How hard is it to shorten a long bed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Boones · 07-03-2003, 07:56 PM

Found a nice 72 Cheyenne Long bed with AC here locally but I want a short bed. I have heard there are kits (templates) for cutting the frame and I know you can buy the bed sides..

As I see it the following must be done, am I missing anything
cut, shorten frame, reweld
shorten the driveshaft, brake lines and ebrake cables
disassemble the bed, cut floor down, reassemble bed
I know its not that simple but have to ask

Has anyone attempted this and how tough it is really....

Thanks Boones

Smooth68 · 07-03-2003, 11:28 PM

The search is down, but I posted a link to a site that shows the process of cutting down a long bed. As for the frame, you've got it figured out sounds like.

krue · 07-03-2003, 11:31 PM

You should be able to beat the woods around there and find a short bed, unless they crushed them all since I was stationed there!

Boones · 07-04-2003, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the info. I guess I will start digging thru the old posts

iluvmy72 · 07-05-2003, 04:02 PM

You will have to remove the cab to do it because that's where the only strait section is.

Gene · 07-05-2003, 10:36 PM

You dont have to remove the cab all you have to do is support the cab and remove the rivets on the rear cab support while you remove 12 inches fron the frame under the cab. After you remove the 12 inches you simply roll the rear section froward and reweld the frame along with your frame supports. I shortened my longbed but I found a suitable donor bed to use instead of shortening my longbed. If you have any questions pm me I will be happy to give you some tips.

iluvmy72 · 07-05-2003, 11:10 PM

Gene......that's what a friend of mine thought....he almost died when the gas tank exploded......welding 6 inches from a gas tak isn't a good idea......but it safer to take off the whole cab

07-03-2003, 07:56 PM	#1
Boones Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 47	How hard is it to shorten a long bed Found a nice 72 Cheyenne Long bed with AC here locally but I want a short bed. I have heard there are kits (templates) for cutting the frame and I know you can buy the bed sides.. As I see it the following must be done, am I missing anything cut, shorten frame, reweld shorten the driveshaft, brake lines and ebrake cables disassemble the bed, cut floor down, reassemble bed I know its not that simple but have to ask Has anyone attempted this and how tough it is really.... Thanks Boones

07-03-2003, 11:28 PM	#2
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	The search is down, but I posted a link to a site that shows the process of cutting down a long bed. As for the frame, you've got it figured out sounds like. __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

07-03-2003, 11:31 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	You should be able to beat the woods around there and find a short bed, unless they crushed them all since I was stationed there! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-05-2003, 10:36 PM	#6
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	You dont have to remove the cab all you have to do is support the cab and remove the rivets on the rear cab support while you remove 12 inches fron the frame under the cab. After you remove the 12 inches you simply roll the rear section froward and reweld the frame along with your frame supports. I shortened my longbed but I found a suitable donor bed to use instead of shortening my longbed. If you have any questions pm me I will be happy to give you some tips. __________________ 1971 SWB 4X4 Build BOARD MEMBER #5448 BOOMER SOONER!!!!

07-05-2003, 11:10 PM	#7
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	Gene Gene......that's what a friend of mine thought....he almost died when the gas tank exploded......welding 6 inches from a gas tak isn't a good idea......but it safer to take off the whole cab

07-04-2003, 10:38 AM	#4
Boones Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 47	Thanks for the info. I guess I will start digging thru the old posts

07-05-2003, 04:02 PM	#5
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	You will have to remove the cab to do it because that's where the only strait section is.



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