December 2009 TOTM - Robert “SpeedinBob” Peden #160

[oki916]

Well here we are once again folks. It is time to announce this month’s winner for TOTM!! I am proud to say that this month goes to a former TOTM moderator, who is long overdue for this honor. Now with that being said, this month’s winner was almost going to be one of those “late” announcements…

Originally Posted by Speedin Bob

Hey, I'm really sorry about not responding. I thought someone was PM'ing me by mistake since I used to do the TOTM a couple of years ago.

…thankfully, he realized that it was not just someone bothering him, but an actual award. You would have thought “Congratulations!!!!! You’re the next TOTM!!!!” as the title of the PM, would have clued him in enough to realize.

This month’s honors go to a long standing member #160, Robert “SpeedinBob” Peden and his 2003 Shamu. Bob has been a member since 10/5/2003 and is no stranger to the racing world. Starting out in mustangs, succumbing to the lightning addiction, and then into the one and only Harley F150’s, much like the rest of us. Give this man a call if you’re looking for some outdoor fun with anything on 4 wheels, want to eat some good BBQ, or like to go on British bumper cars.

Congratulations, once again!!! Bob, this has been long overdue and it is my honor to present you as December 2009 TOTM.

Now, what you all have been waiting on.



Question # 1: What sparked your interests in the Harley trucks?
Specifically your HD Truck?

I bought my 2003 HD new in October of 2003 after owning a 99 and 01 Lightning. At the time, I needed more cabin space than the Lightning afforded but just couldn’t give up the blower whine.



Question # 2: Any interesting stories behind the history of vehicles you've owned leading up to the HD truck or how you got it?

I’ve been a Ford guy since 1989 when I bought an ’87 Mustang GT. It stayed stock for a few years then the mod bug bit hard. Lots of Ford Racing (now FRPP) parts for the engine, Tremec transmission, 2:73 to 3:55 gear swap, auburn diff, urethane bushings, etc.

An Autoweek segment previewing the 99 Lightning hooked me. Six months later, the Mustang was gone and the Lightning was in. Hard to believe it has been ten years. They’ve come a long way from the debate over whether or not a 2lb pulley would grenade the supercharger and a 12 second pass was unheard of. LOL

When Ford made the DSG in 2002, I knew it was only a matter of time but it wasn’t in the cards that year to get one. All black vehicles are nice but are a lot of work.



Question # 3: Give me a rough list of the mods that have been done to your truck. I know you've got a lot done, so you can just list your favorites if you'd like!

99% of the modifications on the 01 Lightning transferred over to the HD. It is pretty much the standard bolt-ons. For the intake system: A JLP air kit, 6# lower, Metco idlers, Lightning upper, FRPP throttle body, and C&L elbow and plenum. A Factory Tech valve body is the only change to the transmission.

The exhaust is a Magnaflow midpipe and catback kit for the Lightning with extra pipe added to place the tips in front of the rear tire.

Suspension has the obligatory anti-clunk washers, Bilstein shocks, rear shock extenders, Hotchkis sway bars, 1100 lb front springs (1.75” drop), RUSlow panhard bar, JLP lift bars, and 2” drop shackles.

Interior is pretty much stock except for the mandatory boost gauge on the column and basic audio upgrade. The exterior has a Bed Rug and a Retrax bed cover.



Question # 4: Tell us a little about yourself. Your other hobbies, your job, your favorite past time, whatever!

I currently work in Information Security for a Fortune 500 company and despite it being stressful at times, it is enjoyable.

My other hobbies include playing guitars and pretty much any four wheel on road motorsport. The HD isn’t suited for the twisties but my 08 Mini Cooper S turbo does just fine.

Mostly in the summer, I enjoy good hoppy beer, making/eating a big batch of Jambalaya or Gumbo, fall off the bone BBQ ribs, or pretty much anything from the grill.



Question # 5: You've been a member on the site for a while now, what is one of the best things you like about the site that keeps you around?

Had to believe it has been ten years but the answer is easy; the people. Some very good friends have been made and retained through something as simple as a common interest in a vehicle. Johnny and Sue, Big D, Nan (God bless her), Baby Jake, SVT Bob, 5point0drw (Donald), FMOS Racing, and BulldogNeon and several other old schoolers from F150online. We can go without seeing one another for a couple of years and pick right up where we left off.



Question # 6: What is one suggestion to help make the site a better place?

I can’t think of anything off hand. Every site has their ups and downs, vendor wars, those that aren’t happy unless their complaining, etc. In the end it goes back to simply treating people how you wish to be treated and helping without the expectation of receiving the same in return.



Question # 7:
This is where I normally ask about where you decided on your screen name and any specific reason for choosing it?

My shipmates gave it to me 20 years ago when I was in the Navy. It rhymes with my last name (Peden) and fits perfectly. It is used on tech cards at the drag strip also and makes my wife laugh when they announce it. LOL.



Question # 8: Almost at the end, what is in the future for your truck?, so what’s the next plan of attack for your trucks future?!

I haven’t really done much to it for the last three years. It needs some front end cosmetic work after six years of rock chips. It is rock solid reliable in all weather conditions and I wouldn’t think twice about changing the oil, filling the tank, and driving across the country. It isn’t the fastest but it is still fun.



Question 9: Last and final question, just an open end question for if you had anything else you wanted to mention that I didn't have a question for...here's the place to go at it! Your web site link, a plug for something, etc. etc. whatever you want to throw in![/QUOTE]

Nothing really. Thank you for selecting me to be the truck of the month.

[SCBQQSTN]

Congrats!! That is a very nice two tone!

[huot5]

congrats Speedin Bob! definitely a well deserved honor.

['02HD#3982]

Congrats Bob.

[Hoffmann]

Congratulations Bob, great to see you around!

[BigD]

Bout time Bob!

[harleyhank]

Congrats man.......

[s|ck]

Congrats!

[SoFlaHarley]

Congratulations!!!

[Irrumo]

Congrats Bob, its good to see a fellow Hoosier win.

[tagman2]

Congrats!

[Speedin Bob]

Thanks everyone. To be honest, I didn't think my rig was worthy. There are so many others out there that are much better than mine.

[C Dillon Go]

It's not always about the truck...
Congrats

[1niceharley]

Congrats!!!

[musturbo]

congrats!