Project 71

[ta2drhino]

This is my 71 F100 LWB. It will soon be a 71 F100 SWB. My plans are to either find a good short bed donor truck for the frame or have mine shortened at a local street rod shop. I am also going with a Mustang II type front end for the independent suspension and disc brakes and will also go with disc rear. It will have 20" wheels and an aggressive stance - but not slammed. It has a 360/C6, but I am going to replace the engine with a performance model. My plans are to perform a frame-off resurrection of this truck. Before I get too in-depth, from anyone who has done a frame-off resto - what would be a good game plan? I don't want to take 1 step forward and then 2 back because I put the cart before the horse...input from others is definitely welcome.

[Ranchero50]

First thing I'd recommend a doing a write up on what you need the truck to do, then plan a build to get there. Not knowing where you are going, you'll never get there.

The newer Crown Vic front suspensions are nearly bolt in, have an aluminum engine cradle and will accept a Mod motor (4.6, 5.4)

Jamie

[mrsnicks]

Welcome aboard ta2drhino. Just my 2 cents but why disc brakes in the rear? 75% or more of the stopping power for our trucks is done with the front brakes so power front disc brakes should be plenty. Also the 73-79 F100/F150's are a direct bolt in for front disc brakes. http://www.fordification.com/tech/discbrakes01.htm

[ta2drhino]

Disc rear isn't a necessity, I would just like it. I had considered the 73-79 front brakes, but I want to get away from the twin I beam.

My thoughts are to get the body off the frame and have it shortened and the the new front end put on. Then paint it all before redoing my brake lines. I want to cut out all the rust in the cab which, thankfully, appears to be the rear cab corners and the passenger's floorboard. I also have to weld in a section to close up where the B&M floor shifter sits. I have better front fenders and doors in my garage now. They have some small dents that will need to be tended to, but there is no rust in these parts, unlike the ones that are currently on the truck. I will probably replace the hood and will definitely replace the front inner fenderwells. The truck will get totally rewired and the factory a/c unit will be replaced by a unit from Southern Air, Vintage Air or something like that. I have already replaced the steering column with a chrome ididit unit and the gauges have been replaced with a Dakota Digital set.

Just a small compilation of what I have done and where I am going (hopefully).

[ta2drhino]

Here are some pictures from the interior