Should I convert to shortbed? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Se7en Deuce · 05-06-2010, 04:51 PM

So I recently purchased my 4.5/6 ECE for my 72 3/4 LWB.
I already have the front end from a 72 1/2ton and rear end to match.

Original plan was to just convert this to a 1/2 ton and drop it and drive it, but I came across a guy who will sell me a swb frame and fleetside bed in good condition for $400.

I like the lwb look but I see that swb trucks are worth more $, so Im wondering If I should by the frame and bed and make mine a shorty.

discuss.

chevy88 · 05-06-2010, 05:08 PM

If you like the long wheelbase look for you, I would keep it long.

junkyardjohn · 05-06-2010, 05:09 PM

PERSONALLY I LIKE DRIVING SHORTBEDS & BLAZERS. $ ASIDE I'VE NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED DOING A LWB TRUCK. YOU PROBABLY WON'T LOSE AS MUCH MONEY, WHEN YOU DECIDE IT'S TIME TO SELL IT.

BUT IT'S ALL A MATTER OF PERSONAL PREFERANCE. IF SOMEONE WILL SELL YOU A NICE SWB FRAME & FLEET BED FOR $400..... WELL THATS A SMOKIN DEAL EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE IT & SELL IT AS IS. JMHO.

JOHN

capev86 · 05-06-2010, 05:13 PM

swb's look cool but a long bed is more practical. the route i might take in this case would be to swap all the stock 3/4 ton running gear onto the 1/2 ton frame and make yourself something the factory should have done just for kicks. i certainly dig the beefy track bar on the h.d. trucks! there are plenty of slammed 1/2 ton swb's out there, but you would instantly stand out in the crowd with your unique approach!

rusty baker · 05-06-2010, 05:50 PM

If it's a work truck, you will want the long bed. You can't haul much in a SWB. If it's for looks, it's whatever you like.

**leddzepp** · 05-06-2010, 05:51 PM

Do it! If you ever go to sell it, SWB bring more money, period. This holds true no matter what year the truck is. $400 is a steal for a SWB frame and box if they are in good shape. I am doing the exact same thing....got a perfect 3/4 ton survivor and am converting it to 1/2 ton SWB. Click on my build thread to see pics.

culp7 · 05-06-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capev86

swb's look cool but a long bed is more practical. the route i might take in this case would be to swap all the stock 3/4 ton running gear onto the 1/2 ton frame and make yourself something the factory should have done just for kicks. i certainly dig the beefy track bar on the h.d. trucks! there are plenty of slammed 1/2 ton swb's out there, but you would instantly stand out in the crowd with your unique approach!

x2

tim21391 · 05-06-2010, 06:37 PM

in my opinion shortbeds look really good but if your goin for the money option of being worth more.. in my opinion your truck wont reach shortbed price range since on the vin it was originally a long bed...

**GruntMoanCough** · 05-06-2010, 06:52 PM

IMO, keep the 3/4 ton as is and buy the SWB/bed and build another one.........C'mon, do it.

Se7en Deuce · 05-06-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GruntMoanCough

IMO, keep the 3/4 ton as is and buy the SWB/bed and build another one.........C'mon, do it.

honestly I would love to do that but space and the wife probably wouldnt allow lol.

I know according to vin this will never be worth alot even as a short bed but I would assume just as a seller on craigs etc. it would bring more money as a shorty w a good frame.

**leddzepp** · 05-06-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Se7en Deuce

honestly I would love to do that but space and the wife probably wouldnt allow lol.

I know according to vin this will never be worth alot even as a short bed but I would assume just as a seller on craigs etc. it would bring more money as a shorty w a good frame.

There is nothing in the VIN that indicates if a truck is LWB or SWB. The VIN does however tell you if the truck was 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton. Obviously if it was a 3/4 ton truck, it was LWB originally.
It will be worth more money as a converted short bed than it will be as a stock long bed (all other things being equal). I saw a 3/4 ton that was converted to a SWB sell for over 20K on Ebay.

hicktownhotrodder · 05-06-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GruntMoanCough

IMO, keep the 3/4 ton as is and buy the SWB/bed and build another one.........C'mon, do it.

x3 its a deal you cant really pass up imo

**70cst** · 05-06-2010, 08:25 PM

Do what pleases you...I would never pay the same price for an original SWB verses a converted SWB.

Hubscrub · 05-06-2010, 08:38 PM

go with what you like, but i agree too, that is too good of a deal to pass up even if you don't use it

OldSkool71 · 05-06-2010, 09:10 PM

I would say if you are doing it for the value factor...forget it...if your doing it because that is what you really want...and it will be a great deal less money to get it...then do it...My truck is converted and I love it...not really interested in what it will bring if I sell at this point...Cuz at the end of the day it is what it is now...just my 2 cents...good luck either way...and keep us posted if you do the conversion...Ron

hugger6933 · 05-06-2010, 09:15 PM

I am in the same shap with my 70. It was a long and a really nice one at that . I decided that it needed to be short to bring the money it should demand. I plan on usig the long frame to go under my 3/4 ton just for the coil srings and a better ride . The truck that I am putting the long frame under I plan on keeping but I am sure it will be for sale as soon as the paint dries if not sooner .jim

oldblue1968chevy · 05-06-2010, 09:51 PM

thats a good deal im assuming it has title id be on that like white on rice!!!

