1963-72 Chevy & GMC Truck Longbed to Shortbed Conversion

[@chrissartain4430]

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!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

100%

[@uliman100]

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...

[@jeffsedlick2978]

This video is absolutely incredible!! Thank you for taking the time to show whats all involved!!

[@spotty880]

my boy did this in sandals 😭

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

In Southern California, those are work boots!

[@coltonhaney4203]

Steel toed flip flops. Trick of the trade.

[@260657df]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV hell yea! I used to weld patch panels while wearing flip flops , in socal they're essential.😂

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@260657df everyday footwear!

[@Indiansmoke1]

Easy to do even on c20. Just have patience aligning bolt holes . They will fit snug . Almost looks like never cut.

[@joshparr966]

You answered my next question. Thank you.

[@jracer7189]

Why would you do that congratulations you just ruined it.

[@OldBeaterGarage]

Y'all should develop a GMT400 long to short bed kit.

[@kscott158]

Very nice video!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you!

[@danojames8329]

Awesome n sweet to watch

[@chrismunos7741]

Nice professional and informative video. I watched just because it sounded interesting. Maybe one day I'll convert my '67 to a short bed.

[@FrankReynard]

Nice job.how much is usually a job like that?

[@roberthaynes4695]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqnPq42Xi6h0j6M

[@JohnW1711stock]

No relation to Ned Flanders. LOL! Nice piece of engineering.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks!

[@Dayvid85-s4o]

Will this conversion still be able to tow the same weight?

[@badas95Z]

Just curious, why do you have to relocate the rear bumper mounts? I figured all that back there was the same?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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.

[@Jim-zy3lf]

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 . 🇺🇸

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks! Great to have someone with your expertise that understands the process and proper way to do the job commenting.

[@williamsnoderly3692]

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

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Call the shop, ask for Jamie. He'll have the answers

[@edwardmosqueda8377]

I have a 68 c20 custom camper. Its got a 98 in long bed. Would this kit work on it?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We're not 100% sure. Please call our office and ask for Jamie, he's the expert on fitment for this product.

[@raulloredo1628]

Can you still make a short bed conversion after you’ve dropped the suspension on a longbed truck?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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.

[@raulloredo1628]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thanks!

[@edwinrodas2813]

If assembled and welded properly would be able to handle 600+ hp

[@The1BlueWhistler]

this is awesome! Are ya'll working on a 73-87 kit?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We are working on something ;-)

[@Tito-fq7jm]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV square body kit PLEASE.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@Tito-fq7jm Almost done!

[@Tito-fq7jm]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV I'm glad to hear that I hope they have it for sale soon 😊😆😃

[@davidteribailey3857]

Will you be doing a video on the 3/4 ton conversion? Still photos?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

3/4 Ton conversion is exactly the same as the 1/2 Ton, with the exception of the possibility of rear leaf springs not allowing our template to help you with relocating the bumper brackets.

[@caseywagner6080]

Having trouble with rear 5/16 #1 hole. There is no rear holes on the frame. Is this common?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yep, some trucks have one hole. No big deal just use the hole that is there. If you feel like you need the extra clamping force to hold it in place then just drill the other hole. Also, if you ever run into issues during a project then call the shop and have one of the tech guys help, it's often faster than waiting for an answer here on KZbin. Thanks for watching, good luck with the project!

[@jonathanblanco3569]

Do you have a kit like this for a 1966 ford f100

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Sorry Johnathan, we just do GM Truck stuff.

[@thekehoeshow..]

Awesome! Does the template work for the 'camper special' long beds?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We've never tried it, but we would have to assume it won;t based on the extra length of the camper special.

[@titob1895]

So could you just use an original shortbed chevy drive shaft after conversion?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You could, or just have 12" removed from the front section of your long bed shaft.

[@chetbarney6635]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Is there a video on shortening the drive shaft?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@chetbarney6635 No sir, Sorry. We recommend you have that done by a driveshaft shop.

[@normanmartineau7133]

Those this kit is avalaible for models Squared Body Chevy from 1975 to 1986?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not yet, we are working on a kit that will be available in the future.

[@769707]

What is the price for the kit?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

$399... You can find them here: www.brotherstrucks.com/63-72-LONGBED-TO-SHORTBED-CONVERSION/productinfo/LTSC372/

[@luisname4609]

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?.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

This will worl perfectly!

[@luisname4609]

Thank you

[@adulfozapata8244]

Damn it gringo👍👍

[@joeblack8352]

That needs to be welded

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yep, just like we said in this video as well as in the written instructions, this does need to be welded when the conversion is done. Thanks for watching!

[@garcia95365]

What about the drive shaft? What size would I need?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The shaft would need to be 12" shorter than it is now, simple as that.

[@Mozgarage]

Is there a kit to shorten a 133" wheelbase. To 115" or 127"

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not at the moment.

