Long bed Values Vs Short bed Value

[Joe Cool]

I am wondering straight across the board all things being equal for both trucks with the different bed length's

What is the difference is selling price. I understand the short bed is worth more but how much more?

I am weighing some things out.......I know that it costs money to shorten up the long bed but thats a guess for me......I am thinking parts and labor around 4k?

I have always owned cars so the truck market is new for me.

Thanks for your opinions.....

Joe

[Longhorn 70]

Welcome to the board Joe.

Right now short beds are bringing prime dollar. Short steppers too.

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

Welcome to the board Joe.

Right now short beds are bringing prime dollar. Short steppers too.

Well ..I did mention I knew that.............however whats the premium over the long bed on an average......its easy to figure out if I want to convert

Thanks

[Longhorn 70]

Originally Posted by Joe Cool

Well ..I did mention I knew that.............however whats the premium over the long bed on an average......its easy to figure out if I want to convert

Thanks

As far as I know, there isn't a direct formula. This may be due to condition, area, options and so on. There are too many variables as far as what I have seen.

[hugger6933]

Welcome to the board. I am from eastern Arkansas, and I own a body shop here in a small farming town of about 4500. I rebuild late model trucks and SUV's for a living and old muscle and trucks for fun. I have three trucks in line to be restored at my shop that belong to me. One is a GMC 68 model 3/4 ton with factory air speed warning, buddy buckets and power steering and brakes. I have added tilt and a tac vac dash. I also knew the first min that for that truck to bring any real good money it would have to be a short bed . So I bought a 68 parts truck with a good frame and bed and then a 72 for the 5 lug suspension. I think the short will bring 2 to 5 k more maybe more. Jim

['68 Short Step]

I saw this local ad on craigslist where his conversion cost is between $1000-$1500. Seemed like a good deal If the workmanship is good.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/4218775769.html

[Blitz]

Originally Posted by '68 Short Step

I saw this local ad on craigslist where his conversion cost is between $1000-$1500. Seemed like a good deal If the workmanship is good.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/4218775769.html

That doesn't seem too bad actually.

I've noticed there is a LOT of talent on this board but for the person without those skills, time and equipment like myself you have to come out of pocket.

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

Welcome to the board. I am from eastern Arkansas, and I own a body shop here in a small farming town of about 4500. I rebuild late model trucks and SUV's for a living and old muscle and trucks for fun. I have three trucks in line to be restored at my shop that belong to me. One is a GMC 68 model 3/4 ton with factory air speed warning, buddy buckets and power steering and brakes. I have added tilt and a tac vac dash. I also knew the first min that for that truck to bring any real good money it would have to be a short bed . So I bought a 68 parts truck with a good frame and bed and then a 72 for the 5 lug suspension. I think the short will bring 2 to 5 k more maybe more. Jim

Thanks Jim........so its not worth buying a long bed to convert because it might cost that much to make the conversion.
Have you ever figured what you would charge? I saw the You Tube Video on cutting the frame correctly.........the Z cut Stacy did from his show...then he bought parts from LMC

[67_C-30]

The nicer and more highly optioned the truck isa, the higher the value will be a for a SWB, all things being equal.

Put it this way, I've seen BB SWB sell for 30K (and higher) if fully restored and done right. I've never seen a LWB 1/2 ton BB truck reach 20K.

[mmiddle]

If you are thinking about buying a long-bed then shorten it and plan to flip it you are likely wasting money and time. If you have a long-bed now and really want a short-bed and plan on keeping the truck then the conversion might make since. To some people the long-bed is desirable and to others the short-bed is desirable. Yes the short-beds are generally more valuable partly due to production numbers and part to aesthetics.

It all depends on your individual circumstance on if the conversion makes since. Paying to have the conversion done will be pricey due to liability issues with cutting the frame.

[sprint_9]

If you have the knowledge on how to weld or have a buddy that does, you can shorten it yourself for well under 4500.

There are guides on how to do it.

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by sprint_9

If you have the knowledge on how to weld or have a buddy that does, you can shorten it yourself for well under 4500.

There are guides on how to do it.

Yea Sprint.........the Guy Stacy who has the TV show has a 5 part series on this mod...........Its pretty good and he has some updated thoughts on this modification as to where he cuts it etc.......take a look and tell me what you guys think of the way he did it.....makes sense.

