Was my truck originally a long bed? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Navy Mechanic · 12-30-2010, 02:43 PM

Was underneath my truck yesterday re-installing the seat (some anchor nuts gone so used bolts/nuts) anyway.....noticed some weld beads just aft of the forward cab mounts. Further investigation revealed that the aft cab mounts were welded vice riveted. Take a look at the pics...whatdya think? Former long bed?

19seventeeCustom · 12-30-2010, 02:46 PM

is the spid visible?

Navy Mechanic · 12-30-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19seventeeCustom

is the spid visible?

It's usually on the inside of the glove box door, right? If so...it's long gone.

19seventeeCustom · 12-30-2010, 02:58 PM

yes inside of glovebox, Its tough for me to tell in these pics, but I dont remember my truck having that weld along the frame in that area, but im sure someone more knowledgable will chime in

BIGBLU 72 · 12-30-2010, 02:59 PM

my long bed for sure does not have any welds like that on the frame

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-30-2010, 03:10 PM

It looks like it probably was. It doesn't look like they did a very good job of alighning the frame rails either. Is there some sort of reinforcement plate installed on the inside of the frame rails? If not there needs to be. Take a look at the rear ends of the frame to see if they look like they have been cut off. (Saw marks, cutoff wheel marks, or toarch marks.) WES

VA72C10 · 12-30-2010, 03:12 PM

Looks to be a shortened frame. Is there any extra gusseting/bracing on the inside?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-30-2010, 03:13 PM

Uppon further inspection, the frame rail allignment is off in oppisate directions on each side. One side up and one side down... I would fix that if it were mine. WES

71swb4x4 · 12-30-2010, 03:14 PM

And the quality of the job isn't that great. The two halves aren't even lined up very well. I would not be a happy camper if that was mine.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-30-2010, 03:15 PM

They also have the front cab mounts in up side down.

WES

VA72C10 · 12-30-2010, 03:27 PM

It might be worth looking for a shortbed frame to swap everything on to....

**Clyde65** · 12-30-2010, 04:05 PM

look here for frame.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=437914

Navy Mechanic · 12-30-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

Uppon further inspection, the frame rail allignment is off in oppisate directions on each side. One side up and one side down... I would fix that if it were mine. WES

I'll have to lift the front end to get under and see if there's any extra bracing on the inner frame.

The frames are 'misaligned' the same on both sides. Aft frame is lower at the bottom.

Don't have the money or shop space to swap everything to a new frame. It drives straight and sits level...guess I'll strengthen the weld points as needed. Amazing the demons that come out when you start looking close.

**Palf70Step** · 12-30-2010, 04:17 PM

I'd say it was shorted or maybe frame was repaired from an accident? Do the frame VIN# and the VIN of your title match?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 12-30-2010, 04:19 PM

I would flop the cab mount cushions also. They are in wrong. WES

VA72C10 · 12-30-2010, 04:30 PM

If the frame doesn't have any additional bracing on the inside, I wouldn't feel comfortable riding in it....the way that is welded straight...with no additional bracing it is definitely unsafe.

Hubscrub · 12-30-2010, 04:51 PM

i agree i would weld some plates on there and go with that

Navy Mechanic · 12-30-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

If the frame doesn't have any additional bracing on the inside, I wouldn't feel comfortable riding in it....the way that is welded straight...with no additional bracing it is definitely unsafe.

There is additional bracing...kind of. The upper flange was cut off the forward C-Channel leaving 12" of web and lower flange extending into the aft channel and it's welded at that point. I've posted the clearest picture I could get.

Opinions? Does this suffice? I'd think if the web was also welded to the aft frame at the upper horizontal seam, where the flange was removed, it would definitely be strong enough.

screamin_c10 · 12-30-2010, 06:18 PM

So they overlapped the rails?

Navy Mechanic · 12-30-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamin_c10

So they overlapped the rails?

That's what it looks like....

