[cooperhw]

If you use the shortened frame couldn't you just trim a couple inches off the front of the bed sides and put it back together?
I am new to this era truck but just throwing out ideas. Me myself, is something on mine is too short I lengthen it, if it's too long I shorten it. It's just sheet metal or even frames are just metal. I am not an excellent welder so I apply a good tack and then call in my professional welder. He could weld a snot rocket to an ice cube "I sh*t u not".