBoost engine. So the tune and the intake combined assist the engine to offer a total 438 horsepower, an increase of 100 horsepower from the stock engine alone.

Another benefit to the intake is that the Holdens will never have to replace the RC-5173 air filter featured in the intake. That’s because the filter is washable and reusable and can last for up to 100,000 miles of driving depending on conditions before it needs to be cleaned.

K&N offers the 99-5000 filter care service kit that is specially formulated to cleanse the filter after every 100,000 miles of use. That means that it can be used over and over again for the life of the car. The filter is backed by the K&N 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, which promises that it will last up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles before it needs to be replaced.

In addition, a VF2049 cabin air filter replaced the stock cabin air filter to ensure that the cab of the F-150 remained fresh. The filter is electrostatically charged to catch and hold dirt, dust, and other contaminants including mold, mildew, fungus, spores, bacteria, germs, pollen and allergens. This filter is also washable and reusable.

To clean the cabin air filter, K&N offers the 99-6000 cabin air filter cleaning kit that is formulated to cleanse and recharge the filter after 12 months or 12,000 miles of driving so that it can be used over and over again. In fact, the VF2049 cabin air filter is backed by a 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

CD Designs of Edmond, Oklahoma did the exterior paint and graphics work. According to McKiddie, his portion of the project took about two weeks and the paintwork was done in six weeks, which calculates to a total of 8 weeks to complete the project.

The F-150 was finished in time to drive it to Las Vegas, Nevada to appear in the Extang Bed Cover booth at the 2016 SEMA Show.

clear

K&N PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY K&N

K&N Street Metal Air Intake Can Add Serious Passing Power to Your Harley Twin-Cam

Boost performance on your Harley V-Twin with the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake Syste

Boost performance on your Harley V-Twin with the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System

It could be argued that Harley Davidson is the most iconic American motorcycle brand in history. They started way back in 1903, served in two world wars, and have dominated the roads and pop culture ever since. Part of what makes them so recognizable is the deafening "Potato! Potato!" exhaust note. Not only are their engines huge, but the aircooled Harley V-Twin setup allows them to create massive amounts of torque all the way through the revband. The 2008-2011 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 96 V-Twin and 2009-2015 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 103 V-Twin are two of the latest generation engines, and they feature modern tech like electronic fuel injection and 4-valve heads. With loads of torque in stock form, the big Harley V-Twin can easily muscle you down the road. But if you want even more pulling power, then you're going to want a K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System.

In order to convert gasoline into noise and power, the Harley V-Twin draws in air through the stock paper air filter, then mixes it with the gas inside the cylinders. As the fuel is ignited, that air serves as a catalyst for the detonation. However, the air being collected through the stock intake has a tendency to be warm and turbulent due to the restrictive design. Air has to enter a small hole behind the chrome air cleaner cover, then pass through the thick paper air filter, which usually has a layer of dirt collected on the surface. This reduces the oxygen content of the air, which in turn reduces the amount of horsepower and torque that the engine can make during the combustion cycle. The K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System on the other hand, is designed to reduce the airflow restrictions and let in more cold air. It also looks great, and that K&N performance air filter can go up to 100,000 miles before it needs to be cleaned (depending on road conditions).

The key to this K&N High-Flow Intake is the internal run breather system, which collects a much larger volume of cold air through the exposed cotton-gauze air filter, then injects it directly into the throttle body on the side of the motor. This steady flow of cold air allows the Harley V-Twin to make power at much lower RPMs, resulting in faster throttle response and a lot more passing power. This power increase was verified by installing a K&N RK-3946 Street Metal Intake System on a 2015 Harley Street Glide 103ci, then testing it on a chassis dyno. The results showed an estimated increase of 7.56 horsepower and 8.96 lb-ft of torque. Of course your individual results may vary, based on the condition, modifications and mileage on your specific Harley.

Dyno results for a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide Twin Cam 103 V-Twin running the K&N RK-3946

Dyno results for a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide Twin Cam 103 V-Twin running the K&N RK-3946 Str

Tight emissions standards in California, as well as other states that use California Emissions Standards, prevent the K&N RK-3946 Intake System from being street legal in those states. To find out if this system is street legal in your state, click here.

