How do I shorten a 57 Chevy Pick Up Frame

I have a 57 Chevy pick up (3200). I want to shorten it to accomadate a short bed. I have all the equipment to do this but I don't know where to cut the frame or how much to take out. Would also like some advise on how to reinforce the frame when I weld it back together.

Thanks,

Larry

 

You need to cut the frame behind the cab and find out what the wheel base is on a short bed or whatever your bed is going to be and remove that amount. HRP

 

Here's how I do it and where. I could give you a measurement but I won't, to many little varibles, as you really should fit the bed to the frame, find rear axle center line with fenders on and preferably with wheel & tires on.

 

The Spike Powerblock show Trucks! shortened a 60's C10 a couple of seasons ago. They might have video of how they did it on their site: http://www.powerblocktv.com/shows/?show=TK

 

You'll likely need to cut it twice; 12" between the cab and axle, and again, 6" between the axle and rear bumper. Not certain on the measurements, but on a later model, I think that is the difference between an 8' and a 6 1/2' bed. Do a search here, this is a really good forum for all years of
Chevy truck:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=13

 

A long time ago Fatman engineering had a kit.

 

...check out this recent thread,,,
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=770719

 

While there are many different ways to section a frame, the method I would utilize is to section the frame in a horizontal "Z" format, slide the two frames halfs together, weld along the cut line, add a fishplate and then add a boxing plate to the frame channel. The boxing plate would be optional, but the added safety factor would give me a better piece of mind.

I have added an example file showing this method, shortening the frame by four inches. Substitute the four inches for whatever dimension you require.

 

X2 for TRUCKS! episode TK 2007-10. View it online.

 

Good tec fellow's !!!

 

Same concept as his. I borrowed this one off one of the Chevy truck boards.


The overlap adds a lot of strength that you don't have if you just saw the frame off and butt weld it.

 

I use the GM heritage archives a lot, there's good wheelbase, chassis measurements and a lot of useful info.
Check it out for sure, the Truck episode went so far as to shorten the bed as well. It's not gonna be as bad as you think.



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