Custom Super Duty is More than Skin Deep

Classic Craft

Vehicle wraps are one way to change a truck's looks, but Hank 'Hanro' Robinson takes it to a whole other level—literally. Engraving motifs and classic filigrees, Robinson commits his artwork right into the metal body. More than a rolling canvas, his custom 2017 F-250 Super Duty is also a mobile workstation station so he can ply his craft at shows and events.

Photos courtesy of Krookid Photography.

Metal Combination

Robinson is a United States Army Infantry Veteran with almost a decade of service and tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Like his art, his backstory is deep and personal. Looking for a way to navigate civilian life, Robinson enrolled at the Arizona Automotive Institute, graduating from the Combination Welding School. While studying, he discovered his passion for metalwork and engraving.

Ambition List

Robinson started Hanro Studios in 2011, with the mission to “provide people with one of a kind engravings for any aspect of their life.” Since then, his art and ambition have led to partnerships with companies like Dremel and Monster Energy. His client list is impressive, creating custom pieces for celebrities and musicians, among others.

Veteran Fame

Of note, Robinson has worked with West Coast Customs in Burbank, California, and Kurt Sutter, the creator and executive producer of Sons of Anarchy. More than just fame, Robinson is also actively involved with multiple veterans organizations and offers an exclusive PTSD art therapy course with the Wounded Warrior Project—a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and active duty service members.

Aluminum Needs

Robinson first rose to notoriety when he presented a fully-engraved F-150 at the 2016 SEMA Show. Dubbed 'Freedom Blues,' it was an emotive tribute to lost soldiers and his fellow veterans. For his own personal ride, he opted for a slightly bigger, metal canvas. He stuck with Ford because it offered an aluminum body, perfect for his engraving needs.

Modified Stance

With over 1,600 hours of work invested into the F-250, almost every surface has been engraved. Lots have been mechanically modified as well. The Super Duty's tall stance is courtesy of a McGaughys 8'' Premium Phase 2 Lift, with FOX 2.0 Shox, fitted to both the front and back. The plates, arms, traction bars, and shock reservoirs are, naturally, all engraved.

Rad Modifications

Robinson named his rolling canvas 'Aluminati H250.' The Super Duty rides on a set of monstrous 24 x 14'' TIS Offroad 544BM wheels, wrapped in 40'' Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. Aluminum wide-body fenders and inner fender liners were custom-built by Rad Fab in Glendale, Arizona. Most of the truck's other modifications were performed by FX Auto Body in Avondale, Arizona.

Therapeutic Motif

A regular at SEMA, Robinson demonstrates his engraving at each show. Inside, an attention-grabbing, Status Auto Gallery iPad Pro was flush-mounted to the dash. Scottsdale Auto Upholstery installed the black leather Roadwire seat kit. The stitching motif extends to the door panels and headliner. The custom work on this F-250 is more than skin deep, it is a point of pride, but also therapeutic work.

>>Join the conversation about Super Duty right here in the forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section of Ford-trucks.com.