From extra power, to a beautiful chrome finish, the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake is the perfect upgrade for your Harley. To learn more about this and other K&N Harley Davidson performance parts, click here to use the Search by Vehicle Tool, or here to find a K&N dealer near you.

Features & Benefits of the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System

  • Designed for the 2008-2011 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 96 V-Twin and 2009-2015 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 103 V-Twin
  • Guaranteed to increase horsepower
  • Guaranteed to increase torque
  • Provides faster throttle response
  • Additional airflow allows the V-Twin engine to produce power at low RPMs
  • Improves engine sound
  • Uses a double gasket to prevent vibration
  • Includes a sturdy billet aluminum mounting plate and polished cover
  • Washable K&N performance air filter can last up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on road conditions)
  • Installation takes around 90 minutes
  • Backed by the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRXS ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLRT FREEWHEELER 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXS STREET GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTKL ULTRA LIMITED LOW 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUL ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC LOW 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXXX STREET GLIDE TRIKE 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXXX STREET GLIDE TRIKE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models

The K&N RK-3946 Intake System comes with everything you'll need for a secure installation

The K&N RK-3946 Intake System comes with everything you'll need for a secure installation

clear

K&N PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY K&N

K&N's Lifetime Reusable Air Filter Adds Performance to Your Suzuki TU250X

SU-2497 air filter side view

The SU-2497 is engineered for a perfect fit and tight seal

So what can we call this new market segment? Maybe it’s ‘minimalist retro’ or possibly ‘compact classic.’ Whatever you call it, it’s smart, sensible, and cool. Suzuki’s TU250X is a part of a growing market share of motorcycles that are small on displacement but high on style and function. The rest of the world has long embraced these svelte machines and now Americans are joining the bandwagon.

In the case of the of the TU250X, Suzuki has wrapped a 249cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-oil cooled SOHC engine in a user-friendly package that makes city riding and commuting a simple pleasure. However, anytime you are dealing with an engine that is low on cubic centimeters, any boost in performance is welcome. That is where the K&N SU-2497 air filter comes in. Like every K&N direct replacement filter, the SU-2497 is designed to provide increased horsepower and torque. That potential increase comes with the added airflow that the filter supplies to the Suzuki’s little throttle body. A bit more zip when merging into traffic, pulling away from a stop light, or getting to that last campus parking spot is a very good thing.

SU-2497 air filter side view

The K&N pleated filter media in the SU-2497 increases airflow and provides great filtration

Since sensibility is the name of the game with the Suzuki TU250X, it’s logical to install the most sensible air filter on the market. The SU-2497 is a lifetime filter making the need to purchase and dispose of paper filters a thing of the past. To top it off, the filter’s pleated media provides a large filtration area that provides extended service intervals. When service is needed, it a simple process of cleaning and re-oiling the unit with K&N’s 99-5000 recharging kit.

Engine protection is a top priority at K&N and the SU-2497’s layers of woven cotton gauze media offer top-notch filtration. In fact, K&N’s testing shows an overall filtration efficiency of 99% with the SU-2497. Look at the test data sheet on the product page of the filter for the details on the testing protocol. To cap it off, the base seal and sealing bead are carefully engineered to provide a fit that helps prevent the chance of unclean air from entering the Suzuki’s intake. The filter is backed by K&N’s Million-Mile Limited Warranty and is made in the USA.

SU-2497 filter and box

The SU-2497 comes pre-oiled and ready to install

The SU-2497 fits the models listed below:

2016 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2015 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2014 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2013 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2012 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2011 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2010 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2009 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models

clear

K&N PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY K&N

Smokin' Motorcycles de Los Países Bajos Construye una Ducati Café Racer

Motocicleta de Competencia Café Ducati Personalizada construida por Smokin' Motorcycles

El 4Nol se sienta con una inclinación hacia adelante (Foto cortesía de mkfotografie.nl 2016)

La pasión por los carros y motocicletas de Maarten Timmer viene desde su abuelo, Arnold, quien fue un mecánico y también su mentor. Es solo de esperar que la increíblemente nueva Ducati Café Racer de Timmer hace homenaje al hombre que era mejor conocido como 'Nol.'. El prototipo construido, que lleve el número de producción 001, también lleva el amado apodo 4Nol. No se necesita ser un genio para descifrar el significado de esos cuatro caracteres. El trabajo de amor fue diseñado y fabricado por Timmer, pero fue completado de la mano y con la ayuda de Rob Van Der Heijden.

