"progress" on my longbed to shortbed project..

[flips72]

not sure if you know this i didnt until capt. fab told me the longbed has a bigger wheel well opening than the shortbed. i was going to do the same thing and still might have to but it will have to be cut in the center as well to match.

[glendale]

Originally Posted by flips72

not sure if you know this i didnt until capt. fab told me the longbed has a bigger wheel well opening than the shortbed. i was going to do the same thing and still might have to but it will have to be cut in the center as well to match.

yep x2 check the wheelwells.

[murdoc]

Scotts62: I haven't yet but i might make this one the beginning of one...

I seriously didnt know there was a difference between the wheel spacings. so am i dont for? did i just destroy a perfectly good long bedside? Where do I need to measure?

[Chapstr's65]

Originally Posted by murdoc

Scotts62: I haven't yet but i might make this one the beginning of one...

I seriously didnt know there was a difference between the wheel spacings. so am i dont for? did i just destroy a perfectly good long bedside? Where do I need to measure?

Do you still have the old long bed sides. Just cut the wheel opening out of it and put it in place of your short side opening. I wanna say they are like 3" in difference
Posted via Mobile Device

[biohazardbill]

Originally Posted by Chapstr's65

Do you still have the old long bed sides. Just cut the wheel opening out of it and put it in place of your short side opening. I wanna say they are like 3" in difference
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes the lwb wheel opening in the fleetside is 3" wider then the swb.

On a side note, what are those clips? Im new to attemping body work and have not seen those before.

[flips72]

my buddies keep telling me you cant look at both sides at the same time, but i believe it would drive me crazy knowing it was that way, which would be a short cruise anyway. lol. in other words if it maks you happy leave it alone drill out the stake pocket spot welds and pull it and weld up the hole, tada you have a bedside.

[777ralph]

Who cares if there's a 3" difference in the wheelwell size? Takes a real fanatic to spot it, and I've seen people on here say the longbed wheelwell looks better on the shortbox anyway.
Full disclosure: Mines like that, and I think it looks great. On to bodywork!
Ralph

[murdoc]

777ralph: thats my philosophy exactly!! i appreciate that input. in all the years ive looked at and admired these trucks, ive never seen the difference a fore mentioned, although i do appreciate it being brought to my attention.

Jason: the bedside you donated to the project is still intact, altho that will probably change this weekend. I appreciate the contribution and i hope it wont be in vain. Thanks again man!! when we gonna get together and work on your project?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 777ralph

Who cares if there's a 3" difference in the wheelwell size? Takes a real fanatic to spot it, and I've seen people on here say the longbed wheelwell looks better on the shortbox anyway.
Full disclosure: Mines like that, and I think it looks great. On to bodywork!
Ralph

Just another perspective w/no significant value..... 3" difference on both sides? Sure. It's different but symmetrical. 3" on one side but not the other? That's a lack of concern for 'details' or being lazy.

If it's just a beater/work truck where function, safety, & mechanical soundness are priority, it's not a big deal. If it's anything more, I'd re-think the 'who-cares' philosophy . . ....