Grand National F-100s May 2025 by Grace Media Publications

From The Tailgate From The Tailgate

By Joe Carpenter

Welcome to the Grand National F-100 Show 2025! The show turned a corner in 2024 moving the outside venue across the street, east of the LeConte Center. There were doubts about how folks would accept the change, but to tell you the truth, we had no choice. The show was simply too large and we needed the room to grow. Other shows had made the change and we felt like we could too.

Welcome to the Grand National F-100 Show 2025! The show turned a corner in 2024 moving the outside venue across the street east of the LeConte Center. There were doubts about how folks would accept the change but to tell the truth we had no choice. The show was simply too large and we needed room to grow. Other shows had made the change and we felt like we could too

Welcome to the Grand National F-100 Show 2025! The show turned a corner in 2024 moving the outside venue across the street east of the LeConte Center. There were doubts about how folks would accept the change but to tell the truth we had no choice. The show was simply too large and we needed room to grow Other shows had made the change and we felt like we could too

Well, it was a huge success! More room for our guests, better views, better air, and still together in a single location. Yes, it may take a few more shows for everyone to get on board, but we are confident it will happen.

Well, it was a huge success! More room for our guests, better view, better air and still together in a single location. Yes, it may take a few more shows for everyone to get onboard but we are condent it will happen. This year we have added more food choices in the outside venue and an additional trailer parking location. The City of Pigeon Forge will be running a trolley every 15 minutes back and forth from the circle at The LeConte Center up to the entrance to the outside venue across the street and back. Scooter rentals will be available not far from the trolley stop outside the entrance to the outside venue. There is plenty of free spectator parking on both sides of the show.

This year we have added more food choices in the outside venue and an additional trailer parking location. The City of Pigeon Forge will be running a trolley every 15 minutes back and forth from the circle at the LeConte Center up to the outside venue entrance across the street and back. Scooter rentals will be available not far from the Trolley Stop to the outside venue entrance. There is plenty of FREE spectator parking on both sides of the show now.

The inside of The LeConte Center is packed this year! More vendors and more show trucks than ever before. We have three different convoys traveling to the show this year. Groups from the West Coast, Texas and the North East will be attending. Make sure to welcome all when you can. We will also be aiding clubs and groups who request parking together with assigned areas to do so Just to make everyone aware, that is what the caution tape to your right as you drive in the outside venue is for

The inside of the LeConte Center is packed this year! More vendors and more show trucks than ever before. We have three different convoys traveling to the show this year. Groups from the West Coast, Texas and the North East will be attending. Make sure to welcome all when you can. We will also be aiding clubs and groups who request parking together with assigned areas to do so. Just to make sure everyone is aware, that is what the caution tape is for, to your right as you drive into the outside venue.

The inside of The LeConte Center is packed this year! More vendors and more show trucks than ever before. We have three different convoys traveling to the show this year Groups from the West Coast, Texas and the North East will be attending. Make sure to welcome all when you can. We will also be aiding clubs and groups who request parking together with assigned areas to do so Just to make everyone aware, that is what the caution tape to your right as you drive in the outside venue is for

As always, we wish everyone to have a great time at the show and in Pigeon Forge! Respect others, have fun and safe travels!

As always, we wish everyone has a great time at the show and in Pigeon Forge! Respect others, have fun, and safe travels!

As always, we wish everyone to have a great time at the show and in Pigeon Forge! Respect others, have fun and safe travels!

The Best from the Carpenter Family

PROGRAM INDEX & SUPPORTERS INDEX

Find EVERYTHING you need at the show, from maps, event schedules and more PLUS check out these fine folks who placed ads in this year’s Grand National F-100 Program Magazine! Thank you for your support!

