How to cut 3600 bed to 3100

[HULK64]

I ended up with a 3600 bed. I have searched on this forum and on Google with not a lot of luck on where to cut it down to make it a 3100. Help the dummy? My Google-fu is usually pretty strong. I'm disappointed in myself for asking, trust me.
Is it as simple as cutting 10" out of the front?

[whitedog76]

This may help

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...sto/52060.html

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...sto/52068.html

[HULK64]

That's super helpful! So the distance from the rear bumper to the center line of hte wheel well is 41 7/16" on both of them. I just read a build where a guy thought about cutting 9" but went with 7" instead and was very happy with it. Better to cut less than too much!

[Hampshire]

I just read a build where a guy thought about cutting 9" but went with 7" instead and was very happy with it. Better to cut less than too much!

...I don't think that would work. The difference from a 3100 to 3600 is 9-1/4". I first saw crossfire84's build thread and followed his method when we cut my frame. I'm done so you can check my build thread. too.

crossfire84's thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=530662

[Hampshire]

Hope I was clear that that even though you are not doing a frame cut, the 9-1/4" measurement applies to the bed, also. ...9" off the front of the bed would probably work, but 7" would not be enough. Even so, after we had a 1/2 ton bed on a 1/2 ton length frame, we moved the rear axle back a little more then an inch to center the wheel in the fender opening. Many builders do this last bit.

[MARTINSR]

All I know is when you go to cut it, don't cut that section out and re-weld it. Remove the stake pockets by drilling out the spot welds and then cut off what you want then plug weld the stake pocket back on.


Brian

[mr48chev]

Brian has a good point there. The spot welds cut out pretty easy with a spot weld cutter and it makes a lot better all around job of it.

There is a 9-1/4 inch wheelbase difference between the trucks but the difference in the length of the beds is 8-7/8 according to the GM herritage printout for the 53 models which have the best drawings.

You would want to cut the bed sides down pretty close to exact if you are planing on using a precut bed wood kit. A slight length adjustment to center the wheels and get the space between the back of the cab and the front of the bed just right (especially on a frame swap) wouldn't be a big deal if you cut your own wood for the bed.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

[HULK64]

I should clarify: I am using an S10 frame, so it sounds like 8 7/8" is the cut to make to the bed. No cuts to the frame. I will be making a custom bed floor- no kit.
So you are saying the stake pockets need to be moved so they are on the front edge of the bed? How many places is it spot welded?

[Coach529]

Cutting a long bed down is pretty close to breaking a mirror, or having a black cat cross your path........

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by HULK64

I should clarify: I am using an S10 frame, so it sounds like 8 7/8" is the cut to make to the bed. No cuts to the frame. I will be making a custom bed floor- no kit.
So you are saying the stake pockets need to be moved so they are on the front edge of the bed? How many places is it spot welded?

Run a small grinder over it to see the welds. There are probably 20-30. Check out this "Basics of Basics" on the subject.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basi...ls-222549.html

Brian