A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion

[65standard]

More

[65standard]

More to come later.

[shawno72]

Just blows my mind. Not quite sure how guy did the front edge of the bed

[65standard]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Just blows my mind. Not quite sure how guy did the front edge of the bed

I just tipped (folded) the front edge of the side over the end plate. Very simple operation. Here is a picture of the operation in mid progress.

[DonnieB]

Awesome work! Can't wait to see it completely done!

[65standard]

And yes, this is the truck I rescued from the junkyard.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by 65standard

I just tipped (folded) the front edge of the side over the end plate. Very simple operation. Here is a picture of the operation in mid progress.

All I can say is wow! It's gonna be funny how the tune will change once people see the actual scope of your skills

[too much stuff]

A man on a mission and talented to boot. Good combination, looks great.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by 65standard

If I didn't have a rear side marker light, I would have put the rear weld seam at the very rear corner. But I had to move it 2.5" forward to avoid filling a hole from the light. I will hammer form a new recessed hole for the light.

Please take some pics of this process! The rest of the work looks great, so I have no doubt you can do it, but I can't imagine how hard it must be to do this and make it look right.

[65standard]

Pressing in the recess for the side marker light is easy once a make a hammer form for it. I will post pictures when I get to that point in the rescue job.

Here is a quick picture of the super RARE 1970 C20 SWB truck. Just kidding. This is just a test to see if the side still fits the floor pan. All perfect so far...

[chopnchaneled]

Simply Amazing !!! Do you build rocket ships to

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by 65standard

I just tipped (folded) the front edge of the side over the end plate. Very simple operation. Here is a picture of the operation in mid progress.

Ok one more question, how were you able to tip the bedside over without cracking the paint or showing any signs of damage? Looks so good and I can see myself doing this with a few pointers. Thank you

[CaliCode]

Wow. This will create a higher demand for those really clean original patina lwb trucks out there...really opens up your options for a nice patina swb, incredible work!

[65standard]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Ok one more question, how were you able to tip the bedside over without cracking the paint or showing any signs of damage? Looks so good and I can see myself doing this with a few pointers. Thank you

I use top secrete channel-lock pliers that I deburr and smooth out all sharp corners on. Then I slowly, in steps, start to tip over the metal a few degrees every half inch. Just keep working it a little at a time.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by 65standard

I use top secrete channel-lock pliers that I deburr and smooth out all sharp corners on. Then I slowly, in steps, start to tip over the metal a few degrees every half inch. Just keep working it a little at a time.

Haha. Awesome. Thank you

[tommys72]

Looks awesome man! I'm amazed

[Dieselwrencher]

Hey, great work there Tony! I will say you have more patience than I to go slow to not stress that paint while completing the bends up front. Once you bent the fronts over, did you spot weld them back to the corner pieces? Also, that is a super clean truck to yank out of a junk yard. Nice score!

[R.L.]

That is a fine job.

[65standard]

Yes, I drilled some holes in the newly formed edge and plug welded it to the end plate. The inside panel is also plug welded front and back.

In Illinois, it is a rare find. Most all trucks of this era have rusted away years ago. It is an original Illinois farm truck. It didn't see any winter road use. It has just 80,109 miles, but those were done feet at a time on the farm. The original owner lives only 20 miles away. I can't wait to show him his old truck once I'm finished.

[lolife99]

Any chance you would sell this truck when you are done?

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by shawno72

All I can say is wow! It's gonna be funny how the tune will change once people see the actual scope of your skills

man get out a bigger spoon to stir with... To,the OP, never questioned your skills. The fact that you were even talking about penn welds meant you were legit. Others offered their opinions, including myself, doesn't mean I question your skills. I think your approach to the bed side shortening is brilliant. I thought about doing my bed in pieces like you did, but i fell victim to my own doubts and went along with what others had already done. It came out fine, but your way would have saved me a lot of body work up front. anyways, good job, good luck, and keep the pictures coming.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Just awesome...I bet you would have quite a few trucks lined up if you wanted to start doing this for others!

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by shawno72

All I can say is wow! It's gonna be funny how the tune will change once people see the actual scope of your skills

I don't think anyone's "tune will change" ever. This man has some amazing skills. Super talented. Doing a fantastic job, and many (myself included) have learned something already from him and look forward to learning more.

I think the only thing "anyone" had to say negatively was frame cut method and that is just personal opinion. Nobody (myself included) ever thought his frame would fail or have a "moment".

But NOBODY has ever said this man is not extremely talented and I for one am glad he's here and sharing his "nuther way to skin a cat". This is how this hobby (and site) continues to grow and evolve by talented people doing amazing stuff and sharing with us (speaking for myself) hacks how THEY DO IT.

I guarantee if I ever have to cut another long bed down I will be following his lead on shortening those bedside, although he makes it look much easier than I am sure it is.

I can't hardly pound out a small dent that doesn't break the paint and look at that "tipping". AMAZING work.
Very cool work indeed.

[ole dollor]

that's some fine and interesting work you have done .... wish I had your metal and welding skills . hope it turns out like you wanted it to.....Kool.

[70blackfish]

nice work