![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 100
|
Just wondering--why a SWB?
I'm curious why so many people who own these trucks want to convert them to SWB vehicles. Is it that most owners of these vehicles don't actually still use them for work trucks or is it they just like the look better. I personally like the look of a full size truck, and yes, I still use mine as a work/tow vehicle. I can carry a full sheet of plywood or whatever. Am I in the minority? Just wondering. M
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Out of the carpool lane.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Clark Co, WA
Posts: 5,673
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I think the SWB's look sportier if done right and since I rarely actually haul anything bigger than my bicycle I wanted a sportier vehicle without buying another car- just in case I needed to haul something.
__________________
1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 10,670
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Hey I am with hogrocket. I have 2 72 lwb and a 69 lwb trailer and usew them for work. I think show trucks are cool but to me a truck was made to work. I like long beds and those long longhorns too. To me short bed are, as Brad put it, the sport version of our trucks. So i guess it all depends on your particular taste. I do wish the long bed trucks would get a little more attention like new bedsides and steel floors.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Shortbeds make a truck....shorter,more carlike,or sporty.Most guys aren`t still working these trucks.Even when new and used for work,unless you haul an aweful lot,the shortbeds can do the job(with the tailgate down
![]()
__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sterling, Va.
Posts: 5,731
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I'm in the longbed minority. I'm building a '71 1/2 ton longbed, 500+ H.P. big block, 4-speed on bags truck. Just bought a '68 3/4 ton longbed 4X4 as a daily driver and am going to sell my shorty at the end of June. The shorty is the first one I've had in the '67 to '72 series. It's a nice truck but I have found that I prefer the longbeds. It feels good to be differant.
__________________
JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 ![]() http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER" ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
67-72 Addict!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The TAX State!
Posts: 7,857
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
SWB are bringing more money these days. People like to customize them more.
__________________
Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: st. louis area
Posts: 1,551
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
This one has been gone over before.
long beds are more useful for utility purposes....kinda like a 4-door car, or station wagon is. Shortbeds are a little less practical, sure, but are generally more sporty , much like a 2 door car.
__________________
75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,646
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Quote:
![]()
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,646
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Like others have said, I think it's mainly a sportier look. My LWB has served me well and hauled a helluva lot more than you could with a shortbed. I wouldn't mind having a nice SWB, though...
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 398
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Another advantage of a shortbed is the tighter turning radius. That could mean something if you live in the city and still have manual steering.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Arvada Colorado
Posts: 1,321
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I have one of each. The SWB is just a nice looking truck IMHO. The longbed C20 is for hauling. If you are going to haul stuff, the longbed is the way to go.
![]()
__________________
Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Well, I didn't sink $15k + into my 68 to haul stuff with, or pull my camper or snowmobiles, or....... I have a "work" truck for that. Hauling is such a vauge term, I don't imagine there are too many folks running around with a bed full of gravel all the time, but most likely tools and plywood and so-forth.
![]() I would guess that the mix is around 50/50 or so. Those that sink a lot of money into them and that want them for show and to show-off will probably go with a short bed. Work trucks, farm trucks, and drivers usually seem to be long beds. I like 'em both, but I prefer the SWB look.
__________________
Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE Last edited by glock35ipsc; 05-19-2006 at 10:14 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Senior Moment
![]() Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Pittsburg Ca
Posts: 4,140
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
We have one of each and love them both the same
__________________
1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,512
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
If I remember right production numbers for shortbeds were lower then longbeds? In NW there are way more longbeds to shortbeds. I would guess 20-50 to 1. People in this area bought more basic equiped trucks and used them to haul, hunt, get wood, etc from day 1. They still sell alot of new longbed pickups for the same. With creature comforts available now more people like the optioned trucks over the basic models. Very common back in 67-72 as well as today for many of us to use pickups as daily transportation.
