1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

scarabsport · 01-28-2014, 04:01 PM

Hi,
I need opinions on converting my recently purchased 1965 Custom cab, BBW long bed to a short bed.
I watched "all" the video's (Youtube and truck shows on TV and online archives) also read the Googled articles on this conversion.
I have the tools and shop to do the work. No time restraints.
Has anyone done it that has input?
Would they do it again?
Any and all info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Dan

bonehead · 01-28-2014, 05:03 PM

I Love long beds... Don't do it Dan, don't cut that cool truck in half! FWIW

Realnoisy · 01-28-2014, 05:07 PM

From what I understand, the rear wheel openings are different on long beds compared to short-beds.

Fatherof3 · 01-28-2014, 05:21 PM

What are your plans for lowering it?
If they sit high I like them better as long beds and lowered better as short beds.

OARNGESI · 01-28-2014, 05:33 PM

just cut it worse case scenario you find a swb frame and bed and swap all your parts over. personally I don't see any point in spending any money fixing up a lwb when you really want a swb.

scarabsport · 01-28-2014, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Realnoisy

From what I understand, the rear wheel openings are different on long beds compared to short-beds.

Not positive but, I thought the "wheel arches" are the same between long or short beds. Parts houses (LMC, Classic Ind, etc) don't show different panels that denote long or short beds.
Anyone...I'm I correct?
Thanks again,
Dan

ol_skool_chevy · 01-28-2014, 06:16 PM

I have done it...on 2 trucks. Yes I would do it again. why would I do it again?. Because the first one I have never had done it before. The second one, I did to help a friend do his. Now we both are not intimidated to try new things. Plus, it just plan looks cool with those big Ass wheel openings.
Get out your torch and start cutting. if you make a mistake there's thousands more long beds out there to fix it.
When your done you can stand back and feel pround you did it yourself...

Realnoisy · 01-28-2014, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarabsport

Not positive but, I thought the "wheel arches" are the same between long or short beds. Parts houses (LMC, Classic Ind, etc) don't show different panels that denote long or short beds.
Anyone...I'm I correct?
Thanks again,
Dan

Check out this link.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=wheel+opening.

Realnoisy · 01-28-2014, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

I have done it...on 2 trucks. Yes I would do it again. why would I do it again?. Because the first one I have never had done it before. The second one, I did to help a friend do his. Now we both are not intimidated to try new things. Plus, it just plan looks cool with those big Ass wheel openings.
Get out your torch and start cutting. if you make a mistake there's thousands more long beds out there to fix it.
When your done you can stand back and feel pround you did it yourself...

That's the way I do things! It takes me a lot longer than most guys on here to get where I want to be.

jhrusk · 01-28-2014, 07:43 PM

I shortened the one in my build thread, I would do it again for a non original type truck, but I would not for a stock type resto. And yes the wheel arches are appr.3" wider at the bottom than a normal short bed.

joeydirt · 02-02-2014, 06:38 PM

does anyone know if the 12"/8" cut still works on longbed steps? Are the fender wheel openings the same on lwbss and swbss rear fenders? I want to do perform this surgery on my long step this summer. On the lwbss the wheel sits back in the opening and on the swbss its more centered. I just want to make sure that after doing the 12/8 cut that swb trailing arms put the wheels in the right spot.

**DPowers** · 02-02-2014, 06:49 PM

Your truck- your decision.

Shooters_7 · 02-02-2014, 09:04 PM

Go buy a frame and bed and sell the ones your not using... I'd restore the truck as is. How about some more pics of the truck?

**LEEVON** · 02-02-2014, 09:27 PM

You can always shorten the frame, and use new swb bedsides.

chevycowboy1985 · 02-02-2014, 10:03 PM

Hey I'm in the process of doing one right now and I would do it again something are little tough to figure out but it's worth it and I would do it again no problem.