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

One for a 1974 c20

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not yet, but we're working on it now.

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV i can do it but be a lot easyer if you sold a kit or a template where I cut mine still mount the short bed thks

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

Should say I have done it !

[@Enarro54]

First!!! Great video!!!!

[@Toad1973.]

Why 63-72 when that body ran from 67-72 the previous body ran from 60-66?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The chassis from 1963-1972 is basically the same, so this kit will work for all of them.

[@Toad1973.]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV wouldn't It work for the 60-62 as well. Or are the frames deferent. Not trying to be difficult but the only deference I see is the hood and windshield from 60-66.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@Toad1973. The 60-62 chassis is different, it's an "X" frame with Torsion Bars as opposed to the "Ladder" frame used in the 1963 and later trucks.

[@Toad1973.]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV ok thanks for your response. I did not know that. I have owned a 63 GMC that had leaf springs and a 64 Chevy that had coils in the rear. I just assumed the frames were all the same.

[@frankmartinezjr.4595]

Will this work with a 61 c10 by a chance

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Only 1963-72 at the moment

[@gilbertkhoshaba3956]

Will guis kit work on 1998 Chevy c/k 1500

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No, sorry. Only works on 1967-72 Chevy & GMC Trucks

[@hatersaywhat8986]

Did I miss something? What about the bed? No way are you finding a OEM one and aftermarket needs more work than altering the one you took off?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The aftermarket bedsides and short floor are really nice quality these days. So if you don't have a factory shortbed to use, we have no problem suggesting the reproduction parts to complete this conversion.

[@hatersaywhat8986]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV I sure hope so. I don't have the skills to blend a short bed, but I looked up LMC bed and it says it's a platform style, and suggests using the wood bed mod, I want to leave the floor out so the frame can tuck in it.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@hatersaywhat8986 If you're tucking the frame in the bed (raising the bed floor) then you've got some mods ahead of you anyway. At least the quality of the parts won't be an issue!

[@hatersaywhat8986]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV very true. Thanks for the reply

[@normbissonnette8866]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Do you have a kit to modify the '73-'87 long to short frames ?

[@AUSSIEGARAGE_YT]

Do you guys make these for Dodge trucks?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No sir, Just for Chevy & GMC.

[@316pelon]

Any kit for 88-98 obs or will this setup work

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Nothing available for OBS, and this is not even close to what you'd need.

[@316pelon]

Ok thanks ill figure it out

[@BrokeVetGarage]

Flip flops and frame chopping 😅

[@hitemhardboy]

Does this work on a 04 Dodge Ram 2500

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No sir it does not. We only have them for 1963-72 Chevy & GMC right now.

[@JRDavis-he1jk]

What about the bed

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

complete beds are available as reproduction, or you can find a short bed, or have your bedsides shortened.

[@cuatemocos39]

Haces el trabajo mas trabajoso

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

no es tanto trabajo, bastante simple

[@darkpassenger7064]

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 !

[@kevingarnet6822]

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...

[@tonynewman777]

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

[@MonzaRacer]

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.

[@jimthomas1989]

Mine is a 1 on the scale , i just simply got myself a Short bed Frame of the same year 1967 , No cutting , No Welding , No Fabrication , and for some strange reason , Everything fit perfectly !

[@yamahaxs6501]

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.

[@zachthatguy7391]

73 + squarebody guys want this too!

[@robertmalmgren4640]

I need that long bed and I think I just bought those doors at a local swap meet

[@vorhese]

Good to know I'm not the only one that does fab work in flip flops :D

[@reb8306]

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.

[@johncunningham60]

way to complicated..Z cut and done with a fish plate

[@brodix3947]

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

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our kit can be used to shorten your 4x4. We have already done it during our development process of this product.

[@martinbrittany5957]

I would like to know if you guys have this kit yet available for my 84 c10

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not yet, still working on it.

[@ze_german2921]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Still working on it?

[@desertsnakezerke1042]

Very cool, very clean too. I'm definitely buying 1 of these kits.

[@tmobike123tiid2]

Where can i get the hardware an tamplets to shot a long c10 1972

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

At www.brotherstrucks.com or you can call us at 800-977-2767

[@noelhernandez4469]

Can this kit be strong enough to hold a truck with around 500+ horsepower or does there have to be more modifications?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

It is plenty strong for a truck with that level of power.

[@brandonestrada3925]

Aren't you supposed to weld it instead of putting metal plating

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yes, use the c-channel reinforcement AND weld it in. We mention that in the video.

[@blancatubers3094]

Si alguien sabe español dígame porque no lo solda, lo veo muy inseguro que solo vaya atornillado....

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Recomendamos que lo sueldes además de los tornillos.

[@twofivefourlos]

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

[@DAHui808]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Longbed and Shortbed trailing arms are the same, nothing to change, it all just moves forward.

