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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
Posts: 8,545
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Well...I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, It's your truck and you should do whatever it is that makes you happy with it . Different strokes for different folks that's what this hobby is all about in the long run anyway . At the end of the day as long as your happy that's all that matters . Everyone has an opinion and to each their own . Being one of the old skool guys I like to see them left as they were built and the short bed craze today may lead to the long bed craze 5 years from now .Who knows ? With as many trucks being parted (I do it myself when rust has claimed another one ) and still seeing these trucks in metal scrap yards not junk yards but metal scrap yards to be crushed it's only time that will tell how rare some of them will become ? I saw one Tuesday at a local scrap yard and tried to get them to let me pull a number of parts off it only to be told "you have 20 minutes then its gone " I jumped into it and kicked the windshield and back window out to save the trim and popped the paint divider off as they came to grab it . I could have spent hours pulling good original chrome . Yes ,There are still a bunch of these out there but we're already seeing them being pulled from the weeds and out of junk yards to be rebuilt ,Guys are searching for good original parts everyday and nothing lasts forever .
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![]() 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: danbury, ct.
Posts: 568
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Coming from the owner of an all original C30 Longhorn all I have to say is this... Longer is always better.....
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
I understand GrumpyOldMan. And if it was a matching numbers truck, I'd be all about keeping it original as much as I can. In my case though, it looks like an old work truck, and for the most part has been treated like one as well. And without having a pocket full of cash, the chances of it ever going back to original is slim at least with me. Those willing to buy it later down the line for collectors purposes would knock everything that is not matching now, so is why I figured I might as well build it how I want.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Very Nice build Reno. It looks really nice. Thanks for the video NoStop
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 632
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Build it how you want ! cut the frame or dont cut the frame.
I just bought a 68 3/4 ton long bed and i bought it knowing i was gonna cut the frame. the only one that will know you cut it is you, and if your gonna keep it then who cares? if your building the truck for you to play with, non stock engine and lowered and stuff then its technically gonna lose '$tock' value anyways. if your gonna cut it to build a barret jackson auction truck then thats a whole other world and i have seen a lot of garbage cross the auction block that are way worse than any shortened frames might ever be. do YOUR OWN thing. be happy with what you do. and lets face it, if you decide that you totally screwed the pooch by shortening your frame and putting the more sought after short box on it, then you could be one of the 1%'s that traded a long bed frame for a short bed and put your truck back to a long bed. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
__________________
WHO_DCTC - Wifes 05 Z-71 Build - Now defunct as she decided she wants an Escalade too Cream Puff - LS'd Square - Slow going on the back burner Tripple Threat - 3 Wrecks for the price of one build thread Project Delongdium - Step-Sons Plastic Clad 2003 Avalanche - DONE and Delivered. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Does anyone have the cad drawing of the fishplates used? I have access to a torch table if I have the cad of it.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 2
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
I'm brand new to the forums and this is my first comment. I have a 69 C10 Shorty that use to be a long bed. Okie Speed Shop did the conversion on the truck and I couldn't be happier.
If you are looking to do it yourself, I just saw Brothers Trucks came out recently with a slide in frame shortening kit, in my opinion is straightforward for the home mechanic.
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1969 C10 Shorty | 1972 SS454 El Camino Numbers Matching | Just Porsche guy who sold it all to have more fun with American Muscle. |
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#8 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Quote:
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Yeah I looked for this kit a while back on Br#thers site a while back and didn't find it. I looked again last night and now it's listed. It has a $400 price tag. I wished I could see the show that used it, would like to see it in action.
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Did some research. The show is called Sam's Garage....now I just need to set DVR to record til it pops up again lol
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#11 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
follow @autorevolution on Instagram. They have pics and videos of using the Brothers short bed conversion kit.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Sweet thanks lolife99
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Newnan Ga
Posts: 88
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
I don't understand what the big hype is about cutting the long bed down. Most all of these trucks have been altered somehow. Weather it be engine, transmission, rearend, or ETC. The truck is only worth what the other person looking for one is willing to pay for it. I just bought a highlander several months ago and it is going to be cut down, LS engine, and 4l60e transmission. It is your preference. If you want to cut it down, then make it your truck and let us see what it looks like when you get through with it. Good luck which ever way you go with it.
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Find one of the bazillion 1/2 ton lwb frames around...and cut it down if you want a swb.
No shortage of these trucks around...but...as mentioned before, be aware of everything that will need to be shortened. As well...remember....it will never have the same value as an original swb. Factor this fact into your budget. All good Coley
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 632
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
I hate to be the one that states the obvious here, but here it is.
