Just did mine last weekend and it took about 8 hours. The biggest Hangup was the rivets. Awesome kit and made very easy. Cut the lines straight and your good.
I've done a couple of conversions in the past and I must admit that template looks pretty slick. That will definitely save so much time measuring, re measuring and measuring some more, just to be safe. Just an added note, this is not an extremely difficult procedure. It takes time when you start playing with brake lines etc. Just remember on later model trucks 73 to 87 you are also re locating the gas tank. Other than that it is very similar. Stock trucks are boring, hack it up !
Great video, love the detail but yet it wasn't made for a first grader, some people talk forever; the video started and you just got to it!!! Thank you!!
Man I miss my old 56 Chevy when I watch these build video's... Bought some parts from Brothers for it and they were amazing... Just wish I was in the USA where parts are so freely available... Would love to have an old truck again...
Excellent demonstration of how to "PROFESSIONALLY" shorten a chassis.I don't know how many videos that I have seen where some boneheaded "expert" pulls out an oxy torch and goes to town on a chassis without any thought of preheating or proper procedure when welding the chassis halves back together.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV it is a pleasure for an old Mechanic to see a job done decently.The only other video that I have seen where I saw good practice when modifying a chassis was on an old COE where they used heated oil to give correct temperature. Coming from a Heavy Earthmoving background I understand the importance of "good practice" when working on heavy load, high duty cycle components.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV How much different is the camper special from the long bed? It can be that hard to make this happen for a camper special as well.
Just flipping through and watched some guy Dick shorten a Frame . Totally Wrong ! Getting older but near 40 years ago was building Truck's 5 day's a week . YOU Guys are On The BALL ! TRULY things have to be Supported properly , cut Nicely and OH those Pilot Holes👈👍 WELD it Correctly back it up and Bolt ur Down 😉 Having A Submarine Captain Nuclear Welder for a Boss helped Me . 🇺🇸
Will a stock short bed drive shaft from a store work after shortening the truck? Or does the long box drive shaft have to be customed cut to the new truck length?
Very good question... It should work, because when you shorten the frame is matches the same dimensions as a factory shortbed, but we've never actually tried to buy a replacement driveshaft. We typically just have ours shortened.
All the videos I've seen of the conversion show people cutting their longbeds. Can a factory shortbed from another truck work? And if so, will a stepside bed bolt up? I assume so, but wanted to be sure. Great video by the way.
Our kit includes the brake lines and parking brake cables as well as the template and backing plates. You would have your driveshaft shortened locally. You can check availability and current pricing here: goo.gl/xEsPsC
Any style of shortbed will work, Step or Fleet. We actually have a video where we converted a Stepside to a Fleetside and it was more or less just removing one and replacing it with the other. Here's a link to that vid: ruclips.net/video/dxlzZaVCAYA/видео.html
I love my factory shortbox stepside so much more after seeing this. Do you mention in the kit that the factory shortboxes have a two piece drive shaft with a steady bearing ? someone looking for a factory appearance might like to know that.
Apologies, rewatched and yes Steve does say "the front part of the driveshaft" which then must mean that the fleetsides of that era all have a two piece driveshaft as well ? Did not know that, so if we ever damage a short driveshaft there should be some available to hack down from the longboxes of the era... good to know.
I just finished reading the questions and comments after watching the video. The questions that I had were well covered in the comments section as well. I have a '68 C10 longbed with rear leaf suspension, option code 04G70RE. Everything in the video related to the frame was well covered. Driveshaft and brake lines are easy enough. Parking brake cables weren't covered, but I assume that they can be easily replaced with the short wheel base parts. As for the in cab fuel tank conversion to frame mount type, I can only assume that's easy enough to do as well. Now for my question; I would like to use my original long bed box and shorten it too. Is there an affordable way to do that while retaining most of the panels and such? Mine is in really good shape despite the one dent on the passenger side. My biggest concerns on shortening a long bed box is the gradual sloping body lines on the front and rear of the box. How can I do this without spending a ton of dough on this?
There are a few videos on RUclips of guys shortening the bedsides. The detail where too cut, measurements, etc. We've never done it here because we've always used reproduction bedsides and floor to get the job done. There's also a place in AZ called MetalOx Fab that does this for a reasonable price
@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV I meant to provide an update to this. A year ago you guys had posted a video titled 67-72 Chevy and GMC Truck / How To Shorten Bed Sides with your host Dave. I want to thank everyone at Brother's Trucks for your videos on converting and upgrading our beloved trucks. We are going to miss you all.
Trying to do this. But was not able to tuck my saw saw in between cab and frame like video. Not sure if blade was to big or saw saw to big. Any one any thoughts?
