Why does everyone LWB to SWB? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68/72 HotRod · 02-09-2009, 07:59 AM

Can someone explain to me why a lot of people on this forum convert the LWB to SWB? Especially the slammed trucks, its really hard to find one of those in LWB. I ask because I have a 68 C10 LWB stepside that I'm planning to slam. I wanna make sure I'm not going to run into any major problems with it being LWB before I spend the time and effort to make the truck what I want. Thanks in advance.

**special-K** · 02-09-2009, 08:02 AM

No problems with dropping longbeds.It`s just the shortbeds are the big fad.

**rob32472** · 02-09-2009, 08:27 AM

I think most people would agree a swb looks better lowered than a lwb. If you lower a lwb it looks 10ft longer

redneckgirl · 02-09-2009, 08:32 AM

My LWB isn't 'slammed' but it is lowered...Ipersonally love the LWB the way it is, and wouldn't trade it for a SWB for anything....
The way she's sitting here makes it look like she has a rake, but she is sitting level, with a 3/5 drop....
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big_al_71 · 02-09-2009, 08:45 AM

It is a total matter of taste some of us prefer shortbeds and others prefer longbeds.

**70cst** · 02-09-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redneckgirl

My LWB isn't 'slammed' but it is lowered...Ipersonally love the LWB the way it is, and wouldn't trade it for a SWB for anything....
The way she's sitting here makes it look like she has a rake, but she is sitting level, with a 3/5 drop....
Attachment 428964

I agree...I wouldn't trade the Circuit Rider for a SWB Truck. There will come a time when the LWB trucks will catch up with the SWB trucks. JMHO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

It is a total matter of taste some of us prefer shortbeds and others prefer longbeds.

Agreed! Some like blue trucks and some like Green trucks. What's your flavor.

68gmsee · 02-09-2009, 09:52 AM

Most trucks driven today are not work trucks and most never haul anything more than groceries or a pet dog. So a shortwheel base is more desireable for looks and convenience of parking, etc.

However, some years ago I saw a long wheelbase truck that was lowered pretty low, not slammed but lower than most I'd seen and it looked absolutely awesome!

I guess if you are going to fix up your truck to look nice, a lowered lwb and swb are both going to look good. On the other hand, if you have a junker and you slam it, it's not going to generate much excitement either way.

Scott Webster · 02-09-2009, 10:16 AM

I keep thinking I will cut mine down, but I think the reality is that if I want one bad enough I will buy a swb. Both are awesome trucks. Bottom line is what you want.

p8ntballer1911 · 02-09-2009, 10:34 AM

I actually did the conversion. I personally just like short beds. LWB trucks just look to long to me.

Elephanthead · 02-09-2009, 11:02 AM

I want to take may C30 and put 2 long beds on the back sideways.

dan42 · 02-09-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elephanthead

I want to take may C30 and put 2 long beds on the back sideways.

Huh?

69sixpackbee · 02-09-2009, 11:44 AM

$$$$

**yote1234** · 02-09-2009, 12:16 PM

best way i can explain is... some guys like small women and some like BIG women..... same difference

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 02-09-2009, 01:17 PM

I like them both. I happen to have a short bed but my son had a long bed that we slammed and it looked Killer.. A Long Bed just has more to love

thirdstreettito · 02-09-2009, 01:19 PM

I have 2 67-72 LWB and I prefer them to SWB. But I also have a 84 SWB. The only reason I have the SWB is because it was a steal.

CG · 02-09-2009, 01:30 PM

Its like anything in life...Its whats pleasing to YOUR eye. I like long wheel base trucks both lowered and stock height. I also like long boxes a little better because I tend to use my trucks as trucks. Short boxes lowered down are the sporty version of our trucks.

I dont worry about what other people think...Look at the "old man" canopy I run on my K20...I love it, most...dont =)

If you search a little there are some very cool looking lowered long beds on this board. Dont let what other people say determine your tastes....

Now post up some pics of your ride over in photoshop area and maybe someone will put some nice tires and wheels on it and lower it down so you can get an idea.

enaberif · 02-09-2009, 01:33 PM

Where I live SWB are a lot more harder to find than a LWB so for me it was the choice to pickup a LWB.

But where I live since there are so many LWB compared to SWB it would make sense why a person would do this.

