to cut or not to cut

[unoga]

I have a line on a 1972 Chevy K-10 with 396 BB, but is LWB. Is this truck to special to cut down to SWB?

[jrdv]

You are ok!

K10's never had a factory big block.

I would have no problem cutting a long bed down.

John

[unoga]

thanks ... I'm really perplexed with the 396/400/402 (or whatever the displacement really is) not being a factory install. What engine should it have?

[kwmech]

The 1972 would have come with a 350. How stuffed into the firewall is the big block?

[unoga]

It is pretty tight.

[jrdv]

Looks good to me!

Get to chopping! Be sure to start a build thread. There are lots of guys here to help you along.

John

[67ctener]

All a personal preference but I like 4wds much better in long box form. One the other hand 2wds have to be short boxes in my opinion

[engineer_gregh]

Interesting how they have the PCV teed between both valve covers. The transmission dip stick is from a later model tranny. Are you sure this is a 402? Might be a 454?

[unoga]

I haven't checked any numbers. So, you figure the 396 and automatic tranny were shoe-horned in?

It's being offered as a 396 for $7995, which I think is toooo much. It's tagged and licensed with a decent interior... all it needs in a completed exhaust and it's streetable as is.

[67 cst swb]

I say keep it a long box... I agree on both parts with 67ctener.
But if you do decide to go short box. I say sell the box as-is, then find or build a short box using aftermarket stuff.
But I really would keep and drive that thing as a long box.
Why are you buying a truck for more money than you want to pay, only to have to majorly change it just to like it. I would say that truck is worth $8000.00 as-is...

[Tx Firefighter]

What these guys are trying to say is that there is no such thing as a factory big block 4x4 in the 67-72 year ranges. That truck absolutely came with either an inline six cylinder or a small block V8. Someone has, over the years, swapped a big block into the truck. There's a ton of guys that have done it. They don't fit super well in that clearance at the firewall can be tight. But, they fit plenty good to make a nice truck. If you're happy and want a big block 4x4, that's the most important thing.

Since originality is already out the window with the engine swap, I personally wouldn't lose a minute sleep over cutting the truck. You just have to make sure you're okay with probably getting underwater on the money end if you ever go to sell the truck down the road. I'm not the guy to throw stones at that concept either. I've built a ton of trucks over the years and been underwater in every one of them when it comes time to sell.

[bbcmudtruck]

My vote is to keep the long bed. As far as resale on a cut frame, I'll never be a part of that again, regardless of how well it was done.

[Fatherof3]

I think the 4x4s look better with the longer bed, long beds have better proportions with the higher ride height

[JimJones]

Sorry but I don’t get the whole short box thing. If you want a short bed just buy a short bed if everybody keeps cutting up every long bed they can find eventually there won't be any more out there.
Personally I think short bed 4x4's look stupid. I guess they are ok on a 2wd but I still prefer the long bed either way.

[litew8]

Yeah, longbed. More room to throw your snow mobile in when climbing that snowy mountain or after getting that deer from the forest.

[67swb72klb]

cut it if that is what you want
I thought about doing mine but when I go get firewood I would have to make more trips
nice truck by the way!

[unoga]

Thanks to all of you who commented. It really helps to get info from truck guys who "have been there". If I do buy it,it'll be for less than asking for sure AND I'll leave it LWB.

Thanks again!

[Kennuck]

I agree with the above, I think the SWB looks way better on a 2wd but the 4x4 looks better LWB.

[CST10]

I just like longbeds. Never really cared too much for short beds unless they were dropped real low.

[robozride]

Originally Posted by JimJones

Sorry but I don’t get the whole short box thing. If you want a short bed just buy a short bed if everybody keeps cutting up every long bed they can find eventually there won't be any more out there.
Personally I think short bed 4x4's look stupid. I guess they are ok on a 2wd but I still prefer the long bed either way.

Well..I disagree. Ive never seen a long bed that I like. Isn't it about personal preference? I say cut them all and when they are gone I would bet you wont find one person stretching the short beds to long and prices will finally level and equal out. lol.

[CUSTOM/10]

I personally love swb 4x4's and that's all I've ever owned. But with that said, I would never cut down a nice long bed, especially if you think your going to sell it sometime down the road. A cut frame just kills the value. If you buy it right, and plan on keeping it and driving it for a long time.... then go for it. Make it what you want !

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by JimJones

Personally I think short bed 4x4's look stupid. I guess they are ok on a 2wd but I still prefer the long bed either way.

Well here's a double dose of stupid.

[909]

The fight is on! Can we get a poll going here to decide if girly swb's are more popular than the lwb's?

[70cst]

LWB but it really comes down to preference ...

[71K20chevy]

Us long bed fellas are gonna be the rich ones after the remaining long beds have been cut up...my point is, I think you should leave it the way it is.