Long step to short step?

[muddpile]

I have a chance to attain a long step 64-66 GMC for cheap (not a knee knocker cab, but not sure what year past that). It's a 6 cylinder floor shift manual 2wd. The front fenders have mild rust, the rear fenders and bedsides are good, the rockers, floor pans and cab corners are good, and it has minor visor rust (gave it the screwdriver test aroud the windshield).

My question is, how easy is it to cut a long step into a short step? I have the full-blown hotrod Tornado short-fleet right now, but that can only be driven and used in a few applications. A stock-looking dropped short step with a small block under the hood, TH350 and highway gears would make a really nice daily driver. I have a half parted out 77 C10 that would make a great donor vehicle for power steering, brakes, front suspension, diff, trans, etc.

So, here's what I know of that has to be shortened:
-bedsides
-bed floor (likely shot anyways)
-frame

One concern, are the rear fenders the same long to short, and if not, can they be modified?

I think that's it for now, any help at all would be great. Thanks!

[protrash64]

I dont know about your questions, muddpile. But down here I couldnt give away a short step bed.....Id look for one before jumping into that work.....unless you're looking for a challenge.

[slorio]

Rear fenders are the same, unless you have the spare tire mounted on the left side. Rear fender with the spare is different from long to short.

The other item that is different is the steps from one to the other. I think it would be difficult to shorten those. You would likely have to scrounge up a pair of short steps.

I think the suggestion to get a short stepside bed would be much easier. They do come up fairly often.

Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[DWright]

i wouldnt bother, rock what'cha got is my way of thinking. plus a slammed longstep always looks sweet.

[jr's62]

are you guys saying that short steps are easy to find where you are?

[Joemomma1]

I cant speak for protrash but over here they are not very desirable. Im not just talking from my own preferences but from what Ive seen. I have a short step bed but no takers.

[jr's62]

what is the reason i wonder, i was told when i got mine (by my dad) not the seller that they were not very common and the seller tried to get me to take a swb instead. thats seems odd though, hey i'll take all of them if you want. lol

[muddpile]

Around here it's pretty well all long fleet, with few exceptions. I first thought this was a short step, but upon closer inspection it was long. It does not have the tire mount, so looks like I may just cut er up. Thanks guys!

[jonzcustomshop]

frame ,bedsides,and floor, and the step is all you will have to cut down.
55-66 used the same bedsides,front bed panel,fenders, and tailgate.
the cross sills, and bed wood changed around a bit for the different frames.
So keep your eye out, you might find a ss bed aroun.
mar-k (sp?) reproduces all those parts , except the fenders, as well.

[joe231]

yeah what Jon said

Mar-K.com

I think cutting down a long step should be much easier than cutting down a long fleet....

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Joemomma1

I cant speak for protrash but over here they are not very desirable. Im not just talking from my own preferences but from what Ive seen. I have a short step bed but no takers.

Exactly my point J/M........I think the steppers are cool, I prefer a fleet and in Phx metro area I think its the preferred style. I had a step bed and couldnt get anyone to take it; just what your saying. I figure muddpile could find one fairly easily.

[jr's62]

hey before you cut, lets see some pics.

[muddpile]

I'll definitely get some pics, she's a minty unit, GMC910, featuring a nice coating of John Deer Green paint from it's earlier life as a local power company truck.

[63Belair]

Any one here cut a long fleetside down to a short fleetside. I have both beds and there is far less rust etc on the long box. I'm just finishing a 62 shortbox and all I have left is the box. I'd like to come by a short stepside box here in Eastern Washington.