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The pickup includes a K&N intake that offers an estimated boost of 23.01 horsepower

“Aluminum can present a problem when cutting the floor and body of a pickup truck,” explained Jake McKiddie, owner of Phat Phabz in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McKiddie is well known as an airbagged suspension expert. Many vehicles he has converted have been showcased at shows across the country including the SEMA Show. He is also known as the fabricator who was the first to bodydrop and 'bag a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado as well as a 2016 Silverado. He was also first to bodydrop and 'bag an aluminum body Ford F-150.

“In order to do it right you need welding skills,” he added.

McKiddie was able to show off those skills when Matt and Michelle Holden of Dallas, Texas, asked him to bodydrop their 2016 Ford F-150. Not only was he tasked to perform this procedure, McKiddie also set the goal of making a full aluminum chassis with a bumper-to-bumper frame for the vehicle.

He was able to achieve both.

The air suspension system features Firestone F9000 airbags in the rear and Airlift 2600 Dominator 'bags up front. An Airlift Performance 3H controller that includes a fully integrated manifold and five custom presets that adjusts and maintain height and pressure controls the air system. The kit also includes height sensors that allow the system to automatically adapt to changes caused by the vehicle load. In addition, the system includes anti-cross loading plus axle equalization that corrects height without extreme changes in pressure, a show mode that permits either Matt or Michelle to control the air management with the vehicle turned off as well as through a smartphone thanks to the I-Level mobile app.

A Flo Airride Mfg. four-gallon air tank is mounted in the bed of the truck that maintains each of the four air bags in the suspension. A Bullet bed liner was included to protect the bed, which is covered with an Extang bed cover. In order to accommodate the lowered body of the F-150, the stock wheels and tires were exchanged for Intro EZ 26x9/26x12 wheels and Lexani LX30 295/30R26 tires.

Featured at the entrance to South Hall, the Phat Phabz F-150 was an absolute showstopper at SEMA

The selection of the K&N 63-2592 AirCharger air intake system proved ideal for the F-150. The system provides an estimated boost of 23.01 horsepower at 3505 rpm. Moreover, Bo Woody of APS Automotive of Tuttle, Oklahoma, tuned the stock 3.6-liter V6 turbocharged EcoBoost engine. So the tune and the intake combined assist the engine to offer a total 438 horsepower, an increase of 100 horsepower from the stock engine alone.

Another benefit to the intake is that the Holdens will never have to replace the RC-5173 air filter featured in the intake. That’s because the filter is washable and reusable and can last for up to 100,000 miles of driving depending on conditions before it needs to be cleaned.

K&N offers the 99-5000 filter care service kit that is specially formulated to cleanse the filter after every 100,000 miles of use. That means that it can be used over and over again for the life of the car. The filter is backed by the K&N 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, which promises that it will last up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles before it needs to be replaced.

In addition, a VF2049 cabin air filter replaced the stock cabin air filter to ensure that the cab of the F-150 remained fresh. The filter is electrostatically charged to catch and hold dirt, dust, and other contaminants including mold, mildew, fungus, spores, bacteria, germs, pollen and allergens. This filter is also washable and reusable.

To clean the cabin air filter, K&N offers the 99-6000 cabin air filter cleaning kit that is formulated to cleanse and recharge the filter after 12 months or 12,000 miles of driving so that it can be used over and over again. In fact, the VF2049 cabin air filter is backed by a 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

CD Designs of Edmond, Oklahoma did the exterior paint and graphics work. According to McKiddie, his portion of the project took about two weeks and the paintwork was done in six weeks, which calculates to a total of 8 weeks to complete the project.