AAMCO TRANSMISSIONS ................................. P19

ADVENTURES UNLIMITED ............................. P30

AFFORDABLE AUTO LIFTS ............................. P10

ATLAS AUTO EQUIPMENT ................................ P19

CALL IT CLOSED REALTOR MIKE MESSER ....... P29

CAR CAPSULE ..................................................... P22

CAROLINA CLASSICS ........................................ P11

DENNIS CARPENTER [SHOW SPONSOR] ......... P02

DENNIS CARPENTER [SHOW SPONSOR] ......... P31

DENNIS CARPENTER [SHOW SPONSOR] ....... BACK

DIRECT PERFORMANCE [AMSOIL] .................. P27

ET MOTORGEAR OFFICIAL APPAREL .............. P15

FARRIS INSURANCE AGENCY .......................... P25

GET LOCAL/AUTOSELLER CLASSIFIEDS ... P27

HARLEY-DAVIDSON KODAK ............................. P12

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PIGEON FORGE ................. P13

GNF100 DJ TERRY MASON’S HOT ROD SHOW .. P20

GNF100 FROM THE TAILGATE ............................. P03

GNF100 GRAND NATIONAL CRUISE MAP .......... P08

GNF100 MEET ASHLEIGH ..................................... P18

GNF100 MY BUCKET LIST F100 EXPERIENCE .. P23

GNF100 PAST SHOWS PHOTOS ....... P10, P24, P25

GNF100 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ....................... P07

GNF100 SHOW MAP ............................................ P05

NO LIMIT ENGINEERING ..................................... P06

OBSOLETE & CLASSIC TRUCK PARTS ............. P21

PIGEON FORGE ROD RUN FALL EVENT ............. P14

PRO’S PICK CUSTOM TRUCK PARTS ........... P09

SCOTT’S HOT RODS & CUSTOMS ................ P16-17

SMOKY ROAD ROD SHOP .............................. P27

WE LOVE OUR FORD F-100S ARTICLE ............ P28

WIZARD PRODUCTS .......................................... P26

Enjoy the Show! grand national f-100 program magazine has been provided by get local & auto seller classifieds editor|design cajun graham graphics|design randy cole graphics|design lucas fernandes photography|social: armando rodriguez niken salindry page n evalina cook

VIEW THIS MAGAZINE & MORE ONLINE AT SHOWMAGS.COM

to advertise, email cajuin at info@gmmedia.group or call 865-205-8809

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 15

OPENING DAY

8:00 am Show Opens. Registration Begins. Convention Center Opens. T-Shirt Sales Begin

10:00 am Opening Ceremony with the National Anthem

5:00 pm Show and Convention Center Closes

No vehicles can enter or leave outside the show area after 6:00 pm

FRIDAY, MAY 16

2ND DAY OF THE SHOW

8:00 am Show Opens. Registration Begins. Convention Center Opens. T-Shirt Sales Resume

10:00 am National Anthem

3:00 pm Pre-Cruise Meeting. (In front of DJ Trailer)

4:00 pm Grand National Cruise through the Smokies

5:00 pm Show and Convention Center Closes.

No vehicles can enter or leave outside the show area after 6:00 pm.

6:00 pm Cruise Returns.

Saturday, May 17

3RD DAY OF THE SHOW

8:00 am Show Opens. Registration Begins. Convention Center Opens. T-Shirt Sales Resume

10:00 am National Anthem and Veteran Recognition

12:00 pm Registration Closes

3:00 pm 50/50 Give-Away Award

4:00 pm Show Closes

5:00 pm Awards Ceremony in the Greenbriar Room inside the LeConte Center

Have a safe trip home & thank you for coming! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

The GrandNationalCruise

Friday, May 16

Cruise Begins At Wears Valley Farm Park In Pigeon Forge

through County countryside over mountains and by beautiful mountain streams from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. The cruise takes place on Friday afternoon, May 16th.

The Grand National Cruise rolls through the Sevier County countryside over mountains and by beautiful mountain streams from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. The cruise takes place on Friday afternoon, May 16th.

The cruise will start staging at 3:30 pm, Friday afternoon at Wear City Park Farm located at 321 Wears Valley Rd. The cruise will leave at 4:00 pm by taking a left out of the park onto Wears Valley Rd towards Townsend.

