K10 frame question - help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**69Tom** · 03-02-2020, 04:32 PM

So I just picked up a cab that was supposed to be a donor cab for my C10 build, and come to find out, it has a good CA title to it and the title/VIN tag says the cab is a 72 SWB K10. I would not feel good about myself using this as a donor, so there goes that idea... yet another build.

The cab came with a 1972 LWB C10/20 chassis.

So, after some digging, going through some local sources here in AZ, posting online, I have a feeling I'm going to have a near impossible time finding a SWB K10 chassis, and if I do, it's going to be severely expensive.

As such, I'm preparing for a potential shortening of a frame. I've found a long bed frame with correct cross members and leaf springs for around $1000 (I might be able to talk him down; haven't tried yet). OR, I could shorten the LWB frame I currently have and then convert it. But, I'd need help on what would need conversion. I'm pretty much a K10 novice. Which would you recommend I shorten?

I am assuming the present 12-bolt I have was one similarly used on a K10, minus the mounts? Front disc brakes? See, I'm a K10 novice.

I'd appreciate what you guys would recommend here, and if going with the frame I've got, what I'd need to convert [Obviously new leaf springs front and rear, front axle, drive shaft; I'm going to need some mounts, I'm assuming, as well.]

Thanks for the help.

**jimer1964** · 03-02-2020, 11:00 PM

The possibilities are endless with these Trucks. I like the word novice! That's me. $1000 for a long bed frame is not bad. Be easier than converting a 2 wheel drive frame. If you're set on a short bed truck and there's no 72 short bed frames around i'd cut down the long 4X4 frame. But as you said I'm a novice also and a hoarder. I have a 67 and a 70 short bed frame and a few long bed frames as you see were on opposite sides of the country. Original 72 Short bed frame might be hard to come by. Maybe build a long bed 4x4 till one shows up. Best of luck!

**kidatheart** · 03-02-2020, 11:18 PM

My opinion isn't worth much, but you asked. Myself, I would definitely build a short bed 4x4 if I had that cab. I would much rather spend the money and get the long bed 4x4 frame and shorten it. For me, I would rather see the spring perches with the factory rivets instead of bolted on, as they would be if you convert a 2 wheel drive frame. It really wouldn't matter if they were properly bolted on, but at a glance under the truck, it would look much more original, which is the look that I like. Good luck with the project, and have fun with it!

*randy500* · 03-03-2020, 10:02 AM

You really should start with a 4wd frame. The rear frame rails are straight above the axle, even 2wd leaf spring the frame kicks out over the axle.
Just shorten a 4wd frame for best results.

**69Tom** · 03-03-2020, 02:04 PM

Thanks guys. I believe I found a nice original LWB K10 frame from a member here on the forums. Going to go with that one.

**jimer1964** · 03-03-2020, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Tom

Thanks guys. I believe I found a nice original LWB K10 frame from a member here on the forums. Going to go with that one.

Good Deal!

57taskforce · 03-03-2020, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Tom

Thanks guys. I believe I found a nice original LWB K10 frame from a member here on the forums. Going to go with that one.

Definitely your best bet all things considered. Even better if it’s still got springs and axles. Can’t wait to see this come together.

**69Tom** · 03-04-2020, 10:46 PM

Still has the springs axles, etc. Appears to be in really nice shape.

Are my cuts on this frame going to be the same as a C10? Seems like they could be different. Running searches here on the forum but coming up empty.

03-02-2020, 04:32 PM	#1
69Tom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,333	K10 frame question - help So I just picked up a cab that was supposed to be a donor cab for my C10 build, and come to find out, it has a good CA title to it and the title/VIN tag says the cab is a 72 SWB K10. I would not feel good about myself using this as a donor, so there goes that idea... yet another build. The cab came with a 1972 LWB C10/20 chassis. So, after some digging, going through some local sources here in AZ, posting online, I have a feeling I'm going to have a near impossible time finding a SWB K10 chassis, and if I do, it's going to be severely expensive. As such, I'm preparing for a potential shortening of a frame. I've found a long bed frame with correct cross members and leaf springs for around $1000 (I might be able to talk him down; haven't tried yet). OR, I could shorten the LWB frame I currently have and then convert it. But, I'd need help on what would need conversion. I'm pretty much a K10 novice. Which would you recommend I shorten? I am assuming the present 12-bolt I have was one similarly used on a K10, minus the mounts? Front disc brakes? See, I'm a K10 novice. I'd appreciate what you guys would recommend here, and if going with the frame I've got, what I'd need to convert [Obviously new leaf springs front and rear, front axle, drive shaft; I'm going to need some mounts, I'm assuming, as well.] Thanks for the help.

03-02-2020, 11:00 PM	#2
jimer1964 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: bowmansville,pa Posts: 1,679	Re: K10 frame question - help The possibilities are endless with these Trucks. I like the word novice! That's me. $1000 for a long bed frame is not bad. Be easier than converting a 2 wheel drive frame. If you're set on a short bed truck and there's no 72 short bed frames around i'd cut down the long 4X4 frame. But as you said I'm a novice also and a hoarder. I have a 67 and a 70 short bed frame and a few long bed frames as you see were on opposite sides of the country. Original 72 Short bed frame might be hard to come by. Maybe build a long bed 4x4 till one shows up. Best of luck!

03-02-2020, 11:18 PM	#3
kidatheart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Assaria, Ks Posts: 465	Re: K10 frame question - help My opinion isn't worth much, but you asked. Myself, I would definitely build a short bed 4x4 if I had that cab. I would much rather spend the money and get the long bed 4x4 frame and shorten it. For me, I would rather see the spring perches with the factory rivets instead of bolted on, as they would be if you convert a 2 wheel drive frame. It really wouldn't matter if they were properly bolted on, but at a glance under the truck, it would look much more original, which is the look that I like. Good luck with the project, and have fun with it!

03-03-2020, 10:02 AM	#4
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: K10 frame question - help You really should start with a 4wd frame. The rear frame rails are straight above the axle, even 2wd leaf spring the frame kicks out over the axle. Just shorten a 4wd frame for best results.

03-03-2020, 02:04 PM	#5
69Tom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,333	Re: K10 frame question - help Thanks guys. I believe I found a nice original LWB K10 frame from a member here on the forums. Going to go with that one.

03-04-2020, 10:46 PM	#8
69Tom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,333	Re: K10 frame question - help Still has the springs axles, etc. Appears to be in really nice shape. Are my cuts on this frame going to be the same as a C10? Seems like they could be different. Running searches here on the forum but coming up empty.



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