crew cab shortbed? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

360hp350 · 12-05-2003, 06:50 PM

I have looked everywhere for a crew cab with a shortbed on it and haven't had much luck. I would like to see a 2wd lowered one not to get picky though... I think it would be a really good looking truck. Maybe a future project

**old Rusty C10** · 12-06-2003, 12:17 AM

ive never seen one of our year trucks the newer ones yeah but never the older 73-87 ones

*1tonswb* · 12-06-2003, 04:46 AM

I just made one.

360hp350 · 12-06-2003, 04:59 AM

I didn't think they made them but I was thinkin about makin my own. What would the wheelbase end up being I have a suburban sittin around. Thanks a 1tonswb lemme see a pic of your rig. Thanks

BaggedC10 · 12-06-2003, 10:33 PM

Tx Firefighter · 12-07-2003, 02:15 AM

My buddy just finished building one.

It was parked in the shop with the battery unhooked, so the picture sucks.

Lynx · 12-07-2003, 06:36 AM

yeah you have to make em yourself!

Ben

CT-Truckster · 12-07-2003, 02:00 PM

I think they look so damn cool. what frame do you start out with. gives me a crazy idea. Could you cut the body on a suburban behing the rear doors then stick the back of a pickup cab onto it to make a 4 door body?

360hp350 · 12-07-2003, 02:57 PM

Hey Tx Firefighter do you think you could get a measurement of the wheelbase for me. I think a suburban would be the same length as a crew cab + a shortbed. Then all I would need is a cab and shortbed. Thanks

Tx Firefighter · 12-07-2003, 03:08 PM

I'll ask him when I talk to him next.

He started with a 3/4 ton crew cab and an 86 short 4x4. The front and rear of the 1/2 ton frame was spliced onto the middle of the 3/4 ton frame. Lots of work there. The 3/4 ton frame is much bigger and the 1/2 ton stubs didn't readily match up.

*1tonswb* · 12-07-2003, 04:11 PM

What I did is start with the crew cab frame and cut 14inches out of the center and cut 6inches off the back. It had the 52inch rear springs. Had to get the shorter ones so I could have enough frame to mount a bumper.

kballan · 12-11-2003, 03:26 AM

That orange one is REALLY sweet!

clipity · 12-11-2003, 02:18 PM

I dont remeber were I saw it but someone did what CT is talking about.I will look some more and try to find it.

Prerunner1982 · 12-11-2003, 03:22 PM

saw a 4x4 sub with a removable top like a K5 on the back...

toytruck · 12-11-2003, 09:57 PM

I got a sub and that frame won't work. The rear wheelwell is right behind the rear doors.

clipity · 12-12-2003, 01:30 AM

Ok here is what I found.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/415150/2

Eyegore · 12-12-2003, 01:52 AM

OK let me jump into this thread, yeah I love that orange truck and the blue 4x4. My question though is about the frames. A 2x4 suburban frame, with a 1 ton crew cab (4 door) and a short wide bed, is that the combo that will work? I mean is the frame on a 2wd sub the same would find if these 4 door 1/2 ton were manufactured? I would like to know because I believe access to a 1/2 ton sub frame, crew 1 ton cab & swb would be an easy combo to put together. Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks
Tom

ElGracho · 12-12-2003, 02:20 AM

The way 1tonswb did it is pretty much the only way to go to get a true swb box and a true crew cab. Here are some numbers to look at:

SWB Wheelbase= 117.5"
LWB Wheelbase= 131.5"
Crewcab LWB Wheelbase = 164.5"
Suburban Wheelbase = 129.5"

Some others:
Regular Pickup Cab= 109" from front bumper to back of cab
Crew Cab = 142" from front of bumper to back of cab.

So as I see it, you can splice 33" into a SWB frame or remove 14" from the middle (in front of rear axle) and 6.75" from the rear (behind rear axle) of a Crew cab frame. Seems like the crew cab frame would be the easy place to start.

1tonSWB, do you have any pics? How did you reinforce the frame where you cut it and rewelded it? What was the capacity of the shorter rear springs you used?

*1tonswb* · 12-12-2003, 04:11 AM

I just sold the truck to a friend that tore it apart and is going to make a show truck out of it. As for the frame I butt welded it back together and then plated the inside and the outside with 3/8 steel. I made the cut at the flattest part of the frame......right behind the cab. I had to end up drilling through the frame to mount the gas tanks but that was no big deal. Like I stated the truck had the long springs and all crew cabs have the long springs (that I know of). So I moved the rear shackle foward for the shorter spring so I would have enough room to mount a rear bumper. I lifted the truck at the same time with 8inch superlift springs. Knowing that I would be towing I added a set of airbags. If your gonna do this swap then I could go over to my friends house and take some pictures of the frame where I cut and welded. My daily driver I made from a lwb to a swb 6 years ago and I havent had a problem with the frame at all.

Grim Reaper · 12-12-2003, 12:30 PM

MAN those are SWEET!

