November 2006 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Keith "Copperhead" Blackburn (NLOC#765)

madramper · 10-31-2006, 10:33 PM

...November 2006 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Keith (Copperhead) Blackburn! (NLOC #765)

Keith's truck is one clean and mean first generation Lightning! This truck has been through many stages with just about every combination. Keith has done an awesome job with this truck and built it from the ground up!

1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

I had always liked the style of the early 90 model 454SS' and also the GM sport truck versions that they had out at that time. I thought how cool it would be to have a vehicle that would perform like a sports car and still be useful to haul/tow most anything I needed. The only problem with that was it had to be a Ford, as there was no way I could bear the thought of towing my 11 sec. 88 LX Mustang to the track with a “Chebie” (much less live it down from my friends). I found out about Ford's answer to GM's "so called" sport truck by thumbing through various Mustang magazines and had wanted one from that time on. One Saturday evening in May of 96 on the way back home from a restaurant with the wife and a couple of friends, we drove by a local dealership and spotted one in their used car section. After drooling over it for several minutes, I knew I had to go back on the following Monday for a test drive. To make a long story short, I ended up trading in my 90 model F-150 4X4 for the low mileage (25k) black beauty, and could not have been more satisfied.

2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?

I've had several different vehicles prior to the Lightning which were mostly GM products. I was "somewhat" of a Blue Oval hater in my teen years until I broke down and bought a 5-speed Mustang GT. After owning that for some time, I realized that Ford truly did make a great vehicle. Now I have 4 Fords in my stable: a 95 SHO, an 03 two-tone Harley, another 93L (that is in mint condition & bone stock w/ 51k miles on it and is my D/D) and of course my Pro-Street Lightning. The ironic thing is, now it would be very difficult for me to have any other make.

3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?

I've switched combinations and paint colors more than some guys have changed their oil. I've had almost every supercharger, cylinder head, intake and camshaft ever made to fit these trucks. Go modifications consist of a nitrous injected 514 cubic inch big block crate engine with a C-6 transmission and ladder bar rear suspension. Best ET to date is a 10.40 @128.

Show modifications are numerous. The truck has had practically every seam and hole filled and smoothed. The paint is a somewhat unique color, Copperhead Orange Metallic.

4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?

After towing my truck 1500 miles (round trip) to Lightning Fest 4, I was only able to make one pass due to transmission issues, which was disappointing. The up side of this was Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords ended up doing a photo shoot on my truck, so it wasn't a total loss after all.

5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.

I'm 36 years old, married to my wonderful wife Lois for 14 years, have an 8 year old son Dylan, and a 1-1/2 year old Schnoodle (half Schnauzer/ half Poodle). I have worked as an Underground Purchasing Agent for a Coal Company for the last 15 years. Most of my time is spent either working, turning wrenches on my truck to make it better and faster, or spending time with my family.

6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC?

I've been a user since August 2001 and a member since the middle of 2002. I chose to become a member to help support the board & keep it going. I figured it was the least I could do, considering all the things I've learned about these trucks and the amount of information I've gathered. My truck wouldn't be what it is today without the NLOC.

7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?

Everything is great. I wouldn't change a thing.

8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?

My previous name was 93whitelightning, and I changed it to Copperhead during my trucks “overhaulin” stage to correspond with the new paint scheme I chose.

9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?

I plan on installing an AJE front-end, narrow the rear end housing, w/ new set of wheels and do a couple of other little odds and ends to lighten it up. Hopefully I'll get a high 9 sec pass out of it next spring.

10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.

I would like to thank my wife and son for tolerating all the long hours I put into this thing. I would also like to thank my paint/body guy, Dana Hamilton for laying down the paint and helping with the assembly along the way and many, many friends that I have made here on the NLOC. If it wasn't for the knowledge and wisdom of people like Jerry Skinner (GJLS), Dave Pickrel (Icepick) and many others, my project wouldn't have come together as well as it did.

RhinoRacing · 10-31-2006, 11:12 PM

Congrats Keith

203Cree · 10-31-2006, 11:38 PM

Congrats!

strokin95 · 11-01-2006, 02:56 AM

Way to go Keith

EZ SPEED · 11-01-2006, 04:57 AM

Congrats Keith !!!!

Skritch · 11-01-2006, 05:01 AM

Congratulations Keith !!! Very nice ride...

Scott

REDSVT150 · 11-01-2006, 06:00 AM

Congratulation on all the hard work. Truck is awesome.

