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Sorry for putting this in two posts; but the other thread was getting kind of long and I wasn't sure if people would keep checking it.

Anyway; I went down to the other factory this morning. Some of you should recognize this:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/DSCF1775.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/DSCF1774.jpg

Here's someone's old truck sitting on the third floor of the factory for measuring and test fitting parts:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/DSCF1776.jpg



Anyone in South Carolina remember owning this?

We got the cowl sample here and discussed making a stock replacement and a modified smooth one. The modified would be less antenna hole and the vent slots would be turned to face front to back, like the old Camaro, and would only go from the washer nozzle outboard about 5-1/2". This would really smooth out the look but retain some functionality. Thoughts?

We also discussed making a complete replacement shortbed frame. Do you think this is worth doing? Would it be worth the money to start your project on a brand new frame vs. finding/cleaning up an original?

Any suggestions are appreciated and the LWB bedsides should ship to us within a month.

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Kool :metal:

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BOY OH BOY. Talk about timing. Any guestimate on what a pair of LWB bedsides are going to run me? And when you you will be ready to ship them out?

I was planning on buying a stud gun and ATTEMPTING to straighten out my sides this spring but it sure would be a whole heck of a lot easier AND QUICKER to bolt a new pair on.

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no pricing yet; but they are supposed to ship to us within a month....then a month on the ocean so they should be in stock in May

Also; if someone has a damaged or unuseable 6' bedside we cold use the lower rear corner for development. If you think you could supply it PM me and I'll hightlight where to cut it out.

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Thanks for the quick response. And please keep us posted. Not long ago there was a thread about what parts folks would like to see. LOTS of people were screaming for LWB bedsides.

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That is totally awesome. Do I see a first generation camaro or bird on the other side of that truck?:c2:

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YES!!:metal:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/DSCF1775.jpg

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are these LWB bedside going to be like the SWB and be the inner and outers?
or are they going to be just the outer skins?

I'm sure they won't be cheap - but they look like a quality product :)

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Finally someone steps up for the lwb guys...

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Yes...looked like an RS.

The bedside will be the complete bolt on with the inner and outer just like the original. I asked him to also run some without the marker holes for the '67 guys.

Freight will definately be expensive on these. As soon as I get back I'll talk to the local pallet manufacturer to see what we can construct for safe shipping.

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20 years from now someone is going to purchase one of these trucks that has had these sides put on it and they are going to cut em down cause they wanted a short bed :lol:

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LOL!

Any thoughts on the complete SWB frame?

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That cowl panel sounds interesting :cool:

replacement frames would depend on price to the end customer. Often SWB rolling chassis are available for under $300 complete, but it is usually a location issue.

If it was priced right, I would have ordered a complete new SWB frame for my project truck :D

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Very awesome!

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would the swb frames be available for both 4wd and 2wd? not sure how you would go about doing that cause i don't know the differences if there are any. also, what ballpark would the price range be in? i think the frames would sell becuase they are not an easy find and the prices of swb's are only going to increase.

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He's going to work up a calculation on the cost. I was thinnking a 2WD coil spring rear frame. As far as differences there are experts on here that can answer that question...I'd like to know also. I am not so familiar with these trucks that it would be anything but a guess for me. I know there's a SWB frame already sitting there....so we wouldn't need to find one.

The natural extension of this would be a LWB conversion kit; I.E, frame and bed components for those who want to build one from a LWB truck.

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It's like a dream come true. :o

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You should talk to the Suburban guys about complete Suburban quarters. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

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I like the idea of an antennaless cowl, I know at a minimum you'd have at least one buyer (me obviously :-P)

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where in nj are you at. and yea that cowl would be a cool idea.

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As far as the SWB frames are concerned - they don't seem to be in too much demand - and for any fabricator it isn't that hard to cut down a LWB frame - as done in a tech thread here on the board. As mentioned you can ususally get a SWB frame for $300 or less in rolling condition.

Maybe in a few years prices will go up on them - but unless a re-pro SWB 2x4 Coil Frame is less than $600-$700 I they would be a tough sell.


Hmm A Re-Pro Frame, Re-Pro Beds, Re-Pro Doors, Re-Pro Front Clips (lets get a complete cab made (like the '47-'53) and we can have a "kit truck" :lol:

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Wow I was going to convert to a SWB because they didn't offer new LWB bedsides, but this might change my mind! Man I didn't think I'd live to see the day those would be repopped.
In my opinion, even if you made only the SWB frame rails I would buy those and use my LWB frame crossmembers.This would maybe keep the price down for those wanting to do a conversion and simplify shipping and storage issues.
Dano

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SWB 4x4 frames are the hardest to find and bring more money when you do find one. Maybe do a pole on this subject and see witch frame would be the most desirable and what people would be willing to pay for each type of frame.

Gary

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You should get an award!:gi:

Any idea about the cowl itself? not just the cover?

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This is awsome.You are going to save the lives of thousands of trucks and maybe create some new ones. If you do the short frame,I would consider the straight rail 4WD version as it could probably be used for 2 &4 wheel drives. Dont forget about blazer bedsides and floors for all.