Small window to big window conversion. What's it take?

[N2TRUX]

I searched this forum and the FAQ section too. I can't find anything discussing converting a 67 cab from small to big window. Besides a cab swap, it looks like there are two ways to do this. Either replace the entire back half of the cab from the roof seam down, or weld in a donor panel with the big window frame.

If I had a truck with a rust free cab that has nice paint what would be the best way to get a big back window? Has anyone done this conversion? Can you direct me to posts or pics?

[Apache'71]

The Boyd Coddington TRAZER had a power, up/down rear window...I've been thinking about a Toyota Tundra as a donor for this modification...I haven't put a tape to it yet, but to my eye, the window out of the Tundra seems to have the right "feel/proportions". Obviously, the measurements will determine this...(good reason to relocate the in cab gas tank too). Sorry, nothing difinitive here, just thought this would be a one of a kind mod and wanted to share my idea.

[shorty72]

Theres a shop that did that, heres the like http://www.ifcustom.com/ they did a whole small back window to big swap at a show one year. i think its matt eyes truck, its the all bare metal one.

[Tim Christian]

WHY!

[panhandler62]

I was wondering that also .. I guess preference varies but I had been under the impression that the small window cab was "more desireable" on the 67.

It seems like any effort to convert a small window cab to a large window cab are at least *as* extensive as starting with a big window cab and moving all the interior components to it.

[special-K]

There are alot more big windows out there,so why?There are alot of people that would buy the small window cab...alot!This work will cost more than buying another cab.The only good way to do it would be from A-pillars to floor at back panel.I had a rustfree cab that had been dented in the corner between the passenger door and bed,rustfree/original paint.Even with this damage,the door just "clicked" shut.But it was a viscious cycle because it would cost more to fix than buy another rustfree cab.Don`t forget,whatever donor cab is used for the back panel is going to cost some bread.If it`s got typical rust,it`ll be cheap or even free.But,the cost of rust repair and comprimised integrity just flat-out kills it in my book.Just my opinion.

[1969K10]

Originally Posted by Tim Christian

WHY!

those small window cabs are too cool to change like that!!!

[67ChevyRedneck]

Not 67-72, but this may give you an idea of what needs to be done.

http://classictrucks.com/tech/0410cl_big/

and this one

http://classictrucks.com/tech/cl_0309_oldschool/

I'm all for change and all, but I'm going to have to agree with the others. Pre-67 small windows are abundant. 67 was the only small window cab of the 67-72 body style and are not "abundant." All 68-72's had the big window cab (and some 67's). It seems that by the time you cut the back half of the cab out and put it into another cab.... replacing rusty rockers and a bit of floor would take a lot less time.

Just my $0.02, but if you do try it, take lots of pics

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tim Christian

WHY!

WHY? Because I don't like the looks of small back windows.

I guess I didn't make myself clear enough in my original post. I found a truck that I am considering buying. It's a really nice 67 that is completely restored and has a very nice paint job. Unfortunately it has a small back window. The only way I would buy the truck is if I could convert it to a big window.

After looking closer at a few cab pics, I realize that it would be near impossible to accomplish this on a painted cab.

Sorry for the stupid question....

[blaserman]

Ken: No question is stupid no matter what anyone else thinks.

[Tim Christian]

Hey Ken, I was just curious? If we all like the same thing than we would all be driving the same truck. But this would be hard to do unless you repainted the cab or had a bodyman that could really blend. I am with blaserman on this one no question is stupid.

[special-K]

It wasn`t a stupid question,maybe a bit controversial.You`re not the first one to ask,either.I`d like to see you get one of these trucks.If not when you bought it,it would surely become a beauty in your hands.

[krue]

If you decide to do it, take lots of pics and write a FAQ for us.

[N2TRUX]

I guess I will have to keep looking for the "right" truck. The one I had been watching on Ebay had all the right stuff that I would want "except" a big back window.....

[PanelDeland]

This is just an opinion but I like the small window cab myself.That said if you want a unusual mod try building a 'Burb and converting a regular one into a "rare 3 door".J/K

[Skruffy]

It wasn't a stupid question and it would certainly be yours to do with as you please, but it would be a shame, IMO, to see one of the few small windows butchered to make what there are already many examples available. Why buy something rare to make it into something common?

[BowTieMan]

Just come down here and we'll trade cabs. I love the looks of the small window. But driving the big window is alot easier.

[kevncar]

I have a small window 67 that isn't without it's own problems, but I want a big window cab. I really want the back window to roll up and down as Apache mentioned. I once considered choppin up my cab to accomplish this, but was quickly scorned by many members not to ruin a small-window cab. I always thought a 67 with a big window was more rare, but someone explained to me that was true, but 67 was also the only year for small-window cabs making them somewhat desirable.

At this point in time I am in the process of yanking my cab and looking for a big window to work with. In my opnion, if you want a big window cab, start with one.

[72CSTC5]

Ken, let me know if you decide to buy a small window truck and I will help you do the big window swap out if you want.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Well I owned a 67 swb fleet w/ the large back window, and even though
everyone like it cause it was kinda rare, I always wanted the smaller one,
I looked at that truck on Evil bay also, very nice indeed, but it's ur choice.

[N2TRUX]

Unfortunately that truck sold before the auction ended. I mean no disrespect to anyones opinion or preference, but I do not care about rarity. I care about asthetics and a small back window does nothing for me.

I'll find the right one sooner or later. If I have to cut up a painted one I can always do a two tone to cover up the body work...

[special-K]

That is one of the sweetest`67s I have ever seen.That Silver looks awesome on that body and it was an available color that year.I don`t think I`ve ever seen one done-up like that in silver.Shooweet!

[pebbleboy]

I know one of the mags did a small to big back window conversion and a long bed to short bed swap. There was alot of work involved.
I think it was truckin. I think devious customs was the shop that did the work but not really sure on that one. If you really wanna know I can look through my old mags and see if I can find it anywhere.

[Americanrider]

Originally Posted by BowTieMan

Just come down here and we'll trade cabs. I love the looks of the small window. But driving the big window is alot easier.

Kinda like driving a greenhouse on a sunny day. I love my small window but somehow my neck still gets red...