Tough Decision to make - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kxmotox247 · 06-23-2003, 04:33 PM

Here's a tough decision to make. I'm getting ready to do some work to my 68'. The first order is to start with the frame. Right now the truck is a LWB truck(fleetside). However, the frame is bent on my truck.
Here are my options:

1) Straighten my lwb frame. It's been hit hard in the front. The sheetmetal is crooked on the frame but it holds in alignment. If I straighten the frame, I would keep the bed that I have.

2) Buy a SWB frame and bed. Build my truck into a swb truck. I really like the way short box trucks look. The problem is, it really won't be "my old truck" after I make the dramatic change. I'm already replacing both doors and front fenders. The only sheetmetal original to the truck will be the cab, hood, grill and a few other misc pieces.

So what should I do? Say screw sentimental value and build a swb? Or fix up my lwb truck. By the way, this was/is my first vehicle and it's a 396 CST truck (non-numbers matching).

Help!!!!

kxmotox247 · 06-23-2003, 04:36 PM

Here it is:

kxmotox247 · 06-23-2003, 04:36 PM

Hello again

**1971Stepside** · 06-23-2003, 04:43 PM

If it still looks like it does in those pictures I would fix the frame and leave it alone.

Wreck · 06-23-2003, 04:43 PM

what about just getting a LWB frame? I myself love the LWB better then the SWB. I think the LWB looks better when lowered. So I would just find another LWB frame, or if it is cheaper the straighten the frame...then do that.

**nightmare** · 06-23-2003, 04:44 PM

what would the sentimentallity be of the vehicle? was it your parents? grandparents? brothers? sisters? is there a special reason as to why you'd want to keep it the way it is? it's your truck, and you do what you want to with it.

kxmotox247 · 06-23-2003, 04:54 PM

These pictures are from a few years ago. The truck has some pretty bad rot in the front fenders and doors.
The frame is pushed over towards the passenger side at least 1.5". The driver's side wheel sits inside the fender and the passenger wheel sits about 3/4" outside of the fender.
As far as sentimental reasons...no, I'm the first owner in our family but I've had a lot of good times with that truck. I've put a ton of miles on it and it's been on a lot of vacations with me. It always starts right up and rides better than my 97'. I couldn't imagine ever parting with it. It just need some serious frame off attention. I think I can pull just the front clip to have it straightened. I bet it wouldn't cost that much and a frame shop would probably be happy to have such an easy job.
Thanks....

kxmotox247 · 06-24-2003, 09:05 AM

Thanks for your opinions! Still haven't made a decision yet.

BLAZIN'72 · 06-24-2003, 12:39 PM

If you use it for work and to haul stuff I would leave it a lwb. But if you just use it as a toy then go swb. Swb trucks are more popular and have a higher resale. A friend of mine dumped over 10,000 into a long bed a few years ago (not to metion the original purchase price) and ended up selling it 6mo. after completion. He had the truck listed for 8,500 and after 3mo. he still couldn't sell it, he ended up taking 5,500 for it. I bought a 72' swb fleetside around the same time for 6,500, drove it around for two years and sold it for 7,500.

1969 GMC · 06-24-2003, 12:48 PM

keep it lwb!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 06-24-2003, 12:50 PM

As has been mentioned a lot depends on what you use the truck for. If you make long trips, then the lwb is a much better riding truck. Swb are fun to drive.

I have so much trouble choosing between lwb and swb that the best solution is to have both trucks!

Jim

kxmotox247 · 06-24-2003, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JimKshortstep4x4

I have so much trouble choosing between lwb and swb that the best solution is to have both trucks!

Jim

I thought about that! Just found out today that my job is in serious trouble. They just layed off quite a few employees today. My boss came to talk to me and I thought it was my turn too. I wish I could afford 2 trucks but I better hang on to the extra cash.

It will be my toy. I'd use my newer truck to haul stuff in. Unless I have to sell my newer truck...then I'd be back to driving the 68' everyday again. Actually, I miss driving it everyday. It sure rides a lot better than my Z71.

Thanks for everyone's opinion.
Josh

dion · 06-24-2003, 02:06 PM

Keep it as it is.

**Palf70Step** · 06-24-2003, 02:28 PM

Yup...Even though I am a SWB person, I'd say keep it. I think I would get another frame and swap out instead of straigtening the old one.

Slammed67 · 06-24-2003, 02:55 PM

Shorten it up! Mine used to be a long bed, and converted to a short. I have no regrets and my grandfather bought the truck brand new! The cab, drivers door, hood, cowl, grille and core support are all that is original to the truck.

I went from this.....

To this.......

still w.i.p '68 · 06-24-2003, 03:33 PM

you have the other truck to haul stuff in

make it a shorty, way cooler(imo), and much more desirable.

72MARIO · 06-24-2003, 06:20 PM

If you find a SWB frame and box build it.

ginter · 06-24-2003, 06:25 PM

I'd just have the existing frame straightened. My .02 I like my longbed.

70 CST 4X4 · 06-24-2003, 06:36 PM

I am a swb guy but I say straighten it. Nice pictures.

