bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Square_78 · 08-17-2012, 05:46 AM

Question for you guys...

Since I dont have the tools, nor the shop to do this myself, I am eventually going to have to get a custom shop/body shop to shorten my bed and shorten my frame on my 1970 GMC. Can anyone ballpark what I should expect to pay to have this done? No finished paint or anything. Just shorten, weld, primer and put back together.

How many hours would you say are involved? I am trying to figure out my budget for this winter.

Thanks in advance
Lonnie

eldogg · 08-17-2012, 06:02 AM

I would add up the price of new bed sides and bed floor so you will know where you would be. Remember you can reuse your head gate & tail gate. I think it will be cheaper to buy new parts and do it yourself than to pay someone to do that amount of work.

cdowns · 08-17-2012, 07:03 AM

to get everything done and in prime for a job like that i'd thing a minimum 5thousand could go a few thousand higher than that

**70cst** · 08-17-2012, 07:23 AM

It might be better and more economical to buy a swb truck.

CigarMan · 08-17-2012, 09:21 AM

Cutting and welding frame is easy, But the bedsides will be difficult to cut, weld, grind and wipe smooth. I would be careful who you have do this.

Just cut my frame yesterday, took a hour and half to notch out 12" and chop 8" off the rear. I will buy SWB sides, No way I can do them,,

Ackattack · 08-17-2012, 09:24 AM

message livrat, he's down near seattle and has done this, he might be willing to work out a deal with you

**special-K** · 08-17-2012, 09:40 AM

Your best bet is to find a place (or places) that can handle the job,and get a quote. We can speculate all day,but in the end you really need to know what who charges what and go from there.

bodydropped68 · 08-17-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Square_78

Question for you guys...

Since I dont have the tools, nor the shop to do this myself, I am eventually going to have to get a custom shop/body shop to shorten my bed and shorten my frame on my 1970 GMC. Can anyone ballpark what I should expect to pay to have this done? No finished paint or anything. Just shorten, weld, primer and put back together.

How many hours would you say are involved? I am trying to figure out my budget for this winter.

Thanks in advance
Lonnie

I get 2000.00$ to do that includes shorten drive shaft, brake line and existing exhaust you drive it in you drive it out.

Livrat · 08-17-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodydropped68

I get 2000.00$ to do that includes shorten drive shaft, brake line and existing exhaust you drive it in you drive it out.

I get the same ($2000) for a "drive in drive out".

I do know of a 71 GMC short box frame and fleet bed that may be for sale for around $1000

**RenoKeene** · 08-17-2012, 10:51 AM

Pick yourself up a short frame and put all your stuff on it, you will be much better off in the long run, thats what I did with my 70 GMC.
My .02$ worth.

**leddzepp** · 08-17-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

Pick yourself up a short frame and put all your stuff on it, you will be much better off in the long run, thats what I did with my 70 GMC.
My .02$ worth.

Exactly what I did.

PHAT TONY · 08-17-2012, 12:35 PM

Just pick up a short bed & frame...in Canada lol.
You'll maybe have a tough time finding a bodyshop that'll cut your frame, boxsides are around $500 each; that's cheaper than paying someone to make a mess of yours!

GASoline71 · 08-17-2012, 01:51 PM

Or just drive a long bed truck... they're cooler anyways.

Gary

KEL · 08-17-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Or just drive a long bed truck... they're cooler anyways.

Gary

Now you're talkin'!

**70cst** · 08-17-2012, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Or just drive a long bed truck... they're cooler anyways.

Gary

Bingo

sneaky · 08-17-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Or just drive a long bed truck... they're cooler anyways.

Gary

lol +1

BadaSs_Cal · 08-17-2012, 02:00 PM

If you were in the valley id sell you mine I cut and just take your old one as core, drop on for $800. Its not primered but wouldn't be a problem. Hmm. I think you just gave me a money idea thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

Tinkermc · 08-17-2012, 05:53 PM

same thing here 2000. drive in and out in prime, painting is extra.

PHAT TONY · 08-17-2012, 06:52 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537949, hint hint...ya never know.

