Got myself into some trouble. HELP!!!

[clb1024]

Here's my problem:
I bought a 67 C10 Shortbox(or thats what I was told). It is in running condition. When I bought it, it had a wood flat bed(no sheet metal) on it. I then bought a 68 GMC Short Stepper for the bed. I went to change the beds out tonight and have since found my 67 is a "Long Wheel Base". I know I did not think things through or do any measuring(VERY DUMB ON MY PART). I was wondering what has to be changed out if I drop my 67 cab and 67 front clip on the 68 GMC frame? What parts I will need to buy?

List of what I have:
67 Chevy C10 complete Long Bed(no bedsides) small window cab
68 GMC C10 bad cab, no front clip, no doors, no motor & trans, complete frame

[black_sheep454]

Should be a straight swap, nothing additional needed.
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[clb1024]

I see you are about to do the same thing, from your signature. Have you started yet?

[68 TT]

Straight swap but why not just cut down the frame of the Chevy to make it the short bed length?

Cab, front clip & drivetain can stay in place. Way less work to shorten the frame in my opinion but that is coming from a professional steel fabricator so YMMV.

This way the VIN number on the frame still matches the truck cab & title too.

[hugger6933]

A frame swap is not hard, just hard work a couple of days work and you can have it behind[ or less of it ] you.

[clb1024]

Ran into yet another kink: The 68 GMC frame has some "Swiss cheese" in the frame rails. I don't know how to weld and am planning to drop a healthy motor in it. Now my wife wants me to buy a 4x4.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by clb1024

Ran into yet another kink: The 68 GMC frame has some "Swiss cheese" in the frame rails. I don't know how to weld and am planning to drop a healthy motor in it. Now my wife wants me to buy a 4x4.

You could have the frame shortened at a welding shop. It would only take a pro about two hours to do the work. I did mine in less than ideal conditions outside in that amount of time. Shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred bucks to have a shop do it.

You could convert the truck to 4x4 too. The GMC 2-wd rear leaf parts will bolt up to the Chevy trailing arm chassis and get you half way there. Common square body 4x4 front end parts will get you the rest of the way.

Either that or find a short bed 4x4 instead and sell off what you have now & start over.

[clb1024]

What happens to your towing capasity after you shorten a frame? This truck will be used to haul: 1200# hay rolls, farm equipment, a possible car or truck here and there.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by clb1024

What happens to your towing capasity after you shorten a frame? This truck will be used to haul: 1200# hay rolls, farm equipment, a possible car or truck here and there.

I wouldn't be building a short bed half ton if that is your end goal for the truck.
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[502ms]

How much do you want for the step bed?
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[clb1024]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

I wouldn't be building a short bed half ton if that is your end goal for the truck.
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Why wouldn't you? Down sides?

Originally Posted by 502ms

How much do you want for the step bed?
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Thanks for the intrest, but it's not for sale.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by clb1024

What happens to your towing capasity after you shorten a frame? This truck will be used to haul: 1200# hay rolls, farm equipment, a possible car or truck here and there.

The towing capacity of the truck won't change weight wise. It might change a bit wiggle wise as the long wheelbase seems to usually handle towing a tad better than the shorter wheelbase.

There is a real good thread on here about shortening the wheelbase on these trucks with a diagram on how to cut the frame. Here, this is the right way to shorten one of these frames.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624 Or any truck frame for that matter if you change the dimensions to match the frame and wheelbase.

[clb1024]

Thanks mr48chev for the insight. I can handle a little wiggle. The feed store is only about 5 miles away, I will be placing the hay rolls on a 16ft tandem trailer. I will also only be hauling a car or truck maybe once a month for short trips.

[black_sheep454]

Originally Posted by clb1024

I see you are about to do the same thing, from your signature. Have you started yet?

Haven't started yet but I figure since I'm gonna take it completely apart to powder coat the frame it's not anymore work. Plus I'll be able to leave one rolling while I get the short bed frame ready.
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[68 TT]

Originally Posted by clb1024

Why wouldn't you? Down sides?

Bigger brakes, stronger rear axle, thicker frame, more load capacity & larger payload capacity without needing a trailer to name a few.

The heavier the truck the less the trailer can push you around and the more stable it will be with the trailer behind it.

Same goes for height. Chevy lowers the rated towing capability of the 4x4 version of the same load rated truck. The payload capacity may be the same but the towing capability is less. The extra height makes them less stable with a trailer.

You could always just have a 3/4-ton longbed 2wd beater work truck to get the tough jobs done and build the 1/2-ton shortbed 4x4 as a nice toy that can get you around all year long and haul the smaller stuff when needed.

[clb1024]

I am about to buy a 67 C20 LWB step side. So I'll be selling off my SWB frame and step side bed. They are in the for sale section of this forum. If intrested please post there. NO PM sales.

Thanks,
Chris

[502ms]

Hey, got your message. LMK