Skritch
Moderator
October 2010 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Mike (MJ351) Jones ! (NLOC #1174)
From the Golden State of California comes this month’s truck. While California is the most populous state in the U.S. Mike finds himself in a remote area of the state providing him ample time after hours to take a forlorn truck destined for the recent Cash For Clunkers program to a fabulous example of a fully restored truck. Not only was every part including each nut and bolt disassembled and refurbished or replaced, a number of unique upgrades were made to his “one of a kind” Lightning ! Read on to learn of Mike’s dedication to the first generation Lightnings and pay close attention to the photos of the restoration and the detail pictures of additions to his truck and then join in the congratulation to Mike Jones !
1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?
I have been a lifetime Ford fan. In 1992 I purchased a ’92 F-150 supercab. The body style change in ’92 was a huge improvement. As my luck would have it the Lightning was released not long after I got that truck. I waited almost 10 years before I finally took the plunge and bought #1679 in early 2003.
2. Do you have any interesting stories about owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?
I was a Mustang owner for years, I had a ‘64-1/2 coupe, a ’69 fastback and a ’71 Grande'. The first two were seat of the pants cars, no frills doorslammers. The ’71 Grande' was a classy go fast car with lots of goodies. It had a built 351 Cleveland with Holley EFI. The ‘92 supercab was a close second to a Lightning for me. I spent many years modifying the truck to make it more like one. I lowered it, painted the bumpers and grille, added a chin spoiler and at the end a GT 40 302. During that period I also built a 2 wheel drive full-size Bronco. I was one of those guys who built trucks close to a Lightning rather than just getting one. For 7 years, I owned a now legendary truck, Lightning #1679. It was a 1995 and was a stiff competitor in the show classes. I sold it in July 2010 as my new truck was reaching completion and I only have room for one in the trailer!
3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?
This truck is a full restoration, I completely disassembled it, repainted and repaired everything and added many options / improvements that Ford did not offer.
Engine:
F4TE block, bored .030 with speed pro pistons.
TMD I beam bushed rods
Factory crankshaft
World Products 1.60 / 2.02 Aluminum heads
Mustang GT roller cam
Pro Comp 1.6 roller rockers
MSD pro billet distributor
Trans:
Factory remanufactured E4OD
Engine Management:
1996 OEM OBD II System, removed from a late ’95 California truck.
Suspension & Drive:
Front spring towers stretched 1.5”
Rear hangers
Full urethane bushing kit
Gen 2 rear disc brakes
20” Replica Gen 2 wheels
Interior:
Addition of Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
Overhead console from ’95 Bronco
Power seats
Color scheme change, Black carpet, headliner, A&B pillars.
Door Panels and dash re colored Dark Charcoal
Exterior:
XL steel bumper
Cervinis spoiler
Sir Michaels steel roll pan
Shaved 3rd brake light
Shaved stake pockets
Fiberglass tonneau
Complete repaint
4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?
When the Cash for Clunkers (C4C) program began depositing solid trucks, Lightnings included, in our local wrecking yards, I decided to go out and see what good parts I could get my hands on to preserve them from the crusher. These efforts turned into a bit of a quest to assist other owners by providing the necessary parts to keep or put trucks back on the road. All this work got me thinking, could I build a truck from scratch? I started collecting necessary parts as well as continuing to provide good C4C parts for other members.
Fast forward to January 2010, I was contacted by an owner who had intent to trade off his ‘95 Lightning potentially as a C4C trade. I immediately purchased the truck and made it the basis for this truck. I sold off the items I did not need (engine, transmission, wheels and various other items). I stripped the truck down to frame and bare cab. I then began to reassemble the truck with C4C parts. I also began looking at the “what if Ford had built a 1996 Lightning” concept to see what other available parts, not included before in our trucks, that could make them better or more interesting. This led me first to the OBD II then the EATC project, then the Power Seats and finally the overhead console.
5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.
I have been a mechanic all my career, I went to school for automotive and am an ASE certified mechanic. I have background in machine and fabrication work. My life is pretty centered around my work. I am a plant mechanic on The Metropolitan Water Districts Colorado River Aqueduct at the Iron Mountain Pump Plant and am the local union steward for AFSCME local 1902.
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 on the boards since 2000. The folks here were a great pool of information when I had my supercab. I formally joined the club in ’03 when I got my first ’95. My reason for joining? Simple, supporting those who support you is key in any organization. I am also an active member of our sister club, The NHTOC, and have made a lot of good friends over there.
7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?
I think the site is pretty user friendly, over the years, we have seen a whole new group of owners come on board and the key to the site is to share the information that the older members have learned over the years with the newer folks, and always be open to fresh ideas. You never know what you might learn!
8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?
Simple, My initials plus the engine size of the truck.
9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?
Right now, the plan is to really perfect this truck, dialing it in getting the OBD II system tuned to the engine and transmission package. I’m also contemplating some improvements to the paint, just not sure what that is yet. Time will tell, and I’m sure as always it will play out on the NLOC Board.
10. Whom would you like to thank for help\donations\support for putting the truck together?
From its inception, this truck has been a collaborative effort. Many members of the NLOC contributed by responding to posts, buying salvage parts and by making suggestions. I owe a lot of thanks to my long time friend, painter and tool partner Mike Wieczorek for the hours he put in painting and helping me assemble the truck.
Congratulations to Mike and his 1995 White Ford Lightning for Truck of the Month, October 2010 !