The F-150 was finished in time to drive it to Las Vegas, Nevada to appear in the Extang Bed Cover booth at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Boost performance on your Harley V-Twin with the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System

In order to convert gasoline into noise and power, the Harley V-Twin draws in air through the stock paper air filter, then mixes it with the gas inside the cylinders. As the fuel is ignited, that air serves as a catalyst for the detonation. However, the air being collected through the stock intake has a tendency to be warm and turbulent due to the restrictive design. Air has to enter a small hole behind the chrome air cleaner cover, then pass through the thick paper air filter, which usually has a layer of dirt collected on the surface. This reduces the oxygen content of the air, which in turn reduces the amount of horsepower and torque that the engine can make during the combustion cycle. The K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System on the other hand, is designed to reduce the airflow restrictions and let in more cold air. It also looks great, and that K&N performance air filter can go up to 100,000 miles before it needs to be cleaned (depending on road conditions).

The key to this K&N High-Flow Intake is the internal run breather system, which collects a much larger volume of cold air through the exposed cotton-gauze air filter, then injects it directly into the throttle body on the side of the motor. This steady flow of cold air allows the Harley V-Twin to make power at much lower RPMs, resulting in faster throttle response and a lot more passing power. This power increase was verified by installing a K&N RK-3946 Street Metal Intake System on a 2015 Harley Street Glide 103ci, then testing it on a chassis dyno. The results showed an estimated increase of 7.56 horsepower and 8.96 lb-ft of torque. Of course your individual results may vary, based on the condition, modifications and mileage on your specific Harley.

Dyno results for a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide Twin Cam 103 V-Twin running the K&N RK-3946 Str

From extra power, to a beautiful chrome finish, the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake is the perfect upgrade for your Harley. To learn more about this and other K&N Harley Davidson performance parts, click here to use the Search by Vehicle Tool, or here to find a K&N dealer near you.

Features & Benefits of the K&N RK-3946 Street Metal High-Flow Intake System

• Designed for the 2008-2011 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 96 V-Twin and 2009-2015 Harley Davidson Twin Cam 103 V-Twin
• Guaranteed to increase horsepower
• Guaranteed to increase torque
• Provides faster throttle response
• Additional airflow allows the V-Twin engine to produce power at low RPMs
• Improves engine sound
• Uses a double gasket to prevent vibration
• Includes a sturdy billet aluminum mounting plate and polished cover
• Washable K&N performance air filter can last up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on road conditions)
• Installation takes around 90 minutes
• Backed by the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRXS ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLRT FREEWHEELER 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXS STREET GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTKL ULTRA LIMITED LOW 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUL ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC LOW 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXXX STREET GLIDE TRIKE 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXXX STREET GLIDE TRIKE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 103 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - All Models

The K&N RK-3946 Intake System comes with everything you'll need for a secure installation

The SU-2497 is engineered for a perfect fit and tight seal

In the case of the of the TU250X, Suzuki has wrapped a 249cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-oil cooled SOHC engine in a user-friendly package that makes city riding and commuting a simple pleasure. However, anytime you are dealing with an engine that is low on cubic centimeters, any boost in performance is welcome. That is where the K&N SU-2497 air filter comes in. Like every K&N direct replacement filter, the SU-2497 is designed to provide increased horsepower and torque. That potential increase comes with the added airflow that the filter supplies to the Suzuki’s little throttle body. A bit more zip when merging into traffic, pulling away from a stop light, or getting to that last campus parking spot is a very good thing.

The K&N pleated filter media in the SU-2497 increases airflow and provides great filtration

Engine protection is a top priority at K&N and the SU-2497’s layers of woven cotton gauze media offer top-notch filtration. In fact, K&N’s testing shows an overall filtration efficiency of 99% with the SU-2497. Look at the test data sheet on the product page of the filter for the details on the testing protocol. To cap it off, the base seal and sealing bead are carefully engineered to provide a fit that helps prevent the chance of unclean air from entering the Suzuki’s intake. The filter is backed by K&N’s Million-Mile Limited Warranty and is made in the USA.