ChevLoRay · 02-09-2009, 01:38 PM

When Chevy introduced the Cameo in '55, the effects of the slab side began to sink in on those who liked the "slick" look. Then, GM introduced the Fleetside style for '58. Back then, people used trucks as, well, trucks. Having a long bed meant being able to haul more than a short bed would/could haul. So, LWB trucks became more desirable and more were produced than SWB. For instance, in '69, only 54K+ SWB half-tons were built, while over 225K+ LWB trucks were built.

As the usage for trucks shifted more toward the personal transportation category and more luxuries became available, the desire for a SWB truck increased. Now, it comes down to supply vs. demand. These days, a SWB truck is desirable moreso than a LWB truck, so there are those who cut them down and convert them to SWB.

But a slammed LWB will be more dramatic than a slammed SWB. I once had a '67 Impala convertible. The wife and I were newly-married and I drove it to another town and to a shopping center....top down and shining. She heard a kid say as we drove by, "Momma, that's the LONGEST car I ever saw!" Same thing with the LWB truck. It's gonna look longer but so what. If you like the truck, slam it! I won't dis you for doing it and the VIN won't lie about what you're driving like a converted one will.

Ole Blue 68 · 02-09-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee

$$$$

I agree with Bee. It is a matter of taste and right now there's a greater demand for shorties so they fetch a higher price.

I have a 68 LWB that I really like but I've kind of capped out on how much more I'm willing to invest in it because I know I'll never get my money out of it. Not that any truck or car is a good investment anyways...

Mike J · 02-09-2009, 04:26 PM

well, I havent really gotten started on mine because of winter, but when I do, my lwb will definitely be slammed... and still a longbed, I like 'em better.

long69 · 02-09-2009, 04:33 PM

with a lwb there is more of a chance to bottom out in the center over speed bumps and such.
only draw back i can think of.

Longhorn Man · 02-09-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

It's gonna look longer but so what. If you like the truck, slam it! I won't dis you for doing it and the VIN won't lie about what you're driving like a converted one will.

Never knew you could tell by the VIN.

Being a long/step, you'll get lots of nay-sayers.
Screw them... do what ever you want!

cdowns · 02-09-2009, 05:42 PM

most shortbed guys just aint got enough stuff to haul in a long box

royo · 02-09-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

most shortbed guys just aint got enough stuff to haul in a long box

x2 lol

thirdstreettito · 02-09-2009, 05:59 PM

"Everyone wants a short bed, until they get to Home Depot"

I go to Home Depot a lot, so LWB is better for me, plus I love long n' low.

02-09-2009, 07:59 AM	#1
68/72 HotRod Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ftw, TX Posts: 22	Why does everyone LWB to SWB? Can someone explain to me why a lot of people on this forum convert the LWB to SWB? Especially the slammed trucks, its really hard to find one of those in LWB. I ask because I have a 68 C10 LWB stepside that I'm planning to slam. I wanna make sure I'm not going to run into any major problems with it being LWB before I spend the time and effort to make the truck what I want. Thanks in advance.

02-09-2009, 08:02 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? No problems with dropping longbeds.It`s just the shortbeds are the big fad. __________________ "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 ~

02-09-2009, 08:27 AM	#3
rob32472 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: dallas ga Posts: 1,505	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I think most people would agree a swb looks better lowered than a lwb. If you lower a lwb it looks 10ft longer

02-09-2009, 08:32 AM	#4
redneckgirl Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bel Air, Maryland Posts: 4,853	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? My LWB isn't 'slammed' but it is lowered...Ipersonally love the LWB the way it is, and wouldn't trade it for a SWB for anything.... The way she's sitting here makes it look like she has a rake, but she is sitting level, with a 3/5 drop.... __________________ The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet. Stephen King

02-09-2009, 08:45 AM	#5
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? It is a total matter of taste some of us prefer shortbeds and others prefer longbeds. Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-09-2009, 09:52 AM	#7
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? Most trucks driven today are not work trucks and most never haul anything more than groceries or a pet dog. So a shortwheel base is more desireable for looks and convenience of parking, etc. However, some years ago I saw a long wheelbase truck that was lowered pretty low, not slammed but lower than most I'd seen and it looked absolutely awesome! I guess if you are going to fix up your truck to look nice, a lowered lwb and swb are both going to look good. On the other hand, if you have a junker and you slam it, it's not going to generate much excitement either way.

