72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KrazyRay · 10-17-2009, 10:52 PM

A couple months ago, a board member asked if anyone had made a trailer out of the back half of a truck. I have made a few of them. Here's one I did this weekend.
I pulled the cab off and removed the brake and fuel lines. Then I cut off the rivets holding the front cab mounts and exhaust hanger.
I cut the frame just in front of the cab mounts and measured 36 1/2 inches from the frame cut to the relief cuts to fold the frame together. Also, I cut small angles at the front to give me an inch or so to weld the frame rails together.
Next, I took the angle grinder to joint prep for the welds.
It may not be as pretty, but I prefer lap welds over butt welds where the frame folds. To make the laps, I grab a ford tool and beat one part of the lap down and the other part up. I weld the frame fronts together and the 5000lb. A-frame coupler fits the angle almost perfect. I will get pics as soon as the site will allow.

badpeanut · 10-18-2009, 03:00 AM

Subscribed!

kevmic28 · 10-18-2009, 10:43 AM

You can use photobucket to host pics and just post the image script to show the pics on here.

KrazyRay · 10-20-2009, 06:19 PM

pics

KrazyRay · 10-20-2009, 06:24 PM

more pics

KrazyRay · 10-20-2009, 06:40 PM

The next thing I will do is install a safety chain, pick up a flat 4 trailer connector, or if you want the backup lights to work than it will take at least a 5 pin (I usually step up to a more common 7 pole) Next, I will pressure wash the trailer and possibly use a flapper disc on the frame. I paint the frame with rustoleum black and the bed with rustoleum white. It takes about 1/4 gallon with 25% acetone as a thinning agent to do a trailer.
Here's some pics of a trailer I did with hydraulics and one that I used a caddy el dorado axle to lower down by about 5 inches.

Rob H. · 10-20-2009, 07:58 PM

I still say you Caliornia guys are too spoiled,lol cutting up trucks like that for trailers, sure wish I had that cab!

KrazyRay · 10-20-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob H.

I still say you Caliornia guys are too spoiled,lol cutting up trucks like that for trailers, sure wish I had that cab!

I have 9 of these cabs...wish I could figure out how to get them to the rust belt!

**leddzepp** · 10-20-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob H.

I still say you Caliornia guys are too spoiled,lol cutting up trucks like that for trailers, sure wish I had that cab!

Come on down and pick one up!

sleepertruck72 · 10-21-2009, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

The next thing I will do is install a safety chain, pick up a flat 4 trailer connector, or if you want the backup lights to work than it will take at least a 5 pin (I usually step up to a more common 7 pole) Next, I will pressure wash the trailer and possibly use a flapper disc on the frame. I paint the frame with rustoleum black and the bed with rustoleum white. It takes about 1/4 gallon with 25% acetone as a thinning agent to do a trailer.
Here's some pics of a trailer I did with hydraulics and one that I used a caddy el dorado axle to lower down by about 5 inches.

Krazy Ray,
I like the hydraulic dump bed, what is needed for this conversion ? Battery, hydraulic ram,hoses, I am tired of dump runs where I have to actually work ! Does the tailgate bottom out when tilted or is it removed ?
Thanks

KrazyRay · 10-21-2009, 08:23 AM

sleepertruck72, The hydraulic dump was pretty simple. On the pass side, I mounted a battery box on the outside of the frame rail. I used a 7 pole trailer wire connector to allow for trickle charging the battery while driving. On the driver side, I mounted the pump assembly (12 volt pump motor, hyd. res. all one unit) to the outside of the frame. I made a few notch cuts on the bed cross ribs and attached the scissor ram. What made it easy was the complete hydraulic setup came off an old caltrans truck.

Rob H. · 10-21-2009, 10:26 AM

Only 2 things keeping me from coming to get one, time and money, seems that's the major hold up on most of my projects. The two also never coenside, always one without the other! Maybe someday, sure would like to get out that way again, it's been 24 years since the last time.

tim21391 · 10-21-2009, 10:52 AM

i would of loved to have that white bed

rambler · 10-21-2009, 11:43 AM

nice job! it sucks that that bed is nicer shape then mine! I saw one the other day loaded with wood, looked in like new shape, pulled by a old beater car...

unclewatts · 10-22-2009, 12:06 AM

Truck killers!!!!!

KrazyRay · 10-22-2009, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclewatts

Truck killers!!!!!

