January 2009 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congrats Ron ("ski") Czaplewski (NLOC# 2221)

e9tac · 01-01-2009, 01:05 PM

January 2009 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Ron ("ski") Czaplewski (NLOC# 2221).

This month's Gen 1 TOTM hails from the plains of Nebraska. Ron was fortunate to find an unmolested, low miler, Gen 1 to replace his totaled Gen 2. The question on all of our minds is...which do you like better, the Gen 1 or 2

? Thanks for being a part of the Lightning community and congrats on being January's Truck of The Month!

1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

I've always been a Ford guy and liked the Lightning, but never really thought about getting one. I was looking to buy a Mustang GT and a local Chevy dealer had a black '99 Lightning on the lot. I decided to test drive the truck and realized that I wanted nothing more than to own a Lightning…six months later, I bought a black '03.

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

Does riding on the hood of a car going 70 count?

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

Go:
Pullies
shift kit
drag radials

Show:
'01 L wheels
And more importantly I waxed the left front fender, lol.

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

My wife, Denise, who was four months pregnant, and I were driving home from our friend's house, when we were met nearly head on by a drunk driver which totaled my '03 L. Denise and our baby were fine, but I broke a rib and my right hand. Five months later, we were in the process of buying a house and getting ready to have a baby.
Just before dinner one night, I was talking to Denise about getting another Lightning and when the time was right I would know. Five minutes later, a friend called to say he found a red '94 for sale. Less than a week later, I purchased my second Lightning.

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

I live in Omaha, Nebraska, with my wife, Denise and our son, Ben. I install glass for Auto Glass Center and when I'm not doing Lightning stuff, I can usually be found at home with family or at Hobby Town. I'm quite the RC nut and even have a radio controlled Lightning. I am also a huge Husker football fan and I love odd ball Ford vehicles. I currently have three Mavericks.

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 member since September of '05. After I bought my '03 I received an issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines. In the magazine, there was an article about Lightning Fest and NLOC. I decided to check it out and I've been Lightning crazy ever since.

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

Nothing. It's great.

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

Everything I was picking was already taken so I used the last three letters of my last name.

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

Currently I have a Vortech T-trim, JLP bars, Flowmasters, and a lowering kit waiting for me to install. I would also like to get a center seat, clear headlights, roll pan, upgraded brakes, full exhaust, HO cam, heads, and a converter or five speed swap.

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

I would like to thank my family and friends, especially Denise, for putting up with my severe Lightning addiction; Lance, for helping me work on the truck and for added direction; my Omaha Lightning buddies for the late nights at the track; NLOC for being there when I needed help, or just a new part; and Neil for helping me give new life to my '03 which could have just went to the junkyard in the sky.

Congratulations to Ron and his 1994 Red Gen 1 Truck of the Month, January 2009!

my94lightning · 01-01-2009, 01:32 PM

Congrats, Ron. It was great getting to know you and your mom at Lfest 6. I cant wait for the next gathering of L's to see ya again.

Side note, Crimson 94's are sweet.
And Ron is one mean "ice-cooler" race driver.

RED93#3324 · 01-01-2009, 02:14 PM

Congrats on TOTM

Chuck

Vern · 01-01-2009, 02:23 PM

Congrats Ron! It was good to meet you at LightningFest!

Nice family you got there, and I bet the boy loves sitting in the Lightning!

95devilfairy · 01-01-2009, 06:01 PM

Ron way to go man.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks amazing. I hope one day I can be the truck of the month.... I just need the truck.

Ta Ta keep in touch.

Jennifer

Scuba-Matt · 01-01-2009, 06:32 PM

Congrats

slammedi'am · 01-01-2009, 06:58 PM

congrats

RhinoRacing · 01-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Congrats Ron nice truck

Skritch · 01-02-2009, 02:25 AM

A GREAT BIG CONGRATS Ron ! Remember first meetin' ya in '06 on the way to L Fest. Really good to see your truck featured as it's a VERY clean truck in great shape. 'Course like any good Lightning owner you have parts just waitin' to get tossed on the truck to make it a little quicker.

