C-20 LWB to SWB??

[DTerry]

After a year or so hiatus, I have been finally motivated again to start on my truck. Also due to a bunch of other projects going on, I just haven't had the time or the garage space. But I got my bed in the garage started the tear down and found that it might be a little rougher then I was hoping for. So that leaves me to a huge decision:

First off its a 1970 GMC C-20 LWB so it has the rear leafs. I like the SWB trucks and I think they just look cooler, IMO. Now to shorten the frame and the bed or just leave it a LWB.

The Frame:
I did some searching, and I got no real answer of weather or not shortening a frame with leafs is going to be a problem, because I guess there will only be 4 inches of frame behind the shackels on a c-10, (don't know if the c-20s would be any different). Also I'm going with a roll pan so no bumper brackets. Later on I think I'm going to switch to stock trailing arms and bags, but money doesn't allow that right now. Has anyone shortened a c-20 or even a leaf spring truck. Also will this effect the way it tows? I don't plan on anything crazy maybe just a 3500 lb car and trailer would be the max every once in a while.

The Bed:
The floor is pretty much shot, not all that rusty, but a lot of dents that would be a pain to fix. So i just going with some sheet metal. So i have to make new bolt wholes any ways. The sides are a little rough. New bedsides are out of the question even if they did make them for the LWB, but I can get patch panels to fix all that stuff. Now is cutting it down going to be that difficult? Any problems you see?


Thanks in advance.

[Mint68]

I would think cutting the bed down would be a handfull, mainly because of the curve to it's sides. I think if you want to convert it to a short bed with trailing arms, just go find what you are looking for now. If money is a problem, hold off and save to get what you need. With all the time and money to convert it, I think you would be better off and less burned out to hold off and buy what you really want.

[Dingfodgy]

You shouldn't have too much trouble shortening the LWB, even if it is a leaf-springer. The 4" behind the rear shackle should be o.k. You could always box that section of the frame for a little peace of mind. The bed shortening is totally do-able too, it's alot of welding, but with some patience and basic skills- you should be able to get the lines right.....I'm also doing this and I've seen it done, so I don't think it's outside the capabilities of the average home-tinkerer. Also- you could always convert to a wooden floor instead of trying to repair / replace the steel one you say is trashed.
Regarding the towing issue....you'll have to pay a bit more attention to weight bias- so as not to have too much tongue weight. One of those load distribution hitches like an EZ-Lift or Reese type would probably be a good idea. Oh yeah- you'll most likely want to convert to front disc brakes as well.

[wibilly]

i have a shortened k20 and still had room for a 40 gallon fuel tank ,skid plate, recever hitch, and my exuast no problem at all

[ed2552]

Watch trucks, they shortened a 66 and did the bed by cutting from the front and back, not in the middle. Also use Z cuts and fish plates, they add strength

[ed2552]

The TV show, TRUCKS!, is what i meant

[LockDoc]

-
As far as cutting the bed goes check out these links.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=shorten

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223158&page=8

On the second link start with post #195 and read on.....

LockDoc

[DTerry]

Thanks a lot for the information guys. But im still torn on weather or not to do it. You don't see 3/4 ton, reg cab, short boxes. I guess there must be some reason for that. Does anyone have any pics of the underside of a swb bed? I dont know what I should do about the "cross sills?" and mounting. Thanks again.

[dan42]

don;t cut it. You're cutting it's heart out.