Square_78 · 08-17-2012, 07:34 PM

$2000 i could handle. I agree about finding new bedsides and just bolting them on. Not many of these trucks around here. You never see them for sale ever unless they are restored. I like the long bed, but Ive had nothing but long beds and I want something differrent this time. Thanks for the info guys!

lap15 · 08-17-2012, 10:10 PM

Just an observation. Am I the only one who notices a pattern here?
It seems that the long bed owners want short beds, the short bed owners want long beds, the stepsides want fleetsides, the fleetsides want stepsides, the 2WD want 4WD, the 4WD want 2WD, the 1/2 ton owners want 3/4 ton axles, the 3/4 ton owners want a lowered 1/2 ton, the '67-'68 guys want '71-'72 grills, the other guys in turn want the older grills, the wood bed guys want steel floors, the steel floor guys want a wood floor, the straight six guys want V8's, then the V8 guys are scrambling to find a six, the manual guys want automatics, others want to rip the automatic out and install a stick, etc-etc-etc. Why don't we all just show up at one big central location and swap trucks so that everyone gets the truck they want and is happy? I would do it, who's with me?

magwakeenercew2jh · 08-17-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lap15

Just an observation. Am I the only one who notices a pattern here?
It seems that the long bed owners want short beds, the short bed owners want long beds, the stepsides want fleetsides, the fleetsides want stepsides, the 2WD want ....snip.... Why don't we all just show up at one big central location and swap trucks so that everyone gets the truck they want and is happy? I would do it, who's with me?

I'll meet with you all.
But I'm not bringing my wife!

Dunenutt · 08-18-2012, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lap15

Just an observation. Am I the only one who notices a pattern here?
It seems that the long bed owners want short beds, the short bed owners want long beds, the stepsides want fleetsides, the fleetsides want stepsides, the 2WD want 4WD, the 4WD want 2WD, the 1/2 ton owners want 3/4 ton axles, the 3/4 ton owners want a lowered 1/2 ton, the '67-'68 guys want '71-'72 grills, the other guys in turn want the older grills, the wood bed guys want steel floors, the steel floor guys want a wood floor, the straight six guys want V8's, then the V8 guys are scrambling to find a six, the manual guys want automatics, others want to rip the automatic out and install a stick, etc-etc-etc. Why don't we all just show up at one big central location and swap trucks so that everyone gets the truck they want and is happy? I would do it, who's with me?

After the dust cleared and everyone was happy, everyone would want something different

Again

Steve Hafner · 08-18-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lap15

Just an observation. Am I the only one who notices a pattern here?
It seems that the long bed owners want short beds, the short bed owners want long beds, the stepsides want fleetsides, the fleetsides want stepsides, the 2WD want 4WD, the 4WD want 2WD, the 1/2 ton owners want 3/4 ton axles, the 3/4 ton owners want a lowered 1/2 ton, the '67-'68 guys want '71-'72 grills, the other guys in turn want the older grills, the wood bed guys want steel floors, the steel floor guys want a wood floor, the straight six guys want V8's, then the V8 guys are scrambling to find a six, the manual guys want automatics, others want to rip the automatic out and install a stick, etc-etc-etc. Why don't we all just show up at one big central location and swap trucks so that everyone gets the truck they want and is happy? I would do it, who's with me?

. . . .

I think the square-body guys already beat us to THAT idea !!!

. . . .

PHAT TONY · 08-17-2012, 10:21 PM

I'M IN!!!! Tradsies for a 4X4 Suburban?!!??

08-17-2012, 05:46 AM	#1
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Question for you guys... Since I dont have the tools, nor the shop to do this myself, I am eventually going to have to get a custom shop/body shop to shorten my bed and shorten my frame on my 1970 GMC. Can anyone ballpark what I should expect to pay to have this done? No finished paint or anything. Just shorten, weld, primer and put back together. How many hours would you say are involved? I am trying to figure out my budget for this winter. Thanks in advance Lonnie

08-17-2012, 06:02 AM	#2
eldogg Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mooresville NC/Gainesville GA Posts: 499	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? I would add up the price of new bed sides and bed floor so you will know where you would be. Remember you can reuse your head gate & tail gate. I think it will be cheaper to buy new parts and do it yourself than to pay someone to do that amount of work. __________________ Eric Evans Queen City Shop Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post6139834 66 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543110

08-17-2012, 07:03 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? to get everything done and in prime for a job like that i'd thing a minimum 5thousand could go a few thousand higher than that __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-17-2012, 07:23 AM	#4
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? It might be better and more economical to buy a swb truck. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

