Long bed or short? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69FAN · 07-05-2012, 09:50 PM

Hello all, I have been a member for a while but just drool over all of your projects. I am now "looking" into getting my project.
Now my question to anyone that's interested in answering, is this....long bed or short bed? I guess it's all up to the buyer what he/she wants to get out of the resto.

My ideal resto is: - pro touring- semi daily / cruise
- reliable
- COMFORTABLE

Thanks
Ant
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Posted via Mobile Device

72chevyk10 · 07-05-2012, 09:59 PM

i like long beds. usually better ride and (to me) look better.

pat 70/71 · 07-05-2012, 10:04 PM

Welcome to the board! You just can't go wrong ether way. Think about how you will use your new truck. Get the most out of your new acquisition. I really think it boils down to what you want and what you can afford. Cheers, Pat
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ChevLoRay · 07-05-2012, 10:13 PM

If you have a coil spring suspension, a SWB will ride just fine. If it has leaf springs, then a LWB may ride better. But, what I like about the '67-72's is the ride that you get with coil spring suspensions. My '96 SWB has leaf springs and it rides like a rock in a box....bouncing and banging. My '69 was a dream to drive, even lowered 2.5/4.0.

What you also need to know: For '69, Chevy made 55,000 SWB C-10's. They made 263,000 LWB C-10's. These are ballpark numbers, but you can see that there were way more long beds, than short beds. This makes it possible for short beds to bring a premium over a long bed, in the marketplace, if all things are equal.

Bottom line: It's still a personal preference and it's your money.

SS Tim · 07-05-2012, 10:21 PM

It all depends on what you want to do with it and how much there is to play with. LWB trucks just ride nicer on the freeway and trailers pull nicer, I feel. Pro touring (cringe) mods are often so invasive you might consider starting with a cheaper LWB then if you must later chop it.

**70cst** · 07-05-2012, 10:24 PM

Hey 69FAN ...

First of all

to the forum and

from Ohio.

You have already been given some sound information. I have a 70cst BB LWB because thats what I stumbled on in Tn back in 2000. As been said the SWB trucks will bring more $$$ than a compariable LWB trucks.

seem to bring more $$$ than

. Factory options also will affect the price of the truck. Rust can be very expensive to repair but rust can be repaired. Rust above the windshield can be costly to repair. I am sure you will get more replies and be patient on your purchase. Best of luck.

Pics of 67-72 trucks.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449588

A Guide to 67-72 trucks.
http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...cks/index.html

50bomb · 07-05-2012, 10:47 PM

For me personally I would have been better off with a shortbed stepside cause I never really use a truck for its full capacity. But I have a 67 c10 Lwb and I really enjoy it and will never get rid of it.

**leddzepp** · 07-05-2012, 11:01 PM

buy whatever you want. keep in mind if you decide to sell later on down the road you will have an easier time, and get more money selling a swb truck, condition being equal.
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74 shortbed 406 · 07-05-2012, 11:03 PM

If you 2wd, get a shortbed. If 4wd, either.

Hubscrub · 07-05-2012, 11:03 PM

both are great!!!

clb1024 · 07-05-2012, 11:39 PM

I say if your going to use it like a truck, go LWB Fleetside. If you are just going to run to the feed store or a Cruise In, go with the SWB Stepper. Just my $0.02 though. I really like all the 67-72 trucks.

**jocko** · 07-06-2012, 12:05 AM

ok, here's my 2 cents, and haven't seen it posted above yet, so here goes...

For ME... I like 1/2 tons in swb and 3/4 in lwb. Yes, I realize a 3/4 or higher can only be a lwb or more, but my point is this - IF I want a long bed, I'll grab a 3/4 ton. And, as a matter of fact, I DO want one...

I've kinda slowly, somehow, some way, altered my seemingly never-ending search for a swb cheyenne super to a lwb cheyenne super c20, and hopefully a custom camper to boot. My biggest stumbling block/good fortune (take your pick) is that I've collected some interior parts for a specific color combo that fell through and find myself in a bit of a narrow search for a cheyenne super custom camper - and of course I've found a butt-load of sweet Custom Deluxe Highlanders recently.... Ugh. Heart set on a 72, but what can I say - that was my high school truck!

Anyhoo - that's how I look at it - if I want a hot rod, i go swb 1/2 ton. If I want a big o truck, I go for a C20 along with that long bed. My 2 cents, means less than 1 cent - but for the record, the only one I've owned was a 1/2 ton long bed, go figure!

cdowns · 07-06-2012, 07:57 AM

you can haul a heck of alot more cool useless stuff home in a longbed

yuccales · 07-06-2012, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

you can haul a heck of alot more cool useless stuff home in a longbed

Ain't that the truth!

