December 2006 Gen 2 TOTM - Congratulations to Matt "scuba-matt" Hermes (NLOC#2117)

Ronnie · 11-30-2006, 08:53 PM

December 2006 Gen 2 Truck Of The Month - Congratulations to Matt (scuba-matt) Hermes (NLOC #2117)

This month the Gen 2 TOTM is the last production year model (2004) for the Gen 2's and is a "DSG" Dark Shadow Gray Lightning that belongs to scuba-matt. This truck is beautiful! The attention to detail and hard work show. Meet Matt and take time to view and read about this beautiful, clean "DSG" Gen 2 Lightning!

1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

My interest in Lightnings started in the early 90"s with the release of the Gen 1's. I liked the performance, style, looks and the fact that they were a limited production vehicle. After owning and selling my Gen 1 I knew the Lightning bug had bit me and I had to own another. When the Gen 2's were released in 1999 they were a bit pricey for my budget at the time because I had relocated my business, got married, and inherited 5 stepchildren to go along with my own two. When I found the out the 2004 model year was the last production of the Lightnings I went out and bought one. I flew from Florida to Michigan to get a DSG from the dealer.

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

In 1974 I purchased a 1969 Z28 Camaro which was my first performance vehicle. This was the car that got me interested in drag racing and turning wrenches. (Man, I wish I owned that car today).

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

Performance:
4lb lower
CAI
160 degree T-stat
Plugs
Custom Tune
FTVB
Gauges
Billet Idler Pulleys and Bracket
Detroit True Trac
TA Rear end Girdle
54" Traction Bars
Drive Shaft loop
Fluidyne H.E.
16x14.5x28 Hoosier"s on Baja Wheels
Wideband Commander

Appearance:
Harley Chrome Grille and moded Lower Grille
Smooth Steps
Roll Pan
Street Scenes Mirrors
Gaylords Speedstur Lid
Bedrug
Tinted Windows
Wet Okole Seat Covers
Billet Door Scuff Plates
Billet pedals
Carbon Fiber Tail lights
Custom Painted Badges

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

Just recently while pulling into a gated community the guard (young girl) at the gatehouse asked me, "Why doesn't my pickup truck sit up in the air like all the other pickup trucks? Is something wrong with it?" I replied, "No, it has a Hotchkis sport suspension and it is suppose to look this way." Then she asked me, "Do you think that truck is as fast as my Cavalier because I have a turbo?" I replied to her, "Go buy the September issue of MM & Fast Ford magazine and you'll see what a Ford Lightning is all about." After that I had to tell her that her Cavalier wouldn't stand a chance against my low truck.

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

I am married with a beautiful wife and 7 children. (2mine-5 hers) I've owned my own business for almost 30 years. My hobbies are scuba diving, lobster catching, fishing, bow hunting, working on cars and trucks, going to car shows, and drag racing. I am also looking forward to getting into auto crossing.

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

I started surfing NLOC in December 04, registered in June 05, and joined as a paid member in 2006. I chose to become a member because of the intellect of the people on the forums, the knowledge and helpfulness is second to none.

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

I would suggest that there be a 30 day waiting period for new registered users to post things for sale in the For Sale forums. I feel this would help deter fraudulent activities. (bogus items for sale).

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

At the time I joined the site I was diving two or more times per week. I picked up the handle scuba-matt down at the dive boats because of my frequency of scuba diving. The name just stuck with me.

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

I have in the garage waiting to be installed, a 2.3 KB and supporting mods, and dual electric fans. Next year I looking forward to installing rims and a hood.

10. Whom would you like to thank for help\donations\support for putting the truck together?

I would like thank my wife, Sherry for standing behind me and all my craziness. My son, Jason for helping me when I need an extra set of hands. They have both been my biggest fans and supporters. I also would like to thank my NLOC family for all their helpfulness and ideas on the website.

Congratulations to Matt Hermes and his 2004 DSG Ford Lightning for Gen 2 Truck of the Month, December 2006!

SVT Lightning · 11-30-2006, 09:21 PM

Congratulations!!

203Cree · 12-01-2006, 12:48 AM

WTG Buddy!