08-17-2012, 09:21 AM	#5
CigarMan Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Canyon Lake, TX Posts: 94	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Cutting and welding frame is easy, But the bedsides will be difficult to cut, weld, grind and wipe smooth. I would be careful who you have do this. Just cut my frame yesterday, took a hour and half to notch out 12" and chop 8" off the rear. I will buy SWB sides, No way I can do them,,

08-17-2012, 09:24 AM	#6
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? message livrat, he's down near seattle and has done this, he might be willing to work out a deal with you __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-17-2012, 09:40 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Your best bet is to find a place (or places) that can handle the job,and get a quote. We can speculate all day,but in the end you really need to know what who charges what and go from there. __________________ "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 ~

08-17-2012, 10:51 AM	#10
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,025	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Pick yourself up a short frame and put all your stuff on it, you will be much better off in the long run, thats what I did with my 70 GMC. My .02$ worth. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

08-17-2012, 12:35 PM	#12
PHAT TONY Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Red Deer ab canada Posts: 1,250	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Just pick up a short bed & frame...in Canada lol. You'll maybe have a tough time finding a bodyshop that'll cut your frame, boxsides are around $500 each; that's cheaper than paying someone to make a mess of yours! __________________ 1972 factory 2 Wheel Drive Blazer-Sold 1972 K10 4X4-Sold 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne/10-Sold 1970 Chevrolet C/10-Sold 1968 GMC 4X4-Project 1968 Chevrolet C/10 Pro Street 1970 GMC 3/4 Ton-Parts 1997 2WD 2DR Yukon-Sweet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335664

08-17-2012, 02:00 PM	#17
BadaSs_Cal Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Walnut Grove, Ca Posts: 216	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? If you were in the valley id sell you mine I cut and just take your old one as core, drop on for $800. Its not primered but wouldn't be a problem. Hmm. I think you just gave me a money idea thanks! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 66 Gmc 1 ton. Long Step 351e V6 69 1/2 CHEVROLET (now a shortbed) LONGBED!:devil 61 Shortbed Fleetside 1/2 ton.. in progress Next a 50-53! MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447926

08-17-2012, 05:53 PM	#18
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,026	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? same thing here 2000. drive in and out in prime, painting is extra.

08-17-2012, 06:52 PM	#19
PHAT TONY Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Red Deer ab canada Posts: 1,250	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537949, hint hint...ya never know. __________________ 1972 factory 2 Wheel Drive Blazer-Sold 1972 K10 4X4-Sold 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne/10-Sold 1970 Chevrolet C/10-Sold 1968 GMC 4X4-Project 1968 Chevrolet C/10 Pro Street 1970 GMC 3/4 Ton-Parts 1997 2WD 2DR Yukon-Sweet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335664

08-17-2012, 07:34 PM	#20
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? $2000 i could handle. I agree about finding new bedsides and just bolting them on. Not many of these trucks around here. You never see them for sale ever unless they are restored. I like the long bed, but Ive had nothing but long beds and I want something differrent this time. Thanks for the info guys!

08-17-2012, 10:10 PM	#21
lap15 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Womelsdorf,PA Posts: 93	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? Just an observation. Am I the only one who notices a pattern here? It seems that the long bed owners want short beds, the short bed owners want long beds, the stepsides want fleetsides, the fleetsides want stepsides, the 2WD want 4WD, the 4WD want 2WD, the 1/2 ton owners want 3/4 ton axles, the 3/4 ton owners want a lowered 1/2 ton, the '67-'68 guys want '71-'72 grills, the other guys in turn want the older grills, the wood bed guys want steel floors, the steel floor guys want a wood floor, the straight six guys want V8's, then the V8 guys are scrambling to find a six, the manual guys want automatics, others want to rip the automatic out and install a stick, etc-etc-etc. Why don't we all just show up at one big central location and swap trucks so that everyone gets the truck they want and is happy? I would do it, who's with me?

08-17-2012, 10:21 PM	#25
PHAT TONY Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Red Deer ab canada Posts: 1,250	Re: bodyshop cost to shorten longbed? I'M IN!!!! Tradsies for a 4X4 Suburban?!!?? __________________ 1972 factory 2 Wheel Drive Blazer-Sold 1972 K10 4X4-Sold 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne/10-Sold 1970 Chevrolet C/10-Sold 1968 GMC 4X4-Project 1968 Chevrolet C/10 Pro Street 1970 GMC 3/4 Ton-Parts 1997 2WD 2DR Yukon-Sweet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335664



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