**special-K** · 07-06-2012, 09:20 AM

First of all,welcome to the site. My suggestion is this: Think about it,first,then get what you want. No one can tell you what you want. It doesn't sound like you want a truck to haul. A shortbed can work hard and a longbed can cruise and look sexy. You can do anything with either.

ole dollor · 07-06-2012, 09:27 AM

welcome to the board.....i like em all....

**RenoKeene** · 07-06-2012, 09:46 AM

I converted my big block LWB to a short stepper to make my ultimate hot rod truck so.......if you want a hot rod cruzer go short.

PAWS 72 · 07-06-2012, 11:49 AM

Welcome to the board.Doesn't matter either way they all can be made nice trucks.I have both.Forgot to add, 1 nice 1 junker

**70cst** · 07-06-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

First of all,welcome to the site. My suggestion is this: Think about it,first,then get what you want. No one can tell you what you want. It doesn't sound like you want a truck to haul. A shortbed can work hard and a longbed can cruise and look sexy. You can do anything with either.

And all truck owners said...Amen

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CC69Rat · 07-06-2012, 12:12 PM

Get two !

After you get one, you'll want another one.. I can almost guarantee it. I have two and I want another one!

Always looking at CL, eBay for them..

**70cst** · 07-06-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Get two !

After you get one, you'll want another one.. I can almost guarantee it. I have two and I want another one!

Always looking at CL, eBay for them..

My wife said that if I value my life I'd better keep my stable down to one truck

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tubbedII · 07-06-2012, 12:38 PM

Because you said you want the pro-touring look, I say shorty is the way to go.

And Welcome from Cali!

CC69Rat · 07-06-2012, 12:50 PM

Yeah, I'm thinking short fleet for the Pro-Tour look but, .. your call. They'd all look good that way.

Personally, I like LWB 4x4s though. It's just a preference thing. The main thing to consider is what YOU like. I wouldnt build it to suit other people just get the parts you like the best and make your truck the way you want it. If you like 15's, do 15's. If you like the slant front end or not.. etc. Bagged or stock / static drop. They all look good.

It just all depends on what you like and what you want out of it. Patina'd paint and bagged with a 6cyl ? Do you like suspension or a LOT of horsepower? What matters most to you?

50bomb · 07-06-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Get two !

After you get one, you'll want another one.. I can almost guarantee it. I have two and I want another one!

Always looking at CL, eBay for them..

Ain't that the truth

67swb72klb · 07-06-2012, 02:52 PM

i vote 1 short and 1 long

07-05-2012, 09:50 PM	#1
69FAN Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: AGAWAM, MA Posts: 2	Long bed or short? Hello all, I have been a member for a while but just drool over all of your projects. I am now "looking" into getting my project. Now my question to anyone that's interested in answering, is this....long bed or short bed? I guess it's all up to the buyer what he/she wants to get out of the resto. My ideal resto is: - pro touring- semi daily / cruise - reliable - COMFORTABLE Thanks Ant Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device

07-05-2012, 10:04 PM	#3
pat 70/71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: newbury park california Posts: 1,038	Re: Long bed or short? Welcome to the board! You just can't go wrong ether way. Think about how you will use your new truck. Get the most out of your new acquisition. I really think it boils down to what you want and what you can afford. Cheers, Pat Posted via Mobile Device

07-05-2012, 10:13 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Long bed or short? If you have a coil spring suspension, a SWB will ride just fine. If it has leaf springs, then a LWB may ride better. But, what I like about the '67-72's is the ride that you get with coil spring suspensions. My '96 SWB has leaf springs and it rides like a rock in a box....bouncing and banging. My '69 was a dream to drive, even lowered 2.5/4.0. What you also need to know: For '69, Chevy made 55,000 SWB C-10's. They made 263,000 LWB C-10's. These are ballpark numbers, but you can see that there were way more long beds, than short beds. This makes it possible for short beds to bring a premium over a long bed, in the marketplace, if all things are equal. Bottom line: It's still a personal preference and it's your money. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-05-2012, 10:21 PM	#5
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: Long bed or short? It all depends on what you want to do with it and how much there is to play with. LWB trucks just ride nicer on the freeway and trailers pull nicer, I feel. Pro touring (cringe) mods are often so invasive you might consider starting with a cheaper LWB then if you must later chop it. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

07-05-2012, 10:24 PM	#6
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Long bed or short? Hey 69FAN ... First of all to the forum and from Ohio. You have already been given some sound information. I have a 70cst BB LWB because thats what I stumbled on in Tn back in 2000. As been said the SWB trucks will bring more $$$ than a compariable LWB trucks. seem to bring more $$$ than . Factory options also will affect the price of the truck. Rust can be very expensive to repair but rust can be repaired. Rust above the windshield can be costly to repair. I am sure you will get more replies and be patient on your purchase. Best of luck. Pics of 67-72 trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449588 A Guide to 67-72 trucks. http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...cks/index.html __________________ 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!