That would be the perfect truck for me. I bought a 88 Burb because I needed the doors and seats. It's our traveling truck for pulling our Camper. I didn't want a normal Crew cab for those years because of the wheel base. Burb is bad enough at 129 in tight lots 164 has to be miserable. That however would not be much worse then my Burb and give me a Bed where I can toss dirty kids and stuff you don't want inside like a gas Generator or propane tanks or a blue belly. (the RV's will understand about the blue Belly).

I had thought about dropping a crew body on a Sub frame. The box would look funny so I figured I would make a utility flat bed if I ever did that.

Hmmmmmmm Might have to start looking for a older crew to hack up.

bagged78 · 12-12-2003, 09:35 PM

On the 67-72 the sub is same as a standard cab longbed.. Not 100% on the 73-up, but i'am thinking that their the same..

bagged78 · 12-12-2003, 09:37 PM

Some more to drool over.

Poonman86 · 12-13-2003, 08:04 PM

The more I look at these pics you guys are posting, the more I want to do my crew cab this way keep posting pics so you can push me over the edge

toytruck · 12-14-2003, 02:11 AM

I wonder what one would look like with dually fenders too!

rogf4 · 12-14-2003, 08:50 AM

Guys these trucks are awesome.
Hey 1tonswb do you have anypictures of your truck after you lifted it?
I am building crew cab 4x4 I have a 73 crew cab 2x4 using for a donor truck I am using 78 3/4 4x4 for running gears searched and found 80 model crew cab 4x4 frame but someone hacked the rear spring hangers with a torch. CAN ANYONE HELP?

12-05-2003, 06:50 PM	#1
360hp350 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 132	crew cab shortbed? I have looked everywhere for a crew cab with a shortbed on it and haven't had much luck. I would like to see a 2wd lowered one not to get picky though... I think it would be a really good looking truck. Maybe a future project

12-06-2003, 12:17 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	ive never seen one of our year trucks the newer ones yeah but never the older 73-87 ones __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-06-2003, 04:59 AM	#4
360hp350 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 132	I didn't think they made them but I was thinkin about makin my own. What would the wheelbase end up being I have a suburban sittin around. Thanks a 1tonswb lemme see a pic of your rig. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy Chevelle - Firing off saturday morning 74 Chevy Blazer - 360 horsepower 350 78 Chevy Suburban - 454/TH400 parts truck for chevelle 88 Chevy S-Blazer - 2WD, no motor/trans FOR SALE $450 I will turn 19 in boot camp

12-06-2003, 10:33 PM	#5
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	Attached Images __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold

12-07-2003, 02:15 AM	#6
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	My buddy just finished building one. It was parked in the shop with the battery unhooked, so the picture sucks. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-06-2003, 04:46 AM	#3
1tonswb Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 300	I just made one.

12-07-2003, 06:36 AM	#7
Lynx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Posts: 513	yeah you have to make em yourself! Ben __________________ Ben 1983 Silverado SWB 305 2002 Silverado Extended Cab 5.3 http://members.shaw.ca/bkennett

12-07-2003, 02:00 PM	#8
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	I think they look so damn cool. what frame do you start out with. gives me a crazy idea. Could you cut the body on a suburban behing the rear doors then stick the back of a pickup cab onto it to make a 4 door body?

12-07-2003, 02:57 PM	#9
360hp350 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 132	Hey Tx Firefighter do you think you could get a measurement of the wheelbase for me. I think a suburban would be the same length as a crew cab + a shortbed. Then all I would need is a cab and shortbed. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy Chevelle - Firing off saturday morning 74 Chevy Blazer - 360 horsepower 350 78 Chevy Suburban - 454/TH400 parts truck for chevelle 88 Chevy S-Blazer - 2WD, no motor/trans FOR SALE $450 I will turn 19 in boot camp

12-07-2003, 03:08 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I'll ask him when I talk to him next. He started with a 3/4 ton crew cab and an 86 short 4x4. The front and rear of the 1/2 ton frame was spliced onto the middle of the 3/4 ton frame. Lots of work there. The 3/4 ton frame is much bigger and the 1/2 ton stubs didn't readily match up. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-07-2003, 04:11 PM	#11
1tonswb Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 300	What I did is start with the crew cab frame and cut 14inches out of the center and cut 6inches off the back. It had the 52inch rear springs. Had to get the shorter ones so I could have enough frame to mount a bumper.

12-11-2003, 03:26 AM	#12
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	That orange one is REALLY sweet! __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!

12-11-2003, 02:18 PM	#13
clipity Big hands Big feet ohwell Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Highlands,CA Posts: 168	I dont remeber were I saw it but someone did what CT is talking about.I will look some more and try to find it.

12-11-2003, 03:22 PM	#14
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	saw a 4x4 sub with a removable top like a K5 on the back... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-11-2003, 09:57 PM	#15
toytruck 5-7 dropped 87 CC Dually Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay city mi Posts: 326	I got a sub and that frame won't work. The rear wheelwell is right behind the rear doors. __________________ I rather be in my 77 Sanger Picklefork Jet Hydro!



