Hi, anyone ever shorten the frame of a 49 to 53 gmc longbed? I have a camaro clip tacked on the front already, does too much hacking on the frame cause alot of issues? where is the best place to make this cut? Ive heard of some people taking 9 1/4 inches from under the cab with a notched cut for extra strength. is this the best way? how does it affect the cab mounts and what other modifications will have to be made with this method? anyone know of a good site or thread with detailed information on this? I got a guy helping me with the welding the clip since im a rookie welder but has never shortened a frame so I need to describe in detail so i can get this rolling. Thanks.
Cut a 67 n up series and we cut it between the cab and rear wheel. Cutting under the cab doesnt make sense as its the bed thats longer not cab...I could be wrong but I believe the bed is stretched in the front section (in front of the wheel arch) so thats the place where the frame would be longer.
The '47 to '55 1st. series AD 1/2 ton trucks have a frame tapered frame that is wide in the rear and narrow in the front. Really not a good candidate for shortening since there is not a straight section of frame in the bed area. The 3/4 ton and up trucks however are straight in the rear section of the frame and are a lot easier to shorten. Since yours is a long bed frame it may be a 3/4 ton frame. V/8
...after you figure out the frame work, just cut the extra inches off the front of the bed, knock off the extra stake pockets,re-install the front bed panel and front stake pockets, bolt the bed back down, don't need to relocate the rear fenders.
The Jalopy Journal