Should this be used on a light used truck ? Or could this be used on a lifted truck that frequently goes off road. (No heavy offroading, just driving on dirt roads with washouts and ruts getting to certain locations).
After the frame is shortened it will be as strong if not stronger than it was originally. The "C" channel support has been used in big trucks for decades (Kenworth, Peterbuilt, etc).
I have a '69 C10 Long Bed that I will converting to Short Bed (using your kit) and need to know what adjustments I need to make regarding my wood bed parts. I have the new wood bed kit, but do I simply delete the cross member closest to the cab to shorten the bed length?
Joe, it's probably best for you to call our customer service guys and have a bit more detailed discussion about this. However, assuming you already have short bedsides, it's basically eliminating the front cross-sill and building the bed back as if it was a shortbed to begin with. If you move forward with the project and get stuck, just call the shop and we'll get you moving again.
Once you remove the old front mounts the secondary mounts will become the front mounts and they happen to also be in the exact perfect position already!
Curt, we did a '66 with factory overload springs a year or so ago but honestly can't remember if we had to remove them or they got to stay in place. As we recall, they could have stayed in place with a modification to the bumper brackets so they would clear the spring mounts. Although, we're reasonably convinced that we removed ours just to make the job easier. We know that there is enough room to cut the rear of the frame and keep the helpers, it's just the bumper mounts that interfere.
Great Video and Instructions..I just got a 70 C10 long bed and want to go short during my restoration.. Do you add a dvd of this video in the kit?.. I am going to get a new bed kit anyways due to rust around the wheel wells.. NO BONDO ALLOWED!!! I have a separate question also.. Do you make a splice bracket for frames that have bad or broken places ?
No DVD come with the kit, but the written instructions are excellent and make a great companion when used with this video. We do not have splice braces (fish plates) for strengthening broken frames, but you can make your own out of raw sheetmetal.
Is that c chanel can be used on a 82 c10 just for re enforcement of the frame not for measuring just to re enforce the frame the c chanel to re enforce the frame????
No, the frame on an '82 is a different thickness. We are very close to releasing our 1973-1987 version of this kit so keep an eye on our RUclips channel and website.
Yeah, not a problem as long as you didn't mess with the actual suspension components in the rear, like the control arms or their mounting position. If you just did springs/shocks you're OK.
dice que si sabes soldar que lo puedes hacer tu, y si no, esta suficiente fuerte pa poder manejarla a alguien que sabe soldar, como quiera se tiene que soldar
Sorry Robert, we're not clear about what you're asking. Call our shop for technical assistance or if you have a specific question that needs an answer. 800-977-2767
Just did mine last weekend and it took about 8 hours. The biggest Hangup was the rivets. Awesome kit and made very easy. Cut the lines straight and your good.
Unique design, I have heard a friend say if there was a safe & sure way of shorting a long bed to a short bed I would do it. Well here it is!
100%
I've done a couple of conversions in the past and I must admit that template looks pretty slick. That will definitely save so much time measuring, re measuring and measuring some more, just to be safe. Just an added note, this is not an extremely difficult procedure. It takes time when you start playing with brake lines etc. Just remember on later model trucks 73 to 87 you are also re locating the gas tank. Other than that it is very similar. Stock trucks are boring, hack it up !
Yeah the template definitely is a fool proof hack... if you don’t know lay out or your way around a tape then the kit is the way to go...
How much can you load in the back of the truck? Does it weaken it in anyway... definitely easier than a plasma torch and Welding
Great video, love the detail but yet it wasn't made for a first grader, some people talk forever; the video started and you just got to it!!! Thank you!!
The template really makes a huge difference!! Now somebody needs to design one for Ford trucks too!!
Nice professional and informative video. I watched just because it sounded interesting. Maybe one day I'll convert my '67 to a short bed.
great video. just finished my lwb a few months back, but now after seeing how easy this will be, I'm going short very soon.
Man I miss my old 56 Chevy when I watch these build video's... Bought some parts from Brothers for it and they were amazing...
Just wish I was in the USA where parts are so freely available... Would love to have an old truck again...
Excellent demonstration of how to "PROFESSIONALLY" shorten a chassis.I don't know how many videos that I have seen where some boneheaded "expert" pulls out an oxy torch and goes to town on a chassis without any thought of preheating or proper procedure when welding the chassis halves back together.
Thanks for watching James!
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV it is a pleasure for an old Mechanic to see a job done decently.The only other video that I have seen where I saw good practice when modifying a chassis was on an old COE where they used heated oil to give correct temperature. Coming from a Heavy Earthmoving background I understand the importance of "good practice" when working on heavy load, high duty cycle components.
