A different approach to a LWB to SWB conversion

[65standard]

Proof that it is a real "farm truck"

Too bad the original owner buffed of the door lettering before junking it. It would have been even cooler to display it still.

Oh well, I plan on lettering the doors with my own metal shaping/ fabrication company logo.

[Sqznby]

Very creative.
Did you use some sort of anti seize or lube to help with the forming?

[65standard]

I used a little bit of grease to aid in the removal of the form, not so much as to help press it together. The bolts have plenty of tonnage to do the job.

[tommys72]

Very nice Tony !

[swamp rat]

Nice work!

[Spry69]

Are there any plans for tailgate renovation / dent removal or is it good to go? I can't tell from the photos. I am starting on mine and it is a bear with the thickness of the steel. I appreciate your build and the quantity and quality of information and photos. I will be shortening my LWB in the next few months and will definitely try your method starting with the bed floor. Thank you for sharing.

[bodydropped68]

Awesome job. There is a lot of metal working experience going on you make it look so simple. By the way what dolly and hammer combo's did you use when Tipping the front edge of the bedsides Thanks for sharing

[Keith Seymore]

Excellent execution of a very novel approach = awesome!

Small pierce dies (...as well as giant forming dies for that matter...) are pretty standard operating procedure within the "Big 3" auto companies, especially for repairs, but I am impressed/encouraged to see it taking place on the outside.

For the record: the result of "tipping" is called a "hem flange". The act of "tipping" would be referred to as a "hemming operation".

K

[doubleb's69]

Originally Posted by 65standard

Proof that it is a real "farm truck"

Too bad the original owner buffed of the door lettering before junking it. It would have been even cooler to display it still.

Oh well, I plan on lettering the doors with my own metal shaping/ fabrication company logo.

If you ever make it over to the Des Moines area, say maybe for Goodguys in July, I can redo your tailgate logo and weather it to look original.

I can also take care of that door logo for you. PM me if you are interested.

[slikside]

I never tire of watching master craftsmen ply their trade.

Awesome work. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[hozeman469]

How many hours have you stayed awake at night thinking about all the changes your doing.I would never be able to sleep.You make it look like another day on the job.Great work.

[kingstrider]

Wow I am more amazed than ever. Thank you so much for sharing, you truly have some awesome fabrication skills.

[65standard]

Thanks for the offer to letter my farm truck, but with a 4.57 rear gear the highway is just off limits. Also the tailgate damage will stay as is. I have no way to fix this and keep the original paint.

Back to the bed sides. I have it fully welded and metal finished. I think it came out good. Just need to touch up the paint in that small area and I'm done. Zero bondo is needed or wanted here.






Almost done, stay tuned for the final pictures with paint touched up.

[bigjason]

Simply amazing.

Outstanding in my books!

[shawno72]

Whoa!

[KMC3420]

Wow. What a great job thanks for sharing.

[65standard]

Touched it up and the color is a good match, but I have to work on it some more to blend it better. Not my field of expertise but I'll try.

Basically it is done. I saved over 26 feet of weld and retained 95% of the original paint. It may not be better, but it is a different way to do your long wheel base to short wheel base conversion.

[CarterD2015]

That was bad a$$. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[tommys72]

Yep, that is awesome! Great work. I can only assume people will walk past it and not even realize it'snot factory

[ole dollor]

[QUOTE=65standard;7184312]Touched it up and the color is a good match, but I have to work on it some more to blend it better. Not my field of expertise but I'll try.

Basically it is done. I saved over 26 feet of weld and retained 95% of the original paint. It may not be better, but it is a different way to do your long wheel base to short wheel base conversion.

WOW , you did a great job , very few guys could have pulled that off , that is Very cool, my hat is off to you.....Don

[CaliCode]

Just incredible!...color looks great, job well done

[swamp rat]

Best thread of the year!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 65standard

Thanks for the offer to letter my farm truck, but with a 4.57 rear gear the highway is just off limits. Also the tailgate damage will stay as is. I have no way to fix this and keep the original paint.

Did you consider splitting the gate in half (top/bottom), hammer/dollying the damages, & welding it back up? Seems the most visible sign would be the top edge of the gate which is typically rusty anyway from stuff rubbing the paint off getting used as a work truck. Might be more work than its worth though.

Killer work here. You are a craftsman for sure.

[Ozzy2013]

Looks awesome!

[WarMonger]

that build thread was amazing