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Shortening a LWB 1951 GMC Frame for SWB

  
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Shortening a LWB 1951 GMC Frame for SWB

 
JRBECK64 JRBECK64
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 09/08
Posted: 09/23/08
02:50 PM

Is there anywhere that anyone knows where there is a  step by step instruction on how and where to cut the frame to shorten it for my 1951 GMC Longbed Pickup? I found a how to with pictures for a 68 Pickup but Im sure that frame is different than my 51. Can anyone steer me in the right direction.
Thanks  

 
smurf1 smurf1
User | Posts: 138 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 09/23/08
05:44 PM

I've got a 47 GMC that was a longbed that I shortened to make a shortbed. It came out really good. If you want to give me a call at my shop Wednesday between 9:00 am 5:00 pm EST at 1-330-549-3280 I'll be happy to help you out. If you'd like to see a pictures of it, I'll give you a website to check out when you call.  

 
mpayne mpayne
Administrator | Posts: 476 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 09/26/08
11:18 AM

Thanks for the info Smurf and maybe the editor knows a solution.  

 
John Gilbert John Gilbert
Guru | Posts: 1081 | Joined: 08/06
Posted: 09/26/08
11:53 AM

The editor sez, perfect! Thanks for helping this guy out Smurf.  

 
smurf1 smurf1
User | Posts: 138 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 09/26/08
07:41 PM

I can't help him out if he doesn't call. Ya know, I've noticed that you editor guys are the only ones that take the time to thank someone for steppin up to give people good sound advice or help for a problem they might be having. Are there really that many IGNORAMUSES out there that don't know how to say Thanks for the help or the info? I'll bet that I'm not the only person out here that sees this.  

 
mpayne mpayne
Administrator | Posts: 476 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 09/30/08
12:46 PM

At least you offered a hand; if no one takes it well thats there loss.  

 
smurf1 smurf1
User | Posts: 138 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 09/30/08
05:22 PM

Ya know what they say? Ya can lead em' to water, but you can't make em' drink!  Mavbe the name scares them off?.  

 
mpayne mpayne
Administrator | Posts: 476 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 10/06/08
04:13 PM

Yeah smurfs are pretty intimidating. They even have there own website. The Scariest Link Ever.  

 
smurf1 smurf1
User | Posts: 138 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 10/07/08
09:49 AM

This smurf just happens to be pretty darned crafty, and has been around the mushroom, I mean the block a few times. When I jump in to give someone help or advice on a problem they're having, it's because I've been there and know what I'm talkin' about. I hope this clears up the intimidating issue.  

 
rjs51 rjs51
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 10/08
Posted: 10/07/08
11:48 AM

the easiest way for me was to put an S10 frame under it I found an 86 short bed cut the bed at the front post on the 51 and shortened it 7.5" if your going to shorten it you might as well up grade the suspension for me this was the most inexpensive way and it was pretty easy, used all the s10 body mounts just modified a bit  

 
rjs51 rjs51
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 10/08
Posted: 10/07/08
12:20 PM

After looking at my pictures i noticed the original frame on the 51 tapers from back to front it seems to me if you want to keep it the way it is and shorten it the easiest way would be to back half or angle the frame rail to some degree this is the only way i see it im sure some one might have a better idea  

 
mpayne mpayne
Administrator | Posts: 476 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 10/07/08
01:20 PM

Thanks for the info rjs51 and welcome to the forums.  

 
rjs51 rjs51
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 10/08
Posted: 10/07/08
02:38 PM

thanks for the welcome. I still have alot of work to do on mine so I'll have questions as i go. This is my first under taking of this kind, was intimidated at first but once i started there was no turning back. Some times ya gotta jump in feet first and hope for the best, (or seek professional help)  

 
smurf1 smurf1
User | Posts: 138 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 10/07/08
07:28 PM

Yo rjs51! Your truck is lookin' pretty good for a first timer. It's probably the angle the picture was taken from that makes the rear wheel look like the rearend is a little rearward. If that's the case,Kudos to ya. A 4.3 v6 vorteck with a 5speed stick would make it run pretty good and still be good on gas, but I'll bet you're going the v8 route, which there's nothing wrong with that either. Actually, there is a section of frame on a longbed chassis under the cab that is 9 1/2" where that it is straight, as in not tapered. If it is measured correctly and cut out, the tapered front and rear sections of the frame line up perfectly widthwise. Alittle of the rear of the framerails and it works out real good. Good Luck with your truck. Looks like you're off to nice start. Try to keep one thing in mind, YA CAN'T RUSH ART!  

 
rjs51 rjs51
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 10/08
Posted: 10/08/08
05:28 AM

thanks for the info, I was looking at a picture of my old frame also taken at an angle and didn't see the part you mentioned, but very good to know. The wheels are lined up in the wheel well, that was the hardest part.    

 
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