El concepto comenzó con la lamentación de Timmer por un esquelético semblante de un marco, un par de neumáticos, y un conjunto de horcas que languidecían en un cobertizo. La visión del constructor era la de una motocicleta café impecable y única construida alrededor de un motor 900ie de Ducati. Una vez que la reconstruida planta de poder L-twin italiana fue ajustada en el marco, el verdadero arte comenzó. Un núcleo de espuma para el modelo de arcilla del asiento y la carrocería fue hecha y ajustada al chasis. Para mantener la visión de una café racer impecable, todo el tanque, el asiento, y la pieza final fueron diseñados y esculpidos en unísono en el modelo de arcilla.

En un proceso que el querido abuelo de Timmer no pude haber imaginado, el diseño final del modelo de arcilla fue llevado a data 3D CAD, haciendo uso de un escáner 3D. Esta información sirvió como punto inicial para el cuerpo de una pieza digitalmente perfeccionado del 4Nol. Cuando se completó esta etapa, los moldes de fibra de vidrio fueron hecho y la carrocería final fue laminada. El resultado final de este esfuerzo táctil y digital fue exactamente la silueta unificada e impecable que Timmer deseaba. Ahora Smokin' Motorcycles ofrece este cuerpo como un kit para Ducati Monsters.

Custom Cafe Racer Motorcycle built by Smokin Motorcycles with Ducati motor

Note que el filtro de aire de rendimiento de K&N en el corazón de esta obra de arte neerlandés (Foto cortesía de mkfotografie.nl 2016)

La belleza de la 4Nol va más allá de las líneas tan cuidadosamente creadas con la carrocería. El rendimiento de la moto complementa su estética agresiva. Para comenzar, los pulmones del motor Ducati, los carburadores Dell'Ortho PHM40 fueron montados en un distribuidor de entrada de 41mm. Apuntando hacia adelante de los carburadores están un par de filtros de aire de rendimiento cónicos de K&N. Pueden ver claramente el K&N a través del marco enrejado. Los chicos de Smokin' reportan que el K&N ayuda a generar un gran nivel de torsión en bajas revoluciones y también proporciona un maravilloso 'sonido áspero y voraz' de la entrada. ¡Una buena descripción caballeros!

Al final del escape, Smokin' Motorcycles desarrolló un nuevo sistema distribuidor de escape que conduce hasta los dos silenciadores de megáfono de Chispa. Ambos silenciadores son montados con los hermosos frenos acordonados CNC, los cuales fueron diseñados en las instalaciones de Smokin' Motorcycles. Las boquillas de escape yacen en un ángulo agresivamente aerodinámico, y el sonido que emana de ellos es igualmente agresivo.

Ninguna herramienta estilística o de rendimiento quedó sin utilizar en la 4Nol. El marco, el brazo oscilante, y las ruedas comparten el mismo revestimiento negro satinado, y la carrocería está pintada con un hermoso gris metálico. Se ajusta un parachoques frontal de fibra de carbón, y barras de montado fácil se instalan en un triple árbol superior visualmente resaltante. En extremo inferior, se montan los tacos para los pies al marco personalizado. El motor es acentuado con los detalles como las cubiertas de la correa del tiempo de aluminio, cubierta de embrague, y una platina de presión dorada.

El paquete completo alcanza lo que el ojo de Timmer destacó cuando miró a un caso perdido en el cobertizo. El 4Nol es una mezcla ecléptica de influencias. Fue creada por visionarios neerlandeses, late con un corazón italiano, y es un perfecto tributo al legado del abuelo. Esa es una motocicleta con carácter y propósito.

