Save or Cut down Long Bed

[wthompson]

My son is doing a short bed conversion and he was originally going to cut his bed down but several people have told him that he should save the bed because it is in good shape and buy one of LMC. What do you think?

[67ChevyRedneck]

If he's capable of cutting it down, cut it down. That looks to be an extremely nice bed, perfect for cutting it up. Bedsides are $500 each plus shipping, as nice as those bedsides are, they don't sell for much.

If you're not positive you can do it, don't do it. There is a little of massaging needed when you cut out the back section because the lines don't line up exactly (but lots of people have done it.)

There's lots of threads with pics and how to's.

[leddzepp]

Cut it down. You won't sell it for enough money to buy even one SWB bedside.

[Vintage Windmills]

In the Midwest, they are more desirable and harder to find in good shape. If its rust free and dent free (not used as a farm truck), If steel floor I'd give you ~1k to 1800 depending on condition and come down and grab it. If its got rust or dents, including floor, I wouldn't be interested

[CC69Rat]

If you decide to replace it, I wouldn't go with LMC. I would talk to the guys at Southern Kentucky Classics, (sell Woodall products) or AMD - Auto Metal Direct out of Cleveland GA. As close to OEM as you can get from the aftermarket.

IF you can cut the bed (welding skills, have the right tools, etc.) I agree do it especially if the bed is a wood floor. It will make things much easier.

[wthompson]

I will post better pictures tonight.

[wthompson]

Vintage windmills when you say rust, are you talking absolutely no rust or surface rust is ok?

[myyamr7]

I wouldn't cut it down for a couple reasons.
Not sure what beds are selling for in your area, but a solid bed like that in my area is worth $1500 all day long!
Also, while it seems some do a nice job cutting the bedsides, the body lines in the back will not match, so even if you're a great welder, there is still extensive bodywork that needs to be done. Maybe it's just me, but I have yet to see in person or in pictures of a cut down long bed that is perfect..there always seems to be a noticeable change in the body line.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Here is the step by step way it should be done (finished product is much later in build thread):

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ow+buck&page=8

[C/10 King]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Cut it down. You won't sell it for enough money to buy even one SWB bedside.

X2, At least here in Cali, I had the hardest time trying to selling this long bed for $300......and finally ended up let it go for $150., but I guess it has to do with the different areas.

[Mr Handy]

leave it a longbed, they are cooler

[robozride]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

In the Midwest, they are more desirable and harder to find in good shape. If its rust free and dent free (not used as a farm truck), If steel floor I'd give you ~1k to 1800 depending on condition and come down and grab it. If its got rust or dents, including floor, I wouldn't be interested

Check my photos.... I have one in similar or better shape that I would consider offers in that range for. I plan to cut mine down as you certainly cant buy or build a shorty for what you can find the lwb's for.

[In The Ten Ring]

I think long beds look better. I wish my truck was long wheel base.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by wthompson

Vintage windmills when you say rust, are you talking absolutely no rust or surface rust is ok?

surface rust is ok, just nothing that requires work when repainting.

[wthompson]

[67ChevyRedneck]

Pictures aren't working

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

If you decide to replace it, I wouldn't go with LMC. I would talk to the guys at Southern Kentucky Classics, (sell Woodall products) or AMD - Auto Metal Direct out of Cleveland GA. As close to OEM as you can get from the aftermarket.

IF you can cut the bed (welding skills, have the right tools, etc.) I agree do it especially if the bed is a wood floor. It will make things much easier.

I think Classic Parts in Riverside, MO also sells Woodall bed parts, (I would double check with them) and he may be able to pick them up there.

LockDoc

[wthompson]

[faribran]

that appears to be an EXCELLENT bed. no matter which way you proceed.....

[wthompson]

[wthompson]

Originally Posted by faribran

that appears to be an EXCELLENT bed. no matter which way you proceed.....

Yeah it does but my son is worried that if we cut and it don't work then it's worth nothing.

[Ironangel]

If you cut that bed, puppy's & kitten's will die! LWB owners will plunge red hot screw drivers into their eyes! Sell the bed and cut the frame. Buy the new box and save the puppy's & Kitten's! "just sayin" PS. Unless you have VERY good skills and experience in sheet metal working and the tools required, your son is correct in assuming a failed attempt and winding up with a scrap pile...Again, "just saying"

[faribran]

do more research.. as mentioned earlier.. there are plenty of "examples" on here with very good details.... consider your skills, make your own decision. its always good to start with quality materials and this one looks to be just that.

keep us posted which ever way you proceed.... good luck

[magwakeenercew2jh]

I'm thinking about making a LB out of my shortie.
Just kidding.

But, there's no going back once you cut the long bed.
He gets to do whatever he wants. That's the good part.

I'd see if I could sell the long bed...That is, depending upon how far I'd wanna travel for a good short box.

More research and a listing for the bed on local CL and on the Forum (with the proviso to members that you either
want X amount...and then you'll sell it...and if you don't get that price, you'll cut it down).

But first, I'd check TOTAL COST of a shortie bed with our Vendors and then with other sources.

Just my $.02. I like Longies. But I'm staying short.
Been that way all my life.

[wthompson]

Rat1968,

Cool picture! Good thought to.