View Poll Results: Shall I build it into a SWB?
Keep it a LWB for sentimental reasons	18	46.15%
Screw it! Build it into a SWB!	21	53.85%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

06-23-2003, 04:33 PM	#1
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Tough Decision to make Here's a tough decision to make. I'm getting ready to do some work to my 68'. The first order is to start with the frame. Right now the truck is a LWB truck(fleetside). However, the frame is bent on my truck. Here are my options: 1) Straighten my lwb frame. It's been hit hard in the front. The sheetmetal is crooked on the frame but it holds in alignment. If I straighten the frame, I would keep the bed that I have. 2) Buy a SWB frame and bed. Build my truck into a swb truck. I really like the way short box trucks look. The problem is, it really won't be "my old truck" after I make the dramatic change. I'm already replacing both doors and front fenders. The only sheetmetal original to the truck will be the cab, hood, grill and a few other misc pieces. So what should I do? Say screw sentimental value and build a swb? Or fix up my lwb truck. By the way, this was/is my first vehicle and it's a 396 CST truck (non-numbers matching). Help!!!! __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

06-23-2003, 04:36 PM	#2
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Here it is: Attached Images __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

06-23-2003, 04:36 PM	#3
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Hello again Attached Images __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

06-23-2003, 04:43 PM	#4
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	If it still looks like it does in those pictures I would fix the frame and leave it alone. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

06-23-2003, 04:43 PM	#5
Wreck Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Paris, TX Posts: 60	what about just getting a LWB frame? I myself love the LWB better then the SWB. I think the LWB looks better when lowered. So I would just find another LWB frame, or if it is cheaper the straighten the frame...then do that.

06-23-2003, 04:54 PM	#7
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	These pictures are from a few years ago. The truck has some pretty bad rot in the front fenders and doors. The frame is pushed over towards the passenger side at least 1.5". The driver's side wheel sits inside the fender and the passenger wheel sits about 3/4" outside of the fender. As far as sentimental reasons...no, I'm the first owner in our family but I've had a lot of good times with that truck. I've put a ton of miles on it and it's been on a lot of vacations with me. It always starts right up and rides better than my 97'. I couldn't imagine ever parting with it. It just need some serious frame off attention. I think I can pull just the front clip to have it straightened. I bet it wouldn't cost that much and a frame shop would probably be happy to have such an easy job. Thanks.... __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

06-24-2003, 09:05 AM	#8
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Thanks for your opinions! Still haven't made a decision yet. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

06-24-2003, 12:39 PM	#9
BLAZIN'72 Active Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario,CA. Posts: 108	If you use it for work and to haul stuff I would leave it a lwb. But if you just use it as a toy then go swb. Swb trucks are more popular and have a higher resale. A friend of mine dumped over 10,000 into a long bed a few years ago (not to metion the original purchase price) and ended up selling it 6mo. after completion. He had the truck listed for 8,500 and after 3mo. he still couldn't sell it, he ended up taking 5,500 for it. I bought a 72' swb fleetside around the same time for 6,500, drove it around for two years and sold it for 7,500.

06-24-2003, 12:48 PM	#10
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	keep it lwb! __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

06-24-2003, 12:50 PM	#11
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	As has been mentioned a lot depends on what you use the truck for. If you make long trips, then the lwb is a much better riding truck. Swb are fun to drive. I have so much trouble choosing between lwb and swb that the best solution is to have both trucks! Jim

06-24-2003, 02:06 PM	#13
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	Keep it as it is. __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

06-24-2003, 02:28 PM	#14
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,643	Yup...Even though I am a SWB person, I'd say keep it. I think I would get another frame and swap out instead of straigtening the old one. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

06-24-2003, 02:55 PM	#15
Slammed67 Progress = 0% Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 2,108	Shorten it up! Mine used to be a long bed, and converted to a short. I have no regrets and my grandfather bought the truck brand new! The cab, drivers door, hood, cowl, grille and core support are all that is original to the truck. I went from this..... To this....... __________________ Jason - '67 GMC swb \| '57 Bel-Air 4dr hardtop \| '56 210 4dr Wagon \| 2000 GMC Sierra

06-24-2003, 03:33 PM	#16
still w.i.p '68 Dreams are free Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hogansville Texas Posts: 546	you have the other truck to haul stuff in make it a shorty, way cooler(imo), and much more desirable. __________________ '68 swb fleetside originally w.i.p '68 member since 1-01 w.i.p = ( work in progress )



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-24-2003, 06:20 PM	#17
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	If you find a SWB frame and box build it. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

06-24-2003, 06:25 PM	#18
ginter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Denver CO. Posts: 156	I'd just have the existing frame straightened. My .02 I like my longbed.

06-24-2003, 06:36 PM	#19
70 CST 4X4 Have A Nice Day! Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 356	I am a swb guy but I say straighten it. Nice pictures. __________________ 1970 CST K10 350/350/205 Short Bed - Fleetside Tach-Tilt-A/C-Tow Hooks Front & Rear Disc Brakes Front & Rear Posi 3.73 Gears 30 Gallon Stainless Fuel Tank SOLD 01/18 !!!!! 2007 2500 HD Classic Crew Cab LT2 4X4 Duramax LBZ

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.