We're Here To HelpIn the middle of George's project, he just couldn't seem to come up with the right idea for the front of his new truck, but when he saw a drawing in the August 2004 issue of Mustang & Fords by Jarious Watson, he knew he had found the exact look for his truck. Using the drawing from that issue, he fabricated the grille and bumper (which took 80 of the 2,500-plus hours in total build time) and was able to finish off his project just in time to submit photos to the Carlisle staff for placement in Carlisle's Building T inside display. George's "2066 Lightning" was accepted, and when we arrived at the Carlisle fairgrounds, George was all setup in Building T with a big smile. George even thanked us for the idea and inspiration for the grille and details of his project on his signage. -Mark Houlahan
The Details1966 Ford F-150 "Lightning"Owner: George Bickel, Apex, NC
Engine5.4L Triton V-8Forged Steel CrankForged I-Beam Connecting RodsForged PistonsAluminum HeadsEaton Supercharger
TransmissionFord 4R100(Four-Speed Automatic Overdrive)
Rearend9.75 inch3.55 Gears
ExhaustFlowmaster Cat-Back System for F-150 Lightning
SuspensionFront: Stock Lightning Short and Long Arm Style with coil springs, 31mm sway barRear: Stock Lightning five-leaf solid axle, staggered shocks, 23mm sway bar
BrakesFront: Stock Lightning (12.1-inch vented disc, twin-piston caliper)Rear: Stock Lightning (13.1-inch vented disc, single-piston caliper)Factory Three-channel antilock brakes
WheelsFront: Lightning Five-Spoke, 18x9.5Rear: Lightning Five-Spoke, 18x9.5
TiresFront: Goodyear Eagle F1-GS, P295/45ZR18Rear: Goodyear Eagle F1-GS, P295/45ZR18
InteriorStock F-150 Lightning InteriorCustom headlinerCustom door panels with Lightning insertsCustom work by Jerry Hobgood, Hobgood's Upholstery, Spring Hope, NC
ExteriorRadiant Fire Red PPG basecoat/clearcoat'66 Ford F-100 Outer Body'97-'03 F-150 Door Handles and mirrorsGM CHMSL (Center High-Mount Stop Lamp)Dodge Ram rear bumperFord Ranger taillightsGaylord bedcover, sectioned to fit the bed width
See More OnlineTo see more photos of George's project, including build details in his own words, check out our Web site, www.mustangandfords.com.