We are not all concerned with the overall value of the trucks we work on with respect to what it's worth when trying to sell it. Most, dare I say all of us put way more time and money into our project trucks than we could every get out of them. For me, the value of my truck is how much fun and happiness it brings to build and drive. Just one example is my current project. I am currently working on an 86 swb, no frills, nothing special truck. I am doing the 5.3 / 4L60e conversion, and lots of other comparatively little things to it. When I am all done, I am not painting it, I would have to ask $10k for it to get my investment back out of it, that is out of pocket expense and lots and lots of time. Bare in mind that this truck might blue book around the $4500 mark in exceptional condition, and this truck ain't THAT. However what this truck IS worth to me, is that it is giving me time to myself in my shop, where I may otherwise be out prowling the streets murdering prius overs or other such idiots.... But something has to keep is centered, right? Do cut your trucks into little pieces and glue it back together with gorilla snot, do what you want, it is your truck and do whatever you want it, do whatever makes YOU happy! We don't all agree with everything, we dont have to. This is what makes each of us unique. Izzy
__________________
WHO_DCTC - Wifes 05 Z-71 Build - Now defunct as she decided she wants an Escalade too Cream Puff - LS'd Square - Slow going on the back burner Tripple Threat - 3 Wrecks for the price of one build thread Project Delongdium - Step-Sons Plastic Clad 2003 Avalanche - DONE and Delivered. |
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#16 |
Roto Reuter thats the name...
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Darien, NY
Posts: 1,853
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to find a very nice original 71 SWB out of Arizona. I'm using that truck today for a total resto-mod restoration. The truck was an original California truck that spent its life in Arizona, so it had ZERO rust. In a way I kinda wish I would have done things differently. My restoration is using a custom chassis, with LS3 engine and 4L70E transmission. The sheet metal is all original, which is cool, but I could've gotten away with using piece-meal original sheet metal parts, or aftermarket sheet metal. Since the entire chassis is custom, it would have been fine to do that way. Instead I took the original sheet metal off the original frame and sold the frame, engine, complete drive train and bed floor to a fellow board member. I'm really glad that Jim got it, because he's a great guy. But hindsight being what it is, I wish I would have kept that truck together.
That being said, you have every right to do what you want. After all it is your truck. Sometimes we have a tendency to do things that seem OK at the time, but afterwards we wonder why we did them. I'm kind of in this situation right now. Don't get me wrong, when my build is done it's going to be awesome, but sometimes I wish I wouldn't have dismantled an original truck to do it. Point being... Just think it through before you do it. Make sure that you're fully satisfied with your decision. Once you cut it, it's a done deal. Once I sold my original SWB frame it was a done deal. Enough said. Peace out! ![]()
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~ Dan ![]() My 70 K10 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782232 My 71 SWB build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651394 1970 SWB Fleet K10 4X4, 5.3L LM7, 4L60E, Dakota Digital RTX, Vintage Air, Ididit tilt 1971 SWB Fleet C10 - Original SWB Arizona truck, new custom restoration project "Kick out your motor and drive while you're still alive - kick it out!" - Heart 1977 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Clearwater Beach Florida
Posts: 872
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
After much consideration, I do think the kit is the best way for me to go being this will be my first frame cut. I trust my cutting, it's my welding that is rusty. I like the fact that I can bolt it in and then take it to get it welded. Thanks for the video 66Clow Just waiting for the weather to cool down a bit more where I can tear into my project. Also scored a 4.8L and 4l60E with comp and harness for it. Might do a cam swap on it, haven't decided yet.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Ventura, CA
Posts: 818
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Has anyone used the brother kit yet here on this site?
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..................... ____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1970 C20 -_--_--_- ______ _--_--_- /___|__\____ -_--_-_ |_(0)|__|_(0)] 1972 K5 |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Just an update. Found me a 5 lug disc brake frame. Still needs to be cut as it's a long bed too. But it allows me to start working on a frame without worrying about storage for the cab and bed. I'll just move everything over once I get to that point. Found a 4.8L with the 4l60E tranny and comp and wiring harness. Now if I can get the weather to co-operate with my time off.
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Dresden, Ontario
Posts: 647
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Here is the Sam's Garage video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpeeIbVcCzE
__________________
1970 Short Wide 5.3 4L60E BlackBear tune 3:73 gears, Boyd's Tank 2.5 / 4 drop 5 lug disc brakes Vintage Air 18x8 Ridlers 255/55 frt. 18x9.5 275/60 rear |
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#22 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
I cut my 67 , followed Stacy Davids instruction , came out good , you have to cut the driveshaft also , I left the 8 inches in back , so I have a 7 foot bed
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68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Taft, CA
Posts: 35
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Thanks for the video Kennuck. I'm thinking of trying Stacy David approach. 400 is a lot of money for the brothers kit, that I can put elsewhere in the build. I think overall doing a stepweld will be stronger also in the long run too, versus the straight cut that brothers does. I don't have a whole lot into the new frame as far as money goes, so if I screw up majorly, I still have another frame to fall back on chalk it up to lesson learned. I know you take 12" out of the middle and 8" out of the back, but did Stacy mention where he took the measurements from? Middle of the cab mount, centerline of rear rivets or what? And when re-attaching, does the mount sit flush with top of the frame rail or slightly below it?
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Dresden, Ontario
Posts: 647
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Re: Long bed to Short bed conversion.
Your welcome, I think Stacy's method is the better way to go too. Mine was an original short bed so I can't help with your question.
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1970 Short Wide 5.3 4L60E BlackBear tune 3:73 gears, Boyd's Tank 2.5 / 4 drop 5 lug disc brakes Vintage Air 18x8 Ridlers 255/55 frt. 18x9.5 275/60 rear |
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Tags |
c10, c20, conversion, long bed, short bed |
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