making a shortbed out of a longbed

[my67C10]

im not really into the look of the longbed so i have been thinking on this for a few weeks, first i thought of just finding a shortbed frame and making the chopping and welding the bed but then i came to the conclusion that it would be alot easier to just cut the frame and weld it back. i found this guy is selling this guid on how to make a short bed out of a long bed and i would rather just do it on my own (i am using a few pics as a refrence) i just need to know the wheel base of a shortbed. i went to school with this guy who made a shortbed out of his 68 longbed, but he had air bags with 1" ports so after 3 or 4 years it tweaked the frame and it snapped in 2 places one being in a place where it wasnt cut and welded. i think im going to talk to him and ask to get some coppies of the pics that he took while it was under construction, im not sure if he just mader vertical cuts or if they where at an angle but its common knolage that the more area that you weld the stronger the weld is going to be. the best way to cut it in my mind is to make a stretched out horizontal S. something like this pic (thanks flebay guy)

[Bad71chev406sbc]

I believe the longbeds are 127". Shorty is 115". Someone should confirm this. I'm going by memory.

[powell72]

Bad71 is right, take 12'' out between the wheels and 8'' off the back. I'm no expert but I believe the best way to do it is like in the pic.

[LockDoc]

My67c10,

Why buy the guide when you can get it free on the FAQ Forum, here:?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

Then use the money you saved to get a subscription and help the board out, Here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=139629

Just A thought.....

LockDoc

[my67C10]

AHahahaa i was looking at glock35ipsc step by step guid on how he made his LWB into a SWB and its the same one step by step guide on E-bay!!

[chevy_fatman]

Originally Posted by my67C10

AHahahaa i was looking at glock35ipsc step by step guid on how he made his LWB into a SWB and its the same one step by step guide on E-bay!!

Now you know where it came from! this board is going to save you a lotta of moola, well not really

[orange-c10]

i want to do this as well but i dont trust my own welding. wonder if a shop would do it and how much?

[Brad]

I took mine to Charley's Drop Shop in Portland. It cost me $500 to have them shorten the frame -but that was with cab, frontend, and box removed. He charges $1000 if he's gotta remove them. Here's my progression:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=181633

[arkracing]

Originally Posted by orange-c10

i want to do this as well but i dont trust my own welding. wonder if a shop would do it and how much?

Just do all your cutting and tack weld it back together. Look in the Yellow pages for welders - or ask some local constructions guys who is good in your area. Call up one of the "Mobile" welding guys - he'll come right to the house and weld it up for you

not sure how much - but it has to be less than $500 - especially if you clean it up all nice nice and have everything ready to go

[my67C10]

im in the same boat as orangec10, i dont trust my welding (atleast not for the frame). i would think that if you had it all cleaned,cut,beveled and everything that the guy would only charge maybe 150 thats just for the welds. but then agian if it was me i would have the guy tac weld it in a few places then i would check the square, he would probably get anoyed that i was stopping him to check on the frames angles

[72CSTC5]

my67c10 hit the nail on the head, make sure your weld gap is beveled or you will not get good penetration and alternate your welds one inch at a time back to front and side to side. keep checking your measurements too so you do not have any rear frame sag from heat.