47-53 Chev P/U 5 window vs. 3

Has anyone ever added the 5 windows to a 3 window cab? Are the cabs the same or is the deluxe cab a totally different shape? I was thinking of finding the corner windows and just welding them in.

Also, are long bed side rails the same as short ones, just longer at the front? Can a long bed be shortened to a short bed by moving the front panel and cutting off the excess? Please let me know.....

 

Build the 3 window. They make cooler looking trucks.

I have a 5 window now and the mis-match between the corner windows and the rear window bugs the hell out of me.

I bought a 3 window for the next build....just have to get around to building it.

Lots of long beds have been cut down.

 

Mr. Chevrolet, the cabs are the same. If you look closely at the rear of the doorjamb you will see a lead joint at the belt line. Also, if you stick your hand up inside the double wall area below the rear window, you will feel a 1/4 or 5/16 bolt every six inches or so. At the front of the doorjamb you will see a lead joint about 2/3 up the windshield post. If you separate the front and rear joints and remove the belt line bolts you can make any type of cab you want. I believe all beds were the same width thus using the same cross braces. I believe shortening the bed is just a matter of removing what you don't want from the front of the bed and putting it back together. I am not sure if the extra stake pocket on a 3/4 ton bed is in the correct location for a short version-you may have to drill out the spot welds and relocate it. If I remember correctly a short bed is 6'6" long. When shortening, pay attention to you fender location so that you can use the original fender bolt holes. Hope this helps. Sam

 

build the 3w

 

spend some time looking >3windows look better

 

I'm with the 3-window crowd. Never liked the 5-window cabs at all.

 

I'm going to go against the grain on this one. I'm a 5 window guy. They are great to drive, your surrounded by windows, no blind spots.

I do agree with the goofy *** difference in height between the corner windows and the center window, but I fixed that when I chopped mine...

 

3 windows are my choice too, just plain look better.

 

forget about the 5 window idea and build the 3 window

 

I'm glad i'm not the only one. I never understood that.

I still like 5 windows though

 

3 window here also...........................dave

 

I like the 3-window for looks, but the 5-window is definitely better for driving. I tried both, then built a 5-window.

 

Five windows

 

If it's a one vs the other, 3 window has my vote.
The mismatch that was mentioned earlier in the thread about the rear window and the corner windows always bugged me as well.
Don't get me wrong, there are some NICE 5 window's out there, i just think the 3 windows have a better overall look...
Visibility isn't the best though...I realize that everyday with my 3 window..but it certainly isn't that bad either.

 

I've never owned a 5-window but think they might be better from the inside. I personnaly am a 3-window man

 

i like the 3 window more than the 5 but they both look good in my book

 

...on the bed, cut the excess off the front, move the front panel back & bolt it in, orig. 2nd stake pocket needs to come off, and replace a stake pocket on the front.
You don't change the fenders at all, leave em bolted as is, they are in the correct spot.

 

After driving my 5 and then a 3, I feel like I'm in cave in a 3. Can't see ****.

 

Had a 3 window but always wanted a 5 window. After driving it every day for 16 years sold it and got a model A coupe. What a deal it had 5 windows.

 

Like everyone has already said... the 5 windows are definitely more practical for everyday driving…if that’s what you’re going for.


I drove a 3w every day for a couple years… also drove it on several long (over 1500 miles) trips

The first time you drive it, you’ll definitely notice the blind spot…. After a while, I just kinda got used to it though.

 

I've seen the conversion from 3-window to 5-window done several different ways, ranging from just the inside metal and that around the windows, to replacing the entire back and roof of the cab. It certainly can be done.

Some claim the 5-window is worth more. I like the added visibility. Many like the look of the 3-window better. I think if you care you should get the one you want.

The beds aren't that hard to come by. If you have a nice one you might find someone who would cheerfully trade a short one for a long one. I'd sure swap a short '54 type for a nine-footer '54 type real fast.

 

By cutting a 3/4 ton bed down to the next bed pocket, the bed will be shorter than a 1/2 ton bed. Redrill the front panel holes, bolt it up, and call it a 3/8 ton.

 

Like this pickup that povertyflats use to own.

 

3 Window here. My previous truck was a 5 window and I prefer the closed in feel of the 3. The 5 seemed to feel like I was in a fish bowl.

If you want to challenge yourself, install a big *** visor on the front, man, I never thought that loosing the upper view (top 1/4) from the windshield would make you concentrate on the road that much more.

 

At night the 5 window lets in a sorts of light.

 

I agree with Atomsplitter about feeling like you're in a fish-bowl in the 5-window. Mine is a 5-window, and it feels kinda like somebody's always looking over my shoulder. Does have great visiblility though.

 

I learned to drive in a 5 window 54 when I was 14 but have driven my 3 window 48 for most of the past 36 years.
If you are intending to chop it I'd say stay with the three window. For maybe a resto rod truck the 5 window will work.

As to the five window being worth more than a comparable three window. But one has to remember that the five windows were the Deluxe cabs and they had what extra goodies were available at the time on them most of the time. In equal restored form or mild rod form probably so but who gives a rippy doo daa unless you build with an eye to selling as soon as you are finished building.

As far as converting a three to a five window, I don't see it as a big issue as long as you are a decent fabricator and good welder.

It would take carefully cutting the window panels out of a doner cab and then fitting and welding them into your cab. Not as much work or trouble as chopping the top.
If I were to do that I think I would go ahead and drop the bottom of the back window down level with the quarter windows and put a new gl*** in it.
If you can find the quarter windows out of a GMC deluxe cab they are often tinted.
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yah what he said

 

3 window is more 'hotrod' and 5 is more ..well..'deluxe'...but i'm biased as well ownign a 3 window. the man can watch you easier with a 5 window...

 

I like 3 window AD trucks. The 5 window cabs remind me of frying pan styling Dodge trucks of the same era.