Custom Cafe Racer Motorcycle with Ducati motor built by Smokin Motorcycles

Esa hermosa carrocería es el resultado del arte manual y digital (Foto cortesía de mkfotografie.nl 2016)

Con la visión completada del 4Nol, los muchachos de Smokin' Motorcycles están con otra gran construcción personalizada. Tienen sus narices en conjunto para una motocicleta que lleva por nombre Ghost Dog ('Perro Fantasma'). Tenga por seguro que este perro tendrá un ladrido y una mordida, ¡y lo hará con estilo!

Si usted es un dueño de una Ducati, usted puede añadir algo de estilo y rendimiento con el filtro de aceite KN-153 de K&N o un filtro de aire. Use la herramienta búsqueda de K&N por vehículo para encontrar las partes adecuadas para sus necesidades.

clear

BÚSQUEDA DE PRODUCTO K&N     DÓNDE COMPRAR K&N

An Army of One: SSGT. Hank Robinson (ret) and his Epic SEMA Ford F-150 Show Truck

Ret. Staff Sergeant Hank Robinson served with the 158th Infantry Battalion & 2/2 Infantry Battal

Ret. Staff Sergeant Hank Robinson served with the 158th Infantry Battalion & 2/2 Infantry Battalion

The 2016 SEMA Show was filled with amazing displays of horsepower and skill. There were also many heartwarming stories, tearful memories, and cars that were built as a tribute to someone's lost father, brother, child or spouse. At first glance, the 2016 Ford H-150 Freedom Blues SEMA show truck could easily fall into the tribute category. Its all aluminum body is engraved with images that pay homage to the men and women in the U.S. military. These heroes risk their lives to keep us safe, and this big blue truck will certainly remind you of what our freedom can cost. But there's more to this truck than just custom wheels, a trick interior, and engraved artwork. It's 2 tons of rumbling proof that a soldier really can survive civilian life.

Before you can understand the Freedom Blues truck, you have to meet the man behind it: Hank Robinson. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 158th Infantry Battalion and 2/2 Infantry Battalion, and has been deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. In his decade of service, Hank received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Army Commendation Medal for valor, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. But when he finally returned to civilian life in 2011, Robinson struggled. "When I got out, the transition was pretty tough. You know, trying to find your place, and that stability in life."

It took Hank Robinson over 800-hrs to engrave all of the images on his 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues

It took Hank Robinson over 800 hours to engrave all of the images on his 2016 F-150

For many combat veterans, re-entering civilian life isn't as easy as it might seem. They've somehow managed to stay one step ahead of death, while their brothers fell all around them. Gunfire from a sun drenched rooftop, an IED hidden alongside the road, women and children running for their lives as a gunfight erupts on their once peaceful street. There's literally a thousand ways in a war zone, and surviving a deployment can require an inner fortitude that no civilian could possibly grasp. Then one day they just get on a plane, and it's suddenly Peyton Manning commercials, traffic jams, and a Big Mac combo whenever the mood strikes. The excitement of starting a new life is meaningless for some of our war heroes, because they're still stuck in survival mode. This is why Hank Robinson decided to take a metalworking class in 2011. And as luck would have it, engraving turned out to be his ticket to a normal life.

One of the actual combat photos used to create the artwork on Hanro Studios Freedom Blues Ford F-150

One of the actual combat photos used to create the artwork on Hanro Studios Freedom Blues Ford F-150

For 2015, the completely redesigned Ford F-150 featured the world's first application of a full aluminum body in the light-duty pickup segment. This gave owners a weight savings of up to 700 lbs, which translated into significant gains in both fuel economy and performance. It also provided Hank Robinson with the perfect palette to show off his engraving skills. Unlike steel, aluminum is softer and much easier to work with. So when Mr. Robinson applies the tip of his Dremel tool to this metal, he's able to carve out an incredible level of detail. "When I made my first piece, they (a family member) absolutely loved it. And it was kinda that warm & fuzzy feeling you know? It just clicked."

