How tough is it to make a shortbed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LT1 Burb · 09-14-2010, 08:21 PM

I have a longbed truck but thinking of converting it to a shortbed truck, question is how hard is it to make a longbed into a shortbed or is it easier just to swap frames and get bedsides.

*lakeroadster* · 09-14-2010, 08:57 PM

**Captainfab** · 09-15-2010, 12:55 AM

The level of difficulty depends on your skills and equipment, especially with shortening the frame. Shortening/welding a frame is something to be taken seriously and needs to be done correctly. I have a bunch of pics of one that I did, but I never seem to have time to do a writeup on it.

When it comes to cutting and welding the box, that needs to be done so as to minimize the body work and filler needed. The fitup of the pieces to be welded makes a difference in the final results also.Welding sheetmetal is a slow tedious process.

Malibob · 09-15-2010, 10:18 AM

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as there are a LOT of schlong beds out there for cheap. I was pondering doing the frame work then spending the $600 or so on a decent short bed and painting to match. I think the time saving would pay for itself in the purchase. Anyone ever tried that?

**ChiefRocka** · 09-15-2010, 10:53 PM

You all ever see the PowerBlock episode of 'Trucks' ?

They did a 66 on there ... Check there web-site...

ol_skool_chevy · 09-15-2010, 11:24 PM

That's like your wife asking you "how hard is it to load the dish washer?"

Well, Its as hard as you want to make it...I would have to say your skill level at welding and Measuring is your only Obstacles Measure 3 times, Cut once..
Just really keep in mind..Its just a truck....we are not building the Mire Space station here....
There are many truckin' Magazine articles on how to do the job...but don't try it with just a cheap Harbor freight welder...get a better gas mig..
just my Opinion

Rich 5150 69 · 09-16-2010, 10:54 PM

How you doing LT1, glad you could make it over, heres a shot of a long bed to shorrt bed, only have one photo though sorry...

LT1 Burb · 09-16-2010, 11:22 PM

Hey rich, I have a SWB frame and a SWB box, but may shorten my long bed frame because I may want matching VIN's.

fryer1979 · 09-17-2010, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT1 Burb

I have a longbed truck but thinking of converting it to a shortbed truck, question is how hard is it to make a longbed into a shortbed or is it easier just to swap frames and get bedsides.

The conversion is easy: Find a shortbed for sale somewhere at a really good deal. Call me up and I'll come throw you that ammount of cash and haul away your old longbed free of charge. No cutting or welding needed to the body, just a little to the frame and bolt on your new bed.

I know it's not the most helpful answer but I could use a fresh longbed, mine is pretty hammered.

09-14-2010, 08:21 PM	#1
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	How tough is it to make a shortbed I have a longbed truck but thinking of converting it to a shortbed truck, question is how hard is it to make a longbed into a shortbed or is it easier just to swap frames and get bedsides.

09-14-2010, 08:57 PM	#2
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed I did a search using the words "long short"... here are some threads related to the question you asked. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=long+short Happy trails!

09-15-2010, 12:55 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed The level of difficulty depends on your skills and equipment, especially with shortening the frame. Shortening/welding a frame is something to be taken seriously and needs to be done correctly. I have a bunch of pics of one that I did, but I never seem to have time to do a writeup on it. When it comes to cutting and welding the box, that needs to be done so as to minimize the body work and filler needed. The fitup of the pieces to be welded makes a difference in the final results also.Welding sheetmetal is a slow tedious process. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE Last edited by Captainfab; 09-15-2010 at 12:59 AM.

09-15-2010, 10:18 AM	#4
Malibob Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 392	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed I have been thinking about this a lot lately as there are a LOT of schlong beds out there for cheap. I was pondering doing the frame work then spending the $600 or so on a decent short bed and painting to match. I think the time saving would pay for itself in the purchase. Anyone ever tried that? __________________ This statement was made possible by a grant from this station and continued support from viewers like you. Flickr

09-15-2010, 10:53 PM	#5
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,147	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed You all ever see the PowerBlock episode of 'Trucks' ? They did a 66 on there ... Check there web-site... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

09-15-2010, 11:24 PM	#6
ol_skool_chevy Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Posts: 1,300	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed That's like your wife asking you "how hard is it to load the dish washer?" Well, Its as hard as you want to make it...I would have to say your skill level at welding and Measuring is your only Obstacles Measure 3 times, Cut once.. Just really keep in mind..Its just a truck....we are not building the Mire Space station here.... There are many truckin' Magazine articles on how to do the job...but don't try it with just a cheap Harbor freight welder...get a better gas mig.. just my Opinion __________________ 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

09-16-2010, 10:54 PM	#7
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed How you doing LT1, glad you could make it over, heres a shot of a long bed to shorrt bed, only have one photo though sorry... Attached Images __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

09-16-2010, 11:22 PM	#8
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: How tough is it to make a shortbed Hey rich, I have a SWB frame and a SWB box, but may shorten my long bed frame because I may want matching VIN's.



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