can I cut & weld to shorten fleetsides? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

purple gas · 10-10-2004, 10:56 PM

OK. I been here for nearly a day, time to ask some stupid questions.. Can I cut my long box and shorten it without it looking like total crap.. I mean it's not going to be a show truck,, I have a budget, I'm not going to spend lots of money ,,, really,, and this time I mean it

68w/sbc406 · 10-10-2004, 10:59 PM

if you can weld anything can be done. i think you have to take sections out of the front and rear, just like the frame.

Tx Firefighter · 10-10-2004, 11:00 PM

Please don't take this as an attack.....

but.....

if you're asking this question, you don't have much experience in complex sheetmetal work. It's a real big job for someone with experience.

Definitely want to leave this to an experienced pro or you'll risk ruining your longbed and ending up with nothing but warped scrap.

Not an attack, just trying to save you a lot of heartache.

cdowns · 10-10-2004, 11:17 PM

most of the attempts at doing this end up in a dumpster

purple gas · 10-10-2004, 11:39 PM

so, I should maybe try on a scrap fleetside first maybe? As for heartache,, hell if it don't kill you, it makes you stronger

glock35ipsc · 10-11-2004, 12:07 AM

The biggest problem with doing this particular job is the fact that the body lines at the top of the bedsides do not follow the top of the bed. It actually runs "downhill" from front to rear. So, for example, when you cut a section out of the rear. When the two pieces are brought back together, the body lines will not match. Not saying it can't be done, but I think (ie: my own opinion, doesn't mean squat) it is more work than it's worth. I just bought new Goodmark SWB bedsides. $800 plus ride. Worth saving up for.

If you are very experienced in sheetmetal working, it could be a fun job. But, it could also be a P.I.T.A. I'm not trying to discourage you from trying something new. I learned everything I know from trial and error, and a ton of questions on boards like these!! Gotta start somewhere, but I would try elsewhere on the truck first. :p

10-10-2004, 10:56 PM	#1
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 686	can I cut & weld to shorten fleetsides? OK. I been here for nearly a day, time to ask some stupid questions.. Can I cut my long box and shorten it without it looking like total crap.. I mean it's not going to be a show truck,, I have a budget, I'm not going to spend lots of money ,,, really,, and this time I mean it

10-10-2004, 10:59 PM	#2
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	if you can weld anything can be done. i think you have to take sections out of the front and rear, just like the frame. __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

10-10-2004, 11:00 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Please don't take this as an attack..... but..... if you're asking this question, you don't have much experience in complex sheetmetal work. It's a real big job for someone with experience. Definitely want to leave this to an experienced pro or you'll risk ruining your longbed and ending up with nothing but warped scrap. Not an attack, just trying to save you a lot of heartache. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-10-2004, 11:17 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	most of the attempts at doing this end up in a dumpster __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-11-2004, 12:07 AM	#6
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	The biggest problem with doing this particular job is the fact that the body lines at the top of the bedsides do not follow the top of the bed. It actually runs "downhill" from front to rear. So, for example, when you cut a section out of the rear. When the two pieces are brought back together, the body lines will not match. Not saying it can't be done, but I think (ie: my own opinion, doesn't mean squat) it is more work than it's worth. I just bought new Goodmark SWB bedsides. $800 plus ride. Worth saving up for. If you are very experienced in sheetmetal working, it could be a fun job. But, it could also be a P.I.T.A. I'm not trying to discourage you from trying something new. I learned everything I know from trial and error, and a ton of questions on boards like these!! Gotta start somewhere, but I would try elsewhere on the truck first. :p __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE Last edited by glock35ipsc; 10-11-2004 at 12:11 AM.

10-10-2004, 11:39 PM	#5
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 686	so, I should maybe try on a scrap fleetside first maybe? As for heartache,, hell if it don't kill you, it makes you stronger



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