Shortened frame finished! (pics and measurements) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

glock35ipsc · 10-14-2004, 10:10 AM

Got it all finished up last night. Turned out pretty good, and everything still measures up square and true.

Here is a couple of completed pics, and a drawing I did to show the measurements of where to cut.

Clamped together, ready to start welding. You can choose whether or not to round the corners like I did here. Rounded or squared, you'll be fine either way:

Fish plate welded in:

Close-up of the fish plate welds:

Finished frame, and a drawing for ya'll:

ebfabman · 10-14-2004, 10:30 AM

Very nicely done. I've seen other ways people have done this, but I think using this method eliminates any possible misalignment problems and makes a good strong jointed area. I also think the plated reinforcement is much better then "boxing" the frame for normal street use.

glock35ipsc · 10-14-2004, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebfabman

Very nicely done. I've seen other ways people have done this, but I think using this method eliminates any possible misalignment problems and makes a good strong jointed area. I also think the plated reinforcement is much better then "boxing" the frame for normal street use.

Couldn't agree with you more. This was a snap to align, it practically aligned itself. I used the comealong to ensure the notch stayed tight together while I tacked it, but other than that it "fell" into place.

ChevyDude · 10-14-2004, 10:33 AM

Super nice job and explaination for anyone wanting to do this mod!

chickenwing · 10-14-2004, 10:52 AM

Move it to the FAQ's?

Joe67 · 10-14-2004, 10:57 AM

Excellent work!!

Can a mod sticky this post to the top

**N2TRUX** · 10-14-2004, 11:15 AM

glock35ipsc that looks awesome. I know krue would love to see this post and your earlier one combined for the FAQ forum. If you don't mind, could you create one thread with all the pics. I'll let krue know about it....

glock35ipsc · 10-14-2004, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

glock35ipsc that looks awesome. I know krue would love to see this post and your earlier one combined for the FAQ forum. If you don't mind, could you create one thread with all the pics. I'll let krue know about it....

I can do that! I sent you a PM too.

Curbstone Mech · 10-14-2004, 01:45 PM

Nicest fabricating I've seen in long time. Congratulations

dubie · 10-14-2004, 12:20 PM

oh man!! now i have the urge to cut and weld

ronh72c10 · 10-14-2004, 12:24 PM

Shoot, now I know what to do with the spare LWB frame I've got.

Looking Good!

Ron

68C15 · 10-14-2004, 01:52 PM

looks extremely good!!
one question though. what about the wierdos like me who want to stretch the frame? (I am getting ready to add 3" to the middle of my cab)
Im sure with a little thought & isolation from the "ball & 2 chains" I could come up with something.

glock35ipsc · 10-14-2004, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

looks extremely good!!
one question though. what about the wierdos like me who want to stretch the frame? (I am getting ready to add 3" to the middle of my cab)
Im sure with a little thought & isolation from the "ball & 2 chains" I could come up with something.

I would think that if you could find another "donor" frame, cut a section out of it and install it in the same fashion that I used to join mine back together. It would just be double the work, but is should work at least.

BTW, THANK YOU for the great comments from everyone! I am putting together a how-to, and we'll see about getting it on the FAQ section.

longhorn71 · 10-14-2004, 05:41 PM

yes that is the ONLY way to splice frames.if use a butt joint on a frame it well usally crack.on the larger trucks they are cut at a 45 angle.this spreads the strain better a long the joint.I know it as bbeen done with a butt joint ,but it is not as safe.

SCOTI · 10-14-2004, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

looks extremely good!!
one question though. what about the wierdos like me who want to stretch the frame? (I am getting ready to add 3" to the middle of my cab)
Im sure with a little thought & isolation from the "ball & 2 chains" I could come up with something.

You could follow the same game plan w/slightly different measurements. Use a long wheelbase frame & cut out whatever it takes to obtain the wheelbase you desire.

*1972C10* · 10-14-2004, 07:25 PM

I cut mine similar Way I learned how to do mine out of the October2000 Issue of Street Trucks Had A Very Good Write up on it ..

Bill Turner Enterprises made the mistake of letting street trucks do a write up hoping they would sell kits i guess But the kit was 100 dollars for a stencil and some 3/8 Plate

Id rather Save 100 Dollars and mark some stuff with a sqaure and get 10 dollars worth of plate :Burnout:

krue · 10-14-2004, 08:11 PM

Great job Glock. The easiest way to get this to FAQ is to make a thread there with all the info. I would appreciate it. Otherwise I have to get tex or josh to copy this thread over there.

glock35ipsc · 10-14-2004, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krue

Great job Glock. The easiest way to get this to FAQ is to make a thread there with all the info. I would appreciate it. Otherwise I have to get tex or josh to copy this thread over there.

