At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

danheit · 04-29-2013, 11:52 AM

I have my truck finished up to be the fast driver that I wanted it to be. Very happy with it. HOWEVER, it's a long bed. While I love my truck, and that long bed has been very useful around the house, I have a swb frame that I can build now and swap everything over. I initially wanted a swb when I first started looking, and it would be a LOT easier putting my 700r4 into, but I'm just not sure which way to go. Is it really worth all that work just to swap to a swb? What do you guys think?
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GASoline71 · 04-29-2013, 12:01 PM

It boils down to personal preference. But LONG BEDS are where it's at. Short beds look... well... short. There's just something about a long bed truck that hauls ass. Trucks were never intended to be hot rods. So when some one takes one (like me! check my long bed build.) and makes it into a pavement pounder... it screams coolness.

I've never understood the purpose of a short bed for any reason. But that's me.

Gary

68Stepbed · 04-29-2013, 12:18 PM

Short bed all the way!!!!

Shyguy · 04-29-2013, 12:55 PM

You will get a lot of different opinions on this question I am sure. I like long bed fleet-sides and short bed steppers, that is just me.

Also it depends on what you want to use one of these old trucks for. Converting to a swb truck is a lot of work, but if that is what you want go for it.

I have a '67 swb stepper we built with parts from a bunch of different trucks to be used as an occasional driver. I am lucky to have a couple of 1 ton duallies to use to haul and pull stuff.

MARKDTN · 04-29-2013, 01:10 PM

Long bed! You can't get a full sheet of plywood in a SWB.

**leddzepp** · 04-29-2013, 01:17 PM

Go with a SWB if your truck is used for pleasure. If you need a "work truck" buy a newer LWB model to supplement that. My 40 year old SWB truck is retired...all it hauls are beers, babes, and bbq's. I don't look at 67-72 trucks as work vehicles any more. If you use your 40 year old truck for work, leave it a LWB.
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shawno72 · 04-29-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Go with a SWB if your truck is used for pleasure. If you need a "work truck" buy a newer LWB model to supplement that. My 40 year old SWB truck is retired...all it hauls are beers, babes, and bbq's. I don't look at 67-72 trucks as work vehicles any more. If you use your 40 year old truck for work, leave it a LWB.
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Well said

YBNORML · 04-29-2013, 01:40 PM

I cut my long box down to a short box. They just look cleaner in my opinion.
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SS Tim · 04-29-2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danheit

... I initially wanted a swb when I first started looking, and it would be a LOT easier putting my 700r4 into, but I'm just not sure which way to go...

You have a 350/TH350 now, how is a 700r4 "LOT easier" in a SWB?

Chance72 · 04-29-2013, 01:45 PM

SWB are my favorite anyday... But ive got a thing for LWB steppers

I just dont like the LWB fleets. But as a SWB owner, it looks nice to me, but then theres the space and all the work you have to do to it. Like the guys above^^^ If you use it for work and purely work, keep it LWB, but if you do on and off small work, id say go for it!!! SWB always for me

Moline_Puller · 04-29-2013, 01:51 PM

Hey,

Just my 2 cents, I like the lwb fleetsides...since I own one. But, it really just comes down to personal preference. Both long and short's are cool...shorts are really popular. I like 71-72 lwb's and 67-68 short's to be honest.

Chris

chevy72blu · 04-29-2013, 01:54 PM

I cut my short bed down but if I had to do it over again, I would have gone a different direction and left it a lwb.

There is something about a lowered lwb with good wheels and paint that is just bad ass. Patina or suede, low and slow...

Of course, it could be that you see so fewer LWBs that have been restored. Nearly every "nice" 67-72 I see is a SWB and many of them likely didnt start out that way (like mine)

If going for more of a stockish look, I prefer the SWBs.

SS Tim · 04-29-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy72blu

I cut my short bed down but if I had to do it over again, I would have gone a different direction and left it a lwb.

There is something about a lowered lwb with good wheels and paint that is just bad ass. Patina or suede, low and slow...

Of course, it could be that you see so fewer LWBs that have been restored. Nearly every "nice" 67-72 I see is a SWB and many of them likely didnt start out that way (like mine)

If going for more of a stockish look, I prefer the SWBs.

