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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 321
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Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Has anyone used this, or know anyone that has?
I know the best advice is to either get a short bed frame, or do a step cut. I'm thinking about shorting my long bed and I'm not interested in looking for a new frame, so this kit looked like an easy way to shorten the frame. I'm not concerned about resale, and really only drive the truck around town. I don't tow anything, only haul mulch a few times a year, and have a stock crate 350. Just wanted to know what others thought about this. https://www.brotherstrucks.com/63-72...fo/LTSC372/72/ |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Washington State
Posts: 1,644
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
i have not done this conversion, but i have converted mine. I used a different tech. to do mine that i found posted on here and that was shown on a TV show, Gears. I have no issue with mine and to be honest i would have no issue using this kit. You will find that some on here will not like the idea of shortening your bed this way as you hinted at, but hey, its yours and do what makes you happy. I say go for it. I have watched this kit being done and it really is alot easier than what i did. Good luck and keep us updated.
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#3 |
Before and After
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA
Posts: 632
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I was looking at this options swell, but I thought the price tag to be steep for the kit that is basically an information pattern. I will likely do it myself. The information is all here on the board. The only reason I would buy the kit is if you don't have access to a welder in your shop/garage.
There is also a video on YouTube, sorry I can't recall the link, that uses this kit and the cab mounts do not line up. If you are paying for the specific hole mounting positions, it would be good if they were accurate.
__________________
Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA |
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Eagle, ID
Posts: 3,010
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Sam Memolo had a show on a while back and they used this kit to shorten a truck on that program. In fact, I believe it to be the same truck in the picture in the link you provided. As far as your question, I have not used the kit, just watched on the show.
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#5 |
Account Suspended
![]() Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I think the kit is a great idea but a little expensive. I say go for it, it is simple and goof-proof, will give you lots of confidence in doing it yourself.
On the subject of shortening frames, hundreds get done everyday on semi trucks, motorhomes, cube vans etc. Most semi trucks are only bolted together, with that kit and some extra bolts it would be safe without any welding. I have shortened a bunch of these trucks, just finished one, see my build thread... Now you could make those reinforcements yourself like I used to do, take the 12" piece you cut from the center of the frame and section it down using the other piece as a jig. Then install, bolt and weld, etc. You essentially have the kit using the pieces you cut out. Cutting the frame can be a bit of work, I have used a torch, sawsall, cut off wheels and recently a Milwaukee portaband, that was the easiest method, the fastest and most accurate. Well worth the cost of a used portaband to get it done with so little effort. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mustang, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,806
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Looks like a well designed kit.
__________________
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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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ada, MI
Posts: 10
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I recently used the kit from Brothers. It went very smooth. The template is really what you're paying for. I didn't measure at all until it was done and it was within 1/16". Bolted up pretty easily. I'm in the process of cutting the bed sides now. If you're at all interested in the process, I documented it all and it's on youtube. Just search "paulk_c10"
__________________
----------------------------------------- 1970 C10 - SWB (Converted) 2011 Silverado 1500 Ext. Cab |
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#8 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
It looks like a great way to go for the do it yourselfer...but I agree that the price is too steep for what it is.
__________________
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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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 65
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
It seems with this kit is a no brainer. Well designed. Little pricey but the guy that designed it has to make some dough. For doing it right and peace of mind its worth every penny. Doing it the alternate ways could be a recipe for disaster for a lay person. Anyone agree?
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 321
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Quote:
I'm still trying to decide if cutting the frame down is worth it. I'm really doing it to get 2 more feet of space in my garage, and hopefully have a truck that is easier to maneuver in parking situations and just driving around town. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Poway, CA
Posts: 356
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Bump. Looking for anyone else who has tried the Brothers short bed conversion template. I'm ready to pull the trigger on one, but feedback is always great.
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 547
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
In my opinion you are doing about the same amount of work if you bolt it in or weld it.
There are some other tasks/costs not covered. You are still going to need to shorten your driveshaft, fuel line, some wiring, exhaust
__________________
Project Engine Stand 1972 SWB conversion: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673914 1970 Nova: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708161 |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Riverside, Ca
Posts: 407
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I used to work for Brothers for a number of years. I seen this kit when they first started talking about doin it and actually cruised by a couple weeks back and got to check out the short bed frame kit on the shelf and on a truck. I would say it is as good as it gets, seriously. They thought of it all when it comes to installation. I know the guy that designed it and I can say he knows his stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if i was goin short bed. Some might say im bias but thats not me. Especially on a safety situation like shortening a frame.
as BS46488 stated, there are still things to consider regardless. . still need to shorten you lines and drive shaft and stuff. but as far as frame, it is done.
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Lifted 2wd 1969 C20/ 5.3LS/4L60E :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=728388 |
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#14 |
Big Block
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Durham, N.C.
Posts: 1,649
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Looks like a well designed kit and worth the price to make sure it's done right. I would buy it if I was going to do the conversion myself.
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
What is the reason behind this? I could never understand why people do it.
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"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#16 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Poway, CA
Posts: 356
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Quote:
Quote:
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#17 |
Petroleum User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 928
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Rob has a bolt in rail kit where you get the rear frame with a four inch drop for
$1200
__________________
![]() 1971 GMC Sierra Grande 2WD 1/2 ton, 350/400 auto 2008 Chevy Silverado 2WD 1/2 ton LT1 5.3L auto |
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#18 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,915
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Because some people like the short beds and there aren't enough to go around at a reasonable price.
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
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#19 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Louis
Posts: 642
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I just purchased this to perform the swap. My concern is the vertical cut. Everyone says this is a big no no. But, I would assume the added support c channel that is bolted in would somehow alleviate this issue.
Thoughts? |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 547
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I'm no expert, but I believe the vertical cut is a no-no when welding.
This kit is secured with bolts and reinforcement c-channel so its not a concern.
__________________
Project Engine Stand 1972 SWB conversion: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673914 1970 Nova: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708161 |
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Louis
Posts: 642
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Thanks. That was my thinking as well. I'm no expert either but from what I've read on a vertical cut being welded is it could possibly introduce a crack as the load isnt spread horizontally across the frame. Hence, the z-cut. But what I'm also thinking is that with the inner c-channel bolted to the frame that whatever flex occurs it would bear the brunt of it and not have such an impact on the weld.
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Medina ohio
Posts: 18
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
Just finished this kit tonight took about 2 hours. I have just a bare frame sitting so made it much easier. I think the kit with the c channel bolted, and then weld everything up should be plenty strong enough.
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#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2010
Location: St.Louis
Posts: 642
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
I concur. My Cab is on and it's fighting me sliding it inward. It's also lowered so managing a jack stand underneath has been challenging.
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Strongstown
Posts: 57
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Getting ready to use this kit in the next few days. I have a friend who works on big truck frames, which can't be welded. They use backing plates and bolts to shorten frames and pass DOT. I'm expecting backing plate, bolts and a weld to do a good job.
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Medina ohio
Posts: 18
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Re: Brothers Longbed to Shortbed Conversion
It was very painless to do again don't know if I would want to do it cab on or not but pretty easy.
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