Converting Chevy 1st series from a 3window to a 5 window? Any thoughts?

I recently started a 51 chevy p/u project but it has the small back window. MY dad loves the 5 window-he had one back in the day. He asked a good question. How hard would it be or has anyone ever converted a 3 window to a 5 window. I think it could be done Im just looking for the experienced opinion. Thanks HAMBrs....

 

...friend of mine is doing one rite now. not a big deal.
He is cutting a few inches of sheetmetal around the gl***, and welding them in(without removing the gl*** or rubber).
...that inner sheetmetal probly makes this swap the most difficult, but can be done.

 

I would think a donor cab would make this a breeze.

 

I remember seeing panels availablein the aftermarket for this conversion. But I do not remember exactly where right now.

Check the Chevy Truck Parts sellers.

 

Shouldn't be too hard. Guys change small window Chevys into big windows all the time.

 

This is actually done quite a bit. I have a factory 5-window '47. I tested a 3-window and the blind spot is huge. Another option is a wider single back gl***. A buddy of mine got a donor gl*** and surrounding metal from another truck, and the end result is a 3-window with much better visability. The proportions are not out-of-whack either. Let me know (by pm system) if this option is of interest and I'll ask him what he used for a donor. I might even be able to get a photo to you. Best wishes for success. Jack Luther.

 

You can get a rear window panel from LMC Truck. But it's $400.00.

 

get a five window donor cab and use the whole top,

cut the top off at the factory seam, take the inner panel out, drill out the spot welds along the beltline and cut the door pillars loose ,then cut the a pillars .then weld the 5 window top to the 3 window cab...

I also remember the book How To Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup had a section on how they did a 5 window conversion.
It was done by cutting the cab at the a pillars and at the bottom of the door pillar where it meets the rockers

 

Chevs of the 40's offers the parts to do this.

I think the easiest is probably just to swap cabs, but the method described in the 'How to Restore' book ends up with very little visible metal work and should not be real hard if you can find a good cab to cut up.

Another approach that requires quite a bit more metal work, but does not require finding as much good steel, is to remove the inner panels from a five window by drilling out the million spot welds on the center window, and cutting the corner windows free on the outside of the truck about an inch outside the window openings. More spot welds in the door frame and interior, and then you have the whole five window setup.

Using the center window and door frame to line things up, remove the 3-window interior stuff, then fit the new metal in place and use the corner window openings (from the inside) to mark where to create openings in the existing cab. Stick it back together and do lots of welding and finish work...

I just bought a 5-window cab. Its less work.

 

There are guys that will trade you cabs. I like the 3W myself. $.02

 

thank god this a post for a pickup...i was concerned for the three window coupe

 

Me too

 

can't be much harder than filling them

 

Mine's a 3 window and I intend to keep it that way. The 3 window is much cooler looking. Who cares about blind spots and visibility anyways?!!