Se7en Deuce · 05-06-2010, 09:51 PM

well i will buy the parts regardless since they are harder to find these days and it seems like a pretty good deal.
The thing is I dont need the 3/4ton capabilities, I just want a kool old truck to drive around now and then haha.
That being said im not looking to do an expensive restore job either, my thoughts were basically if i made it a swb and spent some $ on it and made it look clean then if the time ever came and I needed to sell it I could get more for it as a swb.
Im not building it to sell just getting some ideas

05-06-2010, 04:51 PM	#1
Se7en Deuce Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Covington, WA. Posts: 55	Should I convert to shortbed? So I recently purchased my 4.5/6 ECE for my 72 3/4 LWB. I already have the front end from a 72 1/2ton and rear end to match. Original plan was to just convert this to a 1/2 ton and drop it and drive it, but I came across a guy who will sell me a swb frame and fleetside bed in good condition for $400. I like the lwb look but I see that swb trucks are worth more $, so Im wondering If I should by the frame and bed and make mine a shorty. discuss.

05-06-2010, 05:08 PM	#2
chevy88 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern, Saskatchewan Posts: 640	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? If you like the long wheelbase look for you, I would keep it long. __________________ Kerry My build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3657823 1971 Chev SWB with 68 nose, 6.2 diesel th350, and 3.73 rear gears 1988 Chev Extendacab 2010 Honda VT1300CS Sabre 2005 Buick Rendezvous wife's ride

05-06-2010, 05:09 PM	#3
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? PERSONALLY I LIKE DRIVING SHORTBEDS & BLAZERS. $ ASIDE I'VE NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED DOING A LWB TRUCK. YOU PROBABLY WON'T LOSE AS MUCH MONEY, WHEN YOU DECIDE IT'S TIME TO SELL IT. BUT IT'S ALL A MATTER OF PERSONAL PREFERANCE. IF SOMEONE WILL SELL YOU A NICE SWB FRAME & FLEET BED FOR $400..... WELL THATS A SMOKIN DEAL EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE IT & SELL IT AS IS. JMHO. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

05-06-2010, 05:13 PM	#4
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? swb's look cool but a long bed is more practical. the route i might take in this case would be to swap all the stock 3/4 ton running gear onto the 1/2 ton frame and make yourself something the factory should have done just for kicks. i certainly dig the beefy track bar on the h.d. trucks! there are plenty of slammed 1/2 ton swb's out there, but you would instantly stand out in the crowd with your unique approach!

05-06-2010, 05:50 PM	#5
rusty baker '70 C-10 Primer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nevada,missouri Posts: 117	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? If it's a work truck, you will want the long bed. You can't haul much in a SWB. If it's for looks, it's whatever you like. __________________ "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein

05-06-2010, 05:51 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,997	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? Do it! If you ever go to sell it, SWB bring more money, period. This holds true no matter what year the truck is. $400 is a steal for a SWB frame and box if they are in good shape. I am doing the exact same thing....got a perfect 3/4 ton survivor and am converting it to 1/2 ton SWB. Click on my build thread to see pics. __________________ 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 Last edited by leddzepp; 05-06-2010 at 05:52 PM.

05-06-2010, 06:37 PM	#8
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? in my opinion shortbeds look really good but if your goin for the money option of being worth more.. in my opinion your truck wont reach shortbed price range since on the vin it was originally a long bed... __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

05-06-2010, 06:52 PM	#9
GruntMoanCough Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pemberton, BC Posts: 1,075	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? IMO, keep the 3/4 ton as is and buy the SWB/bed and build another one.........C'mon, do it. __________________ My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am - Unknown

05-06-2010, 08:25 PM	#13
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? Do what pleases you...I would never pay the same price for an original SWB verses a converted SWB. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

05-06-2010, 08:38 PM	#14
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? go with what you like, but i agree too, that is too good of a deal to pass up even if you don't use it __________________ 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

05-06-2010, 09:10 PM	#15
OldSkool71 C/10 CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 993	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? I would say if you are doing it for the value factor...forget it...if your doing it because that is what you really want...and it will be a great deal less money to get it...then do it...My truck is converted and I love it...not really interested in what it will bring if I sell at this point...Cuz at the end of the day it is what it is now...just my 2 cents...good luck either way...and keep us posted if you do the conversion...Ron __________________ -Ron-

05-06-2010, 09:15 PM	#16
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,263	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? I am in the same shap with my 70. It was a long and a really nice one at that . I decided that it needed to be short to bring the money it should demand. I plan on usig the long frame to go under my 3/4 ton just for the coil srings and a better ride . The truck that I am putting the long frame under I plan on keeping but I am sure it will be for sale as soon as the paint dries if not sooner .jim

05-06-2010, 09:51 PM	#17
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? thats a good deal im assuming it has title id be on that like white on rice!!! __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

05-06-2010, 09:51 PM	#18
Se7en Deuce Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Covington, WA. Posts: 55	Re: Should I convert to shortbed? well i will buy the parts regardless since they are harder to find these days and it seems like a pretty good deal. The thing is I dont need the 3/4ton capabilities, I just want a kool old truck to drive around now and then haha. That being said im not looking to do an expensive restore job either, my thoughts were basically if i made it a swb and spent some $ on it and made it look clean then if the time ever came and I needed to sell it I could get more for it as a swb. Im not building it to sell just getting some ideas



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