The Western Nationals Then and Now by Dale Beverley
Most people attending the Western Nationals this year are aware that it originated from the Arizona and Southern California (Westminster PUL) F-100 clubs getting together and establishing a midway point to consolidate their interests and hold a mutual event. Lake Havasu was chosen initially. With golf courses of green grass to park our trucks and a beautiful lake as a backdrop, not too many venues could compare. There were even a few years we parked right on the beach, just a few feet from the water’s edge. This tradition to meet at a half way point continued through 2002 with a few years at Laughlin along the way. In the year 2003 the Western Nationals was detoured to Pigeon Forge for the 50th anniversary of the F-100 and the 25th anniversary of the Super Nationals on the East Coast. This of course became known as the Super Tour and was pioneered by Bill Lee. Afterwards the Western Nationals has kept its present location in SoCal at Featherly Park in Anaheim, Ca. Since the 1953-56 Ford truck was our common interest and excuse to get together, let’s consider the type of trucks and some of the modifications our trucks have experienced over the years. In 1982 the average F-100 needed to be reliable, comfortable for at least a six hour drive, and able to transport whatever luggage needed to endure a three to five day vacation. Gas although expensive relative to what it was in prior years, was not a big factor in driveline selection, and it was readily available. So many attendees focused on nice interiors, air conditioning and sound systems. While drivelines evolved to newer engines, the chassis converted to frame subclips with power steering. Leading the way were the Volare/Aspen and Chevelle/Camaro clips, which not only provided power steering but disc brakes as well. Out back the Ford 9 inch with original leaf springs dominated with an occasional Jag or Corvette independent in the rear. The trucks had a little higher stance otherwise there were frequent reminders in the form of curbs, potholes, and road dips to adjust clearance for their owners who really wanted to get down a little lower than the rest. Of course many risk takers felt secure knowing that most of the clubs assembled caravans to attend. These caravans yielded multiple advantages because safety became a shared responsibility. Also the social aspect of really getting to know other club members over a multiple day period spawned friendships, many enduring a lifetime. As the Western Nationals continued over the years at its locations along the Colorado River, the trucks evolved at a slow but steady rate with trends being represented by those who could afford and take time to implement them. The Pro-Street theme from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s took effect in many of the trucks. Chopped and channeled frames and truck beds made the swap to gigantic tires easier for the trucks to make than their street rod counterparts. Paint jobs went from a single color to multiple colors in the form of striping and graphics. Bright colors continued to endure and red was and still is the dominant color choice for the trucks. Drivelines took a more technical approach with engines having fuel injection systems and overdrives. Also, trending, the Mustang II suspension with rack and pinion steering as one of the optimum choices for ride improvements, And still, emphasis was placed on comfort because most trucks were driven to the Western Nationals.
26 www.F100westernnationals.com