LWB or SWB

[mR.68]

Hey guyz!!! This is an awesome site with great trucks and owners!!! I recently had a 68 short bed, but my mechanic got drunk and totaled the truck. I have a chance to get another 72 for $2000 , but it is a long-bed. If you could please give me any pros or cons to a long-bed vs short. I don't an any way mean to start a debate thread because both are awesome trucks, I would just like to know why most people prefer (myself included) the short bed. I don't plan on racing it, just some "go-fast" mods and a custom paint job. Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[Warbones]

I personally like the long beds if the truck is going to be lowered. Just my opinion, and we all know about those.

[uncle_handsome]

Here's what I've heard:

SWB: 1. Easier for parking, both from being a shorter body and shorter wheelbase. (tighter turning circle)
2. Slightly more weight over the rear axle when unloaded.
3. Shorter wheelbases transfer more weight on acceleration. (could help rear tire hook-up)

LWB 1. Smoother riding.
2. Often have larger fuel tanks. ('73 and up models)
3. Easier to tow with. Less "porposing" (up and down motion like a dolphin)
4. Sometimes, even for offroading, less weight transfer is better. (from the longer wheelbase) Like climbing hills or going through ditches.

[LUV2XCLR8]

1.) 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C

2.) W/ HANDSOME, IF IT'S A DEAL I SAY IT'S A

[smirch9]

You can learn alot from this site!

[mR.68]

Thanks guyz for your help...that makes it alot easier!!!!

[cdowns]

having a long bed means you can haul loads on the highway with the tailgate closed

[87 STEPPER]

Ok now you have the answer to the short or long bed ?

I want to know if you took that drunk sum ***** to court? And please tell me that you don't use this loser any more.

[chevytruckfan]

Long bed= larger loads. I can get the harley in the back with the tailgate closed. If you are going to do a custom paint job like you said. Long bed = more sheet metal for your artwork.

[Longhorn Man]

Your mechanic is buying this...right?
If so, get what you want, not what is right there right now.


I say go extra long...we all know size matters. (If you aren't familiar with the longhorn trucks, click the link in my signiture

[70c10swb]

im a shortie person myself

[kingsolver72]

I have both lwb and swb trucks.Love em all.

[mR.68]

Well to answer your question, 87 Stepper; he spent a cuople weeks in jail because of other outstanding traffic warrants, but I could not do anything to him due to the fact that he has NO money, and when I say none believe me. I have had to chalk it up as a lesson learned the HARD WAY i guess. I'll never find another deal like that one, but it hasn't discouraged my diehard love for these trucks. Thanks for all the input fellas, and by the way- I reside in Sherman, TX. Good luck with all your goals and projects, and most importantly, have a blessed day!!!

[96blazr]

Originally Posted by mR.68

I recently had a 68 short bed, but my mechanic got drunk and totaled the truck.

Well, first, WELCOME from Virginia!!

Okay, now to the important issues; He's still alive? On second thought, no need to go to jail for a low life.
Better yet, since he has a job skill that can earn him money, both, under and over the table, I would keep an eye on him if I were you, cause he can be out there earning his living while you're still trying to recover from what he took from you. Take him back to court and have them garnish any wage he tries to earn. In other words: BLEED THAT SOME BEACH DRY!!

And to answer your question in my ever so humble opinion:
If you're gonna "use" the bed, then go with a Long-bed.

If you're NOT going to use the bed and just enjoy driving it around and having a good 'ole time, I perfer a SWB(cause I not only own one), but it just looks more......Classic.
That said, both will do just fine if you're just going to build a Cruzer.

[pjmoreland]

In my opinion, short beds look sporty and long beds look like work trucks. If you are buying a truck for hauling lots of stuff then the long bed is way more practical, but owning a 35-year-old truck isn't very practical, now is it? I just think short bed trucks look waaaaay cooler.

[68haywagon]

Long and low.....thats the way I wanna go .


Mike

[chevyfarmer]

Welcome to the greatest place on earth for truckheads! Sorry to hear about your truck.

Exactly how bad is the truck? Can you post some pictures? There are some really great people here that have great deals on parts that might be able to help you out. Also, you may be able to sell what is left of yours in the parts section to fund your new project.

Long or short, I own both and like them either way. Best of luck!

[Lemield]

Welcome from Colorado.

I have one of each. SWB and LWB. I like them both. The LWB is great for carrying stuff and the SWB just looks cool. Just my .02 worth.

[boraxman]

SWB= higher resale, more sporty IMO of course

[mR.68]

Ok guyz, thanks again. My goal with this truck is to make it a cruiser and basically do the drop and repaint scheme with some bigger wheels like torque thrust. I wouldn't really be a work truck unless I needed it for some small work. I've seen some good examples of what they can look like with some customization. I just don't think I would be able to find a cleaner swb for this price. Thanks again

[Bow Tie Johnny]

Longbeds have a better classic look. I have a longbed, dropped, with 17 torq thrust on the way. Good Choice

[franko72]

I have a long bed so of course I am going to say I like them better. Just went to the drive in movies over the weekend. Turned truck backwards and put lawn chairs and the cooler and still had room for a sleeping bag for the kids. couldnt do that in a shorty.