shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crosby · 11-03-2005, 05:54 PM

has anybody done this? If so, where do you cut, and how much? I would guess you'd have to take some out of the center before the front rear spring hangers, and some off the tail end too. I have a 3/4 ton frame in decent shape, and want to build a stepside (4x4). If I can use the 3/4 ton frame, that should be stronger too. My stepside frame has rotted out rear spring hangers, and it's not all apart yet either (the truck). Any suggestions? Thank you guys!!

Slonaker · 11-03-2005, 07:06 PM

I know someone on the board shortened a 2WD longbed to a shortbed. I can't remember who it was but maybe someone does. I want to say that he posted a how-to somewhere.

Slonaker

EDIT: Here is one, but it isn't the one I was thinking of.

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chas...lwb_to_swb.htm

Captkaos · 11-03-2005, 07:09 PM

Check my Tech page. Just added this to it from one of my board members:

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/lwb_to_swb.htm

bigblock73 · 11-03-2005, 08:05 PM

I gotta fix some pics apparently.

I think the board member here (on this board) was blue x/blade x or something like that?? He was going to put together an article, but his PC crashed and he lost most of the pics.

crosby · 11-03-2005, 11:05 PM

Hi guys. Yes, thanks I found the 67-72 one, which I am sure is different, but same idea. Captkaos, I am just about to check yours out, thank you. Might be nice having a little bit better of a foundation for the truck, especially since I am going to be plowing my driveway with it. Hopefully I can do that and keep it nice anyhow. Thanks again!

AirMale · 11-04-2005, 08:07 PM

pm cornfed63 he can help
http://www.geocities.com/cornfed63/trucks.html

corn · 11-05-2005, 02:56 PM

I just swapped frames on mine, but I remember a truck here that the frame was actually cut. All I can remember is he had a red step bed on it when it was done. Ill dig around & try to find something...corn

AirMale · 11-05-2005, 02:58 PM

ooops... sorry corn

corn · 11-05-2005, 04:39 PM

No problem AirMale. I havent found the other one yet, but Im still looking.

...corn

bluex · 11-05-2005, 08:26 PM

that was me, you take 14" out of the middle and 5.25" off the end.

I dont have the pics on this computer, but it was really easy, I just took the short bed and put it on the frame to use a guide for the cutting. Everything went pretty simple. But ya I did lose most of my pics....

corn · 11-05-2005, 09:09 PM

Heres the post I saw...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=117089

74Chevy74 · 11-15-2005, 01:44 AM

Hey guys new to the forum, just got a FREE 1974 Chevy 1/2 ton LB and I came across this article.... I'm very capable of doing this I just don't know what to do? I would love to make mine an SB. Is this really a common thing guys do? Is it easier to do this or swap frames? I want to bag the truck, and z the front fram so I'm not afraid to cut it up, just looking for advice. Thanks.

AusMarty · 11-15-2005, 05:16 PM

Check out this link guys, the only thing i didn't like about the articles posted is that the chassis were cut straight rather than on a 45deg angle which is alot better and stronger way of doing it

http://www.earlyclassic.com/tech.aspx?category=Longbed,%20No!-Shortbed

Captkaos · 11-15-2005, 05:27 PM

I agree with you AusMarty, but that was an article submission by a member of my website forum. I didn't have a LWB to chop and he offered. I prefer the frame being halfed method.. I know I have seen someone post a pic of it... gimme a sec...

FOUND IT!!!
Member Ebfabman has it like I would do it:

AusMarty · 11-16-2005, 12:29 AM

Yep, Thats perfecto with this way you would'nt even have to plate it

WLPTMP · 11-16-2005, 07:57 AM

just make the truck a ext cab that would look cool and different

daryn_24 · 03-20-2007, 01:01 PM

I did it to my truck....All you have to do is take 12" from in between the cab mounts, move the back cab mounts back 12", and remove the front box mount. Also you cut 8" directly off the back. Everything fit perectly when I did mine. I cut the center 12" out on a 45 degree angle, took the peice that I cut out and put it in the inside of the frame where the cut was, and made the frame boxed in. Ask for pictures if you need them

Captkaos · 03-20-2007, 06:47 PM

It is 14" from the center and if you cut after the cab mounts you don't have to move them.

Mrstepside · 09-21-2014, 08:07 PM

I'm actually in the middle of this project right now
It was challenging to get the frame to line up.
I did it with the cab motor tranny all still in
And it's a k20 everything was heavy.
Few pointers:
- Absoulutly need to be on 100 percent lever ground
-put dollies under the rear wheels makes life much easyier
- I "z" cut the frame and welded it with fluxcore .035
A lot of guys prob wouldn't approve but it came out pretty damn nice
Just have a lot of clean up to do. Any questions pm me

Mrstepside · 09-21-2014, 08:17 PM

I'm actually in the middle of this project right now
It was challenging to get the frame to line up.
I did it with the cab motor tranny all still in
And it's a k20 everything was heavy.
Few pointers:
- Absoulutly need to be on 100 percent lever ground
-put dollies under the rear wheels makes life much easyier
- I "z" cut the frame and welded it with fluxcore .035
A lot of guys prob wouldn't approve but it came out pretty damn nice
Just have a lot of clean up to do. Any questions pm me

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1411344867
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1411345247

11-03-2005, 05:54 PM	#1
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? has anybody done this? If so, where do you cut, and how much? I would guess you'd have to take some out of the center before the front rear spring hangers, and some off the tail end too. I have a 3/4 ton frame in decent shape, and want to build a stepside (4x4). If I can use the 3/4 ton frame, that should be stronger too. My stepside frame has rotted out rear spring hangers, and it's not all apart yet either (the truck). Any suggestions? Thank you guys!! __________________ Crosby 1978 Chevrolet K10 stepside NH

11-03-2005, 07:06 PM	#2
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I know someone on the board shortened a 2WD longbed to a shortbed. I can't remember who it was but maybe someone does. I want to say that he posted a how-to somewhere. Slonaker EDIT: Here is one, but it isn't the one I was thinking of. http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chas...lwb_to_swb.htm __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado Last edited by Slonaker; 11-03-2005 at 07:08 PM.

