Shortening a long bed?????

[ToLowFoShow]

I have a 1972 Chevy truck long bed which im planning on cutting down and making it into a short bed. I have a few questions about this. One is does anybody know the measurements of the short bed truck frame and the long bed? How much do I need to cut out of the frame to shorten it? Im also planning on cutting the bed sides down to the short bed size….Does the front and back both need to be shortened or is the extra length just in the front. One last thing is the driveline. I know the long bed has a 2 piece driveline….what about the short bed? It has a manual trans in it. Any info would be great…thanks!

[Gene]

Well for starters, you have to cut 12 inches under the cab out and then 6 inches off the back of the frame. Then you need to get a 1 piece driveshaft out of a short wheelbase truck. But as far as cutting the bed, good luck. Every one I have ever seen has not looked good. I cut my frame and then found a good donor shortbed to use.

I suggest doing a search of the threads to find good step by step instructions on this, it's been too long since I have done mine for me to try and walk you through it.

[ToLowFoShow]

Awsome! Thanks. I was thinking that cutting the bed would be a pain to. Thanks for the advice. One more thing, im new to this message board...were would i find the instructions?

[Vince M]

A fellow member (efabman) showed how to do this a while back with pictures. Try and do a search for his posts. I thought it was 8" off the rear but I can't remember. I"m contemplating doing the same thing to a steel bed floor only to get a good shortbed steel floor.

[71swb4x4]

Do a search. I believe the frame shortening is also in the FAQ's.
Here's a link:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=123624

[ToLowFoShow]

Thanks For the info.....One last question. I plan on putting a C notch in the rear and because I don’t really want to cut the frame twice can you take the 12 inches that should come from under the cab and take it right in front of the axel? Would that work? That way I only cut the frame once…and weld in the same area …

[c-1072]

All i have to say is do a bunch of research before you go cutting up a good frame . you might even consider just buying a short bed and frame they are out there if you just look for one . Where are you from .

[ToLowFoShow]

Sacramento California.

[71swb4x4]

Update your profile. That way when you are asking questions people can see where you are from. If they have a part you need they will be more likely to offer it to you if you are close.

[Kid]

simply put, No, you can not take the 12" out at the rear part of frame where you C notch, the cut must be foward of the rear suspension attach point to shorten the wheel base, then 8" off the back end of frame. Take the 12" from between the cab mounts, then move the aft cab mounts back 12". Worked for me

[c-1072]

Boy if you live in cali it wont be hard to find the stuff you need . I miss the way the smog looked at mid day almost brings me to tears . my dad still lives out there hes in southern cali quail vally .good luck

[robert wright]

One of the truck magazines did an article on this that was helpful, anyone remember? Don't cut your bed down, it doesn't work that way, at least not well. Probably best to sell the bed and search for a replacement shortbed.