shortbed conversion

[kcstreetracer]

i have a longbed that i am converting to a shortbed. my question is should i just do the s cuts on the frame and weld it or get the template kit from brothers and use it? just wondering if the kit from brothers will make it easier to do. thanks

[mongocanfly]

I always just do a straight thru vertical cut on the ones I've done...usually add a fish plate....some people do the z cut..but I dont really see a need for it...straight cuts have worked fine and are much easier to line back up...

[SCOTI]

Straight or staggered cuts both work. If you're familiar with & use a welder regularly, a straight cut gets it done & offers less fab prep time. If you only weld occasionally, a staggered cut is not a bad idea. It takes longer to get things ready but there's more overall weld length/area.

The Brothers kit w/the reinforcement channels to slip inside the shortened rails & the easier straight-cut is a good idea for the occasional welder. It's faster/easier, PLUS... a set-up that is done w/a kit can yield a better return on investment in a re-sell scenario since not all 'welders' are equal in the quality of their welds.

[kcstreetracer]

Is there a thread with the dimensions on doing the straight cut method? I've only been able to find the staggered cut method. My cousin is a top notch welder and he will be handling the welding on it. Not to worried about resale on it as I plan to keep it and pass down to my son!

[mongocanfly]

What I've done is just mark it out on a straight section of frame as close to the cab as I can get.....when going from long to short bed you only need to remove the amount that is the difference in the beds from rear wheel centerline to bed front...then you'll need to clip the rear of the frame off as well...to match the rear difference..

[mongocanfly]

Here is how I did the IH...removed 12in from the center...and clipped 4in of the rear...

[mongocanfly]

You can do a search on this site as there are quite a few that have done it...heres one
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ortening+frame

[71cheyennesuperlongb]

The best way is to cut 1/2 way down the frame,then horizontal to the rear,then down through the frame.Much stronger than straight cut or diagonal.No needfor gussets or fishplates.Make horizontal cuts 8 inches long.

[cebra]

You can "make" a brothers kit for about $75. I bought C-Channels for this truck from Summit, a new brake line, a SWB intermediate e-brake cable, and same grade 8 hardware. The only thing you don't get is the paper template but I have a ruler that is 12" long...it is way easier than it seems and people make it out to be.