Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Thanks. Pretty sure I follow you on Instagram.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

So after the lay out and lots of double checking it was time to cut. I cut the outside skin first then marked the inner skin off of the cuts through the top rail. Ended up with this.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Looks great! Nice job!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Getting dizzy just staring @ the puzzle pieces :lol:

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Absolutely the cleanest cut lines I've ever seen... How in the world did you maintain such accuracy? Cut off wheel? The sanded edges look to be a consistent 1/4"... I'm curious how you did it.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Looks great! Nice work.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

x2!!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Thanks. I used an air cutoff tool with a 4" .030 disc. The edges I did with a mini air belt sander.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

amazing work on the bed cut down...I'm not worthy...

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

What is the paint code number and name? Great job on the cut down.

Wade

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

After getting things cut apart and cleaned up it was time to stick them back together. Using .023 wire with 75/25 shielding gas.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Thanks. I think the pictures do it a little too much justice.
Medium blue I believe.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

After they were welded up. I took my time and skipped around but there was still a slight amount of warping. Probably impossible to have zero warping without body work.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Looks great to me!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

A skilled TIG operator could prob get it done but that's why they charge what they do. Kudos to your effort. Looks great from here!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Holy cow that's amazing. I'll be honest I couldnt trust myself to cut down a long bed to short. I'd just have to pony up the money and buy new bedsides as I'd probably end up doing it anyway. Keep up the good work.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Thanks
I have a tig machine and I'm pretty good but never tried it on sheet metal so just stuck with what I know. Thanks
I had most of the tools I needed already and the bed wasn't in perfect shape so I gave it a shot.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Next was the bed floor. After some research I made the decision not to splice the floor which saved me a lot of cutting and welding. The front is simple just cut 12" off the front and drill new holes in the floor and header panel. Back is a little more involved. I cut off 7 1/2 inches and removed the rear cross sill from the cut off floor to spot weld back under the floor. Then used my air hammer with a pomel to fold the extra 1/2" over like factory. If i were to do it again I think I'd leave more than a 1/2" it would probably fold over easier. I did this with the floor bolted back to the sides to ensure everything lined up.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Here's what I did in the rear corners. The bedside has 2 bolts through the rear cross sill and I tack welded it to it like the factory did so I don't think 1 less bolt will hurt.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Very nicely done!

Hope I get to see this one some day @ a show or gathering (if we survive 2020).

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

You have done a very nice job on your bed. Keep up the good work!!!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Subsribed!!!

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Thanks. I don't know if it's car show nice but I'd love to go to c10's in the park or LST some day.
Thanks just trying to build a fun driver.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

I've never owned "car show nice" rides. They've always been fun/cool drivers. The Patina trend just helps up the status. Once the trend ends, I'll still be building budget drivers that peers will turn their necks for. The only one I ever planned to paint (& attempt to make really nice) is my RetroRod. It was perfect patina back in the late 80's until it was stolen & hacked up. It will get decent paint.

Re: 70 gmc DIY build
 

Nice to not have to worry about a little scratch or chip. But some people are taking patina too far kinda like they did with the "rat rod" craze.