Rear visibility for small window

[coreyjhen]

I have a chance to buy a '67 small window to replace my '69 that is now sitting in an impound yard in Juarez. I have never driven a small-window truck, so my question is how does the rearward visibility compare to a big window? The '67 has no motor or transmission, so I can't drive it, and there is only so much you can tell sitting in a truck in a guy's back yard. Thanks in advance.

[swb4me]

The small window makes it a bit more difficult to see compared to the larger window, but I'm always extra careful (defensive) when I drive one of my classic cars/trucks anyway, so I've never had a problem with the smaller windows.

[coreyjhen]

Thanks. I guess what I was really asking is, does being tall or short affect rearward vision? I'm 6'2" and my wife is 5'4", so, other than the obvious need for mirror adjustments, are we likely to run into difficulties?

[dave`12]

My 67 has the small window. Yes it is noticeably more difficult to see. The difference is mostly side to side.

On the positive side, the small window is very cool looking and distinctive (IMO). There weren't that many, I've been told it increases value.

[duallydude63]

jst make sure u have good mirrors i had a small window /65 i really like!!!! less sun/heat coming tru with a small back window also!!!

[Coach]

I have a 67 small window. I'm 5'10" and have no rearward visibility issue. The problem is the blindspots both driver and passenger side. I picked up a pair of Blindspot adjustable mini mirrors from O'Reilly Auto Parts for $10, problem solved.

[special-K]

All kinds of trucks have blind spots, just empty pickups with large back windows are easy to see out of as a car. With any blind spot you just have to look twice and/or move your head to see in front of and behind. I always do this anyway. People like to hang in blind spots and it helps see motorcycles

[cherokeejohn]

I used to drive a 65 with a small back window, I'm 6' even and had no problems. Just as Special k said, I just leaned a lil forward, and a lil backwards to see my blind spots. A nice set of west coast Jr mirrors helps alott too. I believe that small back widows are more collectible, esp. the 67's cause it was a 1 year only for this body style. I personally would prefer one just for the unique factor

[custom10nut]

What's the story behind your impounded in Juarez, and why would you leave it there?

[coreyjhen]

My '69 was stolen and driven across the border. It was recovered by the police in Juarez, but by the time they notified me the impound bill was already over $1000. I don't have theft insurance, so that is right out of my pocket. Bringing a vehicle across the border is never any fun anyhow, and one that has been stolen is likely to be an absolute nightmare. At this point I don't think it's worth the hassle to go get it back - assuming it even still runs.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Sucks your truck was stolen.

I've owned/driven the same 67 C10 for 20 years. As stated above, I have no problem seeing out the back window, and I don't have a problem with the PS blind spot, I just turn my head and I can see the entire passenger side out the rear window. Easy. Its the DS blind spot that's an absolute total *****. I actually just drove my truck on I85 for 6 hours today. I have to actually crane my head and peek out the corner of the tiny window to check the DS blind spot. I have the little round 67-70 mirrors and they don't pick up crap and a blind spot mirror would take up almost the whole mirror. I did a lot of neck craning today! In general, I usually stick to 2 lane roads and it's not a problem then.

I've always wondered how stupid I must look to the cars behind me when I do that...

[CG]

To me the visibility issue is the pain for over the shoulder viewing. I drove a 67 for awhile and I really disliked it. I was used to driving the larger windowed cabs. Just have good side mirrors that aren't blocked by the vent window pillars.

Before I got into the 67-72's I had a 56 step side with the small window and was fine with it because I didn't know any better, until I got a 58 step side with that huge panoramic window, excellent viewing there.

I had a 54 GMC 5 window and I really didn't think those little cab corner windows made much difference.

[Grumpy old man]

Yes , They require more driver attention . BUT your driving a very cool truck and it's 50 years old ! You can't expect it to be as easy as driving a new Kia .