No one seems to remember how Ricky Riddle got the idea to build a tribute truck out of his '07 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Outlaw . . . but it has always seemed like the right thing to do.
"I woke up one day and thought about my dad, who was retired military and had passed away. I wanted to do something for my dad and country to show my patriotism," he tells us.
Ricky drives the truck every day in Kansas City, Missouri. "It takes me to work, pulling a 16-foot trailer," he explains. But on weekends, you will find the truck at shows and events all over the place. Ricky especially likes the shows that benefit veterans or kids. "Wherever I'm needed to help raise money," as he puts it. Of course, anytime there's an event tied to the events of 9/11, Ricky tries to help out.
But he's quick to point out that others have helped him out, too. "Special thanks to Putco, Leon Truck Accessories, Dad, Bird and Eddy, Woody, Nick, Jeremy, Daniel, Airborne Concepts, NFM, Pioneer, and my country," Ricky says on his tech sheet.
Goodyear LT275/65-20 tires are fitted to a set of XD Series Rockstar wheels from Leon's Truck Accessories. Ricky has put more than 25,000 miles on the truck, and it gets 19 mpg.
The 6.0L Power Stroke is factory stock, but Ricky is looking into a host of modifications to really spice things up.
The patriotic paint scheme, of course, is what gets people. Look closely enough and you will see that the Statue of Liberty has a tear falling from her eye. Ricky has every right to be proud of this rolling tribute.
Plush leather seats make the...
Plush leather seats make the ride to the show all that much more comfortable.
Chrome XD Series wheels from...
Chrome XD Series wheels from Rockstar are perfect for this truck.
Flamed doorsill plates are...
Flamed doorsill plates are the latest addition to the truck. Ricky has more ideas coming, too.
A chrome exhaust tip (not...
A chrome exhaust tip (not to mention the chrome mud flaps) vies for attention.
Flame cutouts are mounted...
Flame cutouts are mounted on top of the grille for another dramatic effect.
The airbrushing is very intricate...
The airbrushing is very intricate on this Ford F-250. You could search the details for hours.
Lighted side steps from Real...
Lighted side steps from Real Wheels make entry and exit easier.
Nowadays, you've got to have...
Nowadays, you've got to have mobile entertainment in your truck.
Quite a few eagles have made...
Quite a few eagles have made their way into the paint scheme. Ricky calls the truck the T-Eagle.
Applied Coating made sure...
Applied Coating made sure every part looked perfect.