Skritch · 12-01-2006, 03:04 AM

CONGRATS on the December Gen 2 TOTM ! Great pics and article !! I especially like the paint treatment given to the fender emblems !!!

Scott

cultfreak69 · 12-01-2006, 06:16 AM

Scuba MAtt! Sweet ride! love the DSG Gen 2's. Beautiful man just beautiful!

EZ SPEED · 12-01-2006, 06:57 AM

Congrats !!

Ron's Bolt · 12-01-2006, 08:39 AM

I love the truck! Congrats!

madramper · 12-01-2006, 09:38 AM

Awesome truck!

Sixpipes · 12-01-2006, 10:17 AM

I love the subtle details on your truck. Really nice! And you are gonna love the KB/JLP setup. Congratulations Matt.

five0drw · 12-01-2006, 11:04 AM

good looking rig. congrats

Scuba-Matt · 12-01-2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks guys. I was totally shocked when asked to be TOTM. And a big thanks to NLOC.

Matt

wd13 · 12-01-2006, 12:22 PM

Congratulations! Sweet ride

Kyl · 12-01-2006, 03:24 PM

Super Clean!

Silver2001SVT · 12-01-2006, 04:08 PM

Truck is amazing. The attention to the little things and doing just the right tasteful mods really make your truck stand out....The KB put a big simle on my face as well!

typhoon43 · 12-01-2006, 04:17 PM

Looks GoooooooooooooooooooooooooD!

11-30-2006, 08:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ronnie Will Work For Truck Parts Paid Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 6,470 NLOC member #: 1661 View this user's gallery iTrader: 12 / 100%	December 2006 Gen 2 TOTM - Congratulations to Matt "scuba-matt" Hermes (NLOC#2117) December 2006 Gen 2 Truck Of The Month - Congratulations to Matt (scuba-matt) Hermes (NLOC #2117) This month the Gen 2 TOTM is the last production year model (2004) for the Gen 2's and is a "DSG" Dark Shadow Gray Lightning that belongs to scuba-matt. This truck is beautiful! The attention to detail and hard work show. Meet Matt and take time to view and read about this beautiful, clean "DSG" Gen 2 Lightning! *1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?* My interest in Lightnings started in the early 90"s with the release of the Gen 1's. I liked the performance, style, looks and the fact that they were a limited production vehicle. After owning and selling my Gen 1 I knew the Lightning bug had bit me and I had to own another. When the Gen 2's were released in 1999 they were a bit pricey for my budget at the time because I had relocated my business, got married, and inherited 5 stepchildren to go along with my own two. When I found the out the 2004 model year was the last production of the Lightnings I went out and bought one. I flew from Florida to Michigan to get a DSG from the dealer. *2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?* In 1974 I purchased a 1969 Z28 Camaro which was my first performance vehicle. This was the car that got me interested in drag racing and turning wrenches. (Man, I wish I owned that car today). *3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?* Performance: 4lb lower CAI 160 degree T-stat Plugs Custom Tune FTVB Gauges Billet Idler Pulleys and Bracket Detroit True Trac TA Rear end Girdle 54" Traction Bars Drive Shaft loop Fluidyne H.E. 16x14.5x28 Hoosier"s on Baja Wheels Wideband Commander Appearance: Harley Chrome Grille and moded Lower Grille Smooth Steps Roll Pan Street Scenes Mirrors Gaylords Speedstur Lid Bedrug Tinted Windows Wet Okole Seat Covers Billet Door Scuff Plates Billet pedals Carbon Fiber Tail lights Custom Painted Badges *4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?* Just recently while pulling into a gated community the guard (young girl) at the gatehouse asked me, "Why doesn't my pickup truck sit up in the air like all the other pickup trucks? Is something wrong with it?" I replied, "No, it has a Hotchkis sport suspension and it is suppose to look this way." Then she asked me, "Do you think that truck is as fast as my Cavalier because I have a turbo?" I replied to her, "Go buy the September issue of MM & Fast Ford magazine and you'll see what a Ford Lightning is all about." After that I had to tell her that her Cavalier wouldn't stand a chance against my low truck. *5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.* I am married with a beautiful wife and 7 children. (2mine-5 hers) I've owned my own business for almost 30 years. My hobbies are scuba diving, lobster catching, fishing, bow hunting, working on cars and trucks, going to car shows, and drag racing. I am also looking forward to getting into auto crossing. *6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net and when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC?* I started surfing NLOC in December 04, registered in June 05, and joined as a paid member in 2006. I chose to become a member because of the intellect of the people on the forums, the knowledge and helpfulness is second to none. *7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?* I would suggest that there be a 30 day waiting period for new registered users to post things for sale in the For Sale forums. I feel this would help deter fraudulent activities. (bogus items for sale). *8. Why did you choose your board user name (screen name)?* At the time I joined the site I was diving two or more times per week. I picked up the handle scuba-matt down at the dive boats because of my frequency of scuba diving. The name just stuck with me. *9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?* I have in the garage waiting to be installed, a 2.3 KB and supporting mods, and dual electric fans. Next year I looking forward to installing rims and a hood. *10. Whom would you like to thank for help\donations\support for putting the truck together?* I would like thank my wife, Sherry for standing behind me and all my craziness. My son, Jason for helping me when I need an extra set of hands. They have both been my biggest fans and supporters. I also would like to thank my NLOC family for all their helpfulness and ideas on the website. Congratulations to Matt Hermes and his 2004 DSG Ford Lightning for Gen 2 Truck of the Month, December 2006!

