To Chop or Not to Chop (The bed that is)

[ctandc]

Well turns out I can snag a nice '64 SWB frame for a bit of nothing. In fact the gas to go get my buddy's trailer, and haul this thing home will probably cost as much as I’m giving for the frame.

So what’s the verdict? I know that some people love longbeds, some love shortbeds. I’m kinda on the fence right now. I may pull up pictures of both to compare and let the boy decide, it is going to be his truck….or at least I’ll let him think that LOL.

Cutting the bed doesn’t look to be a huge thing at all. And the welding doesn’t bother me, since I have plenty of body work to do on the bed anyway.

I’m thinking a shortbed would be less sanding. And that’s enough reason for me.

One question I do have is that the LH rear lower bedside on my long bed is dented pretty good. I’m thinking I’d probably want to straighten it a bit before cutting and welding or not?

[markeb01]

I prefer short beds whether they’re stepside or fleetside, so I’d do it because I’d prefer the end result. But I’d also do it just for the adventure and because of how much less work it would take not having to section the frame.

It really comes down to whatever you prefer.

[zippeay]

It's not too hard, if you have a SWB frame then most of the hard part is already done. Just remember that depending on how bad that dent is, when you weld up your sides the heat may play some tricks on you even if you take the dent out. Just make sure you keep it cool and you'll be ok.

[jocko]

I would submit that that hard part is the body, not the frame. And it is a lot of work (either/both). BUT, as Mark said, if you a) want a shortbed, and/or b) just want to enjoy the experience of doing it - I think it's a great idea and a fun project. Lots of recommendations on here (the website I mean, if you search) - also recommend the Trucks! series DVD on the 66 C10 where they did this (available somewhere on the Powerblock TV website).

Note, you could also just try to locate a shortwide bed and be done with it - but that's not always easy and it would cost you more money than cutting down your own. Unless, that is, you jack it up and THEN have to go buy a shortbed somewhere! But that won't happen.

I love these "shortenings" - can't wait to see your progress - I definitely look fwd to you doing it! PICS along the way, please!!!!

EDIT - also, considering the damage you already have, another option is to shorten your bed, but then install new shortbed bedsides - kill two birds with one stone. I've always wondered why this wasn't a common approach to doing this. Probably because it costs a little more - but if you have bad damage on one side, might be worthwhile. Keep in mind if you do that with one side, you'll probably wna to do it on both so both of your wheelwells are the same length (longed wheelwell openings are about 3" longer than shortbed wheelwell openings).

[ctandc]

Originally Posted by jocko

I would submit that that hard part is the body, not the frame. And it is a lot of work (either/both). BUT, as Mark said, if you a) want a shortbed, and/or b) just want to enjoy the experience of doing it - I think it's a great idea and a fun project. Lots of recommendations on here (the website I mean, if you search) - also recommend the Trucks! series DVD on the 66 C10 where they did this (available somewhere on the Powerblock TV website).

I’ve checked all the threads and watched the Trucks episode as well. I’ve already got bodywork needed on the bedside, so for me, it’s actually about a draw in the work needed department.

Originally Posted by jocko

Note, you could also just try to locate a shortwide bed and be done with it - but that's not always easy and it would cost you more money than cutting down your own. Unless, that is, you jack it up and THEN have to go buy a shortbed somewhere! But that won't happen.

Well this is the fun of this kind of project. Keeping on a shoestring budget and getting it done. I’m sure my welds will require lots of working, but hey that’s how it goes.

Originally Posted by jocko

I love these "shortenings" - can't wait to see your progress - I definitely look fwd to you doing it! PICS along the way, please!!!!

I doubt bodywork will start until this Winter, if not early next Spring. I’ll definitely update my build page when I do.

Originally Posted by jocko

EDIT - also, considering the damage you already have, another option is to shorten your bed, but then install new shortbed bedsides - kill two birds with one stone. I've always wondered why this wasn't a common approach to doing this. Probably because it costs a little more - but if you have bad damage on one side, might be worthwhile. Keep in mind if you do that with one side, you'll probably wna to do it on both so both of your wheelwells are the same length (longed wheelwell openings are about 3" longer than shortbed wheelwell openings).

I actually just sealed the deal on the SWB frame tonight, so I’ll be picking that up shortly.