I think the only way its worth it is
A. You own a long bed already and want to change it
B. Got a hell of a deal on long bed that is sweet and can afford the mod
C. do it yourself for the above mentioned options.

Just my thoughts....

[burnin oil]

Short or long depends who is buying it. In a 67-72 I would not own a short bed period. Don't matter and I would pay more for a 4spd truck. In a 60-66 truck long bed fleet is my preference but a short step would have me spending the same cash. In a 55 it is going to be a step side or converted. I will never buy a LS powered truck. That is something I might do but I don't want to deal with someone elses work. Fixing other peoples wiring is about the most aggrevating thing there is! So as far as your question goes, the truck is only as valuable as some knuckle head will pay. To prove that all thats needed is to watch a Barrett Jackson auction. Odds are you will loose your A&* trying to redo an old truck for a profit. That is just a fact to rebuilding an old vehicle. They are money pits unless you find a sucker.

[burnin oil]

deleated. Posted in wrong thread.

[BigRed76]

From what I've seen in this area, as far as unrestored trucks in roughly the same condition, is that the short beds sell for 3-5k more than the long beds. I haven't seen as many fully restored 67-72's in this area for sale, but I'd imagine the price different just increases.

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

From what I've seen in this area, as far as unrestored trucks in roughly the same condition, is that the short beds sell for 3-5k more than the long beds. I haven't seen as many fully restored 67-72's in this area for sale, but I'd imagine the price different just increases.

I would say your correct now that I am hearing from folks............I did see the beautiful bone stock restored 72 Cheyenne on Ebay 28,500
The truck looked almost better than showroom...........perfect stock in everyway.....but who would drive that?

[Joe Cool]

[QUOTE=BigRed76;6397311]From what I've seen in this area, as far as unrestored trucks in roughly the same condition, is that the short beds sell for 3-5k more than the long beds. I haven't seen as many fully restored 67-72's in this area for sale, but I'd imagine the price different just increases.[/QUOTE

Is a 67 worth more than a 68 because of the first year and small window?

[litew8]

You've all probably heard the phrase "you get what you pay for". In the spirit of this discussion (I own a LWB) - how or why pay more for something that has less? How is it being considered equal, in your mind?

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by litew8

You've all probably heard the phrase "you get what you pay for". In the spirit of this discussion (I own a LWB) - how or why pay more for something that has less? How is it being considered equal, in your mind?

I think the idea behind the short bed is they will handle better with mods and are more of a Hot Rod than a utility truck.....more car like

I like both.......if I could find a LONGHORN in great shape I would buy that...because I like truck camping...........8.5 bed is cool

[mud.man.rj]

Have had both short and long, the short sells for more but rides like crap, looks cooler though. If you are keeping it and have the time and skills it is worth converting.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by litew8

You've all probably heard the phrase "you get what you pay for". In the spirit of this discussion (I own a LWB) - how or why pay more for something that has less? How is it being considered equal, in your mind?

The same argument could be made for a 4 door '57 Chevy or a 4 door Chevelle, but you know how that goes, too. For most people it boils down to looks.

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

The same argument could be made for a 4 door '57 Chevy or a 4 door Chevelle, but you know how that goes, too. For most people it boils down to looks.

Thats why MOST people like 2 doors and Short Bed pickups........MOST people do......

Now most MEN will break their necks if a tall beautiful BLONDE walks buy them and may miss the beauty of say brown hair..........

Me I like all trucks

[Hawghauler]

Maybe I missed something, but I didn't notice anyone mention the fact that custom made shortbeds don't have the same value as a factory shortbed. If it's for your own pleasure, it can make sense. But if your trying to flip one, it doesn't. Using a nice lb to upgrade a lesser sb can make sense, but building your own may not. Just my .02c

[Joe Cool]

Originally Posted by hawghauler

maybe i missed something, but i didn't notice anyone mention the fact that custom made shortbeds don't have the same value as a factory shortbed. If it's for your own pleasure, it can make sense. But if your trying to flip one, it doesn't. Using a nice lb to upgrade a lesser sb can make sense, but building your own may not. Just my .02c

great point!

[litew8]

My LWB has no trouble breaking the rear free @ 20mph. I personally don't see a couple of feet causing any performance issues. It is what you make of it I guess.