07-05-2012, 10:47 PM	#7
50bomb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hemet,Ca Posts: 1,502	Re: Long bed or short? For me personally I would have been better off with a shortbed stepside cause I never really use a truck for its full capacity. But I have a 67 c10 Lwb and I really enjoy it and will never get rid of it. __________________ Stovebolt-It is painted

07-05-2012, 11:01 PM	#8
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,997	Re: Long bed or short? buy whatever you want. keep in mind if you decide to sell later on down the road you will have an easier time, and get more money selling a swb truck, condition being equal. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 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

07-05-2012, 11:03 PM	#9
74 shortbed 406 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bowling Green, Mo Posts: 204	Re: Long bed or short? If you 2wd, get a shortbed. If 4wd, either. __________________ 1978 GMC K25 2002 Dodge Dakota R/T rc swb In need of some more goodies.

07-05-2012, 11:03 PM	#10
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Long bed or short? both are great!!! __________________ 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

07-05-2012, 11:39 PM	#11
clb1024 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Middleburg, FL Posts: 210	Re: Long bed or short? I say if your going to use it like a truck, go LWB Fleetside. If you are just going to run to the feed store or a Cruise In, go with the SWB Stepper. Just my $0.02 though. I really like all the 67-72 trucks. __________________ Favorite quote: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired B¡±@h!" - Drunk guy in one of my accounts Rides: 67 Chevy C10 LWB Stake Bed(in bad shape) 04 Miti Endeavor AWD(wife's ride) 76 Dodge D100 Club Cab(Hand-me down from my Grandfather)

07-06-2012, 12:05 AM	#12
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,960	Re: Long bed or short? ok, here's my 2 cents, and haven't seen it posted above yet, so here goes... For ME... I like 1/2 tons in swb and 3/4 in lwb. Yes, I realize a 3/4 or higher can only be a lwb or more, but my point is this - IF I want a long bed, I'll grab a 3/4 ton. And, as a matter of fact, I DO want one... I've kinda slowly, somehow, some way, altered my seemingly never-ending search for a swb cheyenne super to a lwb cheyenne super c20, and hopefully a custom camper to boot. My biggest stumbling block/good fortune (take your pick) is that I've collected some interior parts for a specific color combo that fell through and find myself in a bit of a narrow search for a cheyenne super custom camper - and of course I've found a butt-load of sweet Custom Deluxe Highlanders recently.... Ugh. Heart set on a 72, but what can I say - that was my high school truck! Anyhoo - that's how I look at it - if I want a hot rod, i go swb 1/2 ton. If I want a big o truck, I go for a C20 along with that long bed. My 2 cents, means less than 1 cent - but for the record, the only one I've owned was a 1/2 ton long bed, go figure!

07-06-2012, 07:57 AM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Long bed or short? you can haul a heck of alot more cool useless stuff home in a longbed __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-06-2012, 09:20 AM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Long bed or short? First of all,welcome to the site. My suggestion is this: Think about it,first,then get what you want. No one can tell you what you want. It doesn't sound like you want a truck to haul. A shortbed can work hard and a longbed can cruise and look sexy. You can do anything with either. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-06-2012, 09:27 AM	#16
ole dollor Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Anton, Texas Posts: 2,364	Re: Long bed or short? welcome to the board.....i like em all....

07-06-2012, 09:46 AM	#17
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,024	Re: Long bed or short? I converted my big block LWB to a short stepper to make my ultimate hot rod truck so.......if you want a hot rod cruzer go short. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394



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07-06-2012, 11:49 AM	#18
PAWS 72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sheffield, ALA Posts: 2,471	Re: Long bed or short? Welcome to the board.Doesn't matter either way they all can be made nice trucks.I have both.Forgot to add, 1 nice 1 junker Attached Images

07-06-2012, 12:12 PM	#20
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,208	Re: Long bed or short? Get two ! After you get one, you'll want another one.. I can almost guarantee it. I have two and I want another one! Always looking at CL, eBay for them.. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-06-2012, 12:38 PM	#22
tubbedII needs more $$$ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,936	Re: Long bed or short? Because you said you want the pro-touring look, I say shorty is the way to go. And Welcome from Cali! __________________ 1970 2wd Blazer

07-06-2012, 12:50 PM	#23
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,208	Re: Long bed or short? Yeah, I'm thinking short fleet for the Pro-Tour look but, .. your call. They'd all look good that way. Personally, I like LWB 4x4s though. It's just a preference thing. The main thing to consider is what YOU like. I wouldnt build it to suit other people just get the parts you like the best and make your truck the way you want it. If you like 15's, do 15's. If you like the slant front end or not.. etc. Bagged or stock / static drop. They all look good. It just all depends on what you like and what you want out of it. Patina'd paint and bagged with a 6cyl ? Do you like suspension or a LOT of horsepower? What matters most to you? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-06-2012, 02:52 PM	#25
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,452	Re: Long bed or short? i vote 1 short and 1 long __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

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