To cut or not to cut .... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gjones138 · 09-16-2012, 10:40 PM

I will be starting a frame-off restoration next week on a 69 lwb. I got an awesome deal on the rig, so I could not pass it up. This is my first truck project (have done dozens of cars), so I will just be doing a 4/6 static drop and replacing almost everything I touch. I love the look of a SWB, but do not mind the LWB look either. My question is, should I shorten the frame or leave it as is? Has anyone done this and regreted the decision or wish they did something else? I have looked for a Swb frame in the Dallas area, but can only find frames with rusted out cabs, frames that are not straight or just plain junk.

Any advice and insight is appreciated.
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Del72Chevy · 09-16-2012, 10:55 PM

Sell the lwb and use to money to find a short. I almost settled for a long but finally found a short it was well worth the wait in my opinion

gjones138 · 09-16-2012, 11:52 PM

Thanks Del ... I have considered that route as well, but my current cab is too good to let go. I may part out out portions of mine and keep looking for a good SWB.
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**N2TRUX** · 09-17-2012, 12:08 AM

I suggest you broaden your search a bit. I'll bet you can locate a decent frame not too far out. If not, dont be shy about cutting it. There is a really great article in our FAQ about the proper way to cut one.

oldblue1968chevy · 09-17-2012, 03:32 AM

Great FAQ write up on frame cutting.

Id find someone good with a welder to weld it though.

big_al_71 · 09-17-2012, 07:42 AM

If you have the skill then go for it, cut it the only thing that you are going to get is a huge $$$$ in value for it...

good luck!!!!

gringoloco · 09-17-2012, 08:13 AM

Cut if you have the skills. Though, I have the skills and would rather do a frame swap, to save on time/work...
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**CC69Rat** · 09-17-2012, 08:53 AM

The advantage to cutting it is you keep the VIN numbers on the frame, BUT I think if I ever did it I would just swap the frame out. The only problem is the DMV in certain states, and the VIN on the cab / frame not matching up. In some states it's not a big deal ..

dougf · 09-17-2012, 10:01 AM

Had a frame on a 78 cut to a shortbed and welded by a shop. It was easy and cheap. Needed a new driveshaft and brake lines, that's it. If your cab is good, I would definitely do it. Good luck finding a shortbed in good shape!
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gjones138 · 09-17-2012, 06:04 PM

This is all great advice! I have a place to do the welding for me with a frame table to ensure it's straight when it goes back together. If I'm cutting it, might as well C-notch it too ...

This board has been awesome with the FAQ's and the great advice from all the members - best forum on any car/truck I have seen.

09-16-2012, 10:40 PM	#1
gjones138 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 13	To cut or not to cut .... I will be starting a frame-off restoration next week on a 69 lwb. I got an awesome deal on the rig, so I could not pass it up. This is my first truck project (have done dozens of cars), so I will just be doing a 4/6 static drop and replacing almost everything I touch. I love the look of a SWB, but do not mind the LWB look either. My question is, should I shorten the frame or leave it as is? Has anyone done this and regreted the decision or wish they did something else? I have looked for a Swb frame in the Dallas area, but can only find frames with rusted out cabs, frames that are not straight or just plain junk. Any advice and insight is appreciated. Posted via Mobile Device

09-16-2012, 10:55 PM	#2
Del72Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Claymont DE Posts: 225	Re: To cut or not to cut .... Sell the lwb and use to money to find a short. I almost settled for a long but finally found a short it was well worth the wait in my opinion __________________ My Build Thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=531309

09-16-2012, 11:52 PM	#3
gjones138 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 13	Re: To cut or not to cut .... Thanks Del ... I have considered that route as well, but my current cab is too good to let go. I may part out out portions of mine and keep looking for a good SWB. Posted via Mobile Device

09-17-2012, 12:08 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: To cut or not to cut .... I suggest you broaden your search a bit. I'll bet you can locate a decent frame not too far out. If not, dont be shy about cutting it. There is a really great article in our FAQ about the proper way to cut one. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-17-2012, 03:32 AM	#5
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: To cut or not to cut .... Great FAQ write up on frame cutting. Id find someone good with a welder to weld it though. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

09-17-2012, 07:42 AM	#6
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: To cut or not to cut .... If you have the skill then go for it, cut it the only thing that you are going to get is a huge $$$$ in value for it... good luck!!!! __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

09-17-2012, 08:13 AM	#7
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: To cut or not to cut .... Cut if you have the skills. Though, I have the skills and would rather do a frame swap, to save on time/work... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

09-17-2012, 08:53 AM	#8
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,214	Re: To cut or not to cut .... The advantage to cutting it is you keep the VIN numbers on the frame, BUT I think if I ever did it I would just swap the frame out. The only problem is the DMV in certain states, and the VIN on the cab / frame not matching up. In some states it's not a big deal .. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

09-17-2012, 10:01 AM	#9
dougf Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Fort Campbell, KY Posts: 494	Re: To cut or not to cut .... Had a frame on a 78 cut to a shortbed and welded by a shop. It was easy and cheap. Needed a new driveshaft and brake lines, that's it. If your cab is good, I would definitely do it. Good luck finding a shortbed in good shape! Posted via Mobile Device

09-17-2012, 06:04 PM	#10
gjones138 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 13	Re: To cut or not to cut .... This is all great advice! I have a place to do the welding for me with a frame table to ensure it's straight when it goes back together. If I'm cutting it, might as well C-notch it too ... This board has been awesome with the FAQ's and the great advice from all the members - best forum on any car/truck I have seen.



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