Shortest wheel base I've seen
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,885
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Here's a cut down truck I saw a few years ago in southwestern NM. Looks like they cut it down to fit on a short 4x4 frame. I still see it driving around when I'm in that town.
<a href="http://s546.photobucket.com/albums/hh405/bobbytnm/stuff/?action=view¤t=dscn18182.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh405/bobbytnm/stuff/dscn18182.jpg" border="0" alt="shorty"></a>
Bobby
<a href="http://s546.photobucket.com/albums/hh405/bobbytnm/stuff/?action=view¤t=dscn18182.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh405/bobbytnm/stuff/dscn18182.jpg" border="0" alt="shorty"></a>
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
There was a short (pun intended) life fad (so short I can't exactly remember the era) where the idea was to make as short a vehicle you could out of a standard sized one. It started when customizers took a 4 door sedan, sectioned out the rear doors and rear seat portion and put the front and rear sections back together again. They all looked like an escapee from a cartoon or kids toy and drove horribly. The craftsmanship became worse and worse until states started outlawing such creations.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,173
Likes: 4,780
From: Burbank, WA
I remember seeing shorty tri-5 chev wagons around quite a bit in the 70's, when I was a kid. I'm sure they started sometime in the 60's. And you're right, most of them were very scary, craftsmanship wise.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: McAlester, OK
There are trucks that short (although late models) at the local trailer house lots around here and that was my first thought when I saw the pics. I just assumed that the back was snubbed off to put the hitch right by the axle and the frame shorted for manuverability.
I wonder how the truck would handle doing a doughnut...
I wonder how the truck would handle doing a doughnut...
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
It is actually very similar to a motorcycle to drive. And for towing anything, weight is no problem on the rear or handling. When installing your receiver/5th wheel, you must just be certain to get it a few inches in front of your rear axle. I enjoy mine and can say, the experience compares to nothing in this world, mass produced. Houston, San Antonio traffic is a blast. Donuts, hell my friends hate me, I can run circles around most jeeps, the suspension, braking and steering are all top notch. It does take some getting used to. And I definitely do NOT dodge those crazy geico squirrels! visit mine at: rpmHOLY.com ENJOY
Try it, you might, Like It! 
Try it, you might, Like It!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
It is actually very similar to a motorcycle to drive. And for towing anything, weight is no problem on the rear or handling. When installing your receiver/5th wheel, you must just be certain to get it a few inches in front of your rear axle. I enjoy mine and can say, the experience compares to nothing in this world, mass produced. Houston, San Antonio traffic is a blast. Donuts, hell my friends hate me, I can run circles around most jeeps, the suspension, braking and steering are all top notch. It does take some getting used to. And I definitely do NOT dodge those crazy geico squirrels! visit mine at: rpmHOLY.com ENJOY Try it, you might, Like It!
Try it, you might, Like It! 
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 1
From: oh
Reminds me of a mobile-home toter. Lot cooler though!! I cut down a honda civic back in the early 80s. It is small to begin with,but came out ok.
The owner thought it was a go-cart....and was always running the crap out of it....and it was fun to drive. Front wheel drive and transveres engine.....really wild when you think of it.
Bill
The owner thought it was a go-cart....and was always running the crap out of it....and it was fun to drive. Front wheel drive and transveres engine.....really wild when you think of it.
Bill
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I can park a 40 ft trailer on a match stick quicker than you can say, griminess cricket. The wheelbase is 89 inches. Easy as a tricycle to operate. Most fun I have had out of any of my custom builds, driving.
rpmHOLY.com
rpmHOLY.com
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
It is. a '81 Ford F350 Custom Canadian built Airport Tug, built special for use by the US Gov. only. I had a little '89 Bronco ll a few yrs. back. This thing can't be touched. A rare machine, for a hauler or off-roader in the spirit of good nature. Give me 4 foot of room total, and I can turn it around 360 degrees in less than 2 minutes with no problem. And probably with only 2 ft. of space also with ease. It is just very quick to turn on its self.
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
And in case you wondering. The drive shaft is not a slip, and it is 16 1/2 inches in length total - end of yoke to yoke. When I get the Dana 60 under the front, the rear drive shaft will be, replaced for a slipper. Those DS are kinda pricey (slip joint/custom built).
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
It has the original Inline 6 cyl, 300 cu. in (Industrial) 4.9L engine. And, the entire truck, still has less than 6000 miles on it ! I'm a lucky guy. Paid $830 for it total, and it had never even had the oil changed yet ! Its for sale, if you like, make me an offer.... its hott for the trot. I've been offered $40 Gs, and turned it down. But I'd re concider something close, these days. It is a one of a kind, THE 1st, to be U.S.A. Street Legal. This truck GETS noticed & Attention Where ever its located. Kinda like a baby or puppy, ya know what I ,mean?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
i'll take either one pictured there gent's ! talk about being different ! kinda reminds me of norms shortened 70 roadrunner . got 2 feet missing outta it and i've talked him into dropping a supercharged 413 in it ..................... a blown fe or 385 sereies would be cool as hades in one of these !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!