02-09-2009, 10:16 AM	#8
Scott Webster Sheetmetal Psycho Join Date: May 2005 Location: athens PA Posts: 515	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I keep thinking I will cut mine down, but I think the reality is that if I want one bad enough I will buy a swb. Both are awesome trucks. Bottom line is what you want. __________________ I didn't say you were stupid, but I was thinking it... I need a check up from the neck up! Project "Rigginstine's Monster" 1971 C-10 longbed 355/4spd Future mods: 67 front clip Webby's Rigginations - where everything has potential!

02-09-2009, 10:34 AM	#9
p8ntballer1911 Bodydropped71 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Conroe Texas Posts: 264	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I actually did the conversion. I personally just like short beds. LWB trucks just look to long to me.

02-09-2009, 11:02 AM	#10
Elephanthead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 187	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I want to take may C30 and put 2 long beds on the back sideways.

02-09-2009, 11:44 AM	#12
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? $$$$

02-09-2009, 12:16 PM	#13
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,329	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? best way i can explain is... some guys like small women and some like BIG women..... same difference __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

02-09-2009, 01:17 PM	#14
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,111	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I like them both. I happen to have a short bed but my son had a long bed that we slammed and it looked Killer.. A Long Bed just has more to love __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565 Last edited by 1970 CST Short Wide; 02-09-2009 at 01:18 PM.

02-09-2009, 01:19 PM	#15
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? I have 2 67-72 LWB and I prefer them to SWB. But I also have a 84 SWB. The only reason I have the SWB is because it was a steal. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

02-09-2009, 01:30 PM	#16
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,845	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? Its like anything in life...Its whats pleasing to YOUR eye. I like long wheel base trucks both lowered and stock height. I also like long boxes a little better because I tend to use my trucks as trucks. Short boxes lowered down are the sporty version of our trucks. I dont worry about what other people think...Look at the "old man" canopy I run on my K20...I love it, most...dont =) If you search a little there are some very cool looking lowered long beds on this board. Dont let what other people say determine your tastes.... Now post up some pics of your ride over in photoshop area and maybe someone will put some nice tires and wheels on it and lower it down so you can get an idea. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

02-09-2009, 01:33 PM	#17
enaberif Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,181	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? Where I live SWB are a lot more harder to find than a LWB so for me it was the choice to pickup a LWB. But where I live since there are so many LWB compared to SWB it would make sense why a person would do this.



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02-09-2009, 01:38 PM	#18
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? When Chevy introduced the Cameo in '55, the effects of the slab side began to sink in on those who liked the "slick" look. Then, GM introduced the Fleetside style for '58. Back then, people used trucks as, well, trucks. Having a long bed meant being able to haul more than a short bed would/could haul. So, LWB trucks became more desirable and more were produced than SWB. For instance, in '69, only 54K+ SWB half-tons were built, while over 225K+ LWB trucks were built. As the usage for trucks shifted more toward the personal transportation category and more luxuries became available, the desire for a SWB truck increased. Now, it comes down to supply vs. demand. These days, a SWB truck is desirable moreso than a LWB truck, so there are those who cut them down and convert them to SWB. But a slammed LWB will be more dramatic than a slammed SWB. I once had a '67 Impala convertible. The wife and I were newly-married and I drove it to another town and to a shopping center....top down and shining. She heard a kid say as we drove by, "Momma, that's the LONGEST car I ever saw!" Same thing with the LWB truck. It's gonna look longer but so what. If you like the truck, slam it! I won't dis you for doing it and the VIN won't lie about what you're driving like a converted one will. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-09-2009, 04:26 PM	#20
Mike J vw guy & now c-10 guy Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Louisville,KY Posts: 483	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? well, I havent really gotten started on mine because of winter, but when I do, my lwb will definitely be slammed... and still a longbed, I like 'em better. __________________ '68 long fleet Finally made some progress on the build!!! My Build Thread

02-09-2009, 04:33 PM	#21
long69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lost angeles Posts: 159	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? with a lwb there is more of a chance to bottom out in the center over speed bumps and such. only draw back i can think of.

02-09-2009, 05:42 PM	#23
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? most shortbed guys just aint got enough stuff to haul in a long box __________________ 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

02-09-2009, 05:59 PM	#25
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Why does everyone LWB to SWB? "Everyone wants a short bed, until they get to Home Depot" I go to Home Depot a lot, so LWB is better for me, plus I love long n' low. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

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