The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 60-66 long box vs short box

Is it possible to modify a long box to a short box or is it worth it as one can buy all the new parts to build a short box. Thanks for any info

Yes, possible and cheaper if DIY.....but VIN won't match. New buyer will have to accept the clone. Can't buy "all" new parts. Frame has to be shortened also. No "new" factory correct frames that I know of.
New bed sides $1450. DIY $0.

"Worth it" does not have one meaning. Money or time? Value when cloned? Having a shop do it one way or the other? Many times it's better to sell the long bed truck and buy a short bed truck.

You’d better be up to par with welding skills if you’re cutting a long box into a short box.

I have a short box frame. I meant all the parts for short box,sorry. Have a shop and have retired old school bodyman that still likes to work. Yes the VIN will be a process but I plan on keeping truck,thanks

Chevron,
I will very likely be doing a similar thing to my 70 C10. I’m going to cut the frame down into a short box. Like you, it’s not for sale. Ever. So no worries there.youve already got a short frame, so you’re set there. The frame modification does not worry me much but...

I will not be attempting to modify the box sides. The amount of work for a novice metal worker and skill needed to make it right is very intimidating. I will not be undertaking this task. I will be sourcing shortbox sides from a vendor. The time, skill, frustration, and likeihood of ruining a perfectly fine long box is simply to high for this cat. I’m buying. And this is coming from a guy who has built 2 AD boxes.

With a short bed frame, your job is a whole lot easier than I thought.

There are a lot of good pics and videos on cutting the bed sides. There are also kits to shorten a frame, sold by reputable companies. Templates, plates, brake line, parking brake cables, etc. Here

I am no more skilled than the next guy but I don't consider shortening a bed side very intimidating. You just cut a section out and put is back together. Good measuring, straight angle grinder cuts and weld it. You don't disturb the header or the tailgate areas.
There will still be three stake pockets. That issue is up to the owner. Leave the center one or fill it.

Ive seen a pretty complete and detailed kit LMC truck.com. Check em out . they seem to have a ton a stuff from on end to another. They also sell bed sides..