Love this video , now ready to shorten my truck. Thank you ... Job well done
Glad it helped
Guy is really good at describing exactly what and how to do things. Great work teaching man!
Thank you for watching!
This video is absolutely incredible!! Thank you for taking the time to show whats all involved!!
There was a ton of thought put into that template design. Well done. Cheers
Thank you sir!
Good to know I'm not the only one that does fab work in flip flops :D
Another trick is cut a screw driver slot in rivets without cutting brackets or mounts, then air hammer will knock rivets off in short order.
Outstanding video, if you can’t do it with these instructions then you’ll never be able to do it
Thank you Robert!
You guys are Bad Ass this is definitley something that helps out us low budget guys
Thanks man!
73 + squarebody guys want this too!
That does look like a quick and easy project but it does take time and patience . Great job.
Thank you!
my boy did this in sandals 😭
In Southern California, those are work boots!
Steel toed flip flops. Trick of the trade.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV hell yea! I used to weld patch panels while wearing flip flops , in socal they're essential.😂
@@260657df everyday footwear!
Awesome directions and video .You guys rock.Thanks so much.
Thanks for watching!
Very cool, very clean too. I'm definitely buying 1 of these kits.
I need that long bed and I think I just bought those doors at a local swap meet
Easy to do even on c20. Just have patience aligning bolt holes . They will fit snug . Almost looks like never cut.
You answered my next question. Thank you.
Why would you do that congratulations you just ruined it.
awesome vid. i already have a shortbed but it was cool to see a professional presentation
Thanks for watching!
Wow this sounds like easy AF
It 100% is.
Y'all should develop a GMT400 long to short bed kit.
my c 10 highlander "c" code is going under the knife next week with this kit!
Excellent work and description 100%
Thank you very much!
Nice video, but i am keeping my longbed. I lowered it a litle and i love those long sleek lines...
Nice job! Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure!
Well done! Great descriptions for a pretty cool template.
Great video, slick!
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant.
There should be a double thumbs up button.
awesome work
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Awesome video thanks!
i would weld it back much stronger and would give me piece of mind.
We 100% recommend welding it back together. We do not consider this a bolt-in and leave it alone kit.
No relation to Ned Flanders. LOL! Nice piece of engineering.
Thanks!
Badass video
Wish there was more info like on long bed to blazer conversion. Can’t seem to find much
This video never gets old. It's been almost a year. Have y'all came up squarebody kit yet???
Squarebody kit is still a work in progress
Excellent
Thanks!
Very nice video!
Thank you!
Good video, man after my own heart, flip flops???!!
Y'all have one for the squarebodys yet. Been waiting. Lol
Very, very close.
These videos are so cool
Thanks for sharing guys. Buy the way,could you share info about that kit? Such as brand name and where it is accesible? Thanks again.
Awesome 👍
Thanks for watching!
Awesome n sweet to watch
I hope you guys make a 133" wheelbase to short bed.
No, sorry, just a 127" to short.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV How much different is the camper special from the long bed? It can be that hard to make this happen for a camper special as well.
nice 😀the long bed trucks are hella cheaper than the original short beds that's wassup.🤔on that custom built
Just flipping through and watched some guy Dick shorten a Frame . Totally Wrong ! Getting older but near 40 years ago was building Truck's 5 day's a week . YOU Guys are On The BALL ! TRULY things have to be Supported properly , cut Nicely and OH those Pilot Holes👈👍 WELD it Correctly back it up and Bolt ur Down 😉 Having A Submarine Captain Nuclear Welder for a Boss helped Me . 🇺🇸
Thanks! Great to have someone with your expertise that understands the process and proper way to do the job commenting.
The length of the rear swing arms of the
c10 must be the longest in the whole
automotive industry.
That's why C10's ride so well for a truck!
Good job! But man loose the goofy sandals dude lol
Will a stock short bed drive shaft from a store work after shortening the truck? Or does the long box drive shaft have to be customed cut to the new truck length?
Very good question... It should work, because when you shorten the frame is matches the same dimensions as a factory shortbed, but we've never actually tried to buy a replacement driveshaft. We typically just have ours shortened.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV that's what I was hoping for! Guess I'll be the test dummy once we get to that point haha thanks for reply!
Thanks brothers
Nice job.how much is usually a job like that?
All the videos I've seen of the conversion show people cutting their longbeds. Can a factory shortbed from another truck work? And if so, will a stepside bed bolt up? I assume so, but wanted to be sure. Great video by the way.