Say hi to Denise for us and make sure young Ben gets the feel of a wrench sooner than later !

Scott & Jean

REDSVT150 · 01-02-2009, 05:12 AM

Congrats on TOTM!! Very nice and clean Gen 1 you have.

Brad

Blue Oval Forever · 01-03-2009, 08:39 AM

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

Robs95#116 · 01-03-2009, 11:52 AM

Congrats to you, Great looking Gen 1

n minor · 01-03-2009, 11:11 PM

Congrats Ron!! Best of luck to you and the Gen 1 . The Gen II wheels look sick on your truck.

plum360415 · 01-04-2009, 01:43 AM

Nice clean L!!!

huffentuff95 · 01-04-2009, 12:20 PM

Truck look great with the 01 style wheels Congrats man good luck in the add on department , In no time you will enjoy all the HP with the T-Trim

01-01-2009, 01:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
e9tac Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,514 View this user's gallery iTrader: 4 / 100%	January 2009 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congrats Ron ("ski") Czaplewski (NLOC# 2221) January 2009 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Ron ("ski") Czaplewski (NLOC# 2221). This month's Gen 1 TOTM hails from the plains of Nebraska. Ron was fortunate to find an unmolested, low miler, Gen 1 to replace his totaled Gen 2. The question on all of our minds is...which do you like better, the Gen 1 or 2 ? Thanks for being a part of the Lightning community and congrats on being January's Truck of The Month! *1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?* I've always been a Ford guy and liked the Lightning, but never really thought about getting one. I was looking to buy a Mustang GT and a local Chevy dealer had a black '99 Lightning on the lot. I decided to test drive the truck and realized that I wanted nothing more than to own a Lightning…six months later, I bought a black '03. *2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?* Does riding on the hood of a car going 70 count? *3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?* Go: Pullies shift kit drag radials Show: '01 L wheels And more importantly I waxed the left front fender, lol. *4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?* My wife, Denise, who was four months pregnant, and I were driving home from our friend's house, when we were met nearly head on by a drunk driver which totaled my '03 L. Denise and our baby were fine, but I broke a rib and my right hand. Five months later, we were in the process of buying a house and getting ready to have a baby. Just before dinner one night, I was talking to Denise about getting another Lightning and when the time was right I would know. Five minutes later, a friend called to say he found a red '94 for sale. Less than a week later, I purchased my second Lightning. *5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.* I live in Omaha, Nebraska, with my wife, Denise and our son, Ben. I install glass for Auto Glass Center and when I'm not doing Lightning stuff, I can usually be found at home with family or at Hobby Town. I'm quite the RC nut and even have a radio controlled Lightning. I am also a huge Husker football fan and I love odd ball Ford vehicles. I currently have three Mavericks. 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 member since September of '05. After I bought my '03 I received an issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines. In the magazine, there was an article about Lightning Fest and NLOC. I decided to check it out and I've been Lightning crazy ever since. *7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?* Nothing. It's great. *8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?* Everything I was picking was already taken so I used the last three letters of my last name. *9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?* Currently I have a Vortech T-trim, JLP bars, Flowmasters, and a lowering kit waiting for me to install. I would also like to get a center seat, clear headlights, roll pan, upgraded brakes, full exhaust, HO cam, heads, and a converter or five speed swap. *10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.* I would like to thank my family and friends, especially Denise, for putting up with my severe Lightning addiction; Lance, for helping me work on the truck and for added direction; my Omaha Lightning buddies for the late nights at the track; NLOC for being there when I needed help, or just a new part; and Neil for helping me give new life to my '03 which could have just went to the junkyard in the sky. Congratulations to Ron and his 1994 Red Gen 1 Truck of the Month, January 2009! Last edited by Skritch; 04-02-2009 at 05:57 AM..

01-01-2009, 02:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
RED93#3324 Chuck Green Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Marrero, Louisiana Posts: 3,822 NLOC member #: 1790 View this user's gallery iTrader: 14 / 100%	Congrats on TOTM Chuck __________________ Red '93 Lightning #3324 R.I.P. @ 201,000 miles (2-25-07) Best Time: 13.94 @ 99.25 New 357ci...It's alive!

