Thanks for the info. That either narrows my search, or confirms the fact that I have some "frame shortening" ahead of me...

By the way Langevette - where are you located? I didn't see it in your profile, and based on what you are describing as far as rust I bet you're back East - but if you're close by I might need to pick up one of those cheap supercabs from you!

 

You aren't.

D9TZ-5005-V .. Frame-155" Wheelbase

Fits: 1978/79 F150 4WD Super Cab 8' bed.

Engines offered: 300 I-6 / 351M 2V / 400 2V.

No short bed F150 4WD Super Cabs were offered.

No 460 4WD's till 1983-F350's only.

1983 was also the first year a 460 was available with a 4 speed transmission.

 

YES and I wish I had one

 

Thanks Number - but wait... it isn't the middle of the night - what are you doing posting


Since this thread has seemed to catch your eye... If you have another free second - can you share about the 2wd supercab short beds? Only in F-150s? Only certain years available???

Thanks!

 

Parts catalog sez:

1974/79 F100/150 Super Cab 2WD lists two wheelbases: 138" and 155"

1974/79 F250 Super Cab 2WD lists two wheelbases: 138" & 155"

138" = Short Bed / 155" = Long Bed

Dodge pioneered this body style: Their version was called the Club Cab, introduced 1973.

 

Thanks!

I've seen the old Dodges - but didn't realize they were the 1st to do it.

I know the little nissan/datsun trucks did it in the mini truck king cab 1st

 

Central IL. It has been used and abused. I want to put the 77 cab on the rusty fraom and convert the 77 or 76 frame to a 4x4. Lots of work. We'll have to see how much I can get done.
Matthew

 

I'm amazed that y'all in the rust belt would spend the time and effort on rusted out trucks.

We don't have rust here, except maybe in the drip rails.

You can buy a 1973/79 running driveable pickup out here for (usually far) less than 2 grand.

The demand is very slight for these trucks in CA, as there are far more vehicles available.

If I lived where ya'll do, I'd buy a rust free truck here, either drive it home or ship it on an open carrier.

Yes, shipping is expensive, but what you will end up with, is a truck with no frame rust, no rusted out body panels.

Think not only of all the money you will save, but all the headaches you won't have.

 

Shhhhhhh - dangit Bill - you're giving away some secrets here

Now I'm going to have to REALLY fight for that short bed supercab IF I find one - hahaha

 

I didnt say I wanted a 73 supercab, i said I used to have a 73 F250. It was a single cab. I want my next one to be a supercab but I dont care what year as long as its 70s or early 80s.

 

I know it might sound crazy, but there are a couple reasons for the seemingly pointless work on these old rusty trucks.

(get out soap box)

#1 The black '79 was my first truck, and has in it what is in me. I put the lift on myself, changed the axles, and in doing that, has become a part of me. I have learned more by working on this thing than one could get out of a book.

#2 I have all of a grand in all three truck(not including lifts, tires, exhaust, ect) By the time I pay 2 grand for a truck, and another grand or 2 getting it back here, I can do some work to these, as I dont value my shop time very high.

#3 Why buy a nice clean rust free truck, just to let it become another rust bucket? I want to keep a truck on the road that I can USE. I want to get it muddy, play in the snow, and get me to work in the winter. I WILL not do that to a truck that is rust free. I will keep changing body part out on the 79 as long as I can, for she will never be a show truck. I do want a nice "show truck" maybe not perfect, but nice rust free summer drive, with a nice paint job.

(steeps off soap box)
Anyway, that is why I do what I do, but it still might sound crazy.
Just my .02
Matthew

 

Hey Chase, if you are looking, I know there is one up here a guy I know has, 74 Super Short bed.... he was going to make it 4x4, not sure if he has done it or not, I will check with him if you are still interested. I am about a 5 hr drive from you, and last I checked it was a driver.

 

I am interested but I am a long ways from the west coast unfortunately

 

Yeah Bill,,,,, sshhhhhhh,,,,, that is OUR secret out here!!!

Rust, what is this rust thing ye speak of?!!

 

Thanks for the offer and normally I would be interested - but with a pending move it would take one heck of a nice truck at one heck of a deal to make me jump at this point in time. I need another truck/project like I need a kick in the head. Especially that far away. I know it's not THAT far, and it would be a beautiful drive this time of year - but I need all the excuses I can to hold me back

I am filing this info in my brain for storage and I may ask about it in a few months - once I get the crew finished, and once I get the shop moved.
Until then I'm not looking and not buying unless a nice one falls in my lap for under $800 or so...