SUVs have been given a bit of a bad rap for becoming the next generation of mini-vans. But the practical family ride has evolved into being a capable and customizable platform in their own right. Christine Robinson picked up her new, 2018 Ford Expedition, a vehicle that fit the needs of her family and their dogs.
But with having artist Hank Robinson of Hanro Studios Engraving as her husband, she knew there was no way of getting by with just a stock SUV, nor did she want to. Hank had recently finished the Aluminati truck; the Hanro engraved rolling billboard and mobile engraving station.
He then turned his attention to his wife’s SUV; it would need to live up to their family’s style and naturally provide a canvas for Hank to personalize as well.
Engraved Styling
When it came time for Hank to lay down some artwork across the aluminum bodied canvas of the Ford Expedition, he didn’t have to look far for inspiration. He started on the main centerpiece mural featuring a few of his wife’s favorite motifs; a howling wolf flanked by skulls and balanced out by roses.
Once the artwork was finished, the Expedition was sent over to Sosa’s Custom Paint for some BASF paintwork. They color matched the front grille, rear trim and split the hood with matte clear.
Hank’s engraving work continued onto the lifted suspension with the FOX 2.50 Factory Series 4-inch coilovers’ shock reservoirs showcasing his detailed Dremel engraving work. On the inside, the same color scheme of black and silver was continued with a custom set of leather seat covers diamond stitched by Scottsdale Auto Upholstery with an embossed and stitched Hanro logo on the center console.
Blacked Out & On Display
A set of 22-inch TIS 544 wheels, matched to those on Hank’s Ford H250 Aluminati Super Duty, were installed over R1 Concepts brake rotors but not before the lips were engraved to match the background filigree on body of the Expedition.
When it came to tires; Christine wanted the find the perfect balance of family comfort and aggressive off-road potential and found that in a set of 35x12.50R22 Nitto Trail Grappler tires.
Adding to that sinister, ominous look, the taillights and headlights were smoked and hit with an outline of matte black to tie them into the grille. A 24-inch Vision X LED light bar was flush mounted into the front bumper to light up night when there is no full moon out.
The Ominous Expedition debuted at the 2018 SEMA show where Hank finished the engraving work live in the DUB/Monster Energy booth. The Robinson family was able to capture their style and transform the SUV into a capable yet sinister ride for the family.
HARD FACTS
| VEHICLE | 2018 Ford Expedition |
| OWNER/BUILDER | Christine Robinson/Hanro & CHCustoms |
| ENGINE | 3.5L V6 EcoBoost/10-Speed Auto Transmission, K&N AirCharger Intake, Carven 4-inch Exhaust |
| SUSPENSION | 4-inch Lift with FOX 2.5 Factory Series Engraved Shox |
| BRAKES | R1 Concepts eLINE Brake Rotors |
| WHEELS | 22x10-inch TIS 544 Wheels with Engraved Lips, True Spike Lug Nuts |
| TIRES | 35x12.50R22 Nitto Trail Grappler |
| LIGHTS | Vision X 24-inch LED Light Bar, Pod and Ditch Lights, Tinted Headlights and Taillights |
| INTERIOR | Black and Silver Diamond Stitch Custom Leather Seat Covers |
| BODY/ACCESSORIES | Dremel Engraved Body, DUB IR Window Tint, BASF Matte Clear Coat, Painted Grille |
Click here to see Hanro's 100% Hand-Dremel Engraved and Lifted F-250.