Oskaloosa, IA May 19, 2011. For Immediate Release: Kelderman Air Suspension Systems made Marlins’ infielder Wes Helms’ dream truck become a reality this past winter with a custom-built black 2011 Ford F-250. The 2011 crew cab is an automatic, Powerstroke Diesel, short box (6’), 4WD. Helms had been in communication with Kelderman after seeing numerous features of their builds in various automotive publications and specifically a blacked-out F-450 in 8-LUG Magazine.
Wes says, “I have always wanted a lifted, blacked-out F-250. I had been planning the build with Kelderman for well over a year and decided to finally build one. With the new 2011’s coming out, I pre-ordered the truck and drop-shipped it directly to Kelderman.”
The truck took approximately two months to complete. It was delivered to Kelderman just before the SEMA Show at the end of October and Wes flew in to pick it up in time for Christmas. When the truck was finally unveiled to Helms, he stated, “I’m in total shock. The pictures just don’t do this truck justice. This thing is awesome!”
Helms chose to have Kelderman customize his truck because its unique design was the only one on the market that would be able to fit his diverse needs. Helms wanted to be able to run 40″ tires on his Super Duty, but also wanted to be able to drop it down for his kids to be able to get in and out easily. Kelderman’s kit allowed his children easy access as the truck is able to lower four inches while the air bags on the truck are completely empty. In addition to being able to provide enough lift to produce a show quality truck, Kelderman’s lift kits are known for their durability and heavy duty construction. Helms uses his air ride to keep the truck level while in use towing his Bobcat and tractors.
“This truck isn’t just for leisure driving,” Helms said. “I need it to work and accomplish all the things I need it to do.”
Kelderman is known not only for their durable suspension systems, but also for their personal touches on their vehicles. As usual, in true Kelderman style, Helms was surprised with several personalized accessories on his new Super Duty. The personal touches on the blacked out F-250 include items such as: custom #18 shock clamps by Kelderman Manufacturing, custom #18 tailgate oval by Billet Badges and custom #18 wheel center caps. Other accessories installed during this project include: Fab Fours front & rear bumpers, PML front & rear differential covers and DeaknBuilt pinch weld covers. Custom lighting for the truck is provided by HID headlights built by Imagine Audio in Cherry Hill, NJ, Lightforce HID driving lights, Recon lights-tail lights, cab lights, mirrors, domes, etc. Kelderman also used a color matched T-Rex grille, color matched Bushwacker fender flares and AMP Research Power Steps to round out the look. A Warn 16.5ti winch and custom trailer hitch keeps this truck not only looking good, but working hard.
In addition to the cosmetics, serious performance parts were installed on Helms’ new Ford. Kelderman installed their own 8-10” air suspension lift kit, AccuAir e-Level Air Management Package with TouchPad interface, Sway-A-Way 2” Remote Reservoir and Steering Stabilizer Shocks, 22×11 KMC Monster wheels with 40x22x15.5 Toyo Open Country M/Ts, 4.54 Axle Ratio and 4” black Magnaflow exhaust.
“Working with Wes was a blast. He is a down-to-earth guy that had a vision from the beginning of how he wanted his truck to look and we had a great time building it for him”, says Mark Stek of Kelderman. “We loved how the truck turned out and it’s always rewarding to see a customer pleased with a finished product. Wes added, “Kelderman exceeded my expectations!”
Wesley Ray Helms was born May 12, 1976 in Gastonia, North Carolina. He is a 1994 graduate of Ashbrook High School (NC), where he played baseball and basketball. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves right out of high school in the 10th round of the 1994 amateur draft, he made his MLB debut with the Braves in 1998. Helms played with the Atlanta Braves in 1998, 2000-2002, the Milwaukee Brewers from 2003-2005, the Florida Marlins in 2006, the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007, and as an infielder for the Florida Marlins again from 2008-present. His current career batting average is over .250. He and his wife, Meredith, have two sons, Wes Jr. and Waylon, and one daughter, Stella. Wes is also nephew of former MLB player Tommy Helms.
For more information, call Kelderman’s technical assistance toll free number at 800-334-6150. Kelderman Manufacturing is located at 2686 Highway 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.
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