LostMy65 · 02-03-2014, 12:58 AM

I'll be doing a medium bed. A 7 footer.
To me; 6 ft is too short and 8 ft is too long.
There's a thread in these forums with pics.

Budman56 · 02-03-2014, 03:25 AM

Here on gears stacy cut a long bed down to a short bed

LMC Truck: Shortbed Conversion [S7 Ep. 3-1] -...

LMC Truck: Shortbed Conversion [S7 Ep. 3-3] -...

65Chevy pickup Longbed to Shortbed - YouTube

Budman56 · 02-03-2014, 03:26 AM

Here is another one

65Chevy pickup Longbed to Shortbed - YouTube

**pdxhall** · 02-03-2014, 08:42 AM

Long and low is the only way to go.

Leroy-B1 · 02-03-2014, 08:58 AM

Bottom line is it's your truck and you should be able to have what you want...some guys are short bed guys and some are not...that being said...if you start to shorten it do not stop until you finish it..all to often I see people start conversion or something drastic on a project and it end up on Craigslist in a heap nobody would own.....if you start it just finish it otherwise leave it alone...but I'm like you I prefer short beds unless I'm using it for work, but these truck are my toys...Are you wanting to keep the patina?

62 Barnfind · 02-03-2014, 09:30 AM

I say do it. When i get another 60-66 it most likely be a long bed. Just because there are more of them out there. I too will convert it to a short bed. If you have the time and know how do it. It's your truck so do what you feel! Good luck!

b.sharp · 02-03-2014, 09:41 AM

I wish you were closer. I would trade you a short bed for that long bed. I have an extra and just picked up a 3/4t and it needs a bed. you can shorten them but it is pretty hard to make them longer...

scarabsport · 02-08-2014, 10:38 PM

I think I like the medium bed look also.
Does a true factory short bed measure 6 foot (72 inches) inside the bed from front panel to inside tailgate?
thanks,
Dan

**argonaut** · 02-09-2014, 02:59 AM

Pretty sure it's 6'6" from front panel to inside of tailgate. The wood is about 77".

Bomp · 02-09-2014, 03:07 AM

I shortened my '66 box first thing. Wanted to have the bigger wheel opening to show off my 22's.
I'd do it again. I even have a '72 box waiting for its turn.
Go for it!

01-28-2014, 04:01 PM	#1
scarabsport Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 43	1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Hi, I need opinions on converting my recently purchased 1965 Custom cab, BBW long bed to a short bed. I watched "all" the video's (Youtube and truck shows on TV and online archives) also read the Googled articles on this conversion. I have the tools and shop to do the work. No time restraints. Has anyone done it that has input? Would they do it again? Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Dan Attached Images

01-28-2014, 05:03 PM	#2
bonehead Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 516	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I Love long beds... Don't do it Dan, don't cut that cool truck in half! FWIW __________________ past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB

01-28-2014, 05:07 PM	#3
Realnoisy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 229	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! From what I understand, the rear wheel openings are different on long beds compared to short-beds. __________________ A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission - Neil Peart RUSH

01-28-2014, 05:21 PM	#4
Fatherof3 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bend Wa Posts: 355	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! What are your plans for lowering it? If they sit high I like them better as long beds and lowered better as short beds. __________________ 65 C20 292 4spd 4:56 Eaton HO52

01-28-2014, 05:33 PM	#5
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! just cut it worse case scenario you find a swb frame and bed and swap all your parts over. personally I don't see any point in spending any money fixing up a lwb when you really want a swb. __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

01-28-2014, 06:16 PM	#7
ol_skool_chevy Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Posts: 1,300	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I have done it...on 2 trucks. Yes I would do it again. why would I do it again?. Because the first one I have never had done it before. The second one, I did to help a friend do his. Now we both are not intimidated to try new things. Plus, it just plan looks cool with those big Ass wheel openings. Get out your torch and start cutting. if you make a mistake there's thousands more long beds out there to fix it. When your done you can stand back and feel pround you did it yourself... __________________ Measure with a yard stick Mark with Chalk Cut with a torch Built it yourself, don't count on others to to do it for you or with you. It will never get done

