Whether from the ’60s and ’70s, or more recently from the ’80s and ’90s, vintage pickups are extremely popular among enthusiasts right now. Whether it’s a factory restoration, a performance build or an off-roader, there are many reasons why these old trucks are hot right now.
While some makes and models of vintage trucks are more desirable and valuable than others, short bed (and single cab) trucks will generally be more popular and therefore more expensive than their long bed counterparts. A long bed truck can indeed haul more, but when it comes to hobbyists, many truck enthusiasts prefer the sleeker, sportier lines, smaller size and lighter weight of a short bed truck.
With lower prices and more availability, it’s natural to wonder if a long bed truck can be converted into a short bed truck. The simple answer is that it is indeed possible and has been done quite often with a significant investment of both time and money. Whether the venture is actually worth it depends greatly on your specific situation and what type of truck you work with. With that in mind, here’s how the process is done and when it may be worth (or not worth) doing the conversion.
The long and the short of it
It’s clear that Stacey is an experienced mechanic with a whole range of tools to use, and that’s something very important to consider, beyond the cost of just purchasing the parts needed for the conversion. Overall, the short bed conversion may be easier than other custom fabrication jobs, but it is still much more complicated than simply installing bolt-on parts or replacing body panels.
To cut or not to cut?
Also consider the final value of your truck after the work is done. Yes, if the work is done professionally with a factory appearance, the truck will probably be worth more as a shortbed, but probably not as much as a factory shortbed truck in the same condition. It’s up to you to decide if the investment in time and money is worth it compared to just saving time and starting with a short bed truck in the first place.
Other factors can also influence your decision. For example, if your long bed truck has rust in the frame or a broken, rusty bed, a short bed conversion probably makes more sense than cutting up a rust-free truck. As with any major decision on a car project, such as choosing between an engine swap or a turbo upgrade, research and planning will be key to avoiding regrets down the road.
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