SWB to LWB HELP!!!

[rgreathouse]

i started this thread asking a lot of questions about how to shortenen a lwb truck

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334138

i didnt get a ton of help and i really just need to verify where to cut the bed and the best way to shorten the frame.

here they cut the frame right behind the cab(anything wrong with this?)

http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t...ech/index.html

here is lfds build he cuts under the cab. he shortens the bed 12 in front of tires and 8 in the rear.20" total.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Lowbuck&page=8

whereass in this article they cut 6" out of rear section and 12" out of front section. 18" total.

http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/body/...bed/index.html

so my question is what is the proper way to do this? cut under cab or behind cab? is measuring 83/4" from front stake pocket and cutting out 12" from bed and measuring 83/4 from rear stake pocket and cutting out 8" the correct way to do it? (this is something ive decided to do so please no input on how i shouldnt do it or i am ruining a LWB truck)


any help appreciated

thank you

[Willys47]

I don't think there is a right spot,as long as you cut were the frame is strait under or right behind the cab.Just keep your cuts away from the arched sections of the frame. I cut mine were the cab mounts are and the center cross member was located so I could cut out some rust that had pited the frame from mud and salt sitting from past winter driving. I just moved my crosss member forward 12 inches and bolted it back in

[monte0185]

I have seen this done a couple times and i think most people prefer behind the cab so you do not have to move the cab mounts. But in reality its a personal choice as this is fabrication and you have to do what you are able and comfortable with.

[rgreathouse]

ok, well i would prefer to do it behind the cab so that i do not have to remove my cab.although i am wondering where exactly i should cut

[Brad]

Most on here will tell you to cut 8" off the rear- don't do it! Try 6" first and then cut slightly more if needed. Cutting 8" will put you too close to the bed mount holes and possibly cut into them.

[the lights]

on mine i cut the frame where the first bed cross brace bracket was. about 3/4 to 1" from the front rivet hole. if that helps.

[rgreathouse]

so is there any reason not to cut the frame right behind the cab right after the carier bearing crossmember? this is a leaf spring truck.

[Willys47]

I don't know of any

[CheyenneShop]

This is the one that I am using, but if you don't want to lift cab - use LFD thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

[magsnubby]

Originally Posted by rgreathouse

so is there any reason not to cut the frame right behind the cab right after the carier bearing crossmember? this is a leaf spring truck.

I've cut down a couple of older leaf spring trucks. It's not that hard on a leaf spring truck. I cut 'em behind the cab. I cut it about an inch longer than trimmed it up until it was the exact length then spot welded it back together, measured it, then welded it back together.

[rgreathouse]

well ive started cutting so stay tuned

[Willys47]