Yes, 100% you can use a factory short bed, including a step-side. Both will bolt right on.
Wondering how much does it cost a person does it include the driveline and cables or is it just the template
Our kit includes the brake lines and parking brake cables as well as the template and backing plates. You would have your driveshaft shortened locally. You can check availability and current pricing here: goo.gl/xEsPsC
Serious question, when converting a long bed to a short bed, can you use a step side bed? Or will more modifying be needed? Thank you for your help?
Any style of shortbed will work, Step or Fleet. We actually have a video where we converted a Stepside to a Fleetside and it was more or less just removing one and replacing it with the other. Here's a link to that vid: ruclips.net/video/dxlzZaVCAYA/видео.html
Does a regular short bed driveshaft fit if I shorten my long bed c10 to short bed ?
I love my factory shortbox stepside so much more after seeing this. Do you mention in the kit that the factory shortboxes have a two piece drive shaft with a steady bearing ? someone looking for a factory appearance might like to know that.
This kit maintains the carrier bearing like the factory.
Apologies, rewatched and yes Steve does say "the front part of the driveshaft" which then must mean that the fleetsides of that era all have a two piece driveshaft as well ? Did not know that, so if we ever damage a short driveshaft there should be some available to hack down from the longboxes of the era... good to know.
I just finished reading the questions and comments after watching the video. The questions that I had were well covered in the comments section as well.
I have a '68 C10 longbed with rear leaf suspension, option code 04G70RE. Everything in the video related to the frame was well covered. Driveshaft and brake lines are easy enough. Parking brake cables weren't covered, but I assume that they can be easily replaced with the short wheel base parts. As for the in cab fuel tank conversion to frame mount type, I can only assume that's easy enough to do as well.
Now for my question;
I would like to use my original long bed box and shorten it too. Is there an affordable way to do that while retaining most of the panels and such? Mine is in really good shape despite the one dent on the passenger side. My biggest concerns on shortening a long bed box is the gradual sloping body lines on the front and rear of the box. How can I do this without spending a ton of dough on this?
There are a few videos on RUclips of guys shortening the bedsides. The detail where too cut, measurements, etc. We've never done it here because we've always used reproduction bedsides and floor to get the job done. There's also a place in AZ called MetalOx Fab that does this for a reasonable price
@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV I meant to provide an update to this. A year ago you guys had posted a video titled 67-72 Chevy and GMC Truck / How To Shorten Bed Sides with your host Dave.
I want to thank everyone at Brother's Trucks for your videos on converting and upgrading our beloved trucks. We are going to miss you all.
Have a 81 2wd short box and a 85 4x4 long box do they make a kit to put the short box on the 4x4
Our kit can be used to shorten your 4x4. We have already done it during our development process of this product.
Just curious, why do you have to relocate the rear bumper mounts? I figured all that back there was the same?
The middle of the frame has to be shortened as well as the rear, so because of that the bumper mounts need to be moved.
Can this kit be strong enough to hold a truck with around 500+ horsepower or does there have to be more modifications?
It is plenty strong for a truck with that level of power.
Trying to do this. But was not able to tuck my saw saw in between cab and frame like video. Not sure if blade was to big or saw saw to big. Any one any thoughts?
Possible that the saw blade was too long? We've never run into that problem.
So I’m doing mine now.. frame is welded up. Big problem though. Rear cab mounts aren’t lining up at all.. any suggestions?
Call the shop and ask for Jamie, he'll help figure it out. 800-977-2767
Should this be used on a light used truck ? Or could this be used on a lifted truck that frequently goes off road. (No heavy offroading, just driving on dirt roads with washouts and ruts getting to certain locations).
After the frame is shortened it will be as strong if not stronger than it was originally. The "C" channel support has been used in big trucks for decades (Kenworth, Peterbuilt, etc).
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks a bunch!
Aren't you supposed to weld it instead of putting metal plating
Yes, use the c-channel reinforcement AND weld it in. We mention that in the video.
Ok so after I do this I need to cut the bed frame too right
I have a '69 C10 Long Bed that I will converting to Short Bed (using your kit) and need to know what adjustments I need to make regarding my wood bed parts. I have the new wood bed kit, but do I simply delete the cross member closest to the cab to shorten the bed length?
Joe, it's probably best for you to call our customer service guys and have a bit more detailed discussion about this. However, assuming you already have short bedsides, it's basically eliminating the front cross-sill and building the bed back as if it was a shortbed to begin with. If you move forward with the project and get stuck, just call the shop and we'll get you moving again.
Nice job Brothers! Just ordered a kit from you! Do you still use the longbed trailing arms on the newly cut shortbed’s rear suspension?
