C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
I've seen plenty of long to short bed conversions done on C10s, but not a lot on a C20. I'd rather not move the forward leaf spring hangar if I don't have to.
Does anyone who's done this have any suggestions and/or drawings for the cutting area? Wasn't able to find much in my searches. This would be for a '74 C20. Thanks. |
Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Are you referring to cutting the frame?...if so, I've done several and always cut them in the horizontal section that's under the cab and bed front..
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Cutting the frame, relocating cab mounts. Is the C20 long bed frame essentially the same as a C10? I'm not seeing a lot on the square bodies for this. Mainly 67-72 stuff.
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
On the 73-87 you dont need to move the cab mounts. The cuts follow the same as the usual c10 frame. Its usually in the straight section between the front spring mount and the back of the cab.
I believe it is 14 before the axle and 8 after but check a few other threads to confirm. |
Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Long to short should require 14" removed from the area in front of the axle but behind the rear cab mount. That's what it took on the 67-72 lwb frame that's now under my swb '64.
Look @ the area on the frame rails between the front leaf hanger & rear cab mount x-member to give you an idea of the layout. Use the 14" & 6" dimensions as a starting point for removing material. Then, trim more off the rear of the rails if needed. |
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Thanks. Found some info on another site. Looks like there is enough room to do a step cut there.
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
thats where i cut mine...i just do a straight cut, and then flip the cutout section around on the inside of the frame, overlapping the welded section...thus boxing the frame
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
The only difference between the c10 and c20 frame, is the thickness of the metal. In all other dimensions, they're the same. The c30 went to a taller frame.
This also applies to the k10, k20, and k30 frames as well. The k10 and k20 frames are the same except for the thickness of the steel used. |
Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
OK, got it. Thanks. Anyone have a good template for the step cut? 14" long, just curious how long you make the step sections.
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Ah good idea. Thanks for the tip.
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I cut the rear portion of my frame as well for a different mod & did this similar plating arrangement. I eventually plated the outer portion of each rail from the trailing edge of the front cab mounts all the way back to the rear frame rail 'kick-up' for a cleaner visual appearance. |
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
So while I'm on the subject, just confirming other things I need:
When putting in a new tank, I'm just going to replace the sending unit as they tend to start not working great after 45 years. I'll also replace all rubber fuel lines, rear cab mounts, rear shocks (to match my new front Bilsteins I just put on) while I have the bed off. Anything else I'm missing? |
Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Not truck related but get a set of trailer leveling jack stands: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083KJ782P...NsaWNrPXRydWU=
They will make getting everything level so much easier. |
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Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
So next question, instead of having my drive shaft shortened (to the tune of $450 w/ new u-joints), can I just find a short bed drive shaft and save myself some money?
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My new shaft with everything was $350. It shouldn't cost that much just to cut it down. |
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When I had the LWB C10 driveshaft shortened for my SWB 64 @ a local shop, it was less than $200 (trimmed to length, welded, balanced, & new front joints). |
Re: C20 long bed to short bed conversion - questions
Check out these guys and their plates. I’m haven’t done enough research on long to short conversions but seems like they use existing holes for everything and claim it’s the easiest setup on the market.
Www.metaloxfab.com |
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