Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4

[Madtrucker]

I owned a 67 2wd swb for about 8 years dragging it around everywhere I moved. My intentions where greater than my wallet and abilities so I sold it to stock my garage with tools and do a few practice projects. So over the past few years I've done a few jeep yj's and made a little money from them. I've replaced floors, body sides, cowls, cut and rebuilt rusted frames, and painted.

So I've recently bought a 68 lwb 4x4, 350 700r4 trans with 33"x12.50"s. The plan is to install my 355 roller motor, convert to a short step side, clean up the body and interior, and paint it myself.

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[survivingalone]

looks like a good start. body looks solid.

[Madtrucker]

That satin black does wonders, every panel needs some work. Still pretty solid for MI though.

The bed is the cleanest part of the truck, but its the only thing I'm selling. Its getting picked up tomorrow then I can put that money into the stepside I have waiting.
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[67swb72klb]

looks like a good project whats the details welcome to the site very good bunch on here

[Madtrucker]

The guy picked up the bed last night. Next I'll mock up the short bed on the frame to see what needs to be cut out. I'd like to have the bed blasted if it doesn't kill my wallet. I'd like to keep some cash to relocate the gas tank. I'm trying to do it all with the money from the long bed.

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...MTA2LmpwZw.jpg


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[Madtrucker]

The frame is pretty clean, probably just power wash and paint it. The new bed is pretty solid but i have a few dents to work out, couldn't beat the price.

[Madtrucker]

I set the short bed in place to take measurements of what needs to be cut from the frame. Looks like 12-13"s behind the cab, another 7-8"s at the back of the frame. Hopefully I'll get to cutting in a few weeks.

[Madtrucker]

I know the hood is different on 67/68, is the 68 fender different than the 69-72? Some vendors have different part # some have the same. I'm going to get doors and he has a new set of fenders but says 69-72. Any help would be appreciated.
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[Mr Pops]

1967's had no marker light in the fender. Other than that, 67-68 Chevy fenders are the same as 67-72 GMC fenders. 69-72 Chevy fenders are different.

[Mr Pops]

This is what a 69-72 Chevrolet fender looks like.

[Madtrucker]

He has the gmc fenders so I should grab them. Anyone heard of Tabt, he bought them abou 6yrs ago
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[ThreeQtr]

Instead of shorting the frame, how about extending the cab?

Like this build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=395061

[Madtrucker]

It's funny that you posted that. I have that pic saved on my phone, I considered it for a while. With a 4th kid on the way, and the fact that I don't have his skills I'll stick with my plans. I do love that truck though, hope to see it finished.

[Madtrucker]

I had the bed blasted, everything turned out to be real solid. I shot some epoxy on the flares until i find time to work the dents out. I also picked up Goodmark doors and fenders instead of fixing the PO's booger work.

[Madtrucker]

So the frame is 8" shorter so far, I also cut the front bed mounts off.

[Madtrucker]

I had the rest of the bed blasted last week, hung everything and began priming. About 1:30am my wife came out to tell me her water broke, we were set to induce in 2 days. Funny how that works, but now we have a beautiful new baby girl. Hope to get it primed this week, just want to enjoy the baby for awhile.

[Madtrucker]

So i assembled the bed and set it where i want it on the frame. Looks like i need to take 12 1/4" out of the frame. My plan is to take it out at a 45 behind the rear cab mount to the point where the frame curves up. I also plan to box the the inside of the frame.

I know a z cut would be better, but I'm trying not to pull the cab do to time and space. So I'd like to know if I'm overlooking anything by cutting this area out?

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Madtrucker

So i assembled the bed and set it where i want it on the frame. Looks like i need to take 12 1/4" out of the frame. My plan is to take it out at a 45 behind the rear cab mount to the point where the frame curves up. I also plan to box the the inside of the frame.

I know a z cut would be better, but I'm trying not to pull the cab do to time and space. So I'd like to know if I'm overlooking anything by cutting this area out?

Take 12" out. That is the difference from the factory.

Working on the straight area of the frame under the cab can be done with the cab in place. Kevin Lewis (Rokcrln) did a great write up on the process.

The bed chop starts on pg 8 but what you are after starts on pg 11.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ck+LFD&page=11

[Madtrucker]

Thanks for the link. I took a break to build a bump out for my compressor and blasting cabinet, just need to clean the garage and get motivated.
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[Madtrucker]

I pulled the bed off again, then I removed the body mount bolts to raise the cab. Next I'm going to remove the rear body mounts and the 2wd cross member. From the pics of other 4x4 frames I don't see a crossmember behind the cab, can someone with a shortbed 4x4 confirm this for me.
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[Madtrucker]

I braced the frame and cut the 12" section out last night. Then we welded it back together inside and out, i plan on boxing about 12"s along the welded area. Everything turned out straight and square, real happy with it.
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[Madtrucker]

I braced the frame and cut the 12" section out last night. Then we welded it back together inside and out, i plan on boxing about 12"s along the welded area. Everything turned out straight and square, real happy with it.

[Madtrucker]

photobucket pics aren't working.

[Madtrucker]

I boxed the inside sections of the frame, drilled new body mount holes, installed the shorter brake line, rewired the rear harness and picked up the new aluminum drive shaft. Now I'm thinking of ordering a fuel cell and cleaning the frame with a wire wheel and painting it.

After all that i want to make a bed floor, I've got a few ideas but I'm open to new suggestions. Feel free to post some pics of any ideas.

[mjensen]

No help here on the bed floor, but it's looking good so far!