The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Shorten my frame?

I'm thinking about shortening my frame on my '42. Sitting next to my '79 long bed my '42 3/4 ton is only a few inches shorter.
The wheelbase is 126.25" I noticed that 1/2 tons are 116"
The change would be fairly simple and there are two holes a few inches behind the cab that are almost exactly 10" apart so I have a really good reference to start from.
I just don't want the truck to look too short.
I'd like some input. Mabey someone has a 1/2t and could send the measurement from the rear of the cab to the front of the spring shackle mounting point.
Mines 25.5" from the rear of the cab to the center of the rivet on the shackle.

Not clear on what truck you are talking about.

Be careful on determining the final wheelbase dimension. The original suspension on AD 1/2 tons actually moved in such as way as to increase the wheelbase dimension under load. Whether that applies to your 42 I cannot say. You may want to measure the dimension from center of fender opening to fender opening to get a feel for what the finished dimension would be.

Houston54,
Thats a good idea, but I don't have rear fenders, it's a stakeside('42 GMC) That's why I was thinking a measurement to the front hanger of the rear leaf spring on a '41 to a '46 1/2 ton might give me a feel for the overall lenght.

126" wheelbase is plenty short.
My 52 1 ton pickup is 137, and I have no problem driving or parking it. One advantage is how narrow they are, they fit where other vehicles won't, if you're not afraid to try.
I really like the 9 foot bed on mt 1 ton, I can't imagine wanting to shorten it.

IF you must shorten yours, consider moving the rear spring hangers forward and trimming of the end of the frame, no welding. It may not work for your frame, but for a lot of older and bigger trucks it will.

I still say don't shorten it,
Grigg

I cut four feet (+/- a few inches) off the rear of my '53 6500 behind the spring shackles.This kept the wheel base the same,but got rid of that ugly overhang.I then rolled the tail end of the frame over a 4" by 4" box tube and cut rectangular rubber mounted signal,stop and running lights into the tube.It was a lot of work, but like the look.I'll see if I have a pic.

Check your E-mail box.I sent you a picture of the East end heading West, (aka the rear).

Nice Truck gtow69, and I really like the steering mod Grigg. I may try that myself, it'll save the exhaust clearance prob I'll be facing.

I was 1" off it's actually 125.25 for the 3quarter ton and 115" for the 1/2 ton.
I can't really see many differences other than that.
Although I'm not bulding the truck as a work truck, I will be hauling lumber etc. no trailer queens here! I however am going for more of a rod look that I'll use as my primary transportation.
Any 1/2 ton owners with measurements or pics?