[@Uswesi1527]

Unlike today’s, those trucks were made super heavy duty, i.e. made to last. The triangular rear suspension, with coil springs , not leaf springs, made the big difference. Strength and comfort.

[@TheBmco99]

Wondering how much does it cost a person does it include the driveline and cables or is it just the template

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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

[@bubbabatterby7059]

Y'all have one for the squarebodys yet. Been waiting. Lol

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Very, very close.

[@stevenson3690]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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.

[@stevenson3690]

@@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!

[@lanewilkinson-k2r]

Had to stop watching, i have done these many times, and never cut frame in that place, makes you have to relocate cab mount, not necessary at all, cut behind cab in flat area, 12 inches removed and always cut at angle for strength, bed mounts have to be relocated any way. I do these in 3 to 4 hours with a short bed used.

[@cocophotoss]

Does a regular short bed driveshaft fit if I shorten my long bed c10 to short bed ?

[@alcasper1908]

Will this template work for a ‘65 C20?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yes!

[@Slyguy96]

i would weld it back much stronger and would give me piece of mind.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We 100% recommend welding it back together. We do not consider this a bolt-in and leave it alone kit.

[@gerardovalencia1170]

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.

[@Uswesi1527]

When you carefully, precisely, and ,accurately, plan any job, then everything will fit easily and smoothly.

[@juanlamas5605]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Possible that the saw blade was too long? We've never run into that problem.

[@willhart7861]

The template really makes a huge difference!! Now somebody needs to design one for Ford trucks too!!

[@joaquinsablan5406]

Love this video , now ready to shorten my truck. Thank you ... Job well done

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Glad it helped

[@leslazzell712]

After using this. Does anybody know the length to switch a two piece drive shaft to a 1 piece?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

The specific length of the driveshaft will vary depending on which engine/trans combo you have.

[@paulallen8137]

You never showed fitting the front bed mounts, do you have to change the angle?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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!

[@shanerosenthal9374]

So I’m doing mine now.. frame is welded up. Big problem though. Rear cab mounts aren’t lining up at all.. any suggestions?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Call the shop and ask for Jamie, he'll help figure it out. 800-977-2767

[@whyyoulaugh964]

Can I just buy a short bed drive shaft?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We don't sell one, but maybe your local driveline shop does.

[@ToddRussell-h3d]

Wish there was more info like on long bed to blazer conversion. Can’t seem to find much

[@MLFranklin]

Well done! Great descriptions for a pretty cool template.

[@kisaja]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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.

[@zulubravo9434]

Sure this is a 4-5 difficulty to do a shit job but in reality this is an 8-9 to be done right.

[@robertemmons2260]

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?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

There are a few videos on KZbin 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

[@robertemmons2260]

​@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.

[@AndresPerez-iy4jg]

Will this work for a 83 sierra s15?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No, but we do carry one for an '83 Chevy or GMC 1/2ton truck. Check out our website www.brotherstrucks.com

[@jimmyrobertson3793]

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.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yes, 100% you can use a factory short bed, including a step-side. Both will bolt right on.

[@DadbrosGarage]

Guy at 8:02 " oh shit..."

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

😭

[@kb-ms5rs]

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...

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Not yet, but we are working on it now.

[@RobertShingledecker]

63 GMC 1/2 ton with K member going forward... What now?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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

[@roberthayes5037]

Outstanding video, if you can’t do it with these instructions then you’ll never be able to do it

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you Robert!

[@oi32df]

The length of the rear swing arms of the c10 must be the longest in the whole automotive industry.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

That's why C10's ride so well for a truck!

[@tmobike123tiid2]

Where can i buy the tamplets

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

www.brotherstrucks.com - here's a direct link: goo.gl/xEsPsC

[@33GUMARO]

Do you offer shortening frame services at your location in Corona, CA?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No sir, we only sell parts, we don't have a service dept. If you call the shop we could probably recommend someone local for you.

[@JohnnyRebWasATexan]

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).

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

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).

[@JohnnyRebWasATexan]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks a bunch!

[@kevinmcguire6933]

Are there any of these conversation kits for an 80s f150 long bed to shortbed

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Sorry, not from us. We only do Chevy & GMC trucks.

[@petergniech4631]

Awesome directions and video .You guys rock.Thanks so much.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@angeldelarosa132]

Is it the same process for a 89 gmc Sierra c1500??

[@jamescockburn9650]

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]

Thanks for watching James!

[@jamescockburn9650]

@@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.

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

Interesting and not hard to listen to, unlike some that just rattle on, talking to their dog etc

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks!

[@1mexico1fut]

Where is your shop located and how much do you charge to do this?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We are located in Corona Ca, but we do not do this install in our shop. We do sell the kit and we can recommend someone locally to do the work. However, you can easily do the install yourself when using this kit.

[@ryanj4423]

There should be a double thumbs up button.