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This kit is used to convert a long bed Chevy Pickup into a short bed. The reason we made this kit is because, as you would expect, classic trucks are getting harder & harder to find. The much desired short bed C10’s might be hard to come by and are usually more expensive than the long bed version. Since everything about the front end of the pickup is exactly the same, it makes for a great option if you’re looking for the short bed style and turns out to be a fun project (especially now that we’ve made this kit).
This article is published in Classic Trucks Magazine. We’ve got step-by-step how to instructions below, but you can view the full article from BROTHERS & Classic Trucks Magazine on their website. Click here to check out the full article on HotRod.com.
Click here to download a PDF version of this article as seen in Classic Trucks Magazine.
This kit is available for order on our website. Click here.
Here is Toshi Akatsuka’s longbed. This is the perfect example of a C10 that needs a little work, but is a great affordable place to start your project.
BROTHERS short bed kit consists of two thin-walled C-channel templates, two 3/16-inch walled C-channel inner brace, hardware, e-brake cable, and rear brake line (not pictured). The template is clearly marked with numbered holes that are used to locate and attach the template to the frame, lettered holes used to locate the new rear cab mounts, pilot holes used to locate the C-channel’s mounting points, cut lines for all three necessary cuts, and another numbered hole that will serve to locate the rear bed mount once the end of each frame-rail is trimmed
Before we start cutting, there are a handful of items that need to be removed or modified. Since the entire rear suspension setup will be moved forward 12 inches, the two-piece driveshaft will be removed and added to the scrap pile along with the rear brake line. The exhaust will need to be removed and modified or replaced. Emergency brake cables are also removed and will be replaced with shorter items. Note the fuel line that has been moved away from the frame-rail. Special attention needs to be paid to the fuel line at all times if it’s not removed.
Next we’re going to remove the bed.
Before we make a single spark, the truck is set on jack-stands so that when the rear half of the chassis is removed, the rest of the truck remains stable.
An additional set of jack-stands are used to support the rear of the cab as we’re going to be removing the rear cab mount…
… as well as the front bed mount. To do so, the head of each rivet is chiseled off and then punched free.
The templates are designed to bolt to the chassis using existing holes (labeled 1), removing any guesswork when it comes time to make the cut.
Before we do so, however, a series of six pilot holes need to be drilled into each frame-rail. These will serve as mounting points for the C-channel inner brace.
Using a reciprocating saw, the first, forward cut is made using the etched line in the template.
Once both sides are cut, the rear portion of the chassis is simply rolled back out of the way.
The templates remain attached to the rear portion of the frame so that the second cut can be made.
With the second cut complete, we’ve successfully removed the extra 12 inches from the wheelbase. Next, the six pilot holes are drilled larger to suit the 3/8-inch fasteners for the C-channel inner brace.
Next the template needs to be used to drill the new cab mount holes. To do so, the top and bottom needs to be trimmed to clear the rivets holding the crossmember in place. Another set of pre-cut, etched lines mark the portion to be removed.
There are eight holes total, labeled either “A” for 1963-1966 or “B” for 1967-1972 trucks, that are used to locate the new rear cab mount. Using the front most pair, the template is aligned with the rear two holes from the original cab mount. The location of the rear pair of holes on the template are then transferred to the chassis.
The cab mount is then bolted in place using these new holes and then used as a template for the rear pair.
Here, the cab mount and C-channel inner brace are both attached to the rear half of the frame. Note that the two front holes from the original cab mount location are used to attach the inner brace.
Next, the two frame halves are rejoined via the inner brace and welded together.
Out back, we need to trim 8 inches from the back of the frame and drill a handful of holes. Flush with the back of the frame-rail the template is used to transfer the location of the rear bed mount hole as well as to scribe the cutline.
A watchful eye and a steady hand and the chassis conversion is complete.
Before the bed is set in place, we slid the new, shorter brake line between the rails and snugged up the fittings.
Akatsuka’s original bed was pretty beat, so instead of trying to cut and weld it back together, he opted to purchase new sheetmetal from BROTHERS. We were definitely thankful as the new panels fell into place and fit great. Because the bedsides are double walled, this makes cutting and splicing the bed back together a lot of work. Nearly 20 linear feet worth of welding is required as is a few hours of bodywork, depending on one’s skill.