Brad

Blue Oval Forever · 11-01-2006, 07:23 AM

Keith, Congrats. The Truck turned out Great.

Vern · 11-01-2006, 09:52 AM

Congrats Keith - awesome paint!!

cultfreak69 · 11-01-2006, 10:29 AM

congrats Keith! if any of you guys have never seen this truck in person you HAVE to go to WFC or L fest next year and see it in person!!! pictures do not do it justice at all!!

Frank5L · 11-01-2006, 11:39 AM

Congrats Keith! Good looking truck for sure!

Blurry94 · 11-01-2006, 02:54 PM

That's one bad azz ride...congrats!

huffentuff95 · 11-01-2006, 04:28 PM

I know I had the pleasure to see this truck in person and one word sums it up STUNNING. The workmanship is TOP Notch, the attention to detail is apparant and easily noticed with a keen eye. I even took some measurments of the roll bar set up and all I got to say is

Only one regret ::: I really wanted to see this BB Ford make some rounds, Oh well I know it will be back and even stronger. Good luck Keith, you deserve it!!!

OLE Huff

lightningDan · 11-01-2006, 05:49 PM

good job keith!!!

Danny

five0drw · 11-01-2006, 08:40 PM

yep... congrates

10-31-2006, 10:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
madramper Supporting Vendor Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alloway, NJ Posts: 11,493 NLOC member #: 937 View this user's gallery iTrader: 43 / 100%	November 2006 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Keith "Copperhead" Blackburn (NLOC#765) ...November 2006 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Keith (Copperhead) Blackburn! (NLOC #765) Keith's truck is one clean and mean first generation Lightning! This truck has been through many stages with just about every combination. Keith has done an awesome job with this truck and built it from the ground up! *1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?* I had always liked the style of the early 90 model 454SS' and also the GM sport truck versions that they had out at that time. I thought how cool it would be to have a vehicle that would perform like a sports car and still be useful to haul/tow most anything I needed. The only problem with that was it had to be a Ford, as there was no way I could bear the thought of towing my 11 sec. 88 LX Mustang to the track with a “Chebie” (much less live it down from my friends). I found out about Ford's answer to GM's "so called" sport truck by thumbing through various Mustang magazines and had wanted one from that time on. One Saturday evening in May of 96 on the way back home from a restaurant with the wife and a couple of friends, we drove by a local dealership and spotted one in their used car section. After drooling over it for several minutes, I knew I had to go back on the following Monday for a test drive. To make a long story short, I ended up trading in my 90 model F-150 4X4 for the low mileage (25k) black beauty, and could not have been more satisfied. *2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?* I've had several different vehicles prior to the Lightning which were mostly GM products. I was "somewhat" of a Blue Oval hater in my teen years until I broke down and bought a 5-speed Mustang GT. After owning that for some time, I realized that Ford truly did make a great vehicle. Now I have 4 Fords in my stable: a 95 SHO, an 03 two-tone Harley, another 93L (that is in mint condition & bone stock w/ 51k miles on it and is my D/D) and of course my Pro-Street Lightning. The ironic thing is, now it would be very difficult for me to have any other make. *3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?* I've switched combinations and paint colors more than some guys have changed their oil. I've had almost every supercharger, cylinder head, intake and camshaft ever made to fit these trucks. Go modifications consist of a nitrous injected 514 cubic inch big block crate engine with a C-6 transmission and ladder bar rear suspension. Best ET to date is a 10.40 @128. Show modifications are numerous. The truck has had practically every seam and hole filled and smoothed. The paint is a somewhat unique color, Copperhead Orange Metallic. *4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?* After towing my truck 1500 miles (round trip) to Lightning Fest 4, I was only able to make one pass due to transmission issues, which was disappointing. The up side of this was Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords ended up doing a photo shoot on my truck, so it wasn't a total loss after all. *5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.* I'm 36 years old, married to my wonderful wife Lois for 14 years, have an 8 year old son Dylan, and a 1-1/2 year old Schnoodle (half Schnauzer/ half Poodle). I have worked as an Underground Purchasing Agent for a Coal Company for the last 15 years. Most of my time is spent either working, turning wrenches on my truck to make it better and faster, or spending time with my family. 6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC? I've been a user since August 2001 and a member since the middle of 2002. I chose to become a member to help support the board & keep it going. I figured it was the least I could do, considering all the things I've learned about these trucks and the amount of information I've gathered. My truck wouldn't be what it is today without the NLOC. *7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?* Everything is great. I wouldn't change a thing. *8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?* My previous name was 93whitelightning, and I changed it to Copperhead during my trucks “overhaulin” stage to correspond with the new paint scheme I chose. *9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?* I plan on installing an AJE front-end, narrow the rear end housing, w/ new set of wheels and do a couple of other little odds and ends to lighten it up. Hopefully I'll get a high 9 sec pass out of it next spring. *10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.* I would like to thank my wife and son for tolerating all the long hours I put into this thing. I would also like to thank my paint/body guy, Dana Hamilton for laying down the paint and helping with the assembly along the way and many, many friends that I have made here on the NLOC. If it wasn't for the knowledge and wisdom of people like Jerry Skinner (GJLS), Dave Pickrel (Icepick) and many others, my project wouldn't have come together as well as it did.