MistaGavin · 12-30-2010, 06:49 PM

I can understand not being able to get a different frame but that definitely should be reinforced.
Posted via Mobile Device

fixit-p · 12-30-2010, 07:13 PM

The fact that it is over lapped makes me personally feel allot better about the splice, I've seen and done allot of frame stretches over the last 21 years and I always cringe when I see one that was spliced at 90* with the top and bottom flanges. The fact of the matter is that no matter what you do in that area you create a stress riser. We normally glove the chassis either inside or out and bolt the glove in as opposed to welding it, because welding just moves the stress riser instead of distributing the load over a larger area.

**Ironangel** · 12-30-2010, 07:17 PM

If that things overlapped like I think it is, it wont need "fish-plating" or additional reinforcement. That may be a bit "unorthodox" but yet very effective. You can see that the cab mounts were welded but as mentioned above, the cushions are installed upside down. Correct that and your good to go. IMO Thats a professional opinion by the way, Im a union structural steel "Ironworker" certified welder for well over 33yrs.

The reason it hasn't broken yet, is because its not going to. "just sayin" Whats up with the "Mexican" comments? Thats BS!

screamin_c10 · 12-30-2010, 07:37 PM

My issue isn't the strength of the overlap...although I agree the webs probably should have some Grade 8 or better bolts going through. My issue is the way they staggered the frame rails in order to achieve the overlap. The one rail higher than the other is obvious, but in order to slip the rails into one another either the frame needed to be pinched or spread.

And I agree the Mexican comments are uncalled for...

Vintage Windmills · 12-30-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamin_c10

My issue isn't the strength of the overlap...although I agree the webs probably should have some Grade 8 or better bolts going through. My issue is the way they staggered the frame rails in order to achieve the overlap. The one rail higher than the other is obvious, but in order to slip the rails into one another either the frame needed to be pinched or spread.

And I agree the Mexican comments are uncalled for...

Looks like the top flange was trimmed off to allow it to slide inside the other half. No spreading required.

How far do the channels overlap? That is what will determine the strength.

Doesn't look like your hauling large loads with this truck, should be fine and its always something you can periodically inspect for cracks.

FWIW, the frames on the newer 2500hd's are welded in a similar manner. They tow upwards of 16,000 lbs with them.

12-30-2010, 02:43 PM	#1
Navy Mechanic Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Richmond, TX. Posts: 127	Was my truck originally a long bed? Was underneath my truck yesterday re-installing the seat (some anchor nuts gone so used bolts/nuts) anyway.....noticed some weld beads just aft of the forward cab mounts. Further investigation revealed that the aft cab mounts were welded vice riveted. Take a look at the pics...whatdya think? Former long bed? Attached Images __________________ *"Once a Chief, always a Chief!" MCPO (ret)* 03 2500HD- 'Daily driver' 67 Short Fleet- 'Drivable project!' 11 Malibu LTZ- 'The Wife's ride'

12-30-2010, 02:46 PM	#2
19seventeeCustom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Downtown Posts: 573	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? is the spid visible?

12-30-2010, 02:58 PM	#4
19seventeeCustom Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Downtown Posts: 573	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? yes inside of glovebox, Its tough for me to tell in these pics, but I dont remember my truck having that weld along the frame in that area, but im sure someone more knowledgable will chime in

12-30-2010, 02:59 PM	#5
BIGBLU 72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 700	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? my long bed for sure does not have any welds like that on the frame __________________ 68 C10 LWB 2/4 drop 406/th400/3.73posi 04 Silverado SS LQ9 6.0/4L65e/4.11posi AWD

12-30-2010, 03:10 PM	#6
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? It looks like it probably was. It doesn't look like they did a very good job of alighning the frame rails either. Is there some sort of reinforcement plate installed on the inside of the frame rails? If not there needs to be. Take a look at the rear ends of the frame to see if they look like they have been cut off. (Saw marks, cutoff wheel marks, or toarch marks.) WES __________________ 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

12-30-2010, 03:12 PM	#7
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? Looks to be a shortened frame. Is there any extra gusseting/bracing on the inside? __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-30-2010, 03:13 PM	#8
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? Uppon further inspection, the frame rail allignment is off in oppisate directions on each side. One side up and one side down... I would fix that if it were mine. WES __________________ 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