Pigeon Forge

Take Little River Gorge Rd (becoming Fighting Creek Gap Rd) through the Smokey Mountain National Forrest towards Gatlinburg. Bare left and take a left onto Hwy 441 and proceed through Gatlinburg. Stay on Hwy 441 back to Pigeon Forge.

The entire trip will take approximately 1 hour

At the stop light in Townsend take a left onto E Lamar Alexander Parkway towards Cades Cove. Bare left at the split, then left at the stop sign onto Little River Gorge Rd. Take Little River Gorge Rd (becoming Fighting Creek Gap Rd) through the Smokey Mountain National Forrest towards Gatlinburg. Bare left and take a left onto Hwy 441 and proceed through Gatlinburg. Stay on Hwy 441 back to Pigeon Forge. The entire trip will take approximately 1 hour.

StagingLocation

A Vital Spark in the Carpenter and Classic Ford Truck Families

Ashleigh is the newest official member of the Carpenter family, having married Joseph last year. However, she has been part of the family’s story for much longer. Joseph and Ashleigh first met a decade ago at a car show, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Many will recognize Ashleigh from the shows — parking trucks, selling raffle tickets, and enthusiastically promoting the event. Beyond the visible roles, she has been a driving force behind the show’s growing success. Ashleigh even coined the now-famous slogan “I’ve Been Trucked,” a phrase that has helped unite our Classic Ford community in recent years. Her boundless energy and passion have been essential in propelling the show to new heights.

Ashleigh is also a scholar, having graduated from college with honors and earning multiple degrees. She works as a veterinary technician at Cherryville Animal Hospital in their hometown of Cherryville, NC. There, she and Joseph founded “Take a Chance Rescue,” a program dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted animals. After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, they worked tirelessly to coordinate the distribution of pet food and critical supplies to the hardest-hit mountain communities.

Ashleigh’s love for hot rods, racing, and fishing can be traced back to her grandfather, Ronnie Hudson. Those who know her best often affectionately call her “Hud” — a nod to both her spirited personality and her beloved grandfather’s influence.

We couldn’t be prouder to welcome Ashleigh not only into the Carpenter family but also into our larger Classic Ford Truck Family.

When you see her flying around at the show, be sure to say hello — and don’t forget to grab a few raffle tickets!

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BMyucket List

F100 Experience

By Joe Carpenter

In 1974, at the age of 15, my father gifted me a '53 F-100, which I named Big Blue. That truck sparked a passion for classic Ford pickups that has now lasted 50 years. Today, that same truck leads the annual cruise at the Grand National F-100 Show, a testament to the enduring legacy of these incredible vehicles.

My love for F-100s deepened when I read a Hot Rod Magazine Special Edition in 1974. It featured a groundbreaking article about the emerging truck culture of the time, spotlighting Pickups Limited in Southern California. Alongside Northern California Elite clubs, these pioneers helped establish the cruising and showing culture we know and love today

Among the traditions born from that era is the North-South Run, the oldest F-100 show in the country Launched in 1971 and held at the historic Santa Maria Inn in California, this event is a perfect blend of nostalgia and camaraderie. After a decade of promoting the Grand National F-100 Show, I had the pleasure of attending the Western Nationals in Yorba Linda, hosted by Pickups Limited, Orange County Their passion and dedication left a lasting impression on me, so when Chris Travers of Pickups Limited invited me, my son Joseph, and his wife Ashleigh to join the 2024 North-South Run, I was thrilled.

California Dreamin’

Our adventure began in August, ﬂying into Los Angeles and spending a night at the L.A.X. airport Hilton. The next morning, three jawdropping '56 F-100s pulled up to greet us: Chris Travers in his rugged pickup Bam Bam, Brandon Hamner ’ stunning Sweet Carolyn, and Rich Miller ’ immaculate Midnight Rider.

