Converting 9c drive?

Has anyone ever tried to modify the drive on a SB9c into something a little more compact. I need to build a bench for my 9c, when I set it up on the floor to get an idea as to how deep to make it, my first measurement was almost 4ft, even if I shorten the flat belt it seems to take about 3ft? I can see dropping the belt straight down is out the question and to place it above would require a very sturdy stand of some kind as the drive is very very heavy. One idea I had was to run the flat belt straight back and over two rollers then straight down to the drive. The other idea was to remove the motor and large pulley from the drive, move the drive close to the headstock and come off it with a smaller pulley that would be driven from below by the same size pulley mounted on a shaft and driven by the original large wheel/motor combination. Any suggestions and or shortcomings? Pictures? I have a very small shop so it's the space problem.

Trade up for an underdrive SB9 or 10.....otherwise keep it simple - South Bend did.

If you send me your e-mail, I´ll send you pic of compact mine. My flat belt is 38" long