New Project Spotlight: Vermillion Red 2wd CCSB

When it comes to classic Ford trucks, there’s just something special about the OBS (Old Body Style) lineup that still gets us fired up. From the boxy styling to the rock-solid drivetrains, they represent an era when trucks were simple, tough, and full of character. So anytime we at Complete Performance come across an OBS worth talking about, you know it’s going to turn into something cool—and this one is no exception.

Let’s rewind a bit.

I’d been on the hunt for a new daily driver. After years of rolling in my trusty ’96 F-350 service truck, I was ready for something that could carry the torch but give me a bit more comfort and style on the road. I had a pretty specific truck in mind too: a 1997 F-250, crew cab, short bed, 2WD. And it had to be Vermillion Red. The kind of truck you don’t just stumble on at your local lot every weekend.

I casually mentioned it to Paul—told him I wasn’t too picky about the miles since I planned to keep and drive the thing long-term. Two weeks later, like magic, he sends me a link to one that checks every single box.

A Hidden Gem in West Monroe

This unicorn of a truck popped up on Facebook Marketplace, listed by a small dealership down in West Monroe, Louisiana. A 1-owner 1997 F-250 crew cab short bed, 2WD with just 127,000 miles on the clock. And yes—it was Vermillion Red.

Now look, I’ll be honest. I had to pay more for it than I probably should’ve. But when a truck this rare comes along—low miles, fully loaded, and in the exact spec you’ve been daydreaming about—you don’t sit around and haggle yourself out of it. You get it done.

This truck came optioned with power windows and locks, power mirrors, and even factory keyless entry. The original owner had to have custom-ordered it, because you just don’t see these kinds of creature comforts packed into most F-250s from the era. To top it off, it came with a clean low-profile camper shell, complete with side-opening windows. Not only did it look good, it added just the right touch of old-school cool. Bonus points all around.

The Plan: OBS Lightning-Inspired Street Truck

We’re not planning on leaving this one stock, though. If you know us, you know that a clean canvas like this is just the beginning.

The goal with this build is to create a Lightning-inspired OBS with just the right balance of performance and attitude. Think: lowered stance, smooth paintwork, a subtle yet aggressive street presence—and enough power to roast the tires when needed.

First up, we’ll start by PTMing (paint-to-match) the entire front end and the rear bumper, just like Ford did with the original Lightnings. That monochrome look always set them apart and gave them an unmistakable performance vibe. We’ll carry that theme throughout the truck—simple, clean, and unapologetically bold.

Next, we’re dropping the truck 2/4 to get that perfect street truck stance. It’s not slammed to the ground, but low enough to turn heads and tighten up the profile. Combined with the crew cab and short bed combo, this truck is going to have a seriously stout silhouette.

Power Upgrades: Turning the OBS into a Sleeper

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Complete Performance build without some go-fast goodies under the hood. We’ve got a solid plan lined out to make sure this truck not only looks the part but backs it up with real performance.

Here’s the powertrain lineup:

• Full Force 238/80 Injectors – These injectors are the sweet spot for power and drivability. They’ll provide plenty of fuel to support the rest of the upgrades without sacrificing street manners.

• KC Drop-in Turbocharger – No need for a complete turbo reconfiguration; this drop-in from KC Turbo will spool fast, hit hard, and keep the setup clean.

• Irate Fuel System – Reliability and consistent fuel delivery are key, and Irate’s fuel system is a proven upgrade that supports both power and peace of mind.

• CNC High-Pressure Oil Pump – A must when you start pushing bigger injectors. Keeping the oil system happy is crucial on a 7.3 build like this.

• Valve Springs and Pushrods – We’re not skipping the supporting mods. Valve float and weak valvetrain components can quickly ruin your day if left stock with this kind of power.

• Edge Insight+ – Keeping tabs on engine vitals is non-negotiable. The Edge Insight CTS3 will make monitoring a breeze while giving us some digital polish on the interior with the ability to flash custom tuning for our fueling and airflow changes right to the PCM.

• Custom Tuning – To tie it all together, we’ll run custom tuning tailored specifically to this combo. This is where the magic happens, dialing in power, smoke control, and drivability.

• Built Transmission – With this level of power, the stock trans wouldn’t last long. We’ll be upgrading to a fully built unit to handle the extra torque and keep things shifting strong and smooth.

• Traction Bars – Because nothing kills a street truck’s vibe like axle wrap. These will keep things planted when it’s time to lay down the power.

Keeping it Streetable, But Far from Stock

One of the biggest goals for this truck is to make it a true daily driver. We want comfort, reliability, and function—but we also want that old-school muscle truck vibe. This isn’t a race truck. It’s not a show queen either. It’s meant to be driven, seen, and enjoyed every day.

That’s why every mod we’re doing has to serve a purpose. Whether it’s performance, appearance, or comfort—nothing is going on this truck just for the sake of doing it. The OBS platform has always been about form and function working together, and that’s exactly how we’re approaching this build.

Why This Truck Matters

OBS Fords are having a serious moment, and it’s easy to see why. They’re built like tanks, look amazing with the right touches, and represent a time in truck history that’s long gone. This ’97 F-250, in particular, feels like one of those rare finds that you don’t see every day.

We’ve always believed in building trucks that tell a story—whether it’s a full-blown showstopper or a clean daily driver with attitude. This one? It’s a bit of both.

So keep an eye out as we start wrenching on this Vermillion Red beauty. We’ll be sharing updates along the way—install pics, dyno runs, and of course, that first test hit once it’s all buttoned up.

Until then, if you’ve got a soft spot for OBS trucks like we do—or you’re thinking about starting your own build—stick around. This one’s going to be a ride worth following. Our only real question for you guys, what should we name this one? Give us some ideas in the comments...