12-30-2010, 03:14 PM	#9
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? And the quality of the job isn't that great. The two halves aren't even lined up very well. I would not be a happy camper if that was mine. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-30-2010, 03:15 PM	#10
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? They also have the front cab mounts in up side down. WES __________________ 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

12-30-2010, 03:27 PM	#11
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? It might be worth looking for a shortbed frame to swap everything on to.... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-30-2010, 04:05 PM	#12
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,545	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? look here for frame. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=437914 __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-30-2010, 04:17 PM	#14
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? I'd say it was shorted or maybe frame was repaired from an accident? Do the frame VIN# and the VIN of your title match? __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-30-2010, 04:19 PM	#15
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,768	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? I would flop the cab mount cushions also. They are in wrong. WES __________________ 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

12-30-2010, 04:30 PM	#16
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? If the frame doesn't have any additional bracing on the inside, I wouldn't feel comfortable riding in it....the way that is welded straight...with no additional bracing it is definitely unsafe. __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-30-2010, 04:51 PM	#17
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? i agree i would weld some plates on there and go with that __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14



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12-30-2010, 06:18 PM	#19
screamin_c10 I dun gradjiated collij!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Helens Oregon Posts: 1,751	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? So they overlapped the rails? __________________ Built NOT Bought. Viper Red 1971 LWB C10 355 Vortec W/700R4 4/5 drop AKA Screamin' You are missed! 2006 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton Rollin' on 22s the "F1" 67 C20 PS/AC/327/TH400 we call 'er "Bessie" 67 Malibu PS/ZR1-LS1 Brakes/350 Vortec/700R4 2/2 drop on 18" 338s - Tracy's "Boo" Boosted '67 Cougar EFI 5.0 HO roller motor/T5/8.8 Tracloc/ 4 wheel disks - "Project Panther" 79 Honda Z50 - stretched, cafe'd and hotrodded 125CC Lifan/5spd FEAR THE MONKEY!

12-30-2010, 06:49 PM	#21
MistaGavin Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 126	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? I can understand not being able to get a different frame but that definitely should be reinforced. Posted via Mobile Device Last edited by MistaGavin; 12-31-2010 at 05:41 AM.

12-30-2010, 07:17 PM	#23
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? If that things overlapped like I think it is, it wont need "fish-plating" or additional reinforcement. That may be a bit "unorthodox" but yet very effective. You can see that the cab mounts were welded but as mentioned above, the cushions are installed upside down. Correct that and your good to go. IMO Thats a professional opinion by the way, Im a union structural steel "Ironworker" certified welder for well over 33yrs. The reason it hasn't broken yet, is because its not going to. "just sayin" Whats up with the "Mexican" comments? Thats BS! __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American" Last edited by Ironangel; 12-30-2010 at 07:19 PM.

12-30-2010, 07:37 PM	#24
screamin_c10 I dun gradjiated collij!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Helens Oregon Posts: 1,751	Re: Was my truck originally a long bed? My issue isn't the strength of the overlap...although I agree the webs probably should have some Grade 8 or better bolts going through. My issue is the way they staggered the frame rails in order to achieve the overlap. The one rail higher than the other is obvious, but in order to slip the rails into one another either the frame needed to be pinched or spread. And I agree the Mexican comments are uncalled for... __________________ Built NOT Bought. Viper Red 1971 LWB C10 355 Vortec W/700R4 4/5 drop AKA Screamin' You are missed! 2006 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton Rollin' on 22s the "F1" 67 C20 PS/AC/327/TH400 we call 'er "Bessie" 67 Malibu PS/ZR1-LS1 Brakes/350 Vortec/700R4 2/2 drop on 18" 338s - Tracy's "Boo" Boosted '67 Cougar EFI 5.0 HO roller motor/T5/8.8 Tracloc/ 4 wheel disks - "Project Panther" 79 Honda Z50 - stretched, cafe'd and hotrodded 125CC Lifan/5spd FEAR THE MONKEY! Last edited by screamin_c10; 12-30-2010 at 07:39 PM.

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