All good points. While I am very much on the stock side there are some trucks that catch my eye as "right" and Mike Bradbury's is one of them.
On that note the bobber (rear 8.14") look has an appeal to me also and I think it would make a good first step for someone thinking about doing a full cutdown (frame and bed). To me it would make a great trailer hauler in C10 or C20 form. The shorter tail really cleans up the lines IMHO.

Square_78 · 04-29-2013, 06:41 PM

Long beds are cool, but they definately need the right wheels and stance. I was wanting to cut mine down but now I don't think I am going too. It looks good now that I've bagged it.
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mixermike · 04-29-2013, 06:54 PM

Long and low is my vote

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primetime · 04-29-2013, 07:09 PM

Lowered long beds look just as good as short beds when the stance is failed in. However I chose to convert my long bed to short as well. I found a swb frame for dirt cheap and dove at it. I agree with the others on it depends on what you will use your truck for 80% of the time. Daily driver or work truck. Mine will be daily driven with hauling a couch or refrigerator every now and then. But not on a weekly basis
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primetime · 04-29-2013, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixermike

Long and low is my vote

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If mine was like this one, I would not be converting to swb. Nice dime

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71sixgun · 04-29-2013, 07:24 PM

^^ That is one mean looking truck! I'm restoring a long bed right now, and I'm gonna leave it like that. Don't get me wrong, I like shortys as well, but I'll buy one if I want one.

Mr Handy · 04-29-2013, 07:41 PM

I say chop it, pretty soon long beds will be rare and mine will be worth more then a short bed.

I love my long bed.

jhwkns · 04-29-2013, 07:52 PM

I've had both. I definitely prefer SWB. If I need to haul a sheet of plywood, I put my tailgate down.

1972RedNeck · 04-29-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I don't look at 67-72 trucks as work vehicles any more.

I just put a flatbed on my '72. She was made to work, and that's what it likes to do. I do most of the work with my '66 though.

**leddzepp** · 04-29-2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

I just put a flatbed on my '72. She was made to work, and that's what it likes to do. I do most of the work with my '66 though.

Cool

c10monkey · 04-29-2013, 08:53 PM

I perfer a long bed... but with that frame, why not make a rat truck? Besides new parts for suspension and brakes ( safety first ) Get pieces from a junk yard. You know " a piece from here and a piece from there". Have crazy fun with it....
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1972RedNeck · 04-29-2013, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Cool

Yeah, I'm sure nobody cares. I'm just kinda in one of my feel good, ready to fight moods.

Zoomin · 04-29-2013, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danheit

I have my truck finished up to be the fast driver that I wanted it to be. Very happy with it. HOWEVER, it's a long bed. While I love my truck, and that long bed has been very useful around the house, I have a swb frame that I can build now and swap everything over. I initially wanted a swb when I first started looking, and it would be a LOT easier putting my 700r4 into, but I'm just not sure which way to go. Is it really worth all that work just to swap to a swb? What do you guys think?

If done right, and a frame swap qualifies IMO, a SWB will bring more money when you sell than a comparable LWB.

04-29-2013, 11:52 AM	#1
danheit Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Little River, SC Posts: 255	At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I have my truck finished up to be the fast driver that I wanted it to be. Very happy with it. HOWEVER, it's a long bed. While I love my truck, and that long bed has been very useful around the house, I have a swb frame that I can build now and swap everything over. I initially wanted a swb when I first started looking, and it would be a LOT easier putting my 700r4 into, but I'm just not sure which way to go. Is it really worth all that work just to swap to a swb? What do you guys think? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1955 Chevy 3100 Task Force Pro Street - Sold! 1957 Chevy 3100 Task Force "Rat Rod" a.k.a. SLOTH - Sold! 1971 C10 Longbed factory A/C all stock 350/350 1979 Jeep CJ7 - Build date on the day I was born! -Keeper 2004 Expedition - Family Hauler 2007 Accord - Wife's around towner; I have more but not enough lines to post them!

