Frame Question! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dmnall · 10-01-2002, 02:53 AM

Well I have come to the conclusion that I have to cut my Frame down to make my 68 Chev a SWB, since I cannot find a frame! My main question is, How many Front Bed Mounts does a SWB frame have (i.e. My LWB Frame has 2 that are spaced exactly 12 inches apart behind the cab)?? And instead of Cutting my frame up under the Cab, would cutting the excess 12 inches between the 2 front bed mounts work ??

I have spent countless hours, searching for articles on Cutting Frames and also spent hours looking for a Short Bed Frame, that I will just have to cut my frame down! Also with shortening the frame, I am going to convert my rear end to Leafspring and Disc Front Brakes, off of my 74 Chev Truck !

Thanks for the Information,

Charlie

jiggs · 10-01-2002, 03:39 AM

If the cut area is in front of the leaf spring perch, there shouldn't be a problem. If you were to use the trailing arm suspension, it wouldn't work. I am not framiliar with the leaf sprung trucks and the location of the front perch.

dmnall · 10-02-2002, 12:02 AM

Where would you cut the Frame if it is a Coil Spring ? My LWB frame is Coil Rear but when I cut it, I am going to convert it to Leaf..

Thanks Again,

Charlie

too many · 10-02-2002, 12:39 AM

Charlie ,
I have a short GMC frame with leaf rear. Im not too sure I want to get rid of it tho. ( there is someone with "first-dibs" if I do decide ) . The frame is "burried" with some other stuff I have . Note: I also have a 68 chevy LWB/ leaf rear frame here .

Im not sure if pics/ dims would help you? It might take a little bit to dig it out, but if it would help, I would be glad to.

BTW, for what its worth, Did you see "randy" is still listing his short frame as available?

GOOD LUCK and let me know! Steve

dmnall · 10-02-2002, 02:23 AM

Thanks that would be cool for pictures, just so I can see a difference!

I would deal with Fast68(Randy) but it seems like he will not does not want to make a deal!

Thanks Again,

Charlie

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 10-02-2002, 07:41 AM

I got swb leaf and coil frames coming out the wazoo, shame your not closer.

LowSeventy · 10-02-2002, 02:06 PM

You might call the guys at Early Classic, when I was up there a few months ago picking up my lowering kit, they had two shortbed bare frames for sale. You might get lucky and they're still there.

dmnall · 10-03-2002, 02:44 AM

Thanks for the information LowSeventy. I am going to call Early Classic in the morning. Hope they will have a frame still..

I wish you were closer Mothertruckers. I would get a frame from you.

Thanks again,

Charlie

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-03-2002, 10:24 AM

I have a 71-72 Short Fleetside Bed with a SWB (Leaf Spring rear) in Olympia, Wa. for sale. It would be a drive to pick it up, but it would beat cutting a frame.... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

jiggs · 10-03-2002, 09:03 PM

dmnall: The trailing arms have a crossmember that you would have to cut in front of. This is nessessary to keep the coil spring perch on the frame and on the trailing arm in the same location after the cut. It also keeps the hump in the frame above the diff. Now leafs are shorter in length, so you could bring your cut back to just ahead of the front spring perch. That way you won't have to be cutting under the cab.

To say it another way, you have to cut ahead of the rear suspension's front most mount, to keep it as a unit.

ebfabman · 10-03-2002, 11:29 PM

Heres some discussion on it, also includes some pics I took.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ame+shortening

dmnall · 10-04-2002, 01:49 AM

Thanks for the information..

efabman,

you seem to be the man when it comes to cutting frames! Did you build a Jig to hold your frame up or did you just use jack stands ??

Well thanks again for the information.

Charlie

ebfabman · 10-04-2002, 04:23 PM

dmnall, no jig is needed if you use the "step method" Just use a common line exact center of the frame to remove the sections from. If its done this way everything can't help but line up correctly.
A relitivily level, flat surface would be good to work on. If you use several large clamps to hold everything together and your cuts are precise and you get a good weld with a little renforcement, it will be as good as an original swb frame. Some of the sharpest trucks I've seen are cut down lwb frames. Its not a hard job if you plan it out right.

dmnall · 10-05-2002, 02:28 AM

Thanks for the Information Efabman.. However, I have another question for you, Do you have Higher Resolution Pics of your Frame that you posted on cutting your frame down ??

I am going to be having a friend of mine, use his Plasma Cutter down and my dad and I are going to welding my frame back together! Unless WES could tell me how much he wants for his SWB frame! Otherwise I am going to starting to strip my frame and cut it in about 2 weeks from now!

Thanks Again,

Charlie

ebfabman · 10-05-2002, 12:41 PM

I think I will post bigger pics on a new thread and include as many search words as possible so an easy search will find them. I've had many people want pics of this job.

I think I'll include words like "lwb to swb" "shorten frame" "cut frame" "frame shortening" "cut down a frame" "alter frame"
"modify frame"

If you think of any others that would be great. I'll upload pics to a hosting site then post them on this message board. I'll make them as big as possible.

Downtown · 10-05-2002, 06:53 PM

There is one available here in Indiana, but I thought that was too far get one. It is off of a 71/72. Has the five lug with disc brakes. It has been sandblasted and has a set of rallies on it. The guy wants $500. If your interested, I can find the guys number and send it to you.