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12-12-2003, 01:30 AM	#16
clipity Big hands Big feet ohwell Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Highlands,CA Posts: 168	Ok here is what I found. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/415150/2 __________________ I only drive as fast as I can see!!! 89 Suburban 4x4 49 Willys flatbed 4x4 87 Banshee 88 Katana 1100

12-12-2003, 01:52 AM	#17
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	OK let me jump into this thread, yeah I love that orange truck and the blue 4x4. My question though is about the frames. A 2x4 suburban frame, with a 1 ton crew cab (4 door) and a short wide bed, is that the combo that will work? I mean is the frame on a 2wd sub the same would find if these 4 door 1/2 ton were manufactured? I would like to know because I believe access to a 1/2 ton sub frame, crew 1 ton cab & swb would be an easy combo to put together. Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks Tom __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

12-12-2003, 02:20 AM	#18
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	The way 1tonswb did it is pretty much the only way to go to get a true swb box and a true crew cab. Here are some numbers to look at: SWB Wheelbase= 117.5" LWB Wheelbase= 131.5" Crewcab LWB Wheelbase = 164.5" Suburban Wheelbase = 129.5" Some others: Regular Pickup Cab= 109" from front bumper to back of cab Crew Cab = 142" from front of bumper to back of cab. So as I see it, you can splice 33" into a SWB frame or remove 14" from the middle (in front of rear axle) and 6.75" from the rear (behind rear axle) of a Crew cab frame. Seems like the crew cab frame would be the easy place to start. 1tonSWB, do you have any pics? How did you reinforce the frame where you cut it and rewelded it? What was the capacity of the shorter rear springs you used? __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed Last edited by ElGracho; 12-12-2003 at 02:28 AM.

12-12-2003, 04:11 AM	#19
1tonswb Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 300	I just sold the truck to a friend that tore it apart and is going to make a show truck out of it. As for the frame I butt welded it back together and then plated the inside and the outside with 3/8 steel. I made the cut at the flattest part of the frame......right behind the cab. I had to end up drilling through the frame to mount the gas tanks but that was no big deal. Like I stated the truck had the long springs and all crew cabs have the long springs (that I know of). So I moved the rear shackle foward for the shorter spring so I would have enough room to mount a rear bumper. I lifted the truck at the same time with 8inch superlift springs. Knowing that I would be towing I added a set of airbags. If your gonna do this swap then I could go over to my friends house and take some pictures of the frame where I cut and welded. My daily driver I made from a lwb to a swb 6 years ago and I havent had a problem with the frame at all.

12-12-2003, 12:30 PM	#20
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	MAN those are SWEET! That would be the perfect truck for me. I bought a 88 Burb because I needed the doors and seats. It's our traveling truck for pulling our Camper. I didn't want a normal Crew cab for those years because of the wheel base. Burb is bad enough at 129 in tight lots 164 has to be miserable. That however would not be much worse then my Burb and give me a Bed where I can toss dirty kids and stuff you don't want inside like a gas Generator or propane tanks or a blue belly. (the RV's will understand about the blue Belly). I had thought about dropping a crew body on a Sub frame. The box would look funny so I figured I would make a utility flat bed if I ever did that. Hmmmmmmm Might have to start looking for a older crew to hack up. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

12-12-2003, 09:35 PM	#21
bagged78 world class smart ass! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Clinton Utah Posts: 335	On the 67-72 the sub is same as a standard cab longbed.. Not 100% on the 73-up, but i'am thinking that their the same.. __________________ Aric 75 2WD BLAZER (never ending project) -some day maybe- 02 2500HD CREW CAB 4X (daily drive) -8" lift 37s and 22s- ____ ____________________________

12-12-2003, 09:37 PM	#22
bagged78 world class smart ass! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Clinton Utah Posts: 335	Some more to drool over. Attached Images __________________ Aric 75 2WD BLAZER (never ending project) -some day maybe- 02 2500HD CREW CAB 4X (daily drive) -8" lift 37s and 22s- ____ ____________________________

12-13-2003, 08:04 PM	#23
Poonman86 Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 123	The more I look at these pics you guys are posting, the more I want to do my crew cab this way keep posting pics so you can push me over the edge

12-14-2003, 02:11 AM	#24
toytruck 5-7 dropped 87 CC Dually Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay city mi Posts: 326	I wonder what one would look like with dually fenders too! __________________ I rather be in my 77 Sanger Picklefork Jet Hydro!

12-14-2003, 08:50 AM	#25
rogf4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: whitesburg,Tn Posts: 223	Guys these trucks are awesome. Hey 1tonswb do you have anypictures of your truck after you lifted it? I am building crew cab 4x4 I have a 73 crew cab 2x4 using for a donor truck I am using 78 3/4 4x4 for running gears searched and found 80 model crew cab 4x4 frame but someone hacked the rear spring hangers with a torch. CAN ANYONE HELP?

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