Hey all,

I am asking (and I am afraid I already know) to see if a short bed from a 1953 F100 will fit onto a 1953 F250 long bed style truck...I know the wheelbases were different for those years but I just wanted to ask if there was a way to get it to fit or to mod it so it could be a short bed? I really like the short bed look vs long bed and hope this could work. Any info would be great...Thanks

Alex

 

One other question...

If the short bed did not fit, could I cut the long bed to be the same length as the short bed?

 

Like the monkey said to the elephant, "if it won't go, don't force it".
Sorry, couldn't resist. I know what you mean about short beds. I'm sorry I don't know the answer.

 

Fair enough, thanks. Any idea on cutting the long bed to look like a short bed then? Looks like it would work...

 

If I am understanding correctly, you would need to cut the frame down to the same length as a short bed truck to make a short bed fit. You would have to cut it behind the cab and remove the difference in the bed lengths and then put it back together. It will devalue the truck and really needs to be done well. It might be better to find another frame or truck than to try and cut the frame. Just my opinion, I am sure others with more experience will chime in.

 

There was a good tv show last week on GEARZ, where Stacey David cut down a long wheel base chassis to mount a short box on it. It looked like something a good arc welder could do in a few hours. Granted, he did this on a chevy, but the same concept applies.

 

The short box is also 5" narrower then the long box.

The F250 has a 2" wider track width then the F100.

 

You may have to cut the frame as mentioned plus lop off some from the back as well. I wouldn't chop up your box if it's in good shape, there are likely someone looking for one and you could buy a new short bed that would look much better.

 

If you want a short box truck you would be best off to sell your long box and buy one.
Frame shortening is a tricky business .

 

Anything is possible, having said that, I personally wouldn't do it (and I have in the past). F250 beds are longer and wider (as others have stated) than the F100 beds. By the time you cut the frame down to make a short bed work or you modify the bed to work, you have tons of time and money into it. If you want a short bed F100, go buy or trade for one. They are out there. I have helped friends shorten frames and unless you have the skills and equipment to do it properly, it is asking for trouble. As for moding the F250 bed, you would still have to chop the frame to get it shorter. Again, buy a F100 and be happier. Just my opinion. Good luck!

 

You would need to cut the frame behind the cab and again behind the rear springs to match the short bed frame length. Not a very difficult job IMHO if you are proficient enough with a MIG or Tig. Ask again for advice on how to do it safely and right if you go that route. The rear tread width is not an issue if you plan on changing the rear axle to a 5 bolt pattern. The front axle is the same except for the hubs, the 5 bolt hubs and brakes bolt right on. If you are not comfortable with shortening the frame, then just find a 53-56 F100 frame (much easier than finding an entire truck), your cab and front end sheet metal, suspension will bolt right in place. The F250 front and rear fenders have larger wheel arches than the F100 to clear the larger wheel/tires, and the F250 running boards are longer.

 

Hey,

Thanks to all of you who responded...lots of good knowledge...I didn't even think about the track so thanks for that one..and you are also correct on the devaluing..So all in all I think the best thing I can do is just try to find one that fits what I am looking for vs all the conversion work...The one I was lookin at is just a steal, $1200 for a 1953 F250 with the original V6 and running...Might have to consider other options...thanks tho! I will keep looking.

Alex

 

Inline 6 not a V6.

 

I'll chip in with leave the frame, get short frame if that's what you really want. You could fab a long box from scratch, with the help of some aftermarket parts. IMHO

Tom

 

While the short box is narrower, this has no effect on the swap. The F250 "wide" box is tubbed to accomodate the wider box. When you say that the F250 has a wider track, are you referring to the front or rear? Many times the track width can be measured using different wheels and thus has no effect on the actual flange-to-flange width of the suspension.