The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-24-2013, 11:52 PM   #1
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Long to short bed help

So I have came across an extremely nice 68 lwb chevy that was resto'd in 90's and then has started to age since. The floor will need a little work for a patch but the interior is very nice. With a solid 350 it'll do for now until I can find a 6.0 to drop in. Anyways, what is the view on the forum for cutting the frame to shorten to a swb chevy? How much do I have to cut out? I saw it on Trucks TV when Stacy was still on there and he cut 12" off in front the rear wheel, correct? How much would this cost a shop to do? Worth me doing it in the shop?
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 12:26 AM   #2
chevy88
Registered User
 
chevy88's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern, Saskatchewan
Posts: 640
Re: Long to short bed help

12 is correct, and 8 off the back. As for a shop rate get a quote from one. But if I had to guess I would think around at least one thousand or look at my build as I did it myself but I had the tools and some metal skills. As for the box if I you don't have welding skills or auto body skills it would be cheaper to buy the box sides or keep an eye out for a short box for sale or less of a headache and cost just get the whole short box truck.
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
Kerry

My build thread.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3657823
1971 Chev SWB with 68 nose, 6.2 diesel th350, and 3.73 rear gears
1988 Chev Extendacab
2010 Honda VT1300CS Sabre
2005 Buick Rendezvous wife's ride
chevy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 01:06 AM   #3
GRX
Registered User
 
GRX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,937
Re: Long to short bed help

Quote:
Originally Posted by stangboy88 View Post
So I have came across an extremely nice 68 lwb chevy ......... Anyways, what is the view on the forum for cutting the frame to shorten to a swb chevy?
My view? Chopping an "extremely nice" lwb truck to make a stubby is a step in the wrong direction.
You did ask
__________________
1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.
GRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 08:52 AM   #4
steelhorse
Senior Member
 
steelhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
Re: Long to short bed help

I was going to go this route and found a swb frame for $150 on craigslist. Cutting the frame isn't to hard if you take your time but there is nothing wrong with a nice lwb also.
steelhorse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 09:03 AM   #5
cdowns
Senior Member
 
cdowns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
Re: Long to short bed help

lots of the aborted hack an wack jobs end up[ in the dumpster after the owner gives up and cant find a sucker to give him a dime for them
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane

MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF

DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK

TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY
cdowns is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 12:39 PM   #6
slow-1
Registered User
 
slow-1's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Central NC
Posts: 830
Re: Long to short bed help

I know around here you can find a good SWB frame (or whole truck) for much less than cutting that one will cost.

To each his own as far as to cut or not, but logically there are so many SWB trucks sitting around waiting to be brought back to life, why cut one down?
__________________
1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green"
My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983)
My first vehicle (1983)
Original 350 (3 rebuilds)
700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives

slow-1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 01:20 PM   #7
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Re: Long to short bed help

Steelhorse: My though exactly just finding that good a deal might take a lil longer which is no problem just time lol, and as far as transfering everying to the swb frame it'd give me the time to go frame up which is what will happen anyways

Slow-1: agreed, my thought was the appeal to me would be the look, yet for someone to walk up and i say i chopped frame i wouldn't want to do anything to dimenish value so thats thought

Thanks for everyone's response, really cool to see so many people's input and view for a beginning chevy guy, still gotta stay true to the old 90 coupe foxbody's though for the cars, the c10 is guna be the cruiser
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 02:35 PM   #8
slow-1
Registered User
 
slow-1's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Central NC
Posts: 830
Re: Long to short bed help

Nuthin wrong with a Mustang.

__________________
1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green"
My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983)
My first vehicle (1983)
Original 350 (3 rebuilds)
700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives

slow-1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 02:43 PM   #9
Harpie
Registered User
 
Harpie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Durant OK
Posts: 372
Re: Long to short bed help

If you need a frame ones just ten minutes north of the border here in Oklahoma My cousin has a good one that I know he will sale. He has a excellent frame under a 71 or 72 I cant remember and I know of a brand new passenger side bedside sitting in my shop that needs a home that has a shipping ding. Anywho I can give ya his number if ya want he has tons of stuff owns a salvage yard.
Harpie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 03:07 PM   #10
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Re: Long to short bed help

Harpie: That'd be great, I am actually going to look at a truck or two this weekend, so if something happens i'll be sure to pm you

Slow-1: I have a 09 dark metalic silver one, on 20" black TSW rims, rides like a dream and looks nice going down highway. And like yours probably getting right around 26 hwy mpg lol
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 03:19 PM   #11
GRX
Registered User
 
GRX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,937
Re: Long to short bed help

Welcome to the board stangboy88. Lots of friendly & knowledgeable people here.

