Longbed to shortbed conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hath · 10-15-2012, 10:08 PM

Is it possible to just move the axel and its components forward to accomodate a shortbed and then simply cut the excess frame off? I'm asking this to avoid taking a long bed and cutting it up to look like a short bed.

BMERDOC · 10-15-2012, 10:13 PM

Nope. Gotta take something like 12 inches out between the cab and axle...sorry.

SS Tim · 10-15-2012, 10:34 PM

Much as I hate saying it if you must cut a truck down the frame cut under the cab (at an angle) seems to be the best route. The wheelbase comes down 12" The bed looses 12" off the front and another 8.14 off the back. Lots of cuttting and welding. On my project I'm planning on using a wood floor so things might get a little easier. There are threads on shortening here that are very useful for reference. We even hashed the concept of bobbing the rear first to get a feel for everything before deciding to do the box front and frame.

SS Tim · 10-15-2012, 10:41 PM

On the chance that I misread the question. A LWB frame can be altered to fit a factory short bed box. It still needs to be cut from the middle and have body mounts moved in addition to cutting off the rear. This is due to the drop center frame rail shape and crossmembers. Having a short box to match up would be a huge time saver and really help assure success.

chevy88 · 10-16-2012, 01:54 AM

Here is how I did mine but do a search there is few ideas on how to do this..
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=371381

10-15-2012, 10:08 PM	#1
hath Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Orem, UT Posts: 26	Longbed to shortbed conversion Is it possible to just move the axel and its components forward to accomodate a shortbed and then simply cut the excess frame off? I'm asking this to avoid taking a long bed and cutting it up to look like a short bed.

10-15-2012, 10:13 PM	#2
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: Longbed to shortbed conversion Nope. Gotta take something like 12 inches out between the cab and axle...sorry. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

10-15-2012, 10:34 PM	#3
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: Longbed to shortbed conversion Much as I hate saying it if you must cut a truck down the frame cut under the cab (at an angle) seems to be the best route. The wheelbase comes down 12" The bed looses 12" off the front and another 8.14 off the back. Lots of cuttting and welding. On my project I'm planning on using a wood floor so things might get a little easier. There are threads on shortening here that are very useful for reference. We even hashed the concept of bobbing the rear first to get a feel for everything before deciding to do the box front and frame. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

10-15-2012, 10:41 PM	#4
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: Longbed to shortbed conversion On the chance that I misread the question. A LWB frame can be altered to fit a factory short bed box. It still needs to be cut from the middle and have body mounts moved in addition to cutting off the rear. This is due to the drop center frame rail shape and crossmembers. Having a short box to match up would be a huge time saver and really help assure success. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

10-16-2012, 01:54 AM	#5
chevy88 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern, Saskatchewan Posts: 640	Re: Longbed to shortbed conversion Here is how I did mine but do a search there is few ideas on how to do this.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=371381 __________________ Kerry My build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3657823 1971 Chev SWB with 68 nose, 6.2 diesel th350, and 3.73 rear gears 1988 Chev Extendacab 2010 Honda VT1300CS Sabre 2005 Buick Rendezvous wife's ride

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