Puzzeling question on a VIN

[mateck]

Hello. I just listed a truck (1971 Short Bed Cheyenne C10) on Ebay and a user noted a problem with my SPID which he asked for. It clearly says it is a 127" Wheel base, but I measured it at 115" from center hub to center hub. This was may Dad-in-Laws, and he passed away, so I am selling it for my Mother-in-law. I was told before he passed that this was a very valuable truck - very few made - because it was short bed, had A/C and the 402 engine.

When I look underneath at the frame, I can see no weld marks that would indicated someone took a foot out of it - I read that was common on these trucks. The VIN on the SPID, door plate, and frame all match.

Is it possible for someone to cut the section out of the frame, and assemble it back together - grinding the weld marks so good you can not see them? Just wondering what the weld would look like - maybe I am just not seeing it. It seems like there would be a plate as well bolting the two pieces together.

[alsriv2]

If you could post some detailed pictures showing the VIN plate, SPID and frame stamp, as well as the area of the frame where the cuts would "normally" be made, we could help a bit more. While you gave some good information, there is more to be seen.

[mateck]

[mateck]

I posted them, but they don't seem to show up. I'll try links this time.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bsv6de0v3r...pg?dl=0http://
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vp5dr6qiaz...pg?dl=0http://
https://www.dropbox.com/s/71evcnp57fn0sg6/04.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/moywcm3u01v7lw6/005.jpg?dl=0

[cypressbog]

Most common place to shorten the frame is just just behind the cab. Look inside frame rail "C" for a plate welded in too.

[rally]

One thing that made me overlook the frame cut on mine was because the frame is powder coated. The person who cut the frame did a good job and ground the welds flush before powder coating the frame, then they braced it with some plates. If it wasn't for the mechanic showing me where the frame was cut, I probably would have never known. My connection blocks most online pictures, so I can't open those links. Is your frame powder coated by chance?

[too much stuff]

I would say if it reads 127" on the spid, it was born a long bed.

[57taskforce]

Is the rear cab mount welded to the frame? It should be riveted. Looks chopped to me; see the bolt behind the cab mount as well? That mount should sit flush against the frame.

[engineer_gregh]

I saw your truck on ebay this morning. Its a nice looking truck. The frame should be stamped just under the power steering pump give or take a few inches. The stamp will be a partial VIN that should match the sticker on the glove box door and VIN plate on the drivers side door jam. Can you post a picture of the sticker inside the glove box please? To post a picture 1. click on "post reply" just under the last post 2. click on the paper clip to the right of the smiley face (attachment) 3. click on choose file and then upload. 4. Upload one picture at a time. There are some things that stand out to the experienced truck guy on this forum. We can talk more about that once we see the SPID (sticker inside the glove box).

[mateck]

I will have to check on the rear cab mount. I think I may have found the weld. I don't really see it, but there is a strange plate on the inside, but it is WAY front underneath where you would sit. See my arrow on the door. And it does look powder coated, so perhaps that is the problem, like rally said. Is it possible this plate is it - so far forward?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lr4gjdays9...pg?dl=0http://
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nstykpx2fp...pg?dl=0http://
https://www.dropbox.com/s/scob429pr8...pg?dl=0http://

[turp mcspray]

The cab mount looks to be welded to the frame, instead of rivited. Also looks possibly like a couple of the old rivits up ahead of the mount. I would scrape the undercoating off that area, and look for a weld seam.

[mateck]

57taskforce and turp_mcspray got it right. This picture shows what you are talking about - looks like this frame cut was forward enough to require moving the cab mount. Wow - can't believe no one who looked at this yet caught this. I guess that cuts the value way way down. At least it is still a big block 396!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6o1mi3j30bluiwf/010.jpg?dl=0

[engineer_gregh]

Ok based on the SPID. It was originally a long bed truck, it is a factory big block, it is a Cheyenne not a Cheyenne Super, it was originally two tone green (notice the paint divider trim piece around the back of the cab just under the rear window and it was built in Atlanta. The valve covers are incorrect as is the gauge cluster bezel and glove box door wood grain. The color inside the cab should also be green not black. The seat cover looks good but is not a Cheyenne seat cover replica. Now assuming the SPID matches the VIN and frame number you'll know if the frame was cut down or swapped. Could have been cut and/or swapped but you'll need the number on the frame to verify. Please don't take any of this as bashing, just giving you my observations. I own a 71 Cheyenne Super Big Block.

[mateck]

Originally Posted by engineer_gregh

...it is a Cheyenne not a Cheyenne Super,.

If you read farther up, you will see where I posted the photos - it was a long bed, numbers all matching, and the weld is almost undetectable thanks to powder coating, and the weld being way far forward. So it sounds like someone just adding the "super" part by getting the wood grain stuff.

[hdff]

Originally Posted by mateck

I was told before he passed that this was a very valuable truck - very few made - because it was short bed, had A/C and the 402

Valuable? They are all valuable, yes a short bed is more valuable than a long bed if it is a true short bed. I have a 402 ac cab short bed that I don't think is any more valuable than a short bed 350. Yes you have a nice truck but it is not Barrett Jackson nice, sorry. Good luck on your sale. Lower your start bid price about 13,800 or more and you will generate a lot more interest, and see where it goes. I'm not trying to bash you or steal your truck, I have one. I'm just being honest.

[engineer_gregh]

I should have started by saying that I'm very sorry for the loss of your father-in-law and welcomed you to the board, I apologize. I appreciate you posting the questions and pictures as it's very educational. I've attached most of your photos in this post to make it easier to follow. Good luck with the sale.

[Keith Seymore]

Model code CE10934 also confirms long wheel base; 107 is the code for a short box truck.

K

[FlameOut]

Sorry about your fater in law. Good luck with the truck though. I found it on ebay. she's a beauty, modified frame or not

[mateck]

What a great form! Thank you for everyone's excellent knowledgeable help.

I wished common decent helpful ordinary people would run for President...

[FlameOut]

Originally Posted by mateck

What a great form! Thank you for everyone's excellent knowledgeable help.

I wished common decent helpful ordinary people would run for President...

decent and politicians is an oxymoron. Nothing like that exists in this universe