1971 Ford F100 XLT Pickup Restomod

Description

While Ford’s line of light duty trucks looked to be all new in 1967, the pickups were actually based on the previous generation’s architecture from 1961 through '66, only with new styling. Prominent features included a pronounced horizontal crease that bisected the bodywork, straight-edged wheel well openings, and an intricate grille assembly. 

Powertrain availability continued from the previous year, but in 1968 the V-8 engine options were significantly changed. The 352-cubic-inch Y-block was dropped, replaced with 360- and 390-cu-in V-8s. The small-block 302 V-8 was added to the list for 1969, while 1970 saw both a new grille structure and the introduction of a now popular series, the XLT — specifically the Ranger XLT.  

Models for 1971 made do with minor trim changes, along with the chrome front bumper and bright aluminum grille being standard. Trim levels were now Custom, Sport Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT. 

This 1971 Ford F100 Ranger XLT underwent an 18-month custom build by Fat Fender Garage in Gilbert, Arizona. After work was completed in 2023, the truck was entered in the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders. Although it didn’t place at SEMA, it was named the top Street Touring Pickup at the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. 

Highlights 

• 18-month custom build by Fat Fender Garage in Gilbert, Arizona completed in 2023

• Engine upgrades include: 

  • Dyno-tuned Gen 2 Mustang Coyote 5.0 fuel-injected V8 engine with Whipple 3.8 Supercharger system generating 596 whp and a top speed of 156 mph 

  • MMR Billet oil pump gears and internal timing chain upgrades 

  • ARP head studs, valve train, oil pan, and harmonic balancer bolts 

  • Modular Motorsports Racing (MMR) rear main seal support 

  • Wizard Gen 2 Coyote radiator with SPAL fans 

  • Ford 10R80 automatic transmission 

  • Custom transmission cooler system 

  • Custom supercharger cooler tanks and Derale Performance twin fan heat exchanger 

  • Custom cold air intake 

• Chassis and suspension upgrades include: 

  • Custom Porterbuilt chassis 

  • Custom Falcon Shocks 

  • Custom Boyd Welding fuel tank, engineered for high-performance demands (750 hp supercharger) 

  • Custom two-tome powder-coated chassis and suspension components 

  • Tailored AG Luxury custom-forged wheels with staggered Michigan Pilot Sport tires: 245/40ZR20 front and 345/30ZR20 rear 

  • Flaming River power steering rack with Billet tie rod ends 

  • Aluminum drive shaft and tailored stainless steel 3-inch exhaust system with cutouts and custom Cerakote finish 

  • Wilwood 14-inch brake rotors paired with six-piston calipers 

  • Enhanced Miller rear end featuring full-floater brakes 

• Interior/Mechanical upgrades include: 

  • Custom designed Recaro seats 

  • Sidewinder distressed leather upholstery from Apex Leather 

  • Custom dash with Dakota Digital gauges and fabricated bezels 

  • Full restomod air conditioning system 

  • Custom 3D-printed parts 

  • Custom Design Studio stereo system: Morel America front three-piece component with Focal 8-inch Utopia subs woofers and Focal five-channel amplifier 

  • Custom LED lighting 

  • Windshield wiper motors and custom brackets for sun visors 

  • Handmade wiring harness system to run electronics 

  • Leather-wrapped shift boot 

  • Custom Sparc Industries leather-wrapped steering wheel 

  • Custom floor mats

• Exterior upgrades include: 

  • Remove and gap all body parts 

  • Undercoat inside of tubs and underneath with Raptor Liner for protection 

  • Prim and prep body for paint 

  • Hand-built and finished custom wood bed 

  • Custom BASF paint: Wolf Gray with charcoal hood 

  • Cut and polish all paint 

  • Powdercoat frame, suspension parts, and bumpers 

  • Cerakote various custom detailed parts and custom 3D-printed parts 

  • Retro Bright LED Holley headlights 

  • Custom LED FFG taillights 

  • Fully customized side mirrors  

Features 

• Custom roll bar for seats 

• Custom seat belt harness bar 

• Custom-designed shifters, handles, knobs 

• Specialty built stainless steel headers 

• Full stainless A/C lines 

• Custom wheel well cover

• Custom front runner system for supercharger integration, power steering, and air conditioning 

• Flaming River tilt steering column 

• Stainless steel steering shaft and Chromoly universal joints 

• Custom Stainless steel brake lines and whips 

• Emergency stop (E-stop) E-brake system 

• Variable-speed brushless cooling fans 

• Optima battery 

• The chassis number (F10YNM00040) decodes as: 

  • F10 – F100 two-wheel drive 

  • Y – 360 cu-in V8 engine 

  • N – Norfolk, Virginia, assembly plant 

  • M00040 – Sequential production number (built in June 1971) 

•  Production date: June 1971 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1971 Ford F100 XLT Restomod is presented with no known imperfections at the time of cataloging  

Included 

• Second set of AG (Avant Garde) wheels 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1971 Ford F100 Ranger XLT Restomod bought the pickup truck in September 2016. He commissioned Fat Fender Garage to perform a full 18-month rebuild and upgrade, which was completed in 2023.