The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

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Re: Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarDust (Post 7584915)

saw this a while back and its straight from GM so i guess this is the real legit way? and imo having a sleeve seems a lot stronger than a zig zag weld with a fish eye plate. I am no expert though
http://i.imgur.com/LnRO0GRl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zMcyxcal.jpg

This is how I was going to do it AND you can use the piece you cut out for the sleeve with a little modification. Then I found a frame on CL and it saved me a bunch of time. Here in FL they don't check the frame VIN. And as long as the frame is not stolen - Why would it even matter?

Re: Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjzepplin (Post 7585126)

Here in FL they don't check the frame VIN. And as long as the frame is not stolen - Why would it even matter?

It matters. If the frame vin doesn't match your title then you would need some kind of paper work for the frame

As for location, on my 74 it was right on top toward the front underhood area.
They only check it here if it's coming from out of state.

Re: Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

I'm a little late to the party here, but I will add my opinions and experience as well. I was sold on the "Z" cut while researching mine and at the last minute decided to do a simpler 45 degree cut. I read somewhere a post from a guy that worked for a company that built wreckers. He stated that the "Z" cut gave them the most problems with longevity. He had two frames come back with cracks coming off of the corners of the "Z". Not real big problems, but problems none the less. The 45 degree cut was a middle ground between the straight cut and the "Z". It gives you a little more weld surface. Feel free to check out my build. I documented my steps pretty well.

Re: Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddyjeep (Post 7587388)

My guess is those Z cuts that came back were not drilled at the corners. There plenty of opinions on what is best, but my experience has taught me that surface area is important. The straight cut or 45 angle might be just fine, but I would sleep better know my frame had a Z cut.

Re: Is there a holy grail thread for shortening lwb to swb frame

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX (Post 7587905)

Diesel trucks are stretched and shortened straight with a glove, wouldn't bother me a bit without a Z or even a 45° if I get around to cutting my crewcab it will be straight with a glove several inches either side.