The SU-2497 comes pre-oiled and ready to install

2016 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2015 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2014 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2013 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2012 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2011 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2010 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models
2009 SUZUKI TU250X 249 - All Models

Ret. Staff Sergeant Hank Robinson served with the 158th Infantry Battalion & 2/2 Infantry Battalion

Before you can understand the Freedom Blues truck, you have to meet the man behind it: Hank Robinson. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 158th Infantry Battalion and 2/2 Infantry Battalion, and has been deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. In his decade of service, Hank received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Army Commendation Medal for valor, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. But when he finally returned to civilian life in 2011, Robinson struggled. "When I got out, the transition was pretty tough. You know, trying to find your place, and that stability in life."

It took Hank Robinson over 800 hours to engrave all of the images on his 2016 F-150

One of the actual combat photos used to create the artwork on Hanro Studios Freedom Blues Ford F-150

Mastering the art of engraving didn't take Hank very long, and he started Hanro Studios out of his garage in 2011. Engraving helped to fill a void for this Veteran Infantry Squad Leader. The escape of working with his own two hands helped shift Robinson's focus from the past, to future projects and new ideas. "In order to build a new life, you've got to find something that you love, really honestly think about it. Find something that makes you happy, then try to focus on it to where you can do it as a hobby, or as a career. Then stick with it, don't give up on it. You have to put in the time and you have to put in the effort, you have to really work at it." And work at it he did. Hanro Studios went from selling engraved gifts online, to creating full-on custom pieces for celebrities, sports stars and musicians. In only a few short years, Hanro Studios outgrew Robinson's garage, so he moved into a 16,000 sq-ft space with FX Auto Body in Avondale, Arizona. This has allowed Hank to collaborate with FX owner Troy Buck on some wicked-cool projects. Like the Ford F-150 Freedom Blues truck they created for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Roadwire leather interior & custom American Flag Headliner in the Hanro Studios Freedom Blues F-150

Robinson even engraved an American flag onto the K&N 77-2591KP high-flow air intake tube

Besides all of the incredible modifications and paintwork, what really makes the 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues truck standout is the engraved body. He worked with actual combat photos that depict what it's like to serve in the different branches of the U.S. military. Hank then spent over 800 hours engraving these pictures onto the body of the truck. The hood, fenders, doors, tailgate and more were all touched by Robinson's artistic hand. He even engraved some of artwork in front of live audiences at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. And you might expect, there was an outpouring of appreciation from both active and retired military members, and their families. Not only were they blown away by the engravings, but Robinson's message of hope and determination resonated with many of them. It still surprises this soft-spoken soldier how many people find him to be "inspiring". However, he reckons that "if you focus on something and don't give up, someone may see what you're doing and realize they can do it too."

The 2016 F-150 Freedom Blues on display at the 2016 SEMA Show

Attention to detail is the hallmark of Beaulieu's Cupcake build

Beaulieu is a ‘young gun’ in the custom bike world. “I started building my first bike when I was working for a Harley dealership in New Hampshire back in the fall of 2012. The day I finished my Shovelhead was the last day working for the dealership,” says Beaulieu. “I moved back to Maine and started Forever Two Wheels and have been picking up speed since.” Picking up speed may be an understatement. Beaulieu took the top spot in two classes at the New York IMS stop. In addition to Cupcake’s win, the builder also took the top Freestyle Class win with his “Hate Machine.”

Cupcake was one of the two J&P show winners for Beaulieu at the NY IMS

The frosting on Cupcake is the over $10,000 worth of hand-chiseled engraving that is featured on the build. "No one can keep their hands off it; they have to check if it's real," says Beaulieu. "My good friend John Huff nailed it, Literally! He used a hammer and chisel." The paint job is equally tasty in what Beaulieu describes as “Voodoo violet and tangerine orange kandy over silver flake.” There is nothing subtle about this high-calorie custom treat. The attention to detail is carried into the handmade purple glass headlight lens, shift knob, and tail light.

Cupcake on the red carpet of the New York IMS

As for the future, Beaulieu is going to keep on keeping on. “I'm looking forward to the custom motorcycle builds to come, building a great relationship with future customers, and maintaining a high quality level of craftsmanship on timeless motorcycles.”

K&N congratulates Nick Beaulieu on his ‘sweet’ victory at the New York stop of the IMS.