1971 4x4 SSWB (Super Short Wheel Base)

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

So I decided I might as well start a project thread for my "new" truck. I got this 1971 F100 4x4 from my wife for Christmas. She knew I had been eyeing it for some time and approached the owner who was surprisingly willing to part with it. Anyway, the PO had shortened it from a LWB to what I thought was a SWB. Once I was able to get a better look at it (more than just driving by slowly squinting into his back yard) I realized it was a bit shorter than a SWB. Quite a bit shorter...

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

IMO, I think the SSWB (Super Short Wheel Base) as I have taken to calling it looks kinda sporty. Maybe a bit of a hot rod feel. I was curious just how short the bed was so I took some measurements. From the outside bump to bump, the bed is the standard 78" (MOL). Its length is only 69". Wider than it is long! Here's how it compares to the typical LWB and SWB...



I know my picture quality sucks, but it still illustrates the point I'm after.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

So far, I have mostly been disassembling her to see what I have gotten myself into. Hoping for a nice weekend to make some real progress.

[poke em]

Interesting project. What does the frame look like where it was shortened?

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

Interesting project. What does the frame look like where it was shortened?

I'll try to get some pics of the frame where it was shortened soon.

[fordguy_78]

I like it looks good but i may be little bias to the look

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

Well, I didn't make as much progress over the weekend as I wanted, but she runs now. Sort of. I initially thought there was an issue with the solenoid or starter, but it turned out to be an issue with the ignition switch and poor grounding. There were several badly rusted grounding connections. Apparently at one point the truck had three gas tanks on it. There was also an aftermarket mechanical switch on the floorboard by the driver's seat for switching between them all. I removed this as there is only the in cab tank now ...and the switch was kind in the way too. It also looked like the previous rear bumper had been simply been cut off with a torch. This truck seems to have had an interesting life. I took out several broken/obsolete/aftermarket parts and found more rust where I thought she was clean. O well. It's a labor of love. I put new spark plugs in and changed the oil for the first time in who knows how long. She runs more smoothly now. Still having fuel issues. I also took a longer look at the frame where the truck was shortened. I'm not real impressed with the welds... or the alignment of the frame. Not sure how yet, but I am considering redoing this seam or beefing it up somehow. One side is better than the other, but that doesn't comfort me much. You can sort of see in the pics, but I'm no photographer.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

The welds on the bed where it was shortened seem to better than the frame, but still need attention.





There are still a few alignment issues though. It's hard to see in the pictures I took, but the two parts peak upwards a bit at the seam.





The floor pans, cab mounts, and a few other parts of the cab have some patches and panels that were welded in by the PO. There are several skips in the welds that will need to be fixed. Most of them are in the harder to get to places. Go figure.

[cep62]

I had a '72 that I shortened for plowing snow,I took out 24" (the length of the front drive shaft) ,then lopped the back off past the rear shackles.
My box was junk ,so I made a short step side so I could carry some weight to get traction.
It was very manuverable but scary looking.
I only drove it when it snowed ,and people always gave me the right of way.

When I shortened the frame I butt welded the ends,then laid a plate over and welded that too.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

I had a '72 that I shortened for plowing snow,I took out 24" (the length of the front drive shaft) ,then lopped the back off past the rear shackles.
My box was junk ,so I made a short step side so I could carry some weight to get traction.
It was very manuverable but scary looking.
I only drove it when it snowed ,and people always gave me the right of way.

When I shortened the frame I butt welded the ends,then laid a plate over and welded that too.

That sounds beast! Could you share a link? I'm pretty sure I know what direction I want to go with for mine, but it's always great to see what others do.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

So there have been some nice days here and there that have allowed me to make some headway. Finally got the radiator back from the patch shop after their first repair failed. It will be replaced in the long run as it is in rough condition, but it will do for now. Also cleaned out the fuel pump inside and out to get better pressure. ...and after a bit of a false start, it is back on and functioning properly. Still not running as smoothly as I want though.





I also discovered quite a bit more rust that had been puttied over without any attempt to kill it I hate rust. The entire lower half of both doors may need completely replaced. It was quite well hidden. At least I know where it is now. I am finding that the cab (and doors) were not nearly so clean as I thought.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

Got the drivers side front fender completely stripped down. There are a few minor dents and rust spots that I will need to repair. Overall, it's not in bad condition.



I gave it a couple light cotes in a color I'm considering for the final paint. I am just sealing it until I have time to repair it. I might want a little more green and less yellow in the final color. It really makes the dents visible.



I do like the color though, ...just minus the gnats...

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

So the project thread has been inactive for some time much like the project . But no more! Now that we are moved, somewhat settled, and I have been able to put out other fires and get rid of two money pits, ...er... vehicles, I can FINALLY get back to my 71 SSWB. I have a much better place to work on her here at the new place. I feel like I have actually made some real progress. Among other things, I was able to get some decent rolling wheels/tires on her. I'm kind of liking the way she sits on them. Tires will definitely need replaced later; not decided on the wheels yet.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

Next, I tore her apart again as there were several issues that need addressing. The Spark plugs and wires were replaced, and in trying to get fuel to the carb, I have discovered that the timing chain cover, where the mechanical fuel pump bolts on, has been stripped and re-threaded on both holes. (This part was actually discovered earlier, but i was not able to address it due to the impending move.) Between this, the bent up fan, extremely rough radiator, broken gas pedal, absent master cylinder, bent and badly rusted front inner fenders, missing front bumper, and other issues, I decided a parts donor was needed. I got a great deal on a 69 that has a lot to give. It "could" be a driver, but it has many issues of its own (leaking carb, leaking brakes, torn up dash, suspension, lights and wiring issues, etc) and the body is not that great as a whole. Besides, I need a parts truck, not another project. I do not need another project truck.



It was interesting to compare it to my 69 daily driver (on the left). I had not realized how much I had modified it.



Note the up and coming helper in the foreground. He is often the reason my tools disappear. If it isn't him, it's his sister.

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

With the 71 torn apart again, I have begun to pull parts off of the 69 donor. Progress is intermittent but coming along. I am hoping to get the engine running soon... ...again. As usual, I have to remind myself that I am not in a hurry.