![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagrange,ME
Posts: 349
|
shorten frame
Where do you cut a long bed frame to shorten it. 73-87
__________________
1955 2nd on 86 chassis Daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,021
|
Re: shorten frame
Have you checked in our FAQ forum? There are some nice write ups in there.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 877
|
Re: shorten frame
If you want to make a short bed fit you need to shorten in two places - both in front of and behind the axle, as there's less overhang on a short bed too. I don't recall the numbers, but pretty sure you shorten more in front than behind.
__________________
1973 C20, 350/350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagrange,ME
Posts: 349
|
Re: shorten frame
I am not concerned about cutting of the rear if needed, I am going to have to shorten frame in middle 16.5 inches to get a wheelbase of 115 inches. chassis will be used to a 58 body on it.
__________________
1955 2nd on 86 chassis Daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,181
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
No matter what you do it will be a 100% custom fab job. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: MYAKKA CITY fla.
Posts: 408
|
Re: shorten frame
I will never understand why anybody would cut up a good longbed truck to make a worthless short bed. it makes a truck into a car with no trunk lid.worthless longbeds are for real men.
__________________
short bed are just cars without trunk lids trucks have long beds real trucks are longhorn ![]() 72 gmc 2500 longhorn 68 chevy c-30 50th anniv. 9ft step side 68 gmc crackerbox 8v71 detroit 72 gmc astro95 8v71 detroit |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,181
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
You can buy long beds all day long but try to find a decent priced short bed and you will be spending 2-3,000 on a truck that still needs work. Where you can buy a long bed for $500-600 and still require the same work. So spend the $500 on a long bed and shorten it as well as the extra work and come out further ahead. I don't understand why so many people make a stink about long beds ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Tell City, IN
Posts: 637
|
Re: shorten frame
I prefer long beds, as I agree short beds are a car with no trunk lid. But in cases as yours, it just makes sense to cut the long bed, as either way it'll be cut. Why spend 2k when you will get the same result as spending 500?
__________________
Big Nate Carp. Local 224. Buy made in the USA! 03 F350 6.0 Daily Race Truck. 79 C70 366 Project Dump. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagrange,ME
Posts: 349
|
Re: shorten frame
since my truck is already a short step it makes sense to me to shorten a long bed frame . Mr. 68 crackerbox in my opinion you are not a real man or you would have never made such a statement to me without knowing me. JUST TO BE CLEAR I FEEL A MAN T WOULDN'T MAKE SUCH RUDE AND IGNORANT COMMENTS SUCH AS YOU DID.
FOR THE REST WHO MADE COMMENTS IT WOULD BE NICE IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION ASKED TO JUST NOT COMMENT. THANKS FOR ALL THE NONE HELP
__________________
1955 2nd on 86 chassis Daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tyler, Texas
Posts: 217
|
Re: shorten frame
![]()
__________________
Current Projects: 1984 GMC, LWB Fleetside, 305/350 - Currently Doing TBI Conversion 1966 GMC, SWB Stepside, 350/200-4R - Currently waiting patiently. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: MYAKKA CITY fla.
Posts: 408
|
Re: shorten frame
lynx5653 first I understand why you are taking what I said do personal I was talking about every one in general I just don't understand why anybody gets hot for short beds,that is just my opinion. you didn't tell everything about what you were doing,but still in my opinion you should find a longbed to put on it.and have a real truck.you are the ignorant one for not explaining all you were doing. and if you can't stand poeple giving you there opinions and help you shouldn't ask.
![]()
__________________
short bed are just cars without trunk lids trucks have long beds real trucks are longhorn ![]() 72 gmc 2500 longhorn 68 chevy c-30 50th anniv. 9ft step side 68 gmc crackerbox 8v71 detroit 72 gmc astro95 8v71 detroit |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | ||
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,021
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
Quote:
The Forum Staff does not tolerate rudeness to other members for any reason.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,021
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
I will say that I would have answered you differently had you stated what your intentions were. Since you aren't just cutting a 73-87 from SWB to LWB none of the articles in FAQ will give you the dimensions you need. What it will show you is the preferred method of cutting and splicing a frame. Some feel a straight cut or angle cut is adequate. I personally prefer the additional work area created by a step notch style splice. That would be further strengthened by a backing plate that is plug welded through holes as well as perimeter welded too.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,316
|
Re: shorten frame
Every square body chassis under a 58 ends up awfully wide.
__________________
" That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,316
|
Re: shorten frame
__________________
" That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 4,604
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
__________________
AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Waskatenau, Alberta
Posts: 259
|
Re: shorten frame
Hi There,
Im not sure.....just a suggestion.... but maybe some one out there can verify...... does a Blazer/Jimmy have the same length frame as a short box pickup? Might be easier / cheaper to pickup a rusted out Blazer, and transplant the pickup body on the frame. I can relate with the "lack of shortboxes". In Nov 86' I bought a 87' Silverado shortbox fleetside brand new. Back in those days, there were quite a few in my area. Unfortunately, they didn't handle the "wash board" gravel roads well. A little wash board, and the truck was bouncing sideways quickly, and more often than not ended up rolled in the ditch. I personally know of seven square body SB's that met their end this was in my vicinity. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 877
|
Re: shorten frame
For square bodies (I'm sure others are different), wheelbase:
Blazer 106.5 SCSB 117.5 Suburban 129.5 SCLB 135.5 CCLB 164.5 The bed length on a Blazer/Jimmy frame would have to be incredibly short.
__________________
1973 C20, 350/350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Parma, Ohio
Posts: 35
|
Re: shorten frame
Deleted
Last edited by 79sierra; 12-30-2015 at 11:08 AM. Reason: Deleted after reading full thread |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: panama city, fl
Posts: 204
|
Re: shorten frame
Is it wrong to say long beds are just compensating. Sorry, I couldn't resist.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,345
|
Re: shorten frame
All im going to say is
Man's ambition must be small to sit and argue about a bed box wall
__________________
Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 877
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
![]()
__________________
1973 C20, 350/350 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 5,020
|
Re: shorten frame
Quote:
I agree on that. The slash or straight cuts are probably OK but they've always given me the willies. The elongated step cut gives you more work area and it's easier to align. Nothing will be as good as an unmolested frame... but it's harder to overload a short box and shorties are generally not used as work trucks or heavy towing trucks. In theory the stress should be limited.
__________________
1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|