Coyote-Swapped F-100

This ’71 Ford F-100 is a textbook example of how to preserve original beauty. Resto-mod styling tends to dismiss a good deal of OEM design, and many factory restorations miss out on modern innovation, but an approach like Fat Fender Garage (FFG) took to this ’71 F-100 strikes a beautiful balance. In the premiere issue of F-100 Builder’s Guide we covered Wild Dog’s engine swap in a step-by-step installation (F-100BG 2017, “Wild Dog,” pg. 20). In this issue, we’ll follow up on that engine swap and take a look at how the FFG crew was able to combine their efforts under the hood with the remainder of the resto build vision. The result is arguably the perfect daily-driver F-100, mixing farm truck and modern muscle in perfect harmony.   

The truck remains largely composed of the same parts that Ford built it with. However, the tasteful modifications do account for a significant level of change, but the restoration of original hardware was equally important to the build process. Even though it retains most of its original beauty, Coyote Yellow is a frame-off build from the ground up. The truck was disassembled bolt-by-bolt and fortified as it was put back together. The diligent efforts of the FFG team ensured the end result would be bulletproof.

FFG purchased the ’71 from Porterbuilt Fabrication in Apache Junction, Arizona. The truck was extremely well preserved. The all-original example sported a scorched yellow patina that the FFG crew immediately fell in love with. Their goal was to use it as a simple platform for a modern powertrain. Above all, they prioritized original style and reliability. The factory chassis remains completely intact, has been cleaned thoroughly and reassembled, but it remains largely original. Up front, Coyote Yellow lowers its center of gravity with the help of DJM Dream Beams drop I-beams. The 3-inch drop accounts for a more muscular stance along with the updated wheel-and-tire combo. Furthering the process in the front are spring drop hangers. Out back, the suspension has been updated with Caltracs traction bars. The added support allows for significantly improved traction, especially off the starting line.

Coyote Yellow gets its name from its most prominent features. The super-clean original yellow patina provides obvious inspiration; underneath the hood is the other half of the equation: Yellow is powered with a 5L Coyote V-8. The motor was donated by a 2013 Mustang GT. The powerful V-8 is mated to a 6R80 automatic six-speed. The ordinal posi rearend is equipped with 3:73 gears and housed by a Ford 9-inch. The powertrain is fed from a Tanks Inc. fuel cell and pump. The engine and trans are wired up with a control pack from Power by the Hour and American Autowire. Besides the burnout capabilities, the most compelling feature of this engine swap is the perfect placement. The Coyote fits in the engine bay quite nicely with no modifications to the body or surrounding components. Yellow uses a KRC power steering kit for the Coyote motor, which also fits without heavy modifications. The transmission glides through the tunnel with minimal side trimming and the vertical clearance is more than accommodating. The original engine bay also houses a Vintage Air AC system with plenty of room to spare. Because the goal for Yellow was to enjoy a modern powertrain in an original platform, the swap is an absolute homerun.

Helping the truck hook is a set of modern and aggressive rolling attire. The muscle-truck features US Mag wheels in a classic staggered configuration. The fronts measure 20×8 inches, with 20x10s out back. The Mags are finished in two-tone black spokes with polished lips, and Nitto Motivo ultra-performance tires sit at each corner. The rollers are bolted to slightly new spindles from a sixth generation F-100. This adaptation accommodates disc brakes in both the front and rear. The added stopping power is put to excellent use by the signature choice of power.

This Coyote has definitely been domesticated (for now).”

The ’71’s body was kept in pristine original condition. All of the original trim, badging and chrome is in place and in excellent shape. The truck is free from rust and straight as an arrow. It’s defining characteristic is hard to miss as the Ford still boasts its original color, Prairie Yellow. The yellow is scorched and faded to perfection thanks to its long life in the Grand Canyon State. The subtle patina works congruently with the dazzling chrome updated wheels and tough ride height. The juxtaposition of the faded ’70s hue and the muscular wheels beneath is indicative of the entire theme. The interior offers humble updates to leave the original look intact: The bench seat was reupholstered in black vinyl, and Dakota Digital VHX gauges were added to display the driver information.

FFG’s build is in many ways the perfect shop truck. No corners were cut during the engine installation; the approach is minimalist and reliable. Coyote Yellow borrows from the best of every category, combining factory engineering, timeless styling, efficiency and comfort with plenty of modern power. This Coyote has definitely been domesticated (for now).

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TECH SPECS

Fat Fender Garage
1971 Ford F-100
Gilbert, AZ

ENGINE 

• 2013 Mustang GT Coyote 5L V-8
• Power by the Hour control pack
• 6R80 automatic six-speed transmission
• Vintage Air AC system
• KRS power steering conversion
• Tanks Inc. fuel tank and fuel pump
• Ford 9-inch with posi and 3:73 gears
• American Autowire wiring

Chassis & Suspension

• Complete factory chassis
• DJM Dream Beam drop I-beams
• Drop spring hangers
• Sixth generation spindles
• Caltracs traction bars

Wheels & Tires

• US Mag wheels, 20×8 front and 20×10 rear
• Nitto Motivo tires

Body & Paint 

• All original
• Natural Prairie Yellow patina

Interior & Accessories 

• Bench seat reupholstered in black vinyl
• Dakota Digital VHX gauges

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