Big back window conversion part 1

[flatbed51]

Congratulations on your retirement from the USAF. My son is a career airman, he is currently stationed in Misawa Japan

[thump16]

Its been fun & flew by fast.
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[texasconstable]

I spent 21 in the Marines, and retired in '99. During the early 90's, I built my 57 GMC. Worked on it for 2 years straight!.. Every day off and all my leave for those 2 years were spent on the truck. I read during that time, that many people start these projects, and then lay off for a few weeks, which turned into months, then years, with them never finishing them. That scared me, so I wouldn't allow myself to take any time off. Family time sucked to say the least..lol. But I finished it, and been driving it ever since..

You are doing a first rate job! I'm like you, I would rather take the long way to get it done. You learn so much about how they were built back then, and how your's in particular has gone together. The pride that knowing you did all the work yourself can't be matched. When you are done with your truck, you are going to get loads of folks telling you "you have a nice truck", or "I like your truck". That is when all your efforts are going to seem worth it. Thats when you feel like you are at the top of the food chain.

Good luck and I'll be watching

-mike-

[thump16]

I scored a almost new big back glass tonight for a $100, 58 hood, and side steps. I helped my coworker pick up a 58 apache and the gentleman threw in the hood, bed steps and three doors in for free. I dont have a clue as to how much back glass costs.
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[waybad]

man thanks for the detailed build,,,, I think I can do it??????????????? maybe.........

[Gsanche3]

Does anyone know the measurments of a 55-59 rear big window. I turned my 56 small window into a big window but my glass does not fit. Its to shor width wise. I purchased the glass at a automotive swapmeet and I was told that it was made for 55-59 chevy. Now I am confused I hope its just the glasd and not the big windo frame. I was thinking that the rear glass I have might be for a ford. Please help.thanks
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[thump16]

I just got rear glass last night and measured it. It measures from 15" widthwise to 14 1/2" on the curved ends top to bottom. I purchased new inner and outer back cab wall. The inner back cab window mount area measures 15 1/2" while the outer back portion measures right at 15" getting smaller at the outer curves also. My best guess right is that since the inner cab wall sits higher by atleast a half inch so I am going to have to measure very carefully using my new glass when I mate the outer and inner back, Look up shane on this thread. he has a nice stable of BBW and is far more knowledgeable on this subject. Did you buy the complete rear cab assembly new or salvage. I also think that since no two trucks were built the same that's where the challenge lies in getting perfect back glass install.

[Gsanche3]

I got it from craigslist the guy had was parting out his 55 big window he chped the truck in half and sold me the back half of the cab.

[Gsanche3]

I finally was able to mesure the glass and it matches you measurments. Now I am really worried
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[thump16]

you might have to do some adjustments to the window frame itself. I am not sure how much of the glass actually sets in the frame. i will be taking measurements this weekend to see where i need to make my weld points.

Please take pictures of the glass and the window so we can atleast get a visual of the problem you are having and the one i might encounter. thats the beauty of these old trucks. you have to massage and persuade them to fit your dream specifications.

[Gsanche3]

1956 big window conversion

[Gsanche3]

1956 big window conversion

[BC Toy chest]

GR8 WORK!! Look forward to seeing more pictures, thanks for sharing.

[thump16]

I ordered the 1955-59 GM TRUCK CAB REAR INNER PANEL LARGE REAR WINDOW which is on its way from Classic Industries. My driverside pillar was toast and I didnt want to play patch it up. I still have the lone big window replacement panel (smaller pic) but I think the whole assembly will allow me to fix the repairs from the original owner. I am excited to get this project done.

[thump16]

We have a new fabricator in town. My buddy ben opened up BC chassis and Fab so my truck is back on track again. He is also building my buddy matts 58 apache with Accuair. We started tacking in the rear panels and cut out the rusty steps. there is some trimming involved with these after market panels as none of these trucks are identical in manufacturing.

[thump16]

His shop is full so he made a house call to hook me up with the welding. lol
The back window is only tacked on because I want to make sure the spacing is correct for the door seams before final install.

[Kim57]

Nice to see you back on it.
Kim

[thump16]

Matts 58 that we rescued from a old salvage yard. frame was butchered with trans am subframe but its getting a complete overhaul.

[thump16]

last one. we will be welding up steps and lower door mounts on my 56 next sunday.

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work Sledge!

[Kim57]

Looks good.
Kim

[thump16]

More progress as time permits

[thump16]

More progress

[Russell Ashley]

I was wondering how this was going. I am still wanting to do this but haven't worked up the nerve to try it yet, LOL.

[Kim57]

Looks like it's coming along just fine.
Kim