11-01-2006, 04:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
EZ SPEED Boost Kills !!!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oxford, Alabama Posts: 2,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 24 / 100%	Congrats Keith !!!! __________________ SOLD - 2003 Lightning # 1180 SOLD - 1993 Lightning # 5173 2005 Pontiac GTO 2004 Mustang Mach1 2004 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 CrewCab Diesel

11-01-2006, 02:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
Blurry94 Matt C. Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Calhoun Georgia Posts: 2,125 NLOC member #: 1152 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	That's one bad azz ride...congrats! __________________ Pickrel IC'ed Vortech, Stage 2 roller cam, Victor Jr. heads, Pickrel headers and exhaust, FMS Mass Air Pro-M Univer Blow-thru & 42's, tuned with SCT software.

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10-31-2006, 11:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
RhinoRacing Team Vortech Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 2,588 NLOC member #: 387 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Keith

10-31-2006, 11:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
203Cree Fockin Evil Since 1983 Paid Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 1,969 NLOC member #: 1853 View this user's gallery iTrader: 4 / 100%	Congrats!

11-01-2006, 02:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
strokin95 Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Smyrna,Tennessee Posts: 930 NLOC member #: 2059 View this user's gallery iTrader: 1 / 100%	Way to go Keith

11-01-2006, 05:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
Skritch Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The socialist kingdom of Washington State Posts: 4,507 NLOC member #: 1461 View this user's gallery iTrader: 6 / 100%	Congratulations Keith !!! Very nice ride... Scott

11-01-2006, 06:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
REDSVT150 MADMAN Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5,865 NLOC member #: 1291 View this user's gallery iTrader: 42 / 100%	Congratulation on all the hard work. Truck is awesome. Brad

11-01-2006, 07:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
Blue Oval Forever Gen 1 Salvage Yard Owner Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Gretna,Louisiana U.S. Posts: 12,304 NLOC member #: 500 View this user's gallery iTrader: 50 / 100%	Keith, Congrats. The Truck turned out Great.

11-01-2006, 09:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
Vern Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 2,954 NLOC member #: 0072 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	Congrats Keith - awesome paint!!

11-01-2006, 10:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
cultfreak69 wrecking Ed's garage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 5,780 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	congrats Keith! if any of you guys have never seen this truck in person you HAVE to go to WFC or L fest next year and see it in person!!! pictures do not do it justice at all!!

11-01-2006, 11:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Frank5L 1.37 60' on Drag Radials Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central AR Posts: 10,909 View this user's gallery iTrader: 22 / 100%	Congrats Keith! Good looking truck for sure!

11-01-2006, 04:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
huffentuff95 S. STOCK Tuned by Tweecer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Rosenhayn N.J. Posts: 6,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	I know I had the pleasure to see this truck in person and one word sums it up STUNNING. The workmanship is TOP Notch, the attention to detail is apparant and easily noticed with a keen eye. I even took some measurments of the roll bar set up and all I got to say is Only one regret ::: I really wanted to see this BB Ford make some rounds, Oh well I know it will be back and even stronger. Good luck Keith, you deserve it!!! OLE Huff

11-01-2006, 05:49 PM	#14 (permalink)
lightningDan Namasté Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fairhaven, Ma Posts: 4,414 NLOC member #: 1935 View this user's gallery iTrader: 8 / 100%	good job keith!!! Danny

11-01-2006, 08:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
five0drw Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,410 NLOC member #: 354 View this user's gallery iTrader: 3 / 100%	yep... congrates