Small Back Window to Big Back Window Conversion

[LILRED66]

This is not mine and I have never seen or tried one, but I spotted this on eBay. It is a kit, that claims to convert your small back window to a big back window, for the do-it-yourselfer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...216990158&rd=1

I have seen this done in Classic Trucks, Project Old School, 1964 Chevy C10 and it looked pretty intensive. They did all the fabrication by hand without the aid of this kit. I would be interested in knowing if it works and what the quality of the kit is, as well as, the end results.

Take a look and let me know if you give it a try.

[Frizzle Fry]

Pretty cool. I have the inner panel from a big window cab for doing that to my brothers 64.

[502tripower]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

Pretty cool. I have the inner panel from a big window cab for doing that to my brothers 64.

That kit looks like a lot more work and not as good a fit and finish as using a original liner and the cost is a bit expensive. I just picked up a liner for 25.00 two weeks ago. I have made this swap several times and it is easy. Cut out the spot welds, cut out the back of the cab, plug weld in the new. Getting the top liner and the back window liner apart from the cab you are using can be a little tricky. I have done this two different ways. Cut the top liner about a 1/2" forward of the seam and weld the new BW liner in or, separate at the seam and weld up the seam. I also drill and tap some 3/8" plate and weld in the BW liner for shoulder harness seat belts.

[David Flores]

You beat me to it, I was just about to post this.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by 502tripower

Cut the top liner about a 1/2" forward of the seam and weld the new BW liner in or, separate at the seam and weld up the seam. I also drill and tap some 1/4" plate and weld in the BW liner for shoulder harness seat belts.

That's my plan; butt-weld and grind smooth/fill about an inch forward of the seam. Good call on the seatbelt plates.

[protrash64]

Save yourself the $$$$$$$$$$$ aqnd do it yourself............I did.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Save yourself the $$$$$$$$$$$ aqnd do it yourself............I did.

I think for most people the challenge is finding an OE big window donor cab. I got lucky on my score.

[protrash64]

I have never seen the original cab to know any different, Frizzle. I'm not sure if there are body lines inside the cab or anything.........I just cut mine out and welded it together. Set the window gasket in and then the real cursing began!!!!!!!!!

[protrash64]

Heres after it was mostly put together.........pretty much self explanatory. I did it due to cab damage that I couldnt get pulled out. Once I cut the panel out it was flimsy until it was welded back together.

[LILRED66]

How about some play-by-play pictures of the process.

[David Flores]

I wish I would have done what I had planned on and did this conversion. But it's too late now, cab is getting painted.

Maybe on my next build. You should post some process pictures though

[protrash64]

Sorry guys.........this was done a few years ago and I dont have that many pictures of the whole thing being done. I read the Project old school article and decided to do it at the time........I didnt want to do that much work at the time........but it was out of necessity that I opted for this.

I assure you that this is not extremely difficult if you have a welder and a sawzall.........I think it mite be harder to mount that kit.

[66Z71]

Does anyone have a current Ebay listing? the one at the top shows up as invalid.

Thanks,
Eric

[Rogue]

I wonder if there is a kit to convert my big window to a small?




J/K I do like the SBW better, but all the good cab I find are BBW.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by Rogue

I wonder if there is a kit to convert my big window to a small?




J/K I do like the SBW better, but all the good cab I find are BBW.

That's funny, the BBW's are typically harder to find.

[Dave66!]

I like my small back window.Ill have more privacy when Im forced to live in my truck!

[cogorman]

I bought mine from this guy: http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Big-Window
I've yet to recieve it, but its only been a few days. I plan on putting it in my beater and cut the whole truck up at the same time to fix most of it and make a decent daily driver out of. I still need to get fenders, but have some partials on the way this weekend hopefully. I have good doors and etc etc all piled up in my garage just waiting to go on the truck.

[redsean]

here is the link to classic trucks step by step.. its a good how to. and if you flip around on the tech pages there is about every thing you could need on a 60s chevy custom...



opps for got the link DOH
http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/cl...all/index.html

[66Z71]

Keep us posted on your progress. I'm interested in seeing how one is done.
BTW I love the short stepside, its my favorite body style. And those mags are perfect, just wish the wife would let me get some.

Eric

[SlimPikins]

Originally Posted by 66Z71

And those mags are perfect,

Eric

I agree! 5 slot aluminum's look good on almost everything.

[DaddyMack]

Originally Posted by Dave66!

I like my small back window.Ill have more privacy when Im forced to live in my truck!

What he said...

[collins10672]

i have never done the big window conversion,but i know a guy who had one done and it turned out beautiful.i asked also about the upper seam reattachment.beacause it looked like it was put in by GM.he said the guy doing his done all of the things mentioned above except he did not do the upper seam like you all were talking about.he cut out the inner panel and left the flanged edge on the headliner panel.cut out the outer hole for the big back glass inner panel to go in and before he welded it back in place he took some of the new type epoxy bonding material and put it on the crimped edges of both panels,then put it in position,clamped and welded the rest of the panel.it looked great and looked like it had never been touched.just thought i would weigh in on this and try to save you all some work.good luck with your conversions.

[Quarter Can]

i am about to takle the free hand shot in the dark converstion... i just dont know how big to make the hole cause i dont have a big window... i am about to just start cutting though... haha... and how many windows have yall heard rattled out? is that something to worry about or is somone blowing smoke? I am just going to cut my hole and get my window to fit... let me know if you have heard about them comeing out though... i think if there is a chance of such a thing happening why couldnt i fix that problem by useing some silicone to tie all the rubber togother? let me know what yall think about that...

[protrash64]

I cut mine slowly; meaning I went around it about 3X's. You could leave about 1/2'' all the way around and be safe. The gasket is about 1/8'' thick were the window sits. Your window will not pop out, I assure you. After you monkeyF that thing together it is so tite......

[502tripower]

When You remove the glass and gasket from the small window you will see the flange on the inside of the cab liner. This is the same size you will need on the outside of the big window opening. I use my finger as a guide and draw a line all the way around the opening then cut with a pair of electric nibblers. Good Luck