From the Golden State of California comes this month’s truck. While California is the most populous state in the U.S. Mike finds himself in a remote area of the state providing him ample time after hours to take a forlorn truck destined for the recent Cash For Clunkers program to a fabulous example of a fully restored truck. Not only was every part including each nut and bolt disassembled and refurbished or replaced, a number of unique upgrades were made to his “one of a kind” Lightning ! Read on to learn of Mike’s dedication to the first generation Lightnings and pay close attention to the photos of the restoration and the detail pictures of additions to his truck and then join in the congratulation to Mike Jones !
Mike (left) accepting the 1st place trophy from BigD for the Gen 1 mild class at Lightning Fest 7
1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?
I have been a lifetime Ford fan. In 1992 I purchased a ’92 F-150 supercab. The body style change in ’92 was a huge improvement. As my luck would have it the Lightning was released not long after I got that truck. I waited almost 10 years before I finally took the plunge and bought #1679 in early 2003.
2. Do you have any interesting stories about owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?
I was a Mustang owner for years, I had a ‘64-1/2 coupe, a ’69 fastback and a ’71 Grande'. The first two were seat of the pants cars, no frills doorslammers. The ’71 Grande' was a classy go fast car with lots of goodies. It had a built 351 Cleveland with Holley EFI. The ‘92 supercab was a close second to a Lightning for me. I spent many years modifying the truck to make it more like one. I lowered it, painted the bumpers and grille, added a chin spoiler and at the end a GT 40 302. During that period I also built a 2 wheel drive full-size Bronco. I was one of those guys who built trucks close to a Lightning rather than just getting one. For 7 years, I owned a now legendary truck, Lightning #1679. It was a 1995 and was a stiff competitor in the show classes. I sold it in July 2010 as my new truck was reaching completion and I only have room for one in the trailer!
3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?
This truck is a full restoration, I completely disassembled it, repainted and repaired everything and added many options / improvements that Ford did not offer.
Engine:
F4TE block, bored .030 with speed pro pistons.
TMD I beam bushed rods
Factory crankshaft
World Products 1.60 / 2.02 Aluminum heads
Mustang GT roller cam
Pro Comp 1.6 roller rockers
MSD pro billet distributor
Trans:
Factory remanufactured E4OD
Engine Management:
1996 OEM OBD II System, removed from a late ’95 California truck.
Suspension & Drive:
Front spring towers stretched 1.5”
Rear hangers
Full urethane bushing kit
Gen 2 rear disc brakes
20” Replica Gen 2 wheels
Interior:
Addition of Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
Overhead console from ’95 Bronco
Power seats
Color scheme change, Black carpet, headliner, A&B pillars.
Door Panels and dash re colored Dark Charcoal
Exterior:
XL steel bumper
Cervinis spoiler
Sir Michaels steel roll pan
Shaved 3rd brake light
Shaved stake pockets
Fiberglass tonneau
Complete repaint
4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?
When the Cash for Clunkers (C4C) program began depositing solid trucks, Lightnings included, in our local wrecking yards, I decided to go out and see what good parts I could get my hands on to preserve them from the crusher. These efforts turned into a bit of a quest to assist other owners by providing the necessary parts to keep or put trucks back on the road. All this work got me thinking, could I build a truck from scratch? I started collecting necessary parts as well as continuing to provide good C4C parts for other members.
Fast forward to January 2010, I was contacted by an owner who had intent to trade off his ‘95 Lightning potentially as a C4C trade. I immediately purchased the truck and made it the basis for this truck. I sold off the items I did not need (engine, transmission, wheels and various other items). I stripped the truck down to frame and bare cab. I then began to reassemble the truck with C4C parts. I also began looking at the “what if Ford had built a 1996 Lightning” concept to see what other available parts, not included before in our trucks, that could make them better or more interesting. This led me first to the OBD II then the EATC project, then the Power Seats and finally the overhead console.
5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.
I have been a mechanic all my career, I went to school for automotive and am an ASE certified mechanic. I have background in machine and fabrication work. My life is pretty centered around my work. I am a plant mechanic on The Metropolitan Water Districts Colorado River Aqueduct at the Iron Mountain Pump Plant and am the local union steward for AFSCME local 1902.
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 on the boards since 2000. The folks here were a great pool of information when I had my supercab. I formally joined the club in ’03 when I got my first ’95. My reason for joining? Simple, supporting those who support you is key in any organization. I am also an active member of our sister club, The NHTOC, and have made a lot of good friends over there.
7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?
I think the site is pretty user friendly, over the years, we have seen a whole new group of owners come on board and the key to the site is to share the information that the older members have learned over the years with the newer folks, and always be open to fresh ideas. You never know what you might learn!
8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?
Simple, My initials plus the engine size of the truck.
9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?
Right now, the plan is to really perfect this truck, dialing it in getting the OBD II system tuned to the engine and transmission package. I’m also contemplating some improvements to the paint, just not sure what that is yet. Time will tell, and I’m sure as always it will play out on the NLOC Board.
10. Whom would you like to thank for help\donations\support for putting the truck together?
From its inception, this truck has been a collaborative effort. Many members of the NLOC contributed by responding to posts, buying salvage parts and by making suggestions. I owe a lot of thanks to my long time friend, painter and tool partner Mike Wieczorek for the hours he put in painting and helping me assemble the truck.
Congratulations to Mike and his 1995 White Ford Lightning for Truck of the Month, October 2010 !
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