Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Shortening the frame

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 11, 2008 | 01:24 AM
  #1  
W.Grills's Avatar
W.Grills
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Shawnigan Lake BC, Canada
Shortening the frame

I was wondering where is the best place to remove a section of the frame to make a long bed 53 into a short bed? I want to convert my 53 Merc to a shortbed truck.
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2008 | 01:32 AM
  #2  
Brian_B's Avatar
Brian_B
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
There have been a few threads on the subject around here. If I recall correctly, it needs to be shortened in between the wheels and some lobbed off the back, in order to center the rear axle.

Just don't hack up the bed. They are sort of rare and hard to find.

Here are a few links to get you started reading on the subject:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...short-bed.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...short-bed.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-frame.html
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2008 | 10:23 AM
  #3  
jtkirkandcrew's Avatar
jtkirkandcrew
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Shorten 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Frame

I SHORTENED MY 1956 FORD F-100 FRAME, FROM A LONG BED (118"), TO SHORT BED (110").

THE FOLLOWING LINK IS ABOUT A CHEVY FRAME, BUT IT WORKS PRERFECTLY FOR A FORD AS WELL.

TERRY KIRK
FREEDOM FORD
1956 FORD F-100

www.earlyclassic.com/tech.aspx?category=longbed,%20no!-shortbed
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2008 | 10:39 AM
  #4  
W.Grills's Avatar
W.Grills
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Shawnigan Lake BC, Canada
Thanks Brian_B, I truely appreciate the information. I have been thinking of getting new bed kit from Mar-K or another supplier and reusing my tailgate. That is going to be down the road aways as I'm just in the planning stages now. I know can't keep it stock, so I will be selling off stuff as it is removed.
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2008 | 10:42 AM
  #5  
Brian_B's Avatar
Brian_B
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
The long bed tailgates are higher and wider. They are very hard to find from what I am told. If you buy a bed kit...get a new gate as well.

You can confirm this by measuring yours and having one of us with the short bed to measure ours.

I ask a lot of PRE questions around here too. Some might work out in the long run. Some I find out are a bad idea. That is what the forum is for.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:02 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE