LAS VEGAS – The versatility and widespread consumer appeal of the Ford F-150 have made F-Series the best-selling line of trucks in the marketplace for 32 years running – and the most customized trucks in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry.

Ford will display a creative collection of customized F-150s at this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, which will be held Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ford is the featured automaker of this year’s show, which is the premier automotive specialty product event in the world.

According to Mark Grueber, Ford F-150 marketing manager, the F-150 is the perfect foundation for customers and aftermarket companies looking for a way to express themselves and satisfy their requirements, both on and off the job.

“The F-150 is the ultimate all-around ‘do everything’ truck, and it is available in 10 different distinct versions, everything from an XL work truck to a Platinum luxury edition to the latest edition – the SVT Raptor – for the ultimate off-road experience,� he said. “People can personalize the F-150 to meet any need and do just about anything with it.�

Ford SEMA Design Manager Melvin Betancourt agrees that much of F-150’s success in the aftermarket is due to its wide-ranging appeal. “Some people use the F-150 as a work truck. For others, it’s a luxury truck,� he said. “And everyone is always looking to create something that’s new that no one else has ever seen.�

K-Daddyz Kustomz, of Bakersfield, Calif., customized an F-150 for SEMA that combines street influence with a touch of urban luxury. “We pretty much did something to every aspect of the truck – from 24-inch wheels with a radical air bag suspension to a fully custom bed enclosure and panoramic sunroof,� said Kyle Gann, of K-Daddyz Kustomz.

The exterior of the K-Daddyz Kustomz F-150 features custom two-tone paint – black on the upper portion of the vehicle and red on the bottom – with silver custom airbrushing and pinstripes in between by Sacred Air. The vehicle is powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged engine.

Rick Spears, owner of Malibu Customz in Knoxville, Tenn., took a very different approach. “We wanted to do something really cool with the F-150, so we decided to create what we call a ‘Freedom Truck,’� he said.

Spears says the F-150 Freedom Truck is designed to honor the men and women serving the U.S. as members of the armed forces. It features airbrushed graphics by famed artist Mickey Harris depicting all five military services – the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“The F-150 is rugged and tough, just like the people who serve our country in the military services,� said Spears. Malibu Customz also lowered the suspension on the truck and added a supercharger that is expected to give the vehicle 70 percent more horsepower.

“It was strong enough already,� said Spears. “But when we put that supercharger on there, it’s going to be very powerful.� Ford F-150 project vehicles featured at SEMA this year include:

2009 Ford F-150 by K-Daddyz Kustomz
The crew at K-Daddyz Kustomz has applied their street influence with a touch of urban luxury to this Ford F-150. Staying true to their “In Your Face� style of building, this truck boasts 24-inch wheels with a radical air bag suspension. The custom two-tone paint grabs your attention while remaining classy. And in case you really need to get there quickly, the 5.4-liter supercharged engine will deliver. Whether drawing crowds at a show or turning heads on the boulevard, this F-150 plays for keeps. After all, it’s Built Ford Tough.


2009 Ford F-150 by Malibu Customz....

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