67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

i am in the process of cutting a long bed frame down to a short bed. WhY well the 67 frame with coil overs which has been sitting in this guys lot for 20yrs (With NO BODY) i bought it to make a Short bed truck. i have a cab from a 72 and i purchased a short bed from LMC.

what i want to know is the measurements from the front of the frame to the rear so i can be sure to weld this sucker to the correct length when i put the cab on.

I have the diagram which has various measurements mixed together, which is some what confusing.

what about a measurement from the radiator mount to the rear bed mount or to the center support brace?

Remember I don't have the original BODY parts that was originally on the frame. So Don't bash me about leaving it a long bed.

I did follow the step Cut video that STACY DAVID , season 7 episode 3. I watched it a number of times. Double checking my measurements. At this point The frame has been cut .

Once I figure out how to display pics I will show where I’m at

V/R
James

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

You should be able to look up the frame dimensions on the internet, or within this forum. There are diagrams by GM which have several dimensions from several reference points on the frame. If I were you, I would cut 12" out of the middle and 6" off the back. No need to worry about attaining a certain overall dimension unless you think it's been modified previously. Just make precise cuts by leaving about 1/8" extra and then sneak up on the line with a grinder and test fit until it looks perfect. I made some reference marks before I cut mine to be safe. Also check it diagonally before you weld it in to make sure it's straight.

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

Did you buy the kit?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK30C3yWvA4

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

Cut exactly 12” out of the frame between the cab mounts. I scribe lines 12” apart to cut and 16” apart to verify the final length...those 16” lines will now be 4” apart. Or do some other combination if using a Z cut, which you should. I lay that out on paper and transfer to the frame. Usually 6” offset.

Avoid cutting the vin stamped in the drivers top frame rail and avoid any bends in the lower frame rails, usually only on later model fames.

Move the cab mounts back exactly 12”, scribe lines again, and scribe lines for the cab mount height or make a height jig from wood.

I think the rear cut is 7 7/8”...verify by measuring the distance between the 2 sets of bumper mount holes in the rear frame horns, cut the same amount off as the distance between the bumper mount holes.

Cut and re- flare the rear brake line, make the cut at the front.

Use a dorman cable stop to shorten the emergency brake cable.

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

randy500 is right, it is 8" off the back. You can z-cut for the most strength, or do an angled cut like I did. Either way, weld in a plate on the inside for strength. I used the piece that I cut out for that plate.

Here's a link to a frame shortening thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=123624

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

No I didn’t buy a kit

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

This frame is stripped, the cross member on the front and the axel in the rear has been stripped. Just the frame is there. I’m looking at replacing the complete front suspension

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

NO KIT, I prefer the step cut, plus I will enclose the frame where it was cut.

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

Thanks that will help

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

Very detailed thread on shortening, this is the method I will be using.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=667694

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

You can also verify the end frame cut by measuring the distance between the last 2 bed bolt holes on a long bed and a short bed. I come up with 7 7/8”

Here is the cable stops for shortening the e brake cable, you have to drill the hole out to the proper size but they hold very tight and fit in the metal front to rear cable connector real nice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Re: 67-72 Short Bed Conversion
 

i did not buy the kit

i watched Stacy David do a frame, I prefer the Step Cut.