Longbed into a Shortbed

[jimharold]

Hi Folks,
Has this topic been done already? If so please give me a topic name to find. Lots of build info in the magazines for the Chevy guys but I haven't found a Dodge change over. I want a shortbed but can't seem to find one in the northwest that's not junk. With re-pop bed kits I could get a longbed and live with it a while then cut the frame down to fit the replacement bed. Sounds easy enough. Any and all help is welcome.
Thanks,
Jimharold

[mopardwh]

Its a big fabrication chore, but can be done. I'm not sure what you mean by bed repop kits. Not for a dodge anyway. Several members have done frame splices and there is 1 member that made his truck a medium bed. If you plan to do the bed also, long beds are longer in front and behind wheel so you can't just chop off 2' from the front.

[soopernaut]

Somebody here did the measurements to make a long bed into a short bed. I don't recall if they did the cutting as well. I'm sure it has been done before with good results. Since the line slopes it isn't as easy as cutting a Ford or Chevy bed.

[Txas2step]

Might check with this member.He cut down a lwb but used a short box. Really cool/creative truck.
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=28481

[soopernaut]

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=21732&hilit=long+to+short+bed

[jimharold]

Thanks for all the info. I meant to say; using a STEPSIDE bed how do I cut the frame down? I have a line on a rust free long bed stepside not far from my home. Keep the tailgate, front end and even the fenders. That would save some cash. I guess after putting the short bed together and resting it on the frame careful measurements would give me the amount to remove from the middle of the frame. Then figure out how to fit a new bumper on the end. Maybe a rolled pan?
Again thanks, Jimharold.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

A shortbed truck is 114" wheelbase. Longbeds are 122" prior to mid 65 and 128" after. U shorten the frame by either 8" or 14".
Long utiline boxes are pretty scarce, so it would be a travesty to cut one down. U could probably swap or sell it and find a short box easily.
Shortening the truck would also require driveline work.

[wally426ci]

Long utiline boxes are pretty scarce, so it would be a travesty to cut one down. U could probably swap or sell it and find a short box easily.

You ain't kiddin! I would fall over if I saw someone taking a saw to a long bed....

There's a few shorties on ebay right now.

get the long bed and resell it for profit to fund the shorty.....

[WD]

I want a shortbed but can't seem to find one in the northwest that's not junk.

Give these guys a try... good countermen, great yard...http://www.budgettruckwrecking.com/

[Kaegi]

Thanks for all the info. I meant to say; using a STEPSIDE bed how do I cut the frame down? I have a line on a rust free long bed stepside not far from my home. Keep the tailgate, front end and even the fenders. That would save some cash. I guess after putting the short bed together and resting it on the frame careful measurements would give me the amount to remove from the middle of the frame. Then figure out how to fit a new bumper on the end. Maybe a rolled pan?
Again thanks, Jimharold.

How long is the long bed?

[Txas2step]

Here ya go....take a trip south and haul it back.
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33359

[jimharold]

Okay, I give up. I am just going to keep up the hunt until I find a shortbed. Thanks for all the replies and interest in the post.
Jimharold.

[Gordo]

Jimh, Which year shortbed? Ute or sweptside? I may either have one or know where you can get one. Gordo

[jimharold]

Hey Gordo,
I am hot for a 68'-71. But wish me luck tomorrow I am off to check out a 68' shortbed. Question? The hoods all look to swap about that year range?
Thanks, Jimharold.

[Txas2step]

'68 hood is a 1 year only as the lip is straight ...prior years '61-'67 are curved in front at both fenders.

just re-read your post...later hoods are straight line lip and '68-'69 use the same grill as I understand it.

[jimharold]

SCORED the 68' shortbed last night!!! Life is good.

[magnumcharger]

I made this illustration using an image I found on this forum, along with a photo of a shortbox that I own.
I overlaid the images, based on the wheelhouse similarities.
This actually depicts the physical differences between the regular long box and the short box.