1963 longbed wheelbase?

[LuckyLightning]

Maybe I'm just not searching in the right places online, but I can not find out what the wheel base is supposed to be on my '63 longbed.

I measured the driver-side and got 125 inches, but the frame is mildly bent and so I don't know how accurate that is (and I completely forgot to measure the passenger side).

[Frizzle Fry]

127"

[LuckyLightning]

Wow, so I lost 2 inches on my frame? Sheesh.

Thanks Frizzle Fry. Okay, I have another question for you or anyone else who knows:

Is there any difference between a longbed and shortbed in this area- the distance from the rear axle to the back end of the frame?

I have an idea that I've been playing around with in my head: using a longbed frame, placing a shortbed on it and making the cab an extended cab through fabrication (sheetmetal, Suburban parts, etc.). If the shortbed can fit on the back of the frame without having to modify the frame structure, then it's something I might seriously consider doing.

[LuckyLightning]

Bump.

I could really use this information. I've found a late 80's suburban 4x4 that I may use to begin with, but it occured to me that the distance from the rear axle to the rear bumber may different from the truck to the suburban.

I'm going to look at the suburban this weekend and I can measure it then, but I don't have access to a 60-66 truck to compare the measurements to (mine has a bent frame). I know there's a 4 inch difference (127 to 131) in the wheel base, but if I place the bed on the frame up to the rear bumber, I can fabricate 4 additional inches to the cab (to reach the front of the bed). Using the suburban gas tank would give me even more room in the cab.

If I grab a short bed, then there's 10 more inches of room I can fabricate for, which could be a lot of fun to try out. But I need to know if the distance from axle to bumber is the same for all vehicle types. That way if I drop the bed on the suburban frame, the wheels will still be centerd in the wheel wells.

[Frizzle Fry]

It can be done, but I would reccommend using a 63-66 frame withe the 87 or earlier running gear. You want to start with the proper body mounts even if you plan on moving them. Maybe you can use the mounts from your 63 frame. I don't know all the differences between the frames, but I think you'ed be more likely to finish if you start with the right frame.

I doubt you lost 2" if its only mildly bent. Maybe the rearend has shifted?

The distance your asking about is about 8" longer on long vs. short. But it doesn't matter. Just cut the rear of the frame to the length you need. People make longbed frame's into shorties all the time. They take 12" out of the wheelbase and 8" from the arse end. Here's a link that might help (click on the pic)