Mastering the art of engraving didn't take Hank very long, and he started Hanro Studios out of his garage in 2011. Engraving helped to fill a void for this Veteran Infantry Squad Leader. The escape of working with his own two hands helped shift Robinson's focus from the past, to future projects and new ideas. "In order to build a new life, you've got to find something that you love, really honestly think about it. Find something that makes you happy, then try to focus on it to where you can do it as a hobby, or as a career. Then stick with it, don't give up on it. You have to put in the time and you have to put in the effort, you have to really work at it." And work at it he did. Hanro Studios went from selling engraved gifts online, to creating full-on custom pieces for celebrities, sports stars and musicians. In only a few short years, Hanro Studios outgrew Robinson's garage, so he moved into a 16,000 sq-ft space with FX Auto Body in Avondale, Arizona. This has allowed Hank to collaborate with FX owner Troy Buck on some wicked-cool projects. Like the Ford F-150 Freedom Blues truck they created for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Roadwire leather interior & custom American Flag Headliner in the Hanro Studios Freedom Blues F-

Roadwire leather interior & custom American Flag Headliner in the Hanro Studios Freedom Blues F-150

This ambitious show truck started life as a Charcoal Gray 2016 Ford F-150 XLT 5.0, and after 3-months of work, was transformed into a literal rolling piece of art. To give the F-150 Freedom Blues some serious altitude, a McGaughys 6.5 lift was installed, along with custom engraved E-Line series brake rotors from R1 Concepts, and 22x14 American Force wheels wrapped in knobby Nitto Trail Grappler tires. Troy Buck then airbrushed special black details onto the wheels to make them really pop. He also did all the cool 'H-150' logos, and he airbrushed an American flag, bald eagle, and a Veterans memorial onto the door jambs. This flag motif flows into the Roadwire leather interior and custom American Flag Headliner that was designed and installed by Kevin Kinsey and Hank Robinson. The custom matte blue paint was created by House of Kolor, and Troy even color matched the Anzo USA headlight housings before fitting laser engraved lenses from West Coast Retrofit (one lens features the WCR logo, and the other is engraved with the Hanro Studios logo). Other notable features include Vision X lights, Fab Fours Vengeance bumpers and roof rack, a Royalty Kore Grille and Amp Research power folding side steps.

Robinson even engraved an American flag onto the K&N 77-2591KP High-Flow Air Intake tube

Robinson even engraved an American flag onto the K&N 77-2591KP high-flow air intake tube

To make the 2016 Ford F-150 Freedom Blues SEMA truck perform as good as it looks, Hank fitted an SCT tuner, custom engraved Gibson exhaust, and a K&N 77-2591KP high-flow air intake system. Not only does this low-restriction air intake add an estimated 13-hp to the 2016 F-150 5.0L. But Robinson even engraved an American flag onto the aluminum K&N intake tube so it would blend with the rest of his rolling masterpiece. "K&N has the best performance products on the market, and I've been using K&N filters on my personal rides for years. They add power, they last forever, and K&N's always supported me. So there was no question the Freedom Blues truck had to have an engraved K&N intake".

Besides all of the incredible modifications and paintwork, what really makes the 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues truck standout is the engraved body. He worked with actual combat photos that depict what it's like to serve in the different branches of the U.S. military. Hank then spent over 800 hours engraving these pictures onto the body of the truck. The hood, fenders, doors, tailgate and more were all touched by Robinson's artistic hand. He even engraved some of artwork in front of live audiences at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. And you might expect, there was an outpouring of appreciation from both active and retired military members, and their families. Not only were they blown away by the engravings, but Robinson's message of hope and determination resonated with many of them. It still surprises this soft-spoken soldier how many people find him to be "inspiring". However, he reckons that "if you focus on something and don't give up, someone may see what you're doing and realize they can do it too."

The 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues on display at the 2016 SEMA Show

The 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues on display at the 2016 SEMA Show

Starting in 2017, Hank Robinson and his 2016 Ford F-150 Freedom Blues show truck will be appearing at truck shows throughout the country. To find out where Hank will be appearing, you can like the Freedom Blues page on Facebook. We at K&N would like to thank Mr. Robinson for his service to our country, and we encourage all active and retired service men and women to go check out the Freedom Blues F-150 in person. Because it's not only cool to look at, but it could also inspire you to find something new to love about life.

clear

K&N PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY K&N

Fil el Filtro
Chatear ahora