A guy I used to buy longbed beds from said that the only thing a longbed truck is good for is parts for the short beds. That being said, I'm putting together a 72 k20 super cheyenne longbed.
Wait until you see the next truck I've killed....It will be posted in the square body section in a few days.

unclewatts · 10-22-2009, 05:14 PM

Actually I'm just kidding. The truth is that the more trucks that you make into trailers, the more rare and valuable mine becomes!

72 cheyenne pdx · 10-22-2009, 07:19 PM

That's what I keep saying about long beds. Keep shortening them to short bed, and someday I may have the only longbed in existence......

10-17-2009, 10:52 PM	#1
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer A couple months ago, a board member asked if anyone had made a trailer out of the back half of a truck. I have made a few of them. Here's one I did this weekend. I pulled the cab off and removed the brake and fuel lines. Then I cut off the rivets holding the front cab mounts and exhaust hanger. I cut the frame just in front of the cab mounts and measured 36 1/2 inches from the frame cut to the relief cuts to fold the frame together. Also, I cut small angles at the front to give me an inch or so to weld the frame rails together. Next, I took the angle grinder to joint prep for the welds. It may not be as pretty, but I prefer lap welds over butt welds where the frame folds. To make the laps, I grab a ford tool and beat one part of the lap down and the other part up. I weld the frame fronts together and the 5000lb. A-frame coupler fits the angle almost perfect. I will get pics as soon as the site will allow.

10-18-2009, 03:00 AM	#2
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,760	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer Subscribed! __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

10-18-2009, 10:43 AM	#3
kevmic28 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Arlington Texas Posts: 602	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer You can use photobucket to host pics and just post the image script to show the pics on here. __________________ 1970 GMC truck 1988 Harley 1200 Sportster

10-20-2009, 06:19 PM	#4
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer pics Attached Images

10-20-2009, 06:24 PM	#5
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer more pics Attached Images

10-20-2009, 06:40 PM	#6
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer The next thing I will do is install a safety chain, pick up a flat 4 trailer connector, or if you want the backup lights to work than it will take at least a 5 pin (I usually step up to a more common 7 pole) Next, I will pressure wash the trailer and possibly use a flapper disc on the frame. I paint the frame with rustoleum black and the bed with rustoleum white. It takes about 1/4 gallon with 25% acetone as a thinning agent to do a trailer. Here's some pics of a trailer I did with hydraulics and one that I used a caddy el dorado axle to lower down by about 5 inches. Attached Images

10-20-2009, 07:58 PM	#7
Rob H. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petersville KY Posts: 673	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer I still say you Caliornia guys are too spoiled,lol cutting up trucks like that for trailers, sure wish I had that cab! __________________ Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's)

10-21-2009, 08:23 AM	#11
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer sleepertruck72, The hydraulic dump was pretty simple. On the pass side, I mounted a battery box on the outside of the frame rail. I used a 7 pole trailer wire connector to allow for trickle charging the battery while driving. On the driver side, I mounted the pump assembly (12 volt pump motor, hyd. res. all one unit) to the outside of the frame. I made a few notch cuts on the bed cross ribs and attached the scissor ram. What made it easy was the complete hydraulic setup came off an old caltrans truck.

10-21-2009, 10:26 AM	#12
Rob H. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petersville KY Posts: 673	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer Only 2 things keeping me from coming to get one, time and money, seems that's the major hold up on most of my projects. The two also never coenside, always one without the other! Maybe someday, sure would like to get out that way again, it's been 24 years since the last time. __________________ Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's)

10-21-2009, 10:52 AM	#13
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer i would of loved to have that white bed __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

10-21-2009, 11:43 AM	#14
rambler MOVE OVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 5,470	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer nice job! it sucks that that bed is nicer shape then mine! I saw one the other day loaded with wood, looked in like new shape, pulled by a old beater car... __________________ No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi

10-22-2009, 12:06 AM	#15
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer Truck killers!!!!! __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-22-2009, 05:14 PM	#17
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer Actually I'm just kidding. The truth is that the more trucks that you make into trailers, the more rare and valuable mine becomes! __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-22-2009, 07:19 PM	#18
72 cheyenne pdx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 382	Re: 72 Chevy Pickup Bed Trailer That's what I keep saying about long beds. Keep shortening them to short bed, and someday I may have the only longbed in existence......



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