Crew Cab w/5 foot bed

[Kinghat]

I am about to buy a 1978 C30 Dually. Plans are to convert to either SRW 1 ton or 3/4 ton running gear and to cut the frame down and use a 5.5 foot SWB bed. It sounds like the folks that have just converted to a 6.5 bed have cut 14 inches out of the frame between cab and axle to achieve it. Since I am thinking of a 5.5 bed, can a crew cab dually frame handle 26" cut out of it? Is there that much straight frame in that section?

[Pyrotechnic]

There should be enough frame back there do whatever you want, but you will most likely have to do something with the front spring hangers as they will have to be moved forward on the frame, and the frame goes lower as it goes under the cab. You will most likely have to get rid of the saddle gas tanks as well. As the front of the leaf springs will occupy their space.

I take it you want to remove 1 foot from the front of a 6.5 foot short bed ?

[Kinghat]

I believe I will use a tank between the frame rails; I saw one in a mag from LMC that looks good.

[ghettoluxury]

use a suburban frame

[Kinghat]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

use a suburban frame

I considered it, but the ones that I saw had the rear axle too close to the cab, I want the wheel opening more centered.

It would be about like a Blazer from the door back. Like this:

[knightowl73]

the rear section after the wheel opening is also shorter there than on the shortbeds, so if you want it to look centered with that amount of space then you might want to consider blazer bedsides or youll be shortening before and after the wheelwell opening to get that look.

[Kinghat]

I believe if I remove a foot from the front of a SWB bed, I will get close to what I am after. I just posted the Blazer panel pic as an example.

[f.monroe]

I cant answer the frame question but I do think it would look great with the dimensions you are after . That truck above looks nice but would be real nice with the rear wheels more centered .
Frank

[Conundrum]

I think it would save alot of time and work, maybe frustration to use the blazer bedsides from the beginning. Just my 2 cents.

[knightowl73]

yeah i agree with conondrum

[dropd80s]

dont forget that the typical 14" out of the front of the axle is accompanied by 6" off the rear of the frame for a rstandard length short bed.

[tswore]

There is enough straight frame on the top, but the frame gets thinner as it goes back. So the bottom of the frame wont match up. on the pic the 2 white lines on the op of the fame are 14 inches apart. you can put the first cut a little further forward, but you will still be in the skinny part of the frame in the back. And like pyro said, you will have to move the front spring hanger. hope that helps!

I just realized I basically just repeated pyos advice. It must have been good but I had a pic

[Kinghat]

I actually have access to a Suburban frame. How hard would it be to move that axle back along the frame?

[Kinghat]

Ok. Obviously I need to get the truck first and foremost, but I have fairly well decided on my game plan. Single tank in rear, 26 inches out of frame and relocate front spring perches. Also, does anyone know what a normal single 16X8 eight lug wheel would look like on a dual wheel axle? Stupid?

[dropd80s]

They will stick out, I know a lot of guys run that set up when using Hummer H1 wheels because they have such a huge back space it helps bring the tires back out away from the frame.

[Kinghat]

here are pics that were taken for me by a good friend






It is a 454/400 that was converted to LPG. I have heard those motors are really clean inside. First thing will be to get it back on gas and running. Then I can drive it while I collect parts!

[Kinghat]

I'll likely ebay the visor and propane setup. I have another friend with 87 Suburban that will be donating door panels and/or doors.

[spinem]

I want one. I want one bad.

[Conundrum]

Man I wish I could find a truck just like that one around here. All the side trim looks to be in real good shape, i'm a sucker for the trucks with side trim.

[Kinghat]

I plan on going with paint code 41 Spring Green and a vinyl wood grain down the side with a white top

[scotts62]

Looks to be really straight from the pics, nice score

[Kinghat]

Has anyone tried the new 8 lug Wheel Vintiques steel wheel yet? I am planning on using these, but I want to see some on a truck and also see what center cap options are available. Their website is a little low on info.