Shortbed time

SPEEDSHIFT

SPEEDSHIFT

New member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
5,978
Hopefully this weekend I am going to shorten my 2500 long bed to a shortbed, and I had some questions. What is the strongest way to put it back together? I see most guys dont cut the frame straight accross, so which shape is the best? I will fishplate and box the frame at the cut for sure. I will be repainting the truck as well so I am going to cut the bed and weld it back together, has anyone tried this? The inside of the bed really doesnt matter as I will probably cut it all out anyway and just run the skin of the fenders.

I will be using a fuel cell, so a sb fuel tank will not be needed. Brake lines and driveshaft get done as well, is there anything I am missing?

Bodie:Cheer:
 
you might try just selling the bed and buying another short bed save time and might even save some money on it. Unless you just want to try your welding sheet metal skills
 
I have talked to a few guys about this........You want to do a round cut. It will be a lot harder to break than any step cut or straight cut. Im pretty sure this is how mega cab long bed does it.
 
Well I planned on shortening the truck this past weekend, but time and gas for my mig kept it from happening. Here is what I got done...

It was 108* down here so dont laugh at my shade.:hehe:

IMG_2440.jpg


grille001.jpg


grille003.jpg


grille007.jpg


I just shot a coat of primer on it so it wouldn't rust anymore. It looks like I have some bodywork to do, this thing has been in a hail storm for sure.
 
hell if anybody want to laugh at your shade they need to come see what we are living with right now, looks like a fun project.
 
Aw man, you ruined the sleeper look. Everyone knows a primer'd vehicle signifies the owner cares more about performance that looks.... if it ain't fast, it better look good... if it doesn't look good, look out!

My junker, on the other hand, looks like it just rolled out of the junk yard. I can't wait to see the looks when it spins one 10 bias ply trailer tire to half track! Shoot, in stock gutless for it will spin a good 25 feet and old trailer tires really stink when lit up.

All kidding aside, looks good, wish I knew how to do body work and paint.
 
I would just find another bed. Sheet metal will warp prettybadly if you dont to small tack welds and move around alot to keep the heat down. I would say it would be a full days job ( a long day at that) just we reweld the bed back together not to mention you would have to take your time grinding it all back down then make it look smooth with bondo etc.

I would just Z cut the frame and fish plate it,10's of thousands of beds with lots of power have been done this way and it is proven to be plenty strong if you weld it back up well, plus its easy to do. Just measure for the wheel base and measure twice then cut once. This is a weekend project at most if you have a short bed to swap on, pretty simple job. More time consuming than difficult.
 
just woundering why you guys dont put a 4 link in well your there not that much extra work.
 
bigorange said:
just woundering why you guys dont put a 4 link in well your there not that much extra work.
Click to expand...

Money is my main reason right now. Its not just four link for me because I am going to a narrowed axle and slicks. One day.:Cheer:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top