To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-29-2005, 04:10 PM

I was outside parting one of my 69 Chevy trucks when all of the sudden out of the blue an idea popped into my head... As some of you know I am working on another project. It is a 72 Cheyenne K/20 with A/C. I am installing a BB 402, t-400 trans/np205 transfer case, Dana 70 rear, and a Dana 60 front.
My idea is to cut the frame and add the length to make it into a Longhorn!! I was looking at my nearly pristeen Longhorn bedsides with tool box option when it struck me.... Wow!!! It would be cool to have a Longhorn 4X4 with everything that I want to do to it.

What do you guys think? Should I? I know it's my truck and I should do what makes me happy, but how do you think it would look? I have two good steel bed bottoms that I could cut and weld together to make a steel Longhorn bed bottom and make it look like stock would have been if GM made steel bottoms for the Longhorn.
What do you think? Would you do it if you had the parts and space to do it in? WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

cableguy0 · 12-29-2005, 04:14 PM

wanna borrow my saw?i think that would look really good. just be a huge beast of a truck sitting up on some 35's or 38's. would be an awesome looking rig

97silv5.7 · 12-29-2005, 04:30 PM

that will look badass

jay_shy · 12-29-2005, 04:30 PM

You might as well go all out and make an extended cab longhorn. Now thats cool.

Jason

stueber68 · 12-29-2005, 04:37 PM

Crew Cab Longhorn!! Hell Yeah

cheyenne10 · 12-29-2005, 04:38 PM

If it was me I would not go longhorn. A few of my reasons would be based around selling someday. I know many of us do not build these trucks to resell but face it, many of us eventually will seel one to support next project (ie - Garden Truck). I think the market for these high dollar trucks is limited to a few buyers with quite a bit of cash. I think a longhorn 4x4 would limit the number of buyers even more. It maybe worth more than a standard longbed to the right buyer but...... To me I would probably pass if it were a longhorn. (not that I am a buyer!!). Longhorns are not one of my favorities but 4x4's are. It will no doubt look awesome however you build it. A steel floor longhorn with Line-X liner would look killer for sure and very useable. Might also might an awesome camper hauler. I support many opinions that build it for you. Those longhorn bedsides although not a lot of buyers out there looking for them at any moment will definetly go up in value and be an awesome find for someone if you don't use them.

Good luck wiht your decissions and keep us updated.

All IMHO!!

knsmodels · 12-29-2005, 04:38 PM

Do it.....I'd definately like to see it.....

1969 C/K CST · 12-29-2005, 04:39 PM

4x4 longhorn. Oh yeah.

AesC10s · 12-29-2005, 04:44 PM

Do It!!!

krue · 12-29-2005, 04:48 PM

Do it, nothing like having an original.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 12-29-2005, 04:56 PM

Wes I would do it it would haul your trailer very well and you could haul what ever you wanted in the back....

Huskerboy2 · 12-29-2005, 05:04 PM

Go for it.

jsbgump · 12-29-2005, 05:09 PM

do it it would be one of a kind original. I helped make a shortbed 3/4 ton with a 402/400 yrs ago it was a pretty sweet truck. I say go for it.

chevy_fatman · 12-29-2005, 05:28 PM

If I had the parts and the space I would, space mainly has been a great setback on any of my projects, if you build it they will come!!

Botietruck · 12-29-2005, 05:32 PM

I enjoy a challenge, I would do it. It will certainly be a converstion piece at the next meet. Keep us updated with alot of pics!

wibilly · 12-29-2005, 05:45 PM

i just missed out on a long horn here on the board i was going to convert to 4x4 if the long horn is complete i would buil it as 4x4 for another project rather than extending the frame i'm building a 3/4 ton 4x4 short box now frame was choped by po so i'm going with it can't waite to get it done

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-29-2005, 06:29 PM

I think that I am going for it!! I'll have the biggest, baddest, truck around!! Should still get 10 miles to a gallon also... Well maybe 8..lol But who cares... I gotta do it, the more that I think about it, the more that I like it!!

Bob, I see what you are saying. It makes total sence. The Garden Truck is the reason that I want to do this. When I started the "Garden Truck" it started out to be just a very nice Garden Truck, but I let it get away from me and the original idea. Now it is too nice to use for that, so it sits most of the time. I haven't even put 1000 miles on it since I finnished it. I am deathly afraid that someone will T-Bone me in some intersection, and then you would have to bail me out of jail...lol However as nice as it is, it still falls short of my idea of my ultimate truck. If it were my ultimate truck, I wouldn't be selling it. I would be using it... Scared of other drivers still, but I would be using it and not selling it...lol WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

Livrat · 12-29-2005, 06:32 PM

Wes... I'll be right down .. doning my coveralls and my sawzall.. LOL... When we gonna start cutting??

meathead95 · 12-29-2005, 07:09 PM

if you ever plan on selling it for the dollar you're looking to get out of the garden truck i think the frame stretch will kill it. have you sold the garden truck yet?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-29-2005, 08:09 PM

Mark, I will be starting soon...lol meathead95, The plan is not to sell it. I am building it for myself. The "Garden Truck" hasn't sold yet, but I am sure that it will. It will just have to be to the right person. I have had several people look and even a couple of nice offers, but so far the offers have not been large enough..lol Anyway I am not in any hurry to sell it, because it is a great advertising tool for my business.

WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

No3Fan4Ever · 12-29-2005, 08:33 PM

Great idea Wes...............but I insist you use the wonderful front-end you took off the garden truck, you know the one with 4 headlights

and put it on this new 4x4 Longhorn, then everything will be back in balance in the universe

crazy longhorn · 12-29-2005, 08:56 PM

4x4 longhorn, cool as hell.....next better deal would be a 4x4 + dually rear!

When you cut a frame (shorten), its not too bad a deal......stretch is another deal. I am sure you are set up to do the job, but just want to say after "splicing " a couple trucks......a stretch will be a lot more work

It will be cool as he!! tho.....

I say , GO FOR IT.....I just wish that I could afford to play a little harder! Need lots of pics....crazy Al

stllookn · 12-29-2005, 09:15 PM

A 69oldie, a boardmember in California, has already done one...a Big Block 50th Anniversay Longhorn to boot! He is not finished with it but it has already been converted using '72 running gear. He was afraid everyone would rag on him for converting a rare Longhorn to a 4x4! Heck...I think it is cool!

Hey...I've got a perfect Longhorn frame and box that will save you a ton of work!

stllookn · 12-29-2005, 09:22 PM

WES, Here it is!

Frizzle Fry · 12-29-2005, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

A 69oldie, a boardmember in California, has already done one...a Big Block 50th Anniversay Longhorn to boot! He is not finished with it but it has already been converted using '72 running gear. He was afraid everyone would rag on him for converting a rare Longhorn to a 4x4! Heck...I think it is cool!

Hey...I've got a perfect Longhorn frame and box that will save you a ton of work!

I was wondering when you were going to get in on this

12-29-2005, 04:10 PM	#1
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! I was outside parting one of my 69 Chevy trucks when all of the sudden out of the blue an idea popped into my head... As some of you know I am working on another project. It is a 72 Cheyenne K/20 with A/C. I am installing a BB 402, t-400 trans/np205 transfer case, Dana 70 rear, and a Dana 60 front. My idea is to cut the frame and add the length to make it into a Longhorn!! I was looking at my nearly pristeen Longhorn bedsides with tool box option when it struck me.... Wow!!! It would be cool to have a Longhorn 4X4 with everything that I want to do to it. What do you guys think? Should I? I know it's my truck and I should do what makes me happy, but how do you think it would look? I have two good steel bed bottoms that I could cut and weld together to make a steel Longhorn bed bottom and make it look like stock would have been if GM made steel bottoms for the Longhorn. What do you think? Would you do it if you had the parts and space to do it in? WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-29-2005, 04:14 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! wanna borrow my saw?i think that would look really good. just be a huge beast of a truck sitting up on some 35's or 38's. would be an awesome looking rig __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-29-2005, 04:30 PM	#3
97silv5.7 MooMoo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Shapleigh, Maine Posts: 2,424	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! that will look badass __________________ '97 ext 4x4 3" body lift and 7'6" Fisher MM2 '04 Polaris 700 twin EFI sold 2-1-07 '07 Polaris 800 twin EFI Stealth Limited Edition Support the Board! Or deal with me foo! Its all fun and games till you find out shes 16.

12-29-2005, 04:30 PM	#4
jay_shy SWB 4X4 CLUB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 1,088	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! You might as well go all out and make an extended cab longhorn. Now thats cool. Jason

12-29-2005, 04:37 PM	#5
stueber68 1968 C20 Vortec Beast Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: STILLWATER,OKLAHOMA Posts: 483	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Crew Cab Longhorn!! Hell Yeah __________________ Ugly or not it still kicks a**!

12-29-2005, 04:38 PM	#6
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! If it was me I would not go longhorn. A few of my reasons would be based around selling someday. I know many of us do not build these trucks to resell but face it, many of us eventually will seel one to support next project (ie - Garden Truck). I think the market for these high dollar trucks is limited to a few buyers with quite a bit of cash. I think a longhorn 4x4 would limit the number of buyers even more. It maybe worth more than a standard longbed to the right buyer but...... To me I would probably pass if it were a longhorn. (not that I am a buyer!!). Longhorns are not one of my favorities but 4x4's are. It will no doubt look awesome however you build it. A steel floor longhorn with Line-X liner would look killer for sure and very useable. Might also might an awesome camper hauler. I support many opinions that build it for you. Those longhorn bedsides although not a lot of buyers out there looking for them at any moment will definetly go up in value and be an awesome find for someone if you don't use them. Good luck wiht your decissions and keep us updated. All IMHO!! __________________ Bob

12-29-2005, 04:38 PM	#7
knsmodels I make Models Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bucks, PA Posts: 626	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Do it.....I'd definately like to see it..... __________________ Click to see what I do 1972 LWB K10 350/4 sp 1968 SS Chevelle 396/tremac5spd

12-29-2005, 04:39 PM	#8
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! 4x4 longhorn. Oh yeah. __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

12-29-2005, 04:44 PM	#9
AesC10s Chevy truck addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Thornton Colorado Posts: 825	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Do It!!!