Agreed. Nothing wrong with a Fox body 'stang. Fun platform. I bought this one brand new back in '88

__________________
1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.
GRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 03:28 PM   #12
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Re: Long to short bed help

GRX: Thats a straight body good lookin stang right there, my father has one fox body (black on black coupe 5.0 factory) at the moment an 03 svt convertible with the factory supercharger and then i have my 09, plust we just sold the 91 hatch GT so now were on to a c10 haha
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 04:09 PM   #13
C/10 King
Registered User
 
C/10 King's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: A****er, CA
Posts: 5,594
Re: Long to short bed help

......on another note and opinion, there is absolutely nothing with cutting down a nice longie and making it a shortie as long it is done right and you plan on keeping it.
__________________
C/10 Rene
1966 Short Fleet "The Hag"
1967 CST Short Fleet "Dark Poly"
1971 Short Fleet
1970 Jimmy Custom 2 WD "Golden Ticket"
1972 Blazer 2 WD "Retro Blaze"
C/10 King is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 04:15 PM   #14
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Re: Long to short bed help

C/10 King: Plan on keeping it but everyone knows if the time comes to you have to sell you dont want that if i would have just put out the time and effort back then. Cause i know there are those who say cut frame get it weld up right and rebraced it'll be stronger, then others will be like its cut...no go. So I'd just be wanting that option.
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 04:35 PM   #15
LockDoc
The Older Generation

 
LockDoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,270
Re: Long to short bed help

-
Here is a thread on shortening the frame. This is the way I did mine and it worked out great....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

Here is a link to the FAQ index. A lot of neat "how to" info here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=262547

LockDoc
__________________
Leon

Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles

(My Dually Pickup Project Thread)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820

-
LockDoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2013, 05:53 PM   #16
sprint_9
Registered User
 
sprint_9's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: 9
Posts: 862
Re: Long to short bed help

Here is one for the box, not sure if you had planed on new box sides:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=509442

I plan on using this guide for my box along with the one LockDoc posted to convert my lwb into a swb. I would like to find a swb and just use it but there doesn't seem to be many around where I'm at.
sprint_9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 12:50 AM   #17
Jdbfish
Account Suspended
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Belton, tx
Posts: 51
Re: Long to short bed help

Stang, sentiment a pm
Posted via Mobile Device
Jdbfish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 09:30 AM   #18
67ChevyRedneck
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
 
67ChevyRedneck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
Re: Long to short bed help

Do it and don't think twice.

I would prefer to find a swb frame if I did it myself, but they're not always easy to find, but you could save yourself some money in the long run:

Consider this:

Most people want power disc brakes. 68's don't have that, at least not disc.

Most people want 5 lugs. 68's have 6. Even if you bought a 5 lug disc brake kit, you'll still have to address the 6 lug rear end.

Most 68's didn't come with power steering, most 71/72's did.

Factor in all that stuff, and the FACT that a shortened lwb or a factory swb truck in the same condition/options as a lwb truck will ALWAYS bring more money on a sale, if you want to do it, do it.

My point? It may cost $3-500+ for a good swb frame, but factor in everything above, I think you'll be ahead of the game if you find a good 71/72 swb frame with disc brakes and 5 lugs. Make sure you take measurements to check for square, always question why a good frame is for sale
__________________
Jesse James
1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73
1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc
1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken!
2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71
2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo
2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride
American Born, Country by the Grace of God
1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild!
My 1967 C-10 Build Thread
My Vintage Air A/C Install
Project "On a Dime"
Trying my hand at Home Renovation!
1965 Mustang Modifications!
67ChevyRedneck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 10:43 AM   #19
wylieguy
Registered User
 
wylieguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: wylie,texas
Posts: 37
Re: Long to short bed help

Harpie, how much would he want for the swb frame?
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
Proud Owner of a 1968 Chevy Truck
wylieguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 10:48 AM   #20
Harpie
Registered User
 
Harpie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Durant OK
Posts: 372
Re: Long to short bed help

Not sure I looked at it when I was gonna hafta either put front horns on mine or get another frame and we never talked money you can look up r&d salvage in durant oklahoma and talk to Justin he is the owner he has another one or two but don't know if he will part those trucks out or sell as whole. Anyway he has a lot of long bed trucks also great parts trucks.
Posted via Mobile Device
Harpie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 11:25 AM   #21
CC69Rat
Senior Member

 
CC69Rat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,204
Re: Long to short bed help

Rene is bad to cut one you know.. Cant take him nowhere.
__________________
Chad

1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway*
1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy
1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold*
1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold*
2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built
1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted
2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)
CC69Rat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 11:47 AM   #22
C/10 King
Registered User
 
C/10 King's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: A****er, CA
Posts: 5,594
Re: Long to short bed help

__________________
C/10 Rene
1966 Short Fleet "The Hag"
1967 CST Short Fleet "Dark Poly"
1971 Short Fleet
1970 Jimmy Custom 2 WD "Golden Ticket"
1972 Blazer 2 WD "Retro Blaze"
C/10 King is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2013, 12:33 PM   #23
stangboy88
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rockdale, TX
Posts: 10
Re: Long to short bed help

Ok, then let me ask this, i found a 71 swb roller, its been frame up resto with lowering springs rear and new suspension work in front. Body was taken off and the frame treated and sealed as well as underside of cab after all rust was cut out of corners, rockers and floor. interior is near done but needs work to finish, AC cab and auto on tree. Car appears to be straight from pictures and it is set up for a bbc. Is this something to look into and what would you assume if the car was done correctly would sell for? Its couple different colors of primer and old paint sanded but looks nice and straight.
__________________
Thanks: SB-88
stangboy88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2013, 12:58 PM   #24
diver
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: hiram,georgia
Posts: 243
Re: Long to short bed help

i did a 67 k-20 and made a short bed easy do.
diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2013, 01:21 AM   #25
RexDodge
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Posts: 741
Re: Long to short bed help

Did mine and it turned out ok. Be patient and take your time. Biggest surprise for me was to find out how much these beds taper in the back. Bit of a challenge making the body lines flow.
Attached Images
 
RexDodge is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
body, conversion, frame, lwb, swb

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:42 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com