From there, we hit the Pacific Coast Highway, cruising in true F-100 style. We rotated between the trucks, each ride offering a unique thrill. The journey was pure California magic: the ocean on one side, rolling hills on the other, with the rumble of V8 engines filling the air.

At one point, a group of CHiPs officers on BMW motorcycles passed us, only to surprise us at our breakfast stop. Ashleigh and Rich quickly organized a photo shoot, capturing the officers alongside Rich’ panel truck with their lights flashing—a picture-perfect moment.

Cherished Memories

Friday was a day of discovery Our ﬁrst stop was at the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, where we took in the incredible aviation history of the region. From there, we cruised through the backroads, and were treated to an incredible sight: a SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Flames lit up the sky as we pulled over to take it all in, watching the rocket ascend until it disappeared from view

Later that evening, we attended a BBQ hosted by a club member Imagine 50 gleaming F-100s parked on a pristine lawn, with the aroma of tri-tip and all the ﬁxings ﬁlling the air. It was more than a meal—it was a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and the shared love of these classic trucks.

A Celebration of Tradition

Saturday, at the infamous Santa Maria Inn, we gathered in the hotel parking lot to admire the trucks and share stories. The Santa Maria Inn is more than just a place to stay—it's a historic landmark that has played a key role in the F-100 community Located in the heart of Santa Maria, this iconic hotel has witnessed decades of culture and gatherings, making it the perfect backdrop for the North-South Run. Its nostalgic charm and rich history add to the overall experience, making this event feel like a true journey back in time.

The North-South Run’ allure lies in its authenticity: it’ a nostalgic, oldschool event that feels like a step back in time. The Santa Maria Inn’ beautiful, Spanish-style architecture and vintage vibes create the perfect setting for a weekend spent with fellow F-100 enthusiasts, sharing stories, laughs, and the shared love for these classic trucks.

The credit for this incredible tradition goes to the members of Pickups Limited and the Northern California Elite clubs. Their dedication to preserving the F-100 legacy ensures that these events remain a vibrant part of truck culture.

A Journey of Connection

This journey was more than just a bucket-list experience—it was a reminder of why I fell in love with F-100s in the ﬁrst place. It was the perfect blend of nostalgia, excitement, and connection to the roots of this truck culture. Experiencing it with the next generation—my son and daughter-in-law—made it even more meaningful, as it’s not just about celebrating the past but also about passing on the passion for these trucks to future generations.

These experiences, the people I met, and the memories we made along the way remind me of what it means to be part of something larger than ourselves. It’ about tradition, unity, and celebrating the legacy of F100s while passing it down to future generations. As we continue to gather at these events, we not only celebrate the trucks but the familylike bonds we form along the way

A Look Back at the Past

Another year, another amazing cruise through the Smokies!

AGREED VALUE COVERAGE

You can predetermine the value of your vehicle. Once the underwriting team has agreed to this amount, it becomes the coverage limit for the policy term. In the event of a total loss, this amount is paid, with no deductible in most states.

NO MILEAGE LIMITATIONS

While participating in hobby-related events, owners enjoy their collector vehicle without monitoring their odometer.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

HIGHLIGHTS

• High Liability Limits, up to $1,000,000.00

• Towing and labor expenses

• Auto Show medical reimbursement, $5,000.00 each person, up to $10,000.00

• Spare parts coverage, up to $500.00

• “Trip Interruption” coverage, up to $600.00 reimbursement for transportation expenses, lodging and/or meals in the event of a collision or mechanical / electrical breakdown.

• Inflation Guard

-Optional by State

• Automatic coverage on newly acquired vehicles for a limited time.