01-28-2014, 07:43 PM	#10
jhrusk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: mid ga Posts: 553	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I shortened the one in my build thread, I would do it again for a non original type truck, but I would not for a stock type resto. And yes the wheel arches are appr.3" wider at the bottom than a normal short bed. __________________ check out SANFORD build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522019

02-02-2014, 06:38 PM	#11
joeydirt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: North Virginia Posts: 149	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! does anyone know if the 12"/8" cut still works on longbed steps? Are the fender wheel openings the same on lwbss and swbss rear fenders? I want to do perform this surgery on my long step this summer. On the lwbss the wheel sits back in the opening and on the swbss its more centered. I just want to make sure that after doing the 12/8 cut that swb trailing arms put the wheels in the right spot.

02-02-2014, 06:49 PM	#12
DPowers One foot in front of the other Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Parrottsville, TN Posts: 5,442	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Your truck- your decision. __________________ DP's 66 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361556

02-02-2014, 09:04 PM	#13
Shooters_7 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Great State of Texas Posts: 410	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Go buy a frame and bed and sell the ones your not using... I'd restore the truck as is. How about some more pics of the truck? __________________ Conner 1965 Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=535078

02-02-2014, 09:27 PM	#14
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! You can always shorten the frame, and use new swb bedsides. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

02-02-2014, 10:03 PM	#15
chevycowboy1985 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: lethbridge alberta Posts: 48	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Hey I'm in the process of doing one right now and I would do it again something are little tough to figure out but it's worth it and I would do it again no problem.

02-03-2014, 12:58 AM	#16
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I'll be doing a medium bed. A 7 footer. To me; 6 ft is too short and 8 ft is too long. There's a thread in these forums with pics. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

02-03-2014, 08:42 AM	#19
pdxhall Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 2,084	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Long and low is the only way to go. __________________ Sanity'66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=515110 Long bed, Fleetside, Small back window I've Done So Much, With So Little, For So Long, That Now I Can Do Anything With Nothing.

02-03-2014, 08:58 AM	#20
Leroy-B1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mars Hill, NC Posts: 1,994	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Bottom line is it's your truck and you should be able to have what you want...some guys are short bed guys and some are not...that being said...if you start to shorten it do not stop until you finish it..all to often I see people start conversion or something drastic on a project and it end up on Craigslist in a heap nobody would own.....if you start it just finish it otherwise leave it alone...but I'm like you I prefer short beds unless I'm using it for work, but these truck are my toys...Are you wanting to keep the patina?



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02-03-2014, 09:30 AM	#21
62 Barnfind Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 1,373	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I say do it. When i get another 60-66 it most likely be a long bed. Just because there are more of them out there. I too will convert it to a short bed. If you have the time and know how do it. It's your truck so do what you feel! Good luck! __________________ John Z 1962 Chevy C10 Stepside 62 Barnfind My build tread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=507513

02-03-2014, 09:41 AM	#22
b.sharp Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky Posts: 508	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I wish you were closer. I would trade you a short bed for that long bed. I have an extra and just picked up a 3/4t and it needs a bed. you can shorten them but it is pretty hard to make them longer...

02-08-2014, 10:38 PM	#23
scarabsport Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hanover Pa. Posts: 43	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I think I like the medium bed look also. Does a true factory short bed measure 6 foot (72 inches) inside the bed from front panel to inside tailgate? thanks, Dan

02-09-2014, 02:59 AM	#24
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! Pretty sure it's 6'6" from front panel to inside of tailgate. The wood is about 77". __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

02-09-2014, 03:07 AM	#25
Bomp Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: . Posts: 3,104	Re: 1965 long bed to short bed...opinions please! I shortened my '66 box first thing. Wanted to have the bigger wheel opening to show off my 22's. I'd do it again. I even have a '72 box waiting for its turn. Go for it!

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