I'm looking at possibly purchasing a 1960-63 Chevy/GMC truck and want a big back window cab. It's much easier to find a small window cab, so what I want to know is has anyone converted one to a big window? Was/is it worth the time and trouble? I tried searching for a post on this but couldn't find anything. Thanks
The outer sheet metal is the same; just cut it out. But, the inner skin (steel headliner) is all different. It's not easy to change because the is a pinch weld seam that was welded before the roof top was welded on.
Hold out for a nice BWC, I have come across a few here in Texas, for a good deal. Personally, I prefer the Small window.
There's a bit of difference in 60-63 trucks .60-62 had a wrap around winshield,63 has a flatter windshield like the later years,probably easier to find new glass at low cost..60-61 maybe 62 have torsion bar front supension,the later ones have coils, which may not matter if you're gonna change the front suspension.
'63 cab also had the wrap-around windshield. Doors and glass are the same from '60-'63. Dash is also the same. '64-'66 cabs had the flat windshield, with angled A-pillars and the doors to match. Fenders (inner and outter) '60-'66. Front bumpers: '60-'62, '63-'66. Hoods: '60-'61, '62-'66 Radiator core support: '60-'62, '63-'66 Grille panel; '60-61, '62, '63-'66 (90-percent sure. I know '60-'61 is different than '62) Floors had removable transmission tunnel thru '62. Not sure about '63. From experience, I discovered the trans has to come out from above on my '62, due to the X-frame design of the '60-'62. Between the exhaust and cross members, it's VERY tight, if not impossible, to remove it from the bottom without taking half the truck apart. torsion bar front suspension: '60-'62. -Brad
to find a bbw in texas will be kinda hard. the smaller windows were opted for the hotter states as to keep heat/sun in the cab down. If you dont mind the shipping or want to take a road trip here is a really nice one down in San Diego for only $1.7k off of craigslist... and even has a 454 in it!!!! http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/car/679736230.html
Good, used hoods aren't that hard to come by. Keep an eye open for one, on Craigslist or what not. I see them there now and then...
and I've got a '63 swb big window for sale. Pics here: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v238/Kustm52/1963%20Chevrolet%20Truck/?start=0 Brian
The earlier cabs with the wrap around windshield has that dogleg that is rough on the kneecaps. The windshields are also about twice as spendy as the 64/66 windshields. You do have to watch for rust in the bottoms of the front fenders, that is often a problem.
On the window conversion.. cut the outside back out leaving 1/2 inch for your window gasket cut the inside out seperately ,leaving 2-4 inches of material extra. pinch the extra material to your 1/2 inch window lip, and spot weld together. cut off all the excess material from the inner panel. the other options, are finding a junk bbw cab that you can cut the correct inner panel off of. or trying out the piece that the ebay guy makes.
i bet you could go to walmart and walk around a little and in no time find a BBW...BBW's are all over the place around here.... wait, wrong kind of BBW.....
That's because you are in New Mexico. Down here on the gulf Coast, we have rust problems. It's uncommon to see even 70s cars driving around or in junk yards. 60s, very rare to see just drivers, they are usually only seen as hobby/restored cars.
Cars get rusty here too. Probably not as bad as where you are at, but cancer is definitely a problem... I don't remember seeing a rusty hood though...
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