Cutting the bed, short bed conversion.
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From: Gridley Ks
Cutting the bed, short bed conversion.
Just inherited a 76' trailer special ex cab long bed from my daughter. I hate long beds on anything but a reg cab so the bed is doomed. The side are excellent but there's holes in the floor so I don't have a prob cutting it. I just would like some input from guys who've done it. I've heard of guys doing this but it seems pretty tough. Any tips?
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
There is a current thread on here where someone did this. I think it is a crew ab shortbox he is building.
I found the post
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
I found the post
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Redsuperduty did it this way.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
But I've seen people cut about six inches before the front of the bed then take out what you need farther back then weld back on the front six inches. Does it have the front tank door? It is a 76 so I wouldn't think so.
Redsuperduty did it the best to me a lot less body work.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
But I've seen people cut about six inches before the front of the bed then take out what you need farther back then weld back on the front six inches. Does it have the front tank door? It is a 76 so I wouldn't think so.
Redsuperduty did it the best to me a lot less body work.
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Redsuperduty did it this way.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
But I've seen people cut about six inches before the front of the bed then take out what you need farther back then weld back on the front six inches. Does it have the front tank door? It is a 76 so I wouldn't think so.
Redsuperduty did it the best to me a lot less body work.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cab-build.html
But I've seen people cut about six inches before the front of the bed then take out what you need farther back then weld back on the front six inches. Does it have the front tank door? It is a 76 so I wouldn't think so.
Redsuperduty did it the best to me a lot less body work.
One good dip in the road and the truck is going to buckle like a trampoline.
Josh
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Ya, I was going to say that. Saw a thread a while back where someone did that. I was just referring to Red's thread cause I like the way he did the bed side.
Also I think he boxed the frame so that added some strength.
Also I think he boxed the frame so that added some strength.
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I snagged those pics off of Fordification... I couldn't find the pics where he backed the welds.
Another example...
Josh
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From: Schweinfurt Germany
That looks like the way to go hmm keep my long bed or go short bed. I hate you all you never let me get set on an idea.
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From: Gridley Ks
Thanks! It's actually a single rear tank, odd because it's a "Trailer Special". I would think dual tanks would've been standard equip. Definatelt doing a Z notch. While a butt weld in a diagonal is better than a vertical butt I want more radial strength. I've done a few frame stretches and notches so I think I can get through that part good enough. The Bed is my main concern. I'll get some pics up.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Northern Indiana
Thanks for the compliments on the bed, I'll round up some more pics.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Farmington, MO
Also consider that when shortening the bed by removing material from the front, you will be losing the front stake pockets. That was done on my truck which I am OK with. I put the cut-down long bed on a SWB truck frame.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
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From: Northern Indiana
79fordpilot is exactly right. It wouldn't be a big deal to graft the inside ''bulge'' and the pocket holes in there, I just welded the rest of them up for a clean look. Around min. 3:50 in this video of my other truck you will see step by step of shortening a long bedside, including moving a stake pocket hole.
1978 Ford F150 Ranger Lariat 4x4 - YouTube
1978 Ford F150 Ranger Lariat 4x4 - YouTube
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From: Schweinfurt Germany
79fordpilot is exactly right. It wouldn't be a big deal to graft the inside ''bulge'' and the pocket holes in there, I just welded the rest of them up for a clean look. Around min. 3:50 in this video of my other truck you will see step by step of shortening a long bedside, including moving a stake pocket hole.
1978 Ford F150 Ranger Lariat 4x4 - YouTube
1978 Ford F150 Ranger Lariat 4x4 - YouTube