12-29-2005, 04:48 PM	#10
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Do it, nothing like having an original. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-29-2005, 04:56 PM	#11
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Wes I would do it it would haul your trailer very well and you could haul what ever you wanted in the back.... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

12-29-2005, 05:04 PM	#12
Huskerboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Austin, Texas, USA Posts: 1,628	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Go for it. __________________ '72 Chevy Blazer

12-29-2005, 05:09 PM	#13
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! do it it would be one of a kind original. I helped make a shortbed 3/4 ton with a 402/400 yrs ago it was a pretty sweet truck. I say go for it. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

12-29-2005, 05:28 PM	#14
chevy_fatman Where's my beer? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: I live in the state of denial.... Posts: 5,621	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! If I had the parts and the space I would, space mainly has been a great setback on any of my projects, if you build it they will come!!

12-29-2005, 05:32 PM	#15
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! I enjoy a challenge, I would do it. It will certainly be a converstion piece at the next meet. Keep us updated with alot of pics! __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!



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12-29-2005, 05:45 PM	#16
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! i just missed out on a long horn here on the board i was going to convert to 4x4 if the long horn is complete i would buil it as 4x4 for another project rather than extending the frame i'm building a 3/4 ton 4x4 short box now frame was choped by po so i'm going with it can't waite to get it done __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

12-29-2005, 06:29 PM	#17
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! I think that I am going for it!! I'll have the biggest, baddest, truck around!! Should still get 10 miles to a gallon also... Well maybe 8..lol But who cares... I gotta do it, the more that I think about it, the more that I like it!! Bob, I see what you are saying. It makes total sence. The Garden Truck is the reason that I want to do this. When I started the "Garden Truck" it started out to be just a very nice Garden Truck, but I let it get away from me and the original idea. Now it is too nice to use for that, so it sits most of the time. I haven't even put 1000 miles on it since I finnished it. I am deathly afraid that someone will T-Bone me in some intersection, and then you would have to bail me out of jail...lol However as nice as it is, it still falls short of my idea of my ultimate truck. If it were my ultimate truck, I wouldn't be selling it. I would be using it... Scared of other drivers still, but I would be using it and not selling it...lol WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-29-2005, 06:32 PM	#18
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Wes... I'll be right down .. doning my coveralls and my sawzall.. LOL... When we gonna start cutting??

12-29-2005, 07:09 PM	#19
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! if you ever plan on selling it for the dollar you're looking to get out of the garden truck i think the frame stretch will kill it. have you sold the garden truck yet? __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-29-2005, 08:09 PM	#20
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Mark, I will be starting soon...lol meathead95, The plan is not to sell it. I am building it for myself. The "Garden Truck" hasn't sold yet, but I am sure that it will. It will just have to be to the right person. I have had several people look and even a couple of nice offers, but so far the offers have not been large enough..lol Anyway I am not in any hurry to sell it, because it is a great advertising tool for my business. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

12-29-2005, 08:33 PM	#21
No3Fan4Ever Running on empty Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 1,033	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! Great idea Wes...............but I insist you use the wonderful front-end you took off the garden truck, you know the one with 4 headlights and put it on this new 4x4 Longhorn, then everything will be back in balance in the universe __________________ _____________________________________________ Tim We have two rules here at the Rock. Rule #1: No writing on the walls. Rule#2: Obey all rules 70 GMC Sierra Grande "Custom Camper" Longhorn 402 Big Block TH400 PS PB factory AC Posi; 94 Bronco XLT 302, auto;worn out daily driver

12-29-2005, 08:56 PM	#22
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! 4x4 longhorn, cool as hell.....next better deal would be a 4x4 + dually rear! When you cut a frame (shorten), its not too bad a deal......stretch is another deal. I am sure you are set up to do the job, but just want to say after "splicing " a couple trucks......a stretch will be a lot more work It will be cool as he!! tho..... I say , GO FOR IT.....I just wish that I could afford to play a little harder! Need lots of pics....crazy Al __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-29-2005, 09:15 PM	#23
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! A 69oldie, a boardmember in California, has already done one...a Big Block 50th Anniversay Longhorn to boot! He is not finished with it but it has already been converted using '72 running gear. He was afraid everyone would rag on him for converting a rare Longhorn to a 4x4! Heck...I think it is cool! Hey...I've got a perfect Longhorn frame and box that will save you a ton of work! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 12-29-2005 at 09:21 PM.

12-29-2005, 09:22 PM	#24
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: To cut or not to cut!! This is the question!! WES, Here it is! Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

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