71 f100 4wd build

pedstagn71 · Oct 12, 2024

I’ve started on my 71f100 4wd. I’ve got the cab fenders and doors ready for paint. Shortened the frame for a shot box and starts cleaning the frame with the laser cleaner

tpj71mach · Oct 12, 2024

It's looking great! The cab is nice and solid, once you repair that mount area it will be good to go. I am a big fan of the bump-side F100's. If I did another build, I would like to build a 2WD short bed resto mod in the future. The frame sectioning looks like it is nice and strong and will hold up well. I like that rack that you fabricated to hold the doors and fenders out of PVC pipe.

pedstagn71 · Oct 12, 2024

I replaced both front mounts and the ends of the cross support and cab corners. otherwise it was in great shape. Just a couple dents on the roof

cjstaci · Oct 13, 2024

Nice work. The first truck I had was a 67 short wide box 2wd. I bought a 68 mustang coupe with front end damage for 400, but I didn’t have the money to fix it. A friend offered to trade his truck straight across for the mustang so I agreed. The truck was straight, ran good, had a 352, C6.
You mentioned you laser cleaned the frame. I am curious as what you think of the process and how fast it cleans and what machine you are using. I see there’s a lot of machines out there and vary in price and power output.

pedstagn71 · Oct 13, 2024

I use the sfx 1500w cleaning laser. It works well on heavier metal you have to be careful with lighter metals because it can get them hot and warp them. On heavier rust it seems I have to go over it with the laser then a wire brush and do that a couple of times. It may not be as fast as sandblasting but worth the extra time to not have to clean sand out of everything It is very clean and pretty much turns everything to smoke. You’d want an exhaust fan

cjstaci · Oct 13, 2024

That sounds pretty cool. Sandblasting is definitely messy, been there, done that. I think I will look into the lasers. Thanks for the info.

cjstaci · Oct 13, 2024

I looked at the sfx 1500, nice looking machine, but $10,000 a bit out of my budget.

pedstagn71 · Oct 13, 2024

cjstaci said:
I looked at the sfx 1500, nice looking machine, but $10,000 a bit out of my budget.

pedstagn71 · Oct 13, 2024

There are smaller less expensive ones out there

pedstagn71 · Oct 14, 2024

Got part of the frame epoxy primed and new rear spring hangers on for 3” wide 4 inch lift

pedstagn71 · Oct 25, 2024

Would anyone here know where I might find a front spring tower for a 67-72 f100 4wd. I have searched the internet and can find nothing. It’s looking like I may have to fabricate them

tpj71mach · Oct 25, 2024

Are there any F100 forums that might have some leads for you? I have looked at fordtrucks.com (doing research for possible future project, haha) they have a 67-72 bump-side section.

pedstagn71 · Oct 25, 2024

tpj71mach said:
Are there any F100 forums that might have some leads for you? I have looked at fordtrucks.com (doing research for possible future project, haha) they have a 67-72 bump-side section.

Ya I’ve tried two different ones with no help

tpj71mach · Oct 25, 2024

pedstagn71 said:
Ya I’ve tried two different ones with no help

Sorry that was the first thing I thought of. How about QA1 or Ride-Tech? I know Qa1 makes 2WD suspension kits not sure about 4WD.

They shouldn't be that difficult to fabricate as long as your welds are nice and hot so you get good penetration and they are strong. If you fabricated your own, you could use a heavier gauge steel and and add some gusseting and beef them up a bit. You did a great job on the frame shortening, I'm sure you can fabricate some spring towers.

pedstagn71 · Oct 25, 2024

tpj71mach said:
Sorry that was the first thing I thought of. How about QA1 or Ride-Tech? I know Qa1 makes 2WD suspension kits not sure about 4WD.

They shouldn't be that difficult to fabricate as long as your welds are nice and hot so you get good penetration and they are strong. If you fabricated your own, you could use a heavier gauge steel and and add some gusseting and beef them up a bit. You did a great job on the frame shortening, I'm sure you can fabricate some spring towers.

Thank you. The factory ones are 3/16 thick I’m planning on using 1/4” thick

tpj71mach · Oct 25, 2024

Thicker is usually better when it comes to suspension parts.

detritusmaximus · Oct 25, 2024

pedstagn71 said:
Would anyone here know where I might find a front spring tower for a 67-72 f100 4wd. I have searched the internet and can find nothing.

Sunnyside Auto Salvage
(636) 488-5277

https://g.co/kgs/HQXseUv

pedstagn71 · Oct 25, 2024

Got the new spring towers about fabricated up just got to drill holes and make new shock mounts

tpj71mach · Oct 26, 2024

They look great! That sure was quick.

Idaho Chris · Oct 26, 2024

Not wanting to hijack your thread, just thought I'd post up a pic of my 1968 F250 Hi-Boy to let you know you are not alone here in 7173Mustang world.

I look forward to following your progress!

71 f100 4wd build

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