With the new short bed in place, Akatsuka’s work truck is starting to look a lot sharper. Now, about that stance and those wheels and tires…
44 Comments
Hi my name is chris morales I am going to purchase this kit for my 1963 chevy truck long bed.Thank you BROTHERS for this kit.
No problem! Glad to help, and enjoy the kit.
Hey guys I have always wanted to do this to my 70&68 long beds , I’m so glad you guys have come out with something like this , till now I always held back because I didn’t want to screw up the frame. I’m so excited about this kit.
Still hoping for a similar kit for the 73-87 Square body Chevys.
Hey Brothers
I want to shorten my 1980 K20 frame and put my 1958 SWB body on it. Will this kit work for that?
For a specific project like that please give us a call to discuss. This kit is made for 1963-72 trucks.
I want to do this to my 72 long box. I like the idea of just replacing the long bed with a new short bed. My question is: Do you offer the short bed complete or is it in pieces and need to be assembled? Also do you offer the new short bed in a wood floor also?
Thanks
Dave
It will be in pieces, not assembled (makes shipping easier and less expensive). Yes you can build a wood bed.
before I buy kit do you know someone or shop that wil install it for me thanks
On a 66 longbed, is it necessary to make 2 frame cuts? a front near cab, and a rear?
Thanks,
You have to cut the frame in two spots, so YES. These spots are clearly marked when using our template so there will be ZERO confusion about where to cut.
Question; The drive shaft would just need to be replaced with a SB version? Standard replacement from the universal joint to the differential? Also great to see the cab did not have to be taken completely off! Thanks
I’m thinking of changing my 2015 long bed dually in a few years when I no longer need the long bed or the extra wheels. I hoping you are thinking of coming out with the kit for 3500HD conversion to short bed. Please let me know what your plans are for 2015 Chevy.
I just received my conversion kit! After reading through the very explicate assembly instructions there is only 1 question I have for you guys. What is the torque specification for the nut and bolts? A great kit, can’t wait to get started. What a kool project! john f darby.
Will this kit work on a 1971 c20
Absolutely!
Brothers, I finished my conversion. Thanks for being the leader in innovation for these classic trucks we all love. John Darby Chevy.
Great to hear! Thanks John.
Just finished my ’66 long bed conversion to short bed. What a great kit. Had absolutely no issues with the parts or instructions. Very easy to complete in one (long) day. Thanks BROTHERS.
That’s awesome! That was the point of us making the kit. Glad it worked out. Thank you Steve.
What’s the price?
$399. Link to product here: https://www.brotherstrucks.com/63-72-LONGBED-TO-SHORTBED-CONVERSION/productinfo/LTSC372/
does shortbed conversion kit also work the same for c/20’s? & if not, what is the difference?
Same for C20
Question. My 65 C10 LB has an E brake lever bracket thats mounted mid frame. If I were to shorten it does that move or what?
Thanks
It moves with the frame and a new shorter cable comes with the kit.
Is there a kit for the 73-87 from long bed to short bed available now or in the near future
We’re currently working on something!
Will your conversion kit work for a 71 4×4?
We’ve never tried it, but we have our doubts based on the location of the transfer case mount.
Hi I have a 62 C10 long bed and would like to covert it to a short bed.is there a conversion for the x frame trucks?
Not at the moment.
Will this work on a 79?
No, but we are working on a kit for 1973-1987.
I realize the bed comes as pieces. So how much is all the pieces for a complete bed?
That depends on the year of your truck and the options you want with your complete bed. They range from $2400 to $3000 complete. You can find them on our website by searching “complete bed“
How dose your kit work with a 69 c20 long horn with an additional 8″ in the frame?
It doesn’t work on a longhorn.
I have a ’71 C10… I had to notch the template for that flared piece on frame under cab… but when I went to mount the template only one of the #1 holes was there… I double checked placement and it is correct… Has anyone else run into this?
Yep, happens from time to time. Mount the template with the single bolt and drill the other to secure the template in place.
Will this also work on the 1972 K10 4wd?
Call the shop and ask for Jamie, he’ll have the answer for that. 800-977-2767
Will this kit work on a ‘70 GMC with rear leaf springs
Yes.