The Largest OBS in the PNW

On August 15th and 16th, 2025, I had the privilege of attending one of the biggest gatherings of classic Ford trucks in the Northwest—the No BS OBS Ford show in Salem, Oregon. For those who may not know, OBS stands for Old Body Style, a term that generally covers Ford trucks from 1980 through 1996, and sometimes 1997. This includes the beloved bullnose (1980–’86), bricknose (1987–’91), aeronose (1992–’96), and 1997 F-250 and F-350s. Oh, and we can’t forget about the Broncos that came out strong during those years.

This was the 7th year that Devon and the team at OBS Solutions hosted the No BS OBS Ford event, and it was by far the largest yet. Attendance has grown steadily year after year, but this time it blew past expectations. “Last year we had nearly 450 trucks, and this year we had close to 540,” Devon told me. That is definitely a clear sign that the OBS community is stronger than ever.

The No BS show was a first for me in more ways than one. I made the long drive from Arizona all the way up to Oregon in my ’94 Lightning. I had already installed a new stereo and added some window tint, but before hitting the road, we had to add a few more key things for the truck to be considered ready. Fresh shocks went on, mainly because we had just lowered the truck a few inches, but the real priority was the A/C. This truck hadn’t blown cold air in years. We all know there are hot portions of this drive, and I truly was not ready for that kind of misery.

I was lucky enough to have my grandma pass down to me one of only 1,460 white Lightning trucks produced in 1994. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. The truck came out of Fairbanks, Alaska, where air conditioning wasn’t exactly a priority, so it had gone without for years. Now that it’s here in Arizona, I knew getting it repaired was a must, and I took it to a local shop hoping it would hold up for the journey. Little by little, I’ve been putting my own touch on it to truly make it mine.

This was my first solo road trip of this length and my first time attending a truck show alone in a different state. My dad, Robert, was also headed out that weekend, though to a different event. We left my dad’s place at 5 a.m. on the 14th, driving together until we split ways in Elko, Nevada. We stayed the night at the Maverick Hotel and Casino, then the next morning he headed northeast while I continued north for the 600-mile push to Salem.

Pulling into Oregon with the A/C working beautifully, and the sight of sunshine, green hills, and trees everywhere, made the journey worth it before the show even started. The show itself was nothing short of incredible. OBS trucks of every type filled the grounds, from work trucks with dents and stories to immaculate show builds, unfinished projects, and everything in between. Devon summed it up perfectly: “‘Show’ isn’t even the right word—it’s more of a drive-in.” That relaxed atmosphere was part of what made it so enjoyable.

Vendors added to the experience, with names like Heatwave, Milwaukee, Power Motorsports, Amsoil, and more in attendance. There was something there for everyone shopping for tools, parts, or just grabbing some merch. Families weren’t left out either. There was a bouncy house for kids, plenty of open space, and food trucks serving up some excellent options. For the record, I can vouch that the fresh lemonade hit the spot—especially during Saturday’s hot, sunny weather.

The venue itself, Powerland Heritage Park, gave the show a unique vibe. The park is home to 14 different museums, all open for attendees to explore, which added a layer of history and culture to the event. Between the amazing Oregon landscape, the rows of trucks, and the community feel, the whole scene just worked.

And the giveaways? Next level. The raffle featured a ton of parts and prizes, but the big one was a 33,000-mile 1997 F-250. All you had to do was enter the raffle to win! Did I mention it was given away for free? Unlike most shows that have judges hand out the trophies, Devon prefers a more community-driven approach. “I don’t like judging and giving out the trophies,” he says, “so instead, we had all the participants vote with a barcode and choose who wins.”

For me, this wasn’t just another event; it was a milestone. The road trip itself was a test and an adventure, and the show was the reward at the end. The vibe was laid-back but full of energy. The crowd leaned younger compared to shows I’ve attended in Arizona, and the community was welcoming and fun. Music, vendors, food, friendly people, and hundreds of trucks—the show checked all the boxes.

When I think back on the trip, it wasn’t just about the trucks. It was about the road, the people, and being part of something bigger than just a truck show. This event is one I’ll be hoping to make it back to every year from here on out.