madramper

...April 2007 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Shawn (RhinoRacing) Fuss! (NLOC #387)

Shawn Fuss has one of the nicest white first generation Lightnings I have seen! Starting out with simple bolts ons, his truck has grown into an awesome pavement pounder! Shawn has a ton of experience working on these trucks and his knowledge is shared on the pages of NLOC!




1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?


I wanted to buy another motorcycle and decided it would be easier to travel with the bike if I had a truck. So since a Lightning was just like a mustang with a bed, it seemed like the logical choice to make.



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

All I can say is 165 in a 65 will get you pulled over.



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

I guess on the go side in the beginning I did all the usual bolt-on parts K&N Filter, underdrive pullies, and exhaust progressing all the way to where it is today: a Pickrel Performance / Vortech SQ supercharged Lightning with a PSD intercooler, ported GT-40x heads, Aeromotive fuel system, 60lb injectors, and a Steve Stock Tweecer R/T tune. Everything else in the motor is factory stock. The transmssion is a heavy duty built piece of art and the rear was built as well.

As far as the show side goes I keep it pretty simple Cervini's cowl induction hood, chrome stock wheels for the street and Racelines for the track, Diamond headlight assembly and clear taillights in the rear, and a Downs roll pan. The interior is mostly stock except for the gauges to keep an eye on the motor and blower.



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

I guess the fact that it was a feature truck in the fall 2006 issue of Ford Performance Truck. But other than that I can’t think of any stories about my truck that do not have something to do with other members of the NLOC and the MKLO. I think those friends are the only reason I still have the truck today.


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

For the most part I am a fairly private person that enjoys football and anything fast.



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 have been a member of the NLOC since, well I am not sure..lol. But I do know that I have been a member on the web site since it first started in January of 2000 and decided to remain a member to help support the NLOC.



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

None it is a great place!




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

Rhino was a nickname I had when I was younger.



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

The plan is to get Ed’s kit put in and Brian’s bumper painted and installed. I plan to switch to a lock-up converter and a Pickrel full exhaust system, at least until the motor pops…..


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

I would like to thank every one of my friends in the Lightning Community for your help and friendship over the years. My truck would not be what it is today without your help and suggestions. I would like to give a special thanks to Scott Dunn, Steve Stock, Jeff Sparkman, Ray Johnson, Ed Huerta, Devin Hanners Dwight and Nan Dolliver, the NLOC, the MKLO and the Hardcore 4. These people have helped with getting my motor back in one piece, to keeping it in one piece giving me the chance once again to drive and enjoy my truck by saving me money with a wealth of knowledge from their own trials and giving me great deals on parts. They have helped to design something that was just an idea in my head and turn it into something that some day will be installed. They helped me clean when I was in a panic over a couple of pictures and have given me a chance to be a part of something great. To all thank you!

Skritch

A GREAT BIG CONGRATS to you Shawn ! Another VERY FINE example of the first generation Lightning !!

Oh, and nice picture from WFC 9....

Scott

383svt

Shawn. Your truck is probably the cleanest white gen 1 I have seen with more than 1940 miles! Awesome truck! Is that your garage? if so, I am so jealous! it looks like a museum! good luck with it. Maybe I can make it to one of the 2 big events this year and hang out again!

madramper

Yeah that garage is insane!!!! No wonder your truck is so clean!

Scuba-Matt

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________
...........04 DSG, Built 9/02/03 #53/3781...........
............Tuned by JDM, 10.23 @131.98.............
..................2.3 Whipple/ No Spray...................
......2007 Moroso Truck Series Champion......
........2009 PBIR Truck Series Runner Up.......

RhinoRacing

Thanks guys for the kind words, and sorry to say that is not my garage though.

Super Glide

Shawn,
Your truck photos real well, the mag. article is something I'm sure you will treasure for a long time. A person has to see your truck in person to appreciate how nice it really is. I'm sure this year you will have an 11 sec. time slip to go with the beauty.
Congrats!

nemesis

congrats

Blue Oval Forever

Congrats Shawn

wd13

Congratulations Shawn!

Lightning Ralph

Way to Go Shawn!! Congrats!!

huffentuff95

Yet another fine example for TOTM Congrats Shawn VORTECH Power rocks Looking GOOD!!! congrats!!

giddyup

way to go shawn...i love that garage it is cool....

redltg

First rate buddy , way to go , truck shows the effort you put in to it.

StruckBy

Shawn takes alot of pride in keeping his truck look great AND perform great.
Way to make a great Lightning Shawn!!

EE