__________________
Bob |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
It's personal preference vs function. If your going the custom route, most (not all) people prefer the looks of a lowered short bed. If you want your truck to be used like a truck, then the long bed has more room and rides better.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Carl Junction, Missouri
Posts: 2,061
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
i think the older trucks look better as longbeds because it matches the long front fenders. on a new truck, the front fenders are tiny and a long bed would make it look out of proportion. a LWB on a 67-72 just looks better and well proprtioned.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Blank
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Southington, CT
Posts: 221
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I like the long low look. The lwb's are like the 60-64 impalas: you could get them with a big block, 2 door sporty, low to the ground, and a mile long!!!
__________________
![]() 1969 lwb 4/6 drop 17x8-18x10 torque thrust II's 327-420hp 2004R 3.73 posi. 1977 Corvette 350-375hp 4speed, silver show car. 2002 S10 xtreme, work truck 2004.5 VW jetta GLI 1.8T 6speed, weekend warrior. 2013 Audi A3 TDI, the wife's car Last edited by speedracer; 05-19-2006 at 10:54 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I've had my pickup for 9 years. I got it in HS and I couldn't find a short bed, and was happy to find a truck that I could afford. Well I've gone through the process of fixing it up.
I rarely use my truck to haul anything in, and really anything that I haul would fit into a shortbed also. So I'm now going to convert it to a short bed. Cause 95% of my truck use if for cruising around, going to car shows. However, I'm not going to put a nice wood floor in it, because I still plan on using it as a pickup occasionally. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Jamie Hyneman is my twin
![]() Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: La Junta, Colorado
Posts: 705
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I'm in the longbed minority. I like the looks, like the hauling capacity, and wouldn't buy a short bed even as a show truck. I also don't understand shortening a frame to make it a SWB. I don't understand wanting a step side either. Maybe I'm just foolish, but I like having a work truck.
__________________
Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
needin' money
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chickasha, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,106
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
the shortbeds just look better
__________________
SWB Stands for Short Wide Bed |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
'68 C-20 396 CST CC
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 454
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I think it is a visual/design thing. I think when someone says "they just look better" there is more to it that they don't often really understand.
The cab and nose on a shortbed are closer in length to the bed, so I think the mind's eye sees a more balanced vehicle. It's kind of a subconscious acknowledgement that car lovers kind of allow the vehicle to be seen as a stylish vehicle like a car rather than a work vehicle. ESPECIALLY if the truck's ride height is down at a cars level. You have to consider the vehicle as a whole and how the parts fit together visually. I'd love to have a shortbed, but just finding one is hard enough in this area.
__________________
68 C-20 396/TH400 CST Custom Camper NOW W/DISC BRAKES ![]() 01 Jetta Turbo Daily Driver ![]() 84 Yamaha Virago 700 - Alaska to Florida Via Maine & Mexico ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Zillah Wa. USA
Posts: 394
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
I converted my 69 to a short bed becouse it seemed like a logical way to make a $8,000 truck a $16,000 truck. A short bed is the hot ticket.
I just sold a 67 LWB for 10K, had it been a SWB in the same condition I would have gotten 18K. I have had many 67-72's and most have been long beds. They are great work trucks and are nice for towing also. Decide what you want and go for it.
__________________
'69 SWB '76 International "Terra" "Hooked on holiday beer" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Estherville, Iowa
Posts: 3,371
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
Here in farm country the LWB's are all over the place yet. I can't drive 10 miles on any road without seeing 1 or 2 parked behind a shed. They may not run, but many are still drivers too, they are just all over the place yet. It's an availability thing here, the shorty's are nice but harder to find around here.
__________________
1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0 Last edited by Green Machine; 05-19-2006 at 11:53 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sterling, Va.
Posts: 5,731
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
All you shorty fans need to read my signiture. Any takers? I will get info and pics when I recover from my surgery. PM me if interested.
__________________
JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 ![]() http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER" ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Still Green but learning
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Central NC
Posts: 1,895
|
Re: Just wondering--why a SWB?
looks, plus All I need is 3 scoops of mulch so it does fine for me.
__________________
-- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|