11-03-2005, 07:09 PM	#3
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Check my Tech page. Just added this to it from one of my board members: http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/lwb_to_swb.htm __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-03-2005, 08:05 PM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I gotta fix some pics apparently. I think the board member here (on this board) was blue x/blade x or something like that?? He was going to put together an article, but his PC crashed and he lost most of the pics. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

11-03-2005, 11:05 PM	#5
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Hi guys. Yes, thanks I found the 67-72 one, which I am sure is different, but same idea. Captkaos, I am just about to check yours out, thank you. Might be nice having a little bit better of a foundation for the truck, especially since I am going to be plowing my driveway with it. Hopefully I can do that and keep it nice anyhow. Thanks again! __________________ Crosby 1978 Chevrolet K10 stepside NH

11-04-2005, 08:07 PM	#6
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? pm cornfed63 he can help http://www.geocities.com/cornfed63/trucks.html __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-05-2005, 02:56 PM	#7
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I just swapped frames on mine, but I remember a truck here that the frame was actually cut. All I can remember is he had a red step bed on it when it was done. Ill dig around & try to find something...corn

11-05-2005, 02:58 PM	#8
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? ooops... sorry corn __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-05-2005, 04:39 PM	#9
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? No problem AirMale. I havent found the other one yet, but Im still looking. ...corn

11-05-2005, 08:26 PM	#10
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? that was me, you take 14" out of the middle and 5.25" off the end. I dont have the pics on this computer, but it was really easy, I just took the short bed and put it on the frame to use a guide for the cutting. Everything went pretty simple. But ya I did lose most of my pics.... __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

11-05-2005, 09:09 PM	#11
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Heres the post I saw... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=117089

11-15-2005, 01:44 AM	#12
74Chevy74 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 167	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Hey guys new to the forum, just got a FREE 1974 Chevy 1/2 ton LB and I came across this article.... I'm very capable of doing this I just don't know what to do? I would love to make mine an SB. Is this really a common thing guys do? Is it easier to do this or swap frames? I want to bag the truck, and z the front fram so I'm not afraid to cut it up, just looking for advice. Thanks.

11-15-2005, 05:16 PM	#13
AusMarty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 215	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Check out this link guys, the only thing i didn't like about the articles posted is that the chassis were cut straight rather than on a 45deg angle which is alot better and stronger way of doing it http://www.earlyclassic.com/tech.aspx?category=Longbed,%20No!-Shortbed

11-15-2005, 05:27 PM	#14
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I agree with you AusMarty, but that was an article submission by a member of my website forum. I didn't have a LWB to chop and he offered. I prefer the frame being halfed method.. I know I have seen someone post a pic of it... gimme a sec... FOUND IT!!! Member Ebfabman has it like I would do it: __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com Last edited by Captkaos; 11-15-2005 at 05:31 PM.

11-16-2005, 12:29 AM	#15
AusMarty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 215	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? Yep, Thats perfecto with this way you would'nt even have to plate it



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11-16-2005, 07:57 AM	#16
WLPTMP Active Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North Hudson NY Posts: 221	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? just make the truck a ext cab that would look cool and different

03-20-2007, 01:01 PM	#17
daryn_24 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 16	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I did it to my truck....All you have to do is take 12" from in between the cab mounts, move the back cab mounts back 12", and remove the front box mount. Also you cut 8" directly off the back. Everything fit perectly when I did mine. I cut the center 12" out on a 45 degree angle, took the peice that I cut out and put it in the inside of the frame where the cut was, and made the frame boxed in. Ask for pictures if you need them

03-20-2007, 06:47 PM	#18
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? It is 14" from the center and if you cut after the cab mounts you don't have to move them. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-21-2014, 08:07 PM	#19
Mrstepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Ny long island Posts: 6	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I'm actually in the middle of this project right now It was challenging to get the frame to line up. I did it with the cab motor tranny all still in And it's a k20 everything was heavy. Few pointers: - Absoulutly need to be on 100 percent lever ground -put dollies under the rear wheels makes life much easyier - I "z" cut the frame and welded it with fluxcore .035 A lot of guys prob wouldn't approve but it came out pretty damn nice Just have a lot of clean up to do. Any questions pm me

09-21-2014, 08:17 PM	#20
Mrstepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Ny long island Posts: 6	Re: shorten frame from longbed to shortbed?? I'm actually in the middle of this project right now It was challenging to get the frame to line up. I did it with the cab motor tranny all still in And it's a k20 everything was heavy. Few pointers: - Absoulutly need to be on 100 percent lever ground -put dollies under the rear wheels makes life much easyier - I "z" cut the frame and welded it with fluxcore .035 A lot of guys prob wouldn't approve but it came out pretty damn nice Just have a lot of clean up to do. Any questions pm me http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1411344867 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1411345247 Attached Images

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