04-29-2013, 12:18 PM	#3
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Short bed all the way!!!! __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

04-29-2013, 12:55 PM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? You will get a lot of different opinions on this question I am sure. I like long bed fleet-sides and short bed steppers, that is just me. Also it depends on what you want to use one of these old trucks for. Converting to a swb truck is a lot of work, but if that is what you want go for it. I have a '67 swb stepper we built with parts from a bunch of different trucks to be used as an occasional driver. I am lucky to have a couple of 1 ton duallies to use to haul and pull stuff. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

04-29-2013, 01:10 PM	#5
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,165	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Long bed! You can't get a full sheet of plywood in a SWB. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

04-29-2013, 01:17 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,033	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Go with a SWB if your truck is used for pleasure. If you need a "work truck" buy a newer LWB model to supplement that. My 40 year old SWB truck is retired...all it hauls are beers, babes, and bbq's. I don't look at 67-72 trucks as work vehicles any more. If you use your 40 year old truck for work, leave it a LWB. 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 RIP FleetsidePaul

04-29-2013, 01:40 PM	#8
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,844	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I cut my long box down to a short box. They just look cleaner in my opinion. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

04-29-2013, 01:45 PM	#10
Chance72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Crosby, Texas Posts: 336	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? SWB are my favorite anyday... But ive got a thing for LWB steppers I just dont like the LWB fleets. But as a SWB owner, it looks nice to me, but then theres the space and all the work you have to do to it. Like the guys above^^^ If you use it for work and purely work, keep it LWB, but if you do on and off small work, id say go for it!!! SWB always for me __________________ 1963 Longbed Stepside All Original (Sold) 1994 HUGE Lifted Two Door Blazer (Sold) 1972 Short Step 305 with 3 speed auto (Sold) 1965 C10 Short Step 327 with 350 turbo trans (Sold) 1986 GMC Short Fleet 327 with 350 turbo trans

04-29-2013, 01:51 PM	#11
Moline_Puller Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 202	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Hey, Just my 2 cents, I like the lwb fleetsides...since I own one. But, it really just comes down to personal preference. Both long and short's are cool...shorts are really popular. I like 71-72 lwb's and 67-68 short's to be honest. Chris

04-29-2013, 01:54 PM	#12
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I cut my short bed down but if I had to do it over again, I would have gone a different direction and left it a lwb. There is something about a lowered lwb with good wheels and paint that is just bad ass. Patina or suede, low and slow... Of course, it could be that you see so fewer LWBs that have been restored. Nearly every "nice" 67-72 I see is a SWB and many of them likely didnt start out that way (like mine) If going for more of a stockish look, I prefer the SWBs. __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

04-29-2013, 06:41 PM	#14
Square_78 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,237	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Long beds are cool, but they definately need the right wheels and stance. I was wanting to cut mine down but now I don't think I am going too. It looks good now that I've bagged it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ #teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497

04-29-2013, 06:54 PM	#15
mixermike Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 606	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Long and low is my vote Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device

04-29-2013, 07:09 PM	#16
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? Lowered long beds look just as good as short beds when the stance is failed in. However I chose to convert my long bed to short as well. I found a swb frame for dirt cheap and dove at it. I agree with the others on it depends on what you will use your truck for 80% of the time. Daily driver or work truck. Mine will be daily driven with hauling a couch or refrigerator every now and then. But not on a weekly basis Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

04-29-2013, 07:24 PM	#18
71sixgun Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Clifton, Maine Posts: 86	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? ^^ That is one mean looking truck! I'm restoring a long bed right now, and I'm gonna leave it like that. Don't get me wrong, I like shortys as well, but I'll buy one if I want one.

04-29-2013, 07:41 PM	#19
Mr Handy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 465	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I say chop it, pretty soon long beds will be rare and mine will be worth more then a short bed. I love my long bed.

04-29-2013, 07:52 PM	#20
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I've had both. I definitely prefer SWB. If I need to haul a sheet of plywood, I put my tailgate down. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.



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04-29-2013, 08:53 PM	#23
c10monkey Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lebanon Ohio Posts: 187	Re: At a crossroads. Go swb or stay lwb? I perfer a long bed... but with that frame, why not make a rat truck? Besides new parts for suspension and brakes ( safety first ) Get pieces from a junk yard. You know " a piece from here and a piece from there". Have crazy fun with it.... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 Chevrolet C10 Inflation Fighter 1994 C3500 Crew Cab Dually 454

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