01-01-2009, 06:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
95devilfairy Registered User Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Federal Way, Washington Posts: 150 NLOC member #: 2670 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Holy cow!!! Ron way to go man. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks amazing. I hope one day I can be the truck of the month.... I just need the truck. Ta Ta keep in touch. Jennifer

01-01-2009, 06:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
Scuba-Matt Boosted by Whipple Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Florida Posts: 4,620 NLOC member #: 2117 View this user's gallery iTrader: 15 / 100%	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.......

01-01-2009, 06:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
slammedi'am slammit dammit!!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: cleveland,tn Posts: 286 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	congrats __________________ www.southernmustangsandfastfords.com www.truebluetrucks.com Having a 700whp Honda is like coming out of the closet, shocking at first, but still gay.




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01-01-2009, 01:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
my94lightning wallet hit by lightnings Paid Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,177 NLOC member #: 2485 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Congrats, Ron. It was great getting to know you and your mom at Lfest 6. I cant wait for the next gathering of L's to see ya again. Side note, Crimson 94's are sweet. And Ron is one mean "ice-cooler" race driver.

01-01-2009, 02:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Vern Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 3,052 NLOC member #: 0072 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	Congrats Ron! It was good to meet you at LightningFest! Nice family you got there, and I bet the boy loves sitting in the Lightning!

01-02-2009, 12:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
RhinoRacing Team Vortech Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 2,694 NLOC member #: 387 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Ron nice truck __________________ http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/truck-mo...loc-387-a.html Shawn NLOC #387 White 94 #2703 462.4hp & 559.3tq Tuned by SS TwEECer

01-02-2009, 02:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
Skritch Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The socialist kingdom of Washington State Posts: 5,056 NLOC member #: 1461 View this user's gallery iTrader: 6 / 100%	A GREAT BIG CONGRATS Ron ! Remember first meetin' ya in '06 on the way to L Fest. Really good to see your truck featured as it's a VERY clean truck in great shape. 'Course like any good Lightning owner you have parts just waitin' to get tossed on the truck to make it a little quicker. Say hi to Denise for us and make sure young Ben gets the feel of a wrench sooner than later ! Scott & Jean

01-02-2009, 05:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
REDSVT150 MADMAN Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 6,005 NLOC member #: 1291 View this user's gallery iTrader: 42 / 100%	Congrats on TOTM!! Very nice and clean Gen 1 you have. Brad __________________ 2002: 541RWHP/586RWTQ 11.45@122.79 Something even more wicked this way is coming

01-03-2009, 08:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Blue Oval Forever Gen 1 Salvage Yard Owner Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Da Swamp Posts: 12,993 NLOC member #: 500 View this user's gallery iTrader: 50 / 100%	Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

01-03-2009, 11:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
Robs95#116 In The Hills Paid Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Winfield,Tn Posts: 151 NLOC member #: 2425 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Congrats to you, Great looking Gen 1 __________________ #116 of 761 B.O.D. 12/21/94, Custom F/M Catless Exh,Cervini's R/A, K & N C.A.I. H/T Chip,00 Gen 2 Rims,Coming soon- Rear Disc, Black 94 #772 R.I.P. Black 94 #1141 "Project Back 2 Black"

01-03-2009, 11:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
n minor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 573 View this user's gallery iTrader: 3 / 100%	Congrats Ron!! Best of luck to you and the Gen 1 . The Gen II wheels look sick on your truck.

01-04-2009, 01:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
plum360415 Mopar and Fords!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Canton, IL Posts: 2,031 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	Nice clean L!!! __________________ Former Gen1 owner..... 1994 #1665 5-sp gen 1 L.... Replacment 97 Cobra #799

01-04-2009, 12:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
huffentuff95 S. STOCK Tuned by Tweecer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Rosenhayn N.J. Posts: 6,748 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	Truck look great with the 01 style wheels Congrats man good luck in the add on department , In no time you will enjoy all the HP with the T-Trim __________________ 10.77@119.43 1.45 60'

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