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#26 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Coal City, IL
Posts: 695
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I understand everyone's concern about the frame. I have been doing this for nearly 30 years now and have never had a weld crack, even on some very high horsepower trucks. Remember, this is a C20 and the frame rail is about 50% thicker than a C10 frame.
Skinning the rail with a channel that fits inside would be insurance that everyone can see and understand. Welding is still mysterious to most and not trusted with your life. I am a unlimited thickness certified welder. The frame will stay as is. All others please add fish plates and not follow my example here.
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Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker |
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#27 |
Cool Truck
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Bowie,MD
Posts: 1,869
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I'm a longbed guy myself but your are doing a fantastic job!
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1968 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn "Cool Truck" 1937 Chevrolet Pickup - Project Looking for a patina'd 68 50th Anniversary longbed |
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#28 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Coal City, IL
Posts: 695
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
My wife wanted it cut down. She didn't like the look of the long bed. Pressure from her made me convert it.
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Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker |
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#29 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Uncle Sam knows
Posts: 286
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
You have some fine fabrication skills, I like how you are doing the bed.
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#30 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mustang, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,806
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Great fab work, I always wondered why no one did the bedsides like this. I am curious how you do the rear half of the bedsides though. You obviously know what you are doing and I understand the difference in frame welding from a guy with a welder like me to a real cert welder like you. Keep up the great work.
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Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car |
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#31 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tacoma Washington
Posts: 890
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
No need to get defensive, I just don't want anyone else thinking this is the proper way to weld a frame. Welding is not a mystery to me. If we're throwing experience out I will tell you I've been welding for about 40 years, but a journeyman for only about 30 of that. I have a fair amount of both formal training and experience with heat treating techniques and practical experience pertaining to a variety of metal, including mild steel. To not acknowledge the change in space lattice and the resultant vertical stress points just doesn't make sense. Without heat treatment that frame is weak on each side of the weld. Not opinion, fact. Either most every frame shop in the nation doesn't possess your talent or fish plating is an industry standard for a reason. I appreciate your craftsmanship, but would not do a frame like that anywhere but maybe the ends. I hope anyone else doing this consults more sources before they proceed. Good luck!
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I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe |
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#32 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
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The weld is the same type of weld used in piping. Nuclear plants and any other plant use full pentration welds with beveled ends. No difference. Nice job man. Being a common weld with QC inspections for the full penitration. Certified welders can do this with no problems. As stated most people are not going to be certified in this type of welding. It takes years to gain this type of certifaction. It takes even more practice to keep it.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
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#33 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tacoma Washington
Posts: 890
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Quote:
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I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe |
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#34 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,427
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Okay, can we stop the pissing match and get back to the "outside of the shortbox" thinking here? The man has talent and great imagination, Lookin forward to more
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Jack Personal Fleet: Family Fleet: 1955.5 Panel 1959 Apache 1968 ShortWide 1969 ShortStep |
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#35 |
Senior Member
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Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,496
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Curious about bed rear as well.
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#36 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 1,050
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Any of you certified welders know what the reduction in material allowables is due to welding? We could do a quick axial and bending calculation on the frame and see if it's anywhere close to Fty. My guess is that with a good weld and a 3 ton load at the rear bumper, it should be no problem with a C20 frame.
At least the analytic calculations would stop the conjecture whether it will fail or not. I think this method of cutting down a LWB could save a ton of welding and body work. I can't wait to see the final product and how you tackle the hardest part. |
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#37 | |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Quote:
Maybe since its a thicker frame than any Swb that ever left the factory with, it will have stresses low enough to not be an issue, but so much of it depends on usage (loads and miles driven). A fishplate or formed channel insert just seems like cheap insurance. I like what he is doing here otherwise, this seems like a well thought out way to shorten the bed and Im on my toes to see how he does the back part of the bed.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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#38 | |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Quote:
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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#39 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: springfield mo
Posts: 3,075
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I'm wondering why this guy is catching so much trouble here? I've welded two things in my life, so would I try this, no. Dude has been welding 30 years, and by reading, does it everyday. I'm sure he wouldn't do something that isn't going to work. Has he told anyone to do it his way? He made a build thread for us to look at, not junk up with a bunch of middle school crap. Send him a pm if you want to tell him his way won't work or whatever. Maybe it's because he hasn't built a truck on here yet. Not that I want to drag others in, but what if superflysteiny did this? I almost bet no one would say a word about it.
*Eric, I love reading your builds. You're a household name around here. Just used you as a point guess you could say. Now, I'd love to see these besides, please continue sir. Tom
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United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son ![]() |
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#40 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I'm not sure this thread will last much longer if it becomes a massive critique about what one man decides to do with his property. I for one would like to see it continue on the right track.... perhaps with pictures of shortened bed sides
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#41 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,004
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Very different approach and I am enjoying following along with the OP as he goes.
I don't want to lock the thread either ![]()
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#42 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 4,093
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Great thread. Here's the thing if your a experienced welder and you feel comfortable with this then do it, but if you haven't welded much and are going to attempt any structural changes to the frame then by all means use the plates. Or better yet have a professional do it. I'm sure the OP will check the truck regularly and I'm sure the other guy just wanted to warn the people thinking to attempt this. The site is great for ideas and help but always research a lot before attempting anything yourself.
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1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob) |
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#43 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: South Westerlo, New York
Posts: 1,325
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Very nice work. Wish I could do that well. Very talented and skilled. Ya just can't knock it....
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Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB. |
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#44 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,560
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I like it! I want to see the bed work. PLEASE continue!!!
Are you sure you're not a magician? How do you get that metal to bend like that? Mine would look like Hail hit it.
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70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 |
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#45 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 1,417
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
I can't remember what show it was (modern marvels or how it's made...one of those) but they showed a HUGE earth mover dump truck. Like big enough to fit 40 pickups in its bed. The frame was welded together from the factory. Each joint had 100's of welds that made up a huge gap (like a foot wide beveled gap). Then when it was done they used the ultrasound thing to check it just like the OP was talking about. If they can use that technique for that big monster it sure as hell is good enough for a C20.
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1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP |
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#46 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Marquette Heights, IL.
Posts: 1,135
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Very Nice Tony!
Wife made a great decision ![]()
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Jimmy Hoelzel |
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#47 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Ventura, CA
Posts: 818
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
Build is going good. You are a good welder/fabricator. Keep us posted on the bed.
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..................... ____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1970 C20 -_--_--_- ______ _--_--_- /___|__\____ -_--_-_ |_(0)|__|_(0)] 1972 K5 |
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#48 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 160
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
If you guys really need something to worry about...worry about all the guys buying these trucks hacked up, rotted out and painted up like a show truck. Some people know what there doing....some think they do, and even their better off than the next bunch...the clueless with cash. That's the people i worry about driving beside me on the road. Carry on Sir!.....as will the rest of us.
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#49 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SF
Posts: 345
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
imo, there is nothing wrong with all the critiquing. If not one bothered to question, how would you learn anything. Never good to just blindly follow, no matter how much experience the guy has.
Good thread, looking forward to more progress. |
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#50 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
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Re: A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion
nice work...
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The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" |
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