likearock68
Newbie
Posts: 9
Loc: PA
Reg: 03-26-22
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04-17-22 12:05 PM - Post#2839926
I recently purchased a 68 c-10 long bed and have been thinking about converting it to a shortie.
I have no experience welding so not sure if I want to tackle it, and if it is worth doing it. I would like to hear other thoughts on this.
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 wagonman100
Site Ambassador
Posts: 15655
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
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04-17-22 01:48 PM - Post#2839932
In response to likearock68
They sell kits that bolt in during the conversion and then you can take it to someone to weld it in permanently afterward. It’s not all that much welding so it wouldn’t cost much.
Jay
Friends don’t let friends drive Fords.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon
1957 Cameo Carrier |
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bobb
Super Senior Member
Posts: 6079
Loc: paradise
Reg: 09-05-03
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04-17-22 04:42 PM - Post#2839939
In response to likearock68
you better make real sure the guy welding it knows what he is doing and has experience doing frame welding. once its hacked it will cost way more to get it fixed. and thats if, someone else will even do it. dont believe anyone who says they can do it without proof. better make sure your local laws will allow this type of mod.
| 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. |
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likearock68
Newbie
Posts: 9
Loc: PA
Reg: 03-26-22
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04-18-22 05:58 AM - Post#2839981
In response to bobb
So maybe it's not worth the trouble.
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bobb
Super Senior Member
Posts: 6079
Loc: paradise
Reg: 09-05-03
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04-18-22 08:09 AM - Post#2839996
In response to likearock68
only you can determine that.
| 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. |
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64ss409
Senior Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Montana
Reg: 12-04-02
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04-18-22 11:22 AM - Post#2840007
In response to likearock68
The frame will have to be shortened to short wheel base specs in front of the axle. And some cut off behind the axle. The drive shaft will have to be shortened. I'm not sure what you will have to do with e-brake cables and brake lines. Wiring of course. All something to consider.
Ron
1964 SS 409/340 4 spd, bought new Oct '63 from Ken Boggs Chevrolet, Geraldine, Montana
1962 SS convertible, 327/250 4 spd
1956 IH pickup, 327
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Bad56Sedan
"15th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1534
Loc: Pasadena, Texas
Reg: 04-29-04
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04-18-22 09:09 PM - Post#2840025
In response to likearock68
I would not hesitate to convert it to short wheel base.
The weld needed is doable even for the amateur,
Buy the best bracket kit you can afford.
VC56S 2 door Sedan, 42 Years
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Edited by Bad56Sedan on 04-18-22 09:13 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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bobb
Super Senior Member
Posts: 6079
Loc: paradise
Reg: 09-05-03
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04-19-22 10:43 PM - Post#2840073
In response to Bad56Sedan
i have seen what amateurs do when trying to weld. it aint pretty and they do not weld much more than filler in my shop.
| 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. |
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doubleE
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3918
Loc: Eagan MN
Reg: 06-02-03
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05-17-22 01:50 PM - Post#2841359
In response to bobb
Visit You Tube and search for "shortening a long bed to short". There are several videos on doing this, both with using bracket kits (with complete instructions) and do-it yourself methods. The kits make this project a piece of cake 
Eric
| Proud owner of
My Blue 62
Impala SS |
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shortstepside67
Newbie
Posts: 4
Age: 58
Loc: MA
Reg: 05-30-22
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06-04-22 03:31 AM - Post#2842280
In response to likearock68
i just finished shortening my 67 c20 using the system from brother truck and found the only difference between c10 and 20 was rear cab mount was left out of the templet once i got done my buddy and i welded it and it measures out fine it took 2 days cause we both work but 5 hours total time and it looks great check out there vid's on youtube good luck
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likearock68
Newbie
Posts: 9
Loc: PA
Reg: 03-26-22
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06-13-22 03:05 PM - Post#2842870
In response to shortstepside67
I guess the real question is if everything was done right would it increase the value of the truck?
or would a would-be buyer be hesitant because it's not a factory shortie? Even if everything was done up to snuff so to speak.
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Keith Seymore
Contributor
Posts: 771
Loc: Southeast Michigan
Reg: 09-17-08
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08-04-22 05:52 AM - Post#2845423
In response to likearock68
I guess the real question is if everything was done right would it increase the value of the truck?
or would a would-be buyer be hesitant because it's not a factory shortie? Even if everything was done up to snuff so to speak.
My opinion would be that it would decrease the value.
There are short bed enthusiasts that prefer factory short beds. There are long bed enthusiasts that prefer factory long beds.
But I don't think there is a segment of buyers that prefer trucks that have been cut down. Those buyers are making a compromise.
In the end - "there is an a$$ for every seat" as the saying goes, but the price has to be set accordingly.
K
Edited by Keith Seymore on 08-04-22 05:53 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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