Other Frames

[taylorgd]

I have read that you can shorten a long bed frame and make it a short bed. My question is this. What other years besides 67-72 truck frames can you use to make a short wide bed truck?

Thanks,
Grover

[71SWBChevy]

Are you asking if you can shorten other frames or if you can take other frames and put your 67-72 on them?

[72-stomper]

I shortened a chevy 1981 3/4 ton 4X4 frame for my Blazer WB.
I had to make all new body mounts...

[71SWBChevy]

That looks pretty sweet man how long is that bed?

[taylorgd]

71SWBChevy,

I was wanting to know what other short wide frames could I put a 67-72 body on, without having to shorten. Like say 73-79 or 85-93. I know that I would probably have to weld body mounts. Just seeing what different options are available. Thanks in advance.

Grover

[71SWBChevy]

I know that one will go on a 72-87 frame but it is a pain in the butt I have heard. You have to weld on cab mounts, bed mounts, and radiator support mounts. 67-72's will go on a 60-66 frame pretty much no problem I think, there is a slight issue with mounting the bumpers and there is no dimple for power steering clearance. I have not done either of these swaps though but I do know of at least one truck on this board for each swap 72 Stomper can probably help you out with any questions for the 73-87 frame, he cut that one down to fit that shortened bed but all the fab work from bed forward will be the same.

[1971custom]

i did a 1991 chevy surburban and used the tbi and 4x4 but had to shorten the fram and drive shafts exc

[Olden Days]

Originally Posted by 71SWBChevy

I know that one will go on a 72-87 frame but it is a pain in the butt I have heard. You have to weld on cab mounts, bed mounts, and radiator support mounts.

You would also have to shorten the frame by about 4 inches on the 73-87. The wheel base is not the same. Shortening the frame itself is not that big of a deal;. It is getting all the body mounts in just the right place that is the real effort in my opinion. I considered going that route on my 4x4 project but decided it was more work than I wanted. I found a 72 frame, problem solved.

[arkracing]

not trying to be rude -
but the easiest way is to get yourself a '67-'72 SWB frame. There are lots of them out there and the '67-'70 ones are usually cheaper since they have drum brakes and 6-lugs (not a big deal if you are going to drop the truck anyway.

'71-'72 have the Disc Brake Front and the 5 Lugs - so they ususally bring a little more $$ but nothing astronomical.

Shortening the LWB would be easier than swaping the body as well - there is a sweet Tech post here on the board on how to do it.

FYI I looked into putting a SWB on a '73-'87 SWB frame - and it was more work than it was worth - the frame section behind the cab is differant and a pain to deal with. - Mudder here on the board did it - but his is 4x4 and he used a body lift as well - which makes it a little easier

[BarryB]

I need to subscribe, Because I have two short frames that I am not going to use. One is a 72 with disc brakes. I have also heard and seen that a frame from a ?? - 66 will work with out much effort.

[taylorgd]

I figured the easiest way would be to buy a SWB frame. I haven't found any yet. The only thing that I have found are Long beds. For me doing body work and painting are one thing. Cutting into a frame is something that is out of my comfort level. I guess I will keep looking for a SWB frame. I will go ahead and buy the cab and front clip and go from there. Thanks for the advise.

Grover

[arkracing]

Originally Posted by taylorgd

I figured the easiest way would be to buy a SWB frame. I haven't found any yet. The only thing that I have found are Long beds. For me doing body work and painting are one thing. Cutting into a frame is something that is out of my comfort level. I guess I will keep looking for a SWB frame. I will go ahead and buy the cab and front clip and go from there. Thanks for the advise.

Grover

If you can get a '71-'72 LWB real cheap - it might be worth it to try.
Here is the awesome Tech Article I was talking about:

Even if you do all the cutting and just Tack Weld the frame back together then call you local "Job Site Welder" to come and do the finish welding - I don't think they would charge you a bunch of $$ - it would probably only take a good welder an hour or so - from set up to clean up.

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