10-01-2002, 02:53 AM	#1
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Frame Question! Well I have come to the conclusion that I have to cut my Frame down to make my 68 Chev a SWB, since I cannot find a frame! My main question is, How many Front Bed Mounts does a SWB frame have (i.e. My LWB Frame has 2 that are spaced exactly 12 inches apart behind the cab)?? And instead of Cutting my frame up under the Cab, would cutting the excess 12 inches between the 2 front bed mounts work ?? I have spent countless hours, searching for articles on Cutting Frames and also spent hours looking for a Short Bed Frame, that I will just have to cut my frame down! Also with shortening the frame, I am going to convert my rear end to Leafspring and Disc Front Brakes, off of my 74 Chev Truck ! Thanks for the Information, Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-01-2002, 03:39 AM	#2
jiggs poker face Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Posts: 218	If the cut area is in front of the leaf spring perch, there shouldn't be a problem. If you were to use the trailing arm suspension, it wouldn't work. I am not framiliar with the leaf sprung trucks and the location of the front perch. __________________ If you could kick the person in the *ss responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.

10-02-2002, 12:02 AM	#3
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Where would you cut the Frame if it is a Coil Spring ? My LWB frame is Coil Rear but when I cut it, I am going to convert it to Leaf.. Thanks Again, Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-02-2002, 12:39 AM	#4
too many Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: nw IL Posts: 211	shorty frame Charlie , I have a short GMC frame with leaf rear. Im not too sure I want to get rid of it tho. ( there is someone with "first-dibs" if I do decide ) . The frame is "burried" with some other stuff I have . Note: I also have a 68 chevy LWB/ leaf rear frame here . Im not sure if pics/ dims would help you? It might take a little bit to dig it out, but if it would help, I would be glad to. BTW, for what its worth, Did you see "randy" is still listing his short frame as available? GOOD LUCK and let me know! Steve

10-02-2002, 02:23 AM	#5
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Thanks that would be cool for pictures, just so I can see a difference! I would deal with Fast68(Randy) but it seems like he will not does not want to make a deal! Thanks Again, Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-02-2002, 07:41 AM	#6
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	I got swb leaf and coil frames coming out the wazoo, shame your not closer. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

10-02-2002, 02:06 PM	#7
LowSeventy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 67	You might call the guys at Early Classic, when I was up there a few months ago picking up my lowering kit, they had two shortbed bare frames for sale. You might get lucky and they're still there.

10-03-2002, 02:44 AM	#8
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Thanks for the information LowSeventy. I am going to call Early Classic in the morning. Hope they will have a frame still.. I wish you were closer Mothertruckers. I would get a frame from you. Thanks again, Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-03-2002, 10:24 AM	#9
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	I have a 71-72 Short Fleetside Bed with a SWB (Leaf Spring rear) in Olympia, Wa. for sale. It would be a drive to pick it up, but it would beat cutting a frame.... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-03-2002, 09:03 PM	#10
jiggs poker face Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Posts: 218	dmnall: The trailing arms have a crossmember that you would have to cut in front of. This is nessessary to keep the coil spring perch on the frame and on the trailing arm in the same location after the cut. It also keeps the hump in the frame above the diff. Now leafs are shorter in length, so you could bring your cut back to just ahead of the front spring perch. That way you won't have to be cutting under the cab. To say it another way, you have to cut ahead of the rear suspension's front most mount, to keep it as a unit. __________________ If you could kick the person in the *ss responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.

10-03-2002, 11:29 PM	#11
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	Heres some discussion on it, also includes some pics I took. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ame+shortening

10-04-2002, 01:49 AM	#12
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Thanks for the information.. efabman, you seem to be the man when it comes to cutting frames! Did you build a Jig to hold your frame up or did you just use jack stands ?? Well thanks again for the information. Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-04-2002, 04:23 PM	#13
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	dmnall, no jig is needed if you use the "step method" Just use a common line exact center of the frame to remove the sections from. If its done this way everything can't help but line up correctly. A relitivily level, flat surface would be good to work on. If you use several large clamps to hold everything together and your cuts are precise and you get a good weld with a little renforcement, it will be as good as an original swb frame. Some of the sharpest trucks I've seen are cut down lwb frames. Its not a hard job if you plan it out right.

10-05-2002, 02:28 AM	#14
dmnall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 505	Thanks for the Information Efabman.. However, I have another question for you, Do you have Higher Resolution Pics of your Frame that you posted on cutting your frame down ?? I am going to be having a friend of mine, use his Plasma Cutter down and my dad and I are going to welding my frame back together! Unless WES could tell me how much he wants for his SWB frame! Otherwise I am going to starting to strip my frame and cut it in about 2 weeks from now! Thanks Again, Charlie __________________ 1968 C10 Truck LWB Fleetside 1968 C10 Truck SWB Stepside 1994 K2500 Ext Cab Fleetside 2008 Honda Civic Si lease

10-05-2002, 12:41 PM	#15
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	I think I will post bigger pics on a new thread and include as many search words as possible so an easy search will find them. I've had many people want pics of this job. I think I'll include words like "lwb to swb" "shorten frame" "cut frame" "frame shortening" "cut down a frame" "alter frame" "modify frame" If you think of any others that would be great. I'll upload pics to a hosting site then post them on this message board. I'll make them as big as possible.



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10-05-2002, 06:53 PM	#16
Downtown Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New Palestine, IN Posts: 470	There is one available here in Indiana, but I thought that was too far get one. It is off of a 71/72. Has the five lug with disc brakes. It has been sandblasted and has a set of rallies on it. The guy wants $500. If your interested, I can find the guys number and send it to you. __________________ 72 Shortbed fleetside 402 BB, AC, Posi 72 Super Cheyenne Longbed 350 49,000 original miles and My dad ordered it new 66 Chevy Caprice 2 dr 74 Honda CB750 New Palestine, IN

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