looking at a 59

[68c10owner]

I`m going to go look at a 59 long bed stepside in the morning. It has a 235/4spd and the guy drives it everyday he says. He said it doesn`t have a electric heater but has some other kind that gets really hot. What is this set up? Is there anything I should look out for with a 59? I had a 57 years ago but it was a project.

Also, my wife and I want a shortbed but this one seems pretty decent. do you shorten these like the later trucks? 12" behind the cam and remove the last 8" of the frame? My buddy had a 55 years ago that was a shotened 3/4 ton but they only shortened the wheelbase and didn`t do anything for the back part of the frame. Thanks.

[pugs]

id keep the long bed seeing you are a bike tech, you mite need the truck you haul the bike around, for me if you can find one i would switch it to a fleetside bed

[68c10owner]

I can`t remember the last time I hauled a bike but they do fit in a short bed. I prefer the step sides and I prefer the short beds.

[Daniel U]

There are plenty of threads on here for guys who shortened their chassis. I personally found a swb chassis that was on it's way to the crusher and started fresh with it. We'd like to see some pics. Good luck, Daniel

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by Daniel U

There are plenty of threads on here for guys who shortened their chassis. I personally found a swb chassis that was on it's way to the crusher and started fresh with it. We'd like to see some pics. Good luck, Daniel

I found a bunch of threads but they were either 67-72 trucks or pre 55. I saw some threads where people listed how much the difference was and where to take it from, behind the cab mount is a little vague, but I didn`t see any threads where someone actually did it. I`m going to look at it this morning sometime. If I get it I`ll definalty post pics. I`ll also be searching the threads for the best cost effective IFS swap. Most likley I`ll do a camaro/firebird clip. My buddy did it to his 55 and it rode great and was really low which is what I want.

[OrrieG]

This might help....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=311723

Even if it is for an earlier or later truck the principal is the same. Most shorten it just behind the rear cab mount because it does not affect the alignment of the cab, front clip and engine/trans. It is also where the frame is straightest and tallest. Factory assembly manuals give the critical wheelbase and body to frame dimensions. Get everything jigged up, take good measurements multiple times then cut and reweld. Or search for a SWB frame under a total rust bucket.

[68c10owner]

well I passed on the truck. Major rust in the steps and rockers. Not something I would drive everyday like it was described. I`ll keep searching.