Well, I've been working on it all day, think I have it complete. I will start a thread called something like "How to shorten a LWB frame" and post it here. Once I do that, I will let you know.

Thanks again everyone!!

wxman1 · 10-14-2004, 09:17 PM

Glock:

Wow! You are a welding SUPERMAN! Great work!

On the other hand here is a picture of how not to shorten the frame.
This little feat was done by one of the previous owners. I'm not really
concerned about any problems with this and I have no alignment
problems, but I don't haul and heavy loads either.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wxgeek...x/p1010106.jpg

72MARIO · 10-15-2004, 08:48 AM

Nice Cutting.

Be careful not too cut too much off the rear of the frame. I cut 8" and I think I should have cut about 6 max to start.

10-14-2004, 10:10 AM	#1
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Shortened frame finished! (pics and measurements) Got it all finished up last night. Turned out pretty good, and everything still measures up square and true. Here is a couple of completed pics, and a drawing I did to show the measurements of where to cut. Clamped together, ready to start welding. You can choose whether or not to round the corners like I did here. Rounded or squared, you'll be fine either way: Fish plate welded in: Close-up of the fish plate welds: Finished frame, and a drawing for ya'll: __________________ *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

10-14-2004, 10:33 AM	#4
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Super nice job and explaination for anyone wanting to do this mod! __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

10-14-2004, 10:52 AM	#5
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Move it to the FAQ's? __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

10-14-2004, 10:57 AM	#6
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,733	Excellent work!! Can a mod sticky this post to the top __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

10-14-2004, 11:15 AM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	glock35ipsc that looks awesome. I know krue would love to see this post and your earlier one combined for the FAQ forum. If you don't mind, could you create one thread with all the pics. I'll let krue know about it.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-14-2004, 10:30 AM	#2
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Very nicely done. I've seen other ways people have done this, but I think using this method eliminates any possible misalignment problems and makes a good strong jointed area. I also think the plated reinforcement is much better then "boxing" the frame for normal street use.

10-14-2004, 01:45 PM	#9
Curbstone Mech Active Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Carroll County Maryland Posts: 300	Nicest fabricating I've seen in long time. Congratulations __________________ 68 short fleet 383 stroker, 700r4 373:1 posi 72 GMC 3/4 ton- weekly driver 700r4 351;1 posi

10-14-2004, 12:20 PM	#10
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	oh man!! now i have the urge to cut and weld __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

10-14-2004, 12:24 PM	#11
ronh72c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada Posts: 978	Shoot, now I know what to do with the spare LWB frame I've got. Looking Good! Ron __________________ 72 Chevy C10 (rust repaired, starting body work) 72 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 72 Chevy C20 Suburban 38 Ford Tudor Humpback Sedan (from the darkside) 67 Pontiac Parisienne 55 Studebaker Commander 2dr Hardtop (Starliner) My Youtube channel with Video Updates!

10-14-2004, 01:52 PM	#12
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	looks extremely good!! one question though. what about the wierdos like me who want to stretch the frame? (I am getting ready to add 3" to the middle of my cab) Im sure with a little thought & isolation from the "ball & 2 chains" I could come up with something. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

10-14-2004, 05:41 PM	#14
longhorn71 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,681	yes that is the ONLY way to splice frames.if use a butt joint on a frame it well usally crack.on the larger trucks they are cut at a 45 angle.this spreads the strain better a long the joint.I know it as bbeen done with a butt joint ,but it is not as safe.

10-14-2004, 07:25 PM	#16
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	I cut mine similar Way I learned how to do mine out of the October2000 Issue of Street Trucks Had A Very Good Write up on it .. Bill Turner Enterprises made the mistake of letting street trucks do a write up hoping they would sell kits i guess But the kit was 100 dollars for a stencil and some 3/8 Plate Id rather Save 100 Dollars and mark some stuff with a sqaure and get 10 dollars worth of plate :Burnout: Last edited by 1972C10; 07-02-2007 at 01:12 AM.

10-14-2004, 08:11 PM	#17
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Great job Glock. The easiest way to get this to FAQ is to make a thread there with all the info. I would appreciate it. Otherwise I have to get tex or josh to copy this thread over there. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-14-2004, 09:17 PM	#19
wxman1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: mt juliet, tennessee, usa Posts: 237	Glock: Wow! You are a welding SUPERMAN! Great work! On the other hand here is a picture of how not to shorten the frame. This little feat was done by one of the previous owners. I'm not really concerned about any problems with this and I have no alignment problems, but I don't haul and heavy loads either. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wxgeek...x/p1010106.jpg

10-15-2004, 08:48 AM	#20
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Nice Cutting. Be careful not too cut too much off the rear of the frame. I cut 8" and I think I should have cut about 6 max to start. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD



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