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#1 |
'70 GMC C-25 LWB
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Binghamton, N.Y.
Posts: 273
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C-20 LWB to SWB??
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.
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1970 GMC C-25 LWB (middle of frame up) 5-7 drop with 3in drop spindles, flip kit with blocks and still keeping the 3/4 ton. Shaved drip rails and marker lights, rear roll pan, cowl induction hood. 1987 Camaro z28 350, vortec 305 heads. 10:1 comp, t5 trans. Street terrrorizer. 1988 Monte Carlo (Super Stock ashpalt race car) My Truck |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 762
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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.
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#3 |
Lemme show you something!!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: St.Helens, OR.
Posts: 876
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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.
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'67 CST-10 LWB ("Crusty") SOLD '67 GMC SWB ("Murdock") 2000 K1500 Suburban ("Betty") '95 BMW 325i ("Joy") |
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#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: northwestern wi
Posts: 2,111
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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
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common sense isn't so common anymore |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Charles City IA
Posts: 1,626
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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
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'67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Charles City IA
Posts: 1,626
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
The TV show, TRUCKS!, is what i meant
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'67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A |
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#7 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,515
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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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
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#8 |
'70 GMC C-25 LWB
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Binghamton, N.Y.
Posts: 273
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
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.
__________________
1970 GMC C-25 LWB (middle of frame up) 5-7 drop with 3in drop spindles, flip kit with blocks and still keeping the 3/4 ton. Shaved drip rails and marker lights, rear roll pan, cowl induction hood. 1987 Camaro z28 350, vortec 305 heads. 10:1 comp, t5 trans. Street terrrorizer. 1988 Monte Carlo (Super Stock ashpalt race car) My Truck |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: C-20 LWB to SWB??
don;t cut it. You're cutting it's heart out.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD ![]() Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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