need to no how much to shorten my 63 chevy long ed to make it a short bed

if any body has pix or any info on wheel base will help thanx

 

try searching on www.67-72chevytrucks.com

There are quite a few tech articles on shortening a LWB to a SWB. Some of the builds are 67-72 trucks but the info will still basically be the same. Frames are very similar.

 

Try this...

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/cl_0310_1964_gmc_pickup_project_truck/index.html

 

short bed wheel base is 115 inches

(pix of thekid54's truck)

 

Very similar.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319393

 

Here's 2 links to a couple of episodes on Trucks on TV. They shortened a long bed. I know there was at least 4 episodes. I remember watching one where they shortened the frame. You might have to check a few different seasons to find the right episodes.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/index.php/trucks-episodes?ep_num=TK2007-10&ep_sea=0701

http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/index.php/trucks-episodes?ep_num=TK2008-21&ep_sea=0802

 

would i be able to use a later model drive shaft? and if so would i have to change anything?

 

the drive shaft really depends on many factors, how much you cut your frame, how low you are going to go, and different tranny lengths.
get everything done/mocked up, and then chase it with a tape measure.
Sometimes you just have to get one custom made to the right length, and if you are planning on C notching it, and running air bags, I would consider a 2 piece before the 1.

 

raddd thanx to every one for there help so far. its helping keep it coming thanx and i was wondering if any one knows wat frame (thekid54's) truck has under it?

 

I think the Powerblock video was the best, looks like even I could do it

 

I think the kid 54 did a build post.. try searching his user name , and then thread started by him.

there were lots of pic of the build a year ago or so.

 

if you plan to keep the stock suspension the frame cut is the easy part.the degree setting on the trailing arms takes some work to get proper alignment with the rear end and coil spring mounts

 

what year of frame would be best to put under my 63 but i want to keep straight six and three on the tree and i want stock size short bed what year of frame would you guys recomend to use like a 70's?

 

I have seen this asked a number of times... your best bet is to shorten the one that you have, the original rear suspension is a keeper, and the front accepts 67-87 suspension as a bolt on. this is by far easier than finding /retrofitting another frame (cab mounts, bed mounts , rad support, bumpers all have to be delt with on a later frame)

 

I say leave it a long bed but I'm biased. Just my opinion but I've always thought the shorty's were just a little to short. If I was shortening one I'd play around on photoshop or with some pics and figure out what you think looks best a go from there. Then it would really be unique. Just my 2 cents.

 

thekid54 swapped frames.
it began as a long bed,


short bed frame bagged and Z'ed



he drove it for a while like this, I kinda liked it,


he brought it to my place and I cut it, 12" out from in front of the rear wheel well, and 6" out from behind the wheel well, to get a true size short bed.