11-30-2006, 09:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
SVT Lightning Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 496 View this user's gallery iTrader: 1 / 100%	Congratulations!! Last edited by SVT Lightning; 11-30-2006 at 09:23 PM..

12-01-2006, 11:24 AM	#11 (permalink)
Scuba-Matt Boosted by Whipple Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Florida Posts: 4,149 NLOC member #: 2117 View this user's gallery iTrader: 15 / 100%	Thanks guys. I was totally shocked when asked to be TOTM. And a big thanks to NLOC. Matt Last edited by Scuba-Matt; 12-01-2006 at 11:29 AM..

12-01-2006, 04:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
Silver2001SVT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Plains, MO Posts: 340 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Truck is amazing. The attention to the little things and doing just the right tasteful mods really make your truck stand out....The KB put a big simle on my face as well! __________________ #3167 of 6381 built in 2001 Born on 4/24/2001

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12-01-2006, 12:48 AM	#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%	WTG Buddy!

12-01-2006, 03:04 AM	#4 (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%	CONGRATS on the December Gen 2 TOTM ! Great pics and article !! I especially like the paint treatment given to the fender emblems !!! Scott

12-01-2006, 06:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
cultfreak69 wrecking Ed's garage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 5,780 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Scuba MAtt! Sweet ride! love the DSG Gen 2's. Beautiful man just beautiful!

12-01-2006, 06:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
EZ SPEED Boost Kills !!!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oxford, Alabama Posts: 2,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 24 / 100%	Congrats !!

12-01-2006, 08:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ron's Bolt AKA ThunderBolt Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Spring Texas Posts: 1,603 View this user's gallery iTrader: 4 / 100%	I love the truck! Congrats!

12-01-2006, 09:38 AM	#8 (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%	Awesome truck!

12-01-2006, 10:17 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sixpipes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Oak Point, Texas Posts: 724 View this user's gallery iTrader: 8 / 100%	I love the subtle details on your truck. Really nice! And you are gonna love the KB/JLP setup. Congratulations Matt.

12-01-2006, 11:04 AM	#10 (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%	good looking rig. congrats

12-01-2006, 12:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
wd13 Built to Excess Join Date: May 2006 Location: Eugene, MO Posts: 1,217 View this user's gallery iTrader: 1 / 100%	Congratulations! Sweet ride

12-01-2006, 03:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
Kyl Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 520 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Super Clean!

12-01-2006, 04:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
typhoon43 I'm a Fool for Spool. Paid Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL. Posts: 2,826 NLOC member #: 2024 View this user's gallery iTrader: 8 / 100%	Looks GoooooooooooooooooooooooooD!