SWB or LWB

[Ronzo]

Well, I have my 1960 home and have been making plans.
Got a body man all lined up for the cab and front fenders.
The plan is to use a 63-66 frame, and eventually air bags and a 4 link.
This will have a big block, and besides power, I want good weight transfer to the rear tires and good handling.

As it sits, it's a LWB. But I kind of like the SWB look. If you were after performance and handling, which wheelbase would you go with?

[63sbssbbw]

I think with a BB in a short might be a little squirrely ??
Obviously you'll have a big a$$ front sway bar sooo ???
A short might get the front wheels in the air though LOL
Currently doing a 61 on a 63 chassis (GMC) the 63 is definitely more forgiving to work with than the 60-62"s.
The only "need to change pieces" are Cab mount location, Grill support and front bumper (rear too I think)can come from a 63-66.
Probably stuff you already know.
If it were mine,I'd keep it a LB they're cool too (unless its a stepper)
Throw some pics up love to see it
Trent

[Palf70Step]

Suspension pieces equal, the handling with the SWB will be better, but the ride of the LWB will be better. Straight line performance (drags) I normally find the LWB is a better choice.

[joedoh]

I'd recommend the shmedium bed. mechanic77 did to his old blue, longer than a shorty but shorter than a long. shmedium! its a great look, slightly longer than the short which is just enough


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...9&postcount=74

[HemiChallenger71]

Interesting!

I prefer the long bed trucks myself.
My short bed is much like someone above described, a bit squirrely handling. It has all original suspension parts and bushings though.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I have both. I can't really compare them because the short has 75 suspension parts along with the front sway bar, is also lowered 3/4 with some 60 series tires with a BB in it and the long bed is stock with a 283, and yes it has body roll. Needless the say the BB works in the Short Bed.

[Slow Build]

You can get some bite with shortbed that's for sure.

[Slow Build]

Sometimes too much.

[donthekawguy]

I like the swb for 2wd and long for 4wd.

[AcampoDave]

I had everything I needed to convert my longbed and when it came down to the wire...I changed my mind. After so many good years, I just couldn't cut it up.

[TJ's Chevy]

I like both myself....short stepper and ong bed fleeter here.

[chevyrestoguy]

I built nothing but shortbeds for years, and my '64 is my first longbed. Initially, I wasn't sure if building it as a hot rod was a good choice, but it has really grown on me. I'm starting to see a lot more board members building long bed hot rods, so maybe we're starting a new trend!

A SWB will ride good because of the coil springs and trailing arms, but because of the extended wheelbase, a LWB will ride even better. The LWB bed being 2ft longer comes in really handy when you need to haul something like a motorcycle or 8ft 2x4s.

You can't go wrong with either one, but you need to consider what you plan to use the truck for, and then make your decision.

[TypeSL2]

I am going sorta against the grain here. I have always preferred the look of the short steppers, but could not find one when when I was in the market. Most of the ones I found were long steppers. I bought it and have loved it. I really think the look of the stepsides on the long bed just look more at home. If we are talking fleet though, it's definitely a tossup. I love the look of a slammed long bed for some reason. Although, that shmedium looks pretty hot. Good luck on your choice, but really you can't go wrong.

James

[Greg63]

I like the 7' shmedium look.
Greg

[SIR]

I rely love our long bed I take HWY 199 to the coast often and with a good sway bar, good shocks & tires it handles curves like it's on rails....long bed.....

[Ronzo]

I appreciate everyone's response, I guess it does come down to personal preference.
My 60 is buried in snow at the moment, but I will take better pics soon.
It's sitting in the snow so my 76 stepside can get worked on.

[jnovotny]

Man that's a straight hood and grill. Wish mine was as nice!

[Ronzo]

Originally Posted by jnovotny

Man that's a straight hood and grill. Wish mine was as nice!

I agree, those pieces and the brand new windshield kind of sealed the deal for me.

[Chapstr's65]

Short looks way better IMO

[franken]

Heh,
I like trucks. Trucks have 8' beds.

[Monte's62]

I like both long and shorts, but I like the shorts with a static drop, and a lot of the longs look cool with bags.

[63sbssbbw]

That's looking like a great start !The WS is definitely a huge plus
AFAIK Imperial and Pilkington are the only 2 that made WS for our trucks
My Pilkington measures in at 5.5mm thick..I've heard the aftermarket ones are thinner.
Did you manage to score the correct WS gasket??
You've got the rest of the glass too ??
.
Shmedium bed ...cool, the best of both LOL
T

[Ronzo]

Mine is 1/4" looks like.
Didn't get the gasket with it, will find one.
All the other glass is good.

[63sbssbbw]

That sounds right
I think GM is still making them, Any good glass shop Should be able to get you one.
So sweet that you got the WS
Harder to find than the front fenders I'm looking for ! LOL
T

[Ronzo]

63sbssbbw
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