Longbed and Shortbed trailing arms are the same, nothing to change, it all just moves forward.
Just curious. Why not use a plasma cutter?
You could, but that's not a tool people commonly have at their disposal.
You never showed fitting the front bed mounts, do you have to change the angle?
Once you remove the old front mounts the secondary mounts will become the front mounts and they happen to also be in the exact perfect position already!
after cutting the rear of the frame and drilling new holes for the bumper will i still be able to use my factory overload springs ?
Curt, we did a '66 with factory overload springs a year or so ago but honestly can't remember if we had to remove them or they got to stay in place. As we recall, they could have stayed in place with a modification to the bumper brackets so they would clear the spring mounts. Although, we're reasonably convinced that we removed ours just to make the job easier. We know that there is enough room to cut the rear of the frame and keep the helpers, it's just the bumper mounts that interfere.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thanks for the reply
Will this conversion still be able to tow the same weight?
Where is the best place to find the actual short bed bed?
After using this. Does anybody know the length to switch a two piece drive shaft to a 1 piece?
The specific length of the driveshaft will vary depending on which engine/trans combo you have.
What do I do if there are no holes to align in my frame. I have a 72 c10. One hole lines up on the right side but none align on the left side
Call the shop, ask for Jamie. He'll have the answers
I would like to know if you guys have this kit yet available for my 84 c10
Not yet, still working on it.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Still working on it?
I Just Have a Question Do They Make One For A 84 Chevy 4x4.?? I was just going to say!! I hope they weld it...
Not yet, but we are working on it now.
Wow, that's a good product. Does it work for a c20 with leaf springs.
Yessir it does. leafs are a little different where the rear bumper holes get moved to, but otherwise it's the same kit.
Is it the same process for a 89 gmc Sierra c1500??
Great Video and Instructions..I just got a 70 C10 long bed and want to go short during my restoration.. Do you add a dvd of this video in the kit?.. I am going to get a new bed kit anyways due to rust around the wheel wells.. NO BONDO ALLOWED!!!
I have a separate question also.. Do you make a splice bracket for frames that have bad or broken places ?
No DVD come with the kit, but the written instructions are excellent and make a great companion when used with this video. We do not have splice braces (fish plates) for strengthening broken frames, but you can make your own out of raw sheetmetal.
Interesting and not hard to listen to, unlike some that just rattle on, talking to their dog etc
Thanks!
Will this template work for a ‘65 C20?
Yes!
Is that c chanel can be used on a 82 c10 just for re enforcement of the frame not for measuring just to re enforce the frame the c chanel to re enforce the frame????
No, the frame on an '82 is a different thickness. We are very close to releasing our 1973-1987 version of this kit so keep an eye on our RUclips channel and website.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV how long more you think before releasing the kit??
@@solmora6495 We are testing prototypes right now, so with some luck we might have it available in the next 4-6 weeks.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV ok thanks I'll be waiting for it!!!
How is going the kit for the 82 c10 is going to be ready any soon???? How thicker c chanel needs to be for that year frame?????
Can I just buy a short bed drive shaft?
We don't sell one, but maybe your local driveline shop does.
Can you still make a short bed conversion after you’ve dropped the suspension on a longbed truck?
Yeah, not a problem as long as you didn't mess with the actual suspension components in the rear, like the control arms or their mounting position. If you just did springs/shocks you're OK.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thanks!
Will this work on a 1960 Chevy??
I'm in California Moreno valley ,i need a 1963 Chevy custom into a short bed. Does anyone know of anyone that does a good job?.
This will worl perfectly!
Thank you
Where can i get the hardware an tamplets to shot a long c10 1972
At www.brotherstrucks.com or you can call us at 800-977-2767
Are there any of these conversation kits for an 80s f150 long bed to shortbed
Sorry, not from us. We only do Chevy & GMC trucks.
If assembled and welded properly would be able to handle 600+ hp
Would this work for a 65 c30 dually
Si alguien sabe español dígame porque no lo solda, lo veo muy inseguro que solo vaya atornillado....
Recomendamos que lo sueldes además de los tornillos.
dice que si sabes soldar que lo puedes hacer tu, y si no, esta suficiente fuerte pa poder manejarla a alguien que sabe soldar, como quiera se tiene que soldar
Nice work.cool videos. Just wondering if you guys make a kit for F100
67-72 thanks
No sir, sorry.
63 GMC 1/2 ton with K member going forward... What now?
Sorry Robert, we're not clear about what you're asking. Call our shop for technical assistance or if you have a specific question that needs an answer. 800-977-2767