• Collection discounts

• Optional Deductibles

1983 FORD F100. $4,500 OBO | 302 V8 engine, Runs good, new tires, needs front left brake caliper, 96,945 miles, 762-887-2077

1966 FORD F-100 I BEAM. $6,000 | great project or sleeper truck, 352 V8, many new parts, will not start, nice wheels and tires, everything else is original, good patina w/minor surface rust, NO LOWBALL OFFERS, may take nice trade. 615-489-0233. Murfreesboro, TN

1949 FORD F1 TRUCK F100. $22,900 | All around a really cool truck that’s had a good bit of work done to it. Finished wood bed with correct stainless strip and Tonneau style cover. Just to much to list on this one. 770-841-0380. Canton, GA

1983 FORD TRUCK F100. $4,000 | V8, auto, sold as is, good motor, in need of a rebuilt Carborater, some good tires, good upholstery, etc. Text 615-946-9407. Manchester, TN

1973-1979 FORD TRUCK PARTS. $Varies | Up for sale I have parts available for 1973-1979 ford F100, F150 and F250 pickups. Text or call Steve at 706-936-3408 for more information. Located in Rome, GA- you must pick up, no deliveries.

1968 FORD F100 RANGER. $3,800 | LWB, 6cyl, 3spd manual, runs and drives, but not well. It’s been in storage for many years. Very straight truck w/original paint, & even spare tire. Clear KY title. Call 859-4218621 for more info. Located in Lexington, KY.

WE LOVE OUR FORDS F100S!!!

The Ford F-100’s enduring popularity stems from its innovative fusion of practical utility and appealing design introduced in 1953, its reputation for rock-solid reliability that has left a vast pool of restorable examples, and a passionate network of enthusiasts who keep the model’s spirit alive through custom builds, clubs, and marquee events

Timeless Design and Practicality

From its debut as the F-100 in 1953, Ford struck a balance between form and function, wrapping a capable half-ton work truck in clean, modern lines that appealed to both tradesmen and lifestyle buyers.

The truck’s relatively light, compact package—paired with Ford’s new overhead-valve engines—redefined expectations for pickup trucks, proving you could have both payload capacity and everyday drivability in one package.

Durability and Ease of Maintenance

Decades of on-the-job service have culled the weakest shells, leaving a surprisingly large supply of rust-free, structurally sound F-100s that continue to turn heads on the road today. With simple mechanical systems and a vast aftermarket for reproduction body panels, driveline parts, and accessories, keeping an F-100 running and stopping is straightforward even for hobbyist mechanics.

Cultural Icon and Media Presence

More than just a work truck, the F-100 became an icon of Americana, celebrated by writers and photographers as a symbol of postwar optimism and blue-collar grit. Its starring roles in magazines, advertising campaigns, and feature articles have cemented its place in the collective automotive imagination, ensuring that each generation rediscovers its classic appeal.

Enthusiast Customization and Restomod Scene

From mild upgrades to full-blown restomods, F-100s serve as blank canvases for creative automotive expression. MotorTrend’s roundup of top custom F-100 builds highlights how builders blend vintage style with modern performance technology.

High-end shops like Velocity Restorations deliver turnkey restomods—such as their 1970 F-100 with a Coyote V-8 and independent suspension—showing just how far the platform can evolve while retaining its classic charm.

Enthusiast Communities and Events

The Ford Truck Enthusiasts Club organizes regional chapters for every F-100 era, providing technical support, parts swaps, and social gatherings that foster lifelong friendships.

Each Spring, the Grand National F-100 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, draws hundreds of F100 trucks from across the country, showcasing everything from restorations to radical customs in a celebration that’s spanned decades.

Online Marketplaces and Digital Forums

Forums like Ford-Trucks.com host active restoration threads where members share build photos, wiring diagrams, and sourcing tips— ensuring that both first-time restorers and veteran builders find the answers they need.

Facebook groups such as “Show-Me F-100’s” unite over 3,000 members to trade parts, organize local meet-ups, and post progress photos, turning the internet into a virtual garage for F-100 aficionados.

Legacy and Future Outlook

More than 70 years after its introduction, the Ford F-100 remains a touchstone for what a pickup can be—durable, versatile, and brimming with character. As new generations discover its timeless design and as builders continue to push its capabilities, the F-100’s legend is assured to roll on for decades to come.