LOOOONG Bed to SHORT Bed conversion questions

[74Chevy74]

I know there are tech articles on this, but I'm getting ready to take the plunge into this and have some questions about minor details..... so far this is what I have learned:

Take 14" out behind the cab, and 5" off the back
Install shortbed gas tank
Install shortbed drive line

I get this stuff, what exactly do you guys do with the brake lines?
I know it's impossible but I want to make this as painless as possible and have everything ready to go, so and advice on things I'm missing go ahead and fill me in.....

[bluex]

I went to the junk yard and found a line off a short bed truck. There is a junction under the cab that is the same location on both. Take it loose there and from the flex line that runs down to the axle and your set. I ordered a new set of parking brake cables from LMC. I think they were like 10 each. You can have your stock (providing it was 1 piece) driveshaft shortened. I had mine done, balanced with new joints for $80.

Other than that, measure about 5 times before you cut. I used the new short bed to help make sure that everything was where I wanted it. If you have the long springs in the rear there will be no room to run a bumper unless you weld it on b/c there will only be about 2" of from the shackle mount. If you get the shorter springs its only a matter of removing the rivits and moving the shackles up to the next location on the frame. All the holes are already there.

[SSC's76]

From what Ive read you would be much better of finding a beat to crap shortbox and swaping things over. Either way

[u2slow]

Originally Posted by 74Chevy74

I get this stuff, what exactly do you guys do with the brake lines?

Brass union w/ compression fittings. Dunno if its 'correct' but I know people that have used them successfully.

Your auto parts store should have assorted lengths of brake tube that's pre-flared with nuts on it. If its too long, bend a loop-de-loop or pretzel in it... kind of like this.

[ElGracho]

Originally Posted by u2slow

Brass union w/ compression fittings. Dunno if its 'correct' but I know people that have used them successfully.

Your auto parts store should have assorted lengths of brake tube that's pre-flared with nuts on it....

NEVER use compression fittings with brake lines. Take the time to get a double flaring tool (never use a single flare with steel brake line either) and do the job right. This is your life you're playing with here. The easiest way to shorten the brake line from the long bed to short bed would be to cut the same amount from the rear line as you did the frame and reflare the end you cut.

[jermasaurus]

Compression fittings aren't really intended for that type of pressure. Best to flare them and use the brass unions. Not trying to argue

-Jeremy

[74Chevy74]

I think what I will do is just get lines from a short bed, seems the easiest to me. So is there anything I'm leaving out besides what I mentioned earlier?

Take 14" out behind the cab, and 5" off the back
Install shortbed gas tank
Install shortbed drive line
Shortbed brake lines
Short leaf spings if I don't have them....

Anything else???????

Thanks for all the help so far.

[f.monroe]

You forgot at least one thing . Enjoy the Short wheel base when youre done ! Frank

[Tom]

Originally Posted by SSC's76

From what Ive read you would be much better of finding a beat to crap shortbox and swaping things over. Either way

But what if you want a crew cab short bed? They never made such frames

[N2TRUX]

Have you looked at this article in the FAQ Forum-How to shorten a LWB frame It pertains to a 67-72 frame but it is very well written with great pics.

[AdamsKustoms]

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[AdamsKustoms]

Longbed To Shortbed Conversion

Ive shortened numerous 1960-1972 chevy trucks as well as a few 50's & 60's stepside pick ups. I can shorten the bed and the frame of the truck. Once its done you can never tell it was ever a long bed. If you have a short bed "bed" you can save a few bucks by only getting the frame shortened. I shorten the frame of the truck in such a way where all of the structural integrity of the frame is maintained without any plating, boxing, or bracing. As well as it still looks like the original frame. Here is a picture of a converted 1972 chevy truck. The frame as well as the bed floor and sides were converted. Yes the bed sides were originally longbed sides. The long bed sides and bed floor were cut and re-welded back together, I have done quite a few of these year pick ups.

[bagged74]

Originally Posted by 74Chevy74

I think what I will do is just get lines from a short bed, seems the easiest to me. So is there anything I'm leaving out besides what I mentioned earlier?

Take 14" out behind the cab, and 5" off the back
Install shortbed gas tank
Install shortbed drive line
Shortbed brake lines
Short leaf spings if I don't have them....

Anything else???????

Thanks for all the help so far.

Im pretty sure its 6" off the back instead of 5". I know thats what i did on my crew cab.

[tmayhew]

Would this work for a 1978 lwb to swb or would i just compare that to another 1978 swb.
Probably no but if anyone knows that would be great.
Thanks

[jwa76fleetside]

why convert??? long beds RULE!