The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 3 to 5 Windows

I have a 1951 Chevy 6400 with the one rear window. I would like to convert it to 3 windows in the back. Can you purchase the panels to do this or do you need a donor cab? And if it is converted, does it diminish its value due to a lack of original status? If anyone has experienced this situation I would appreciate your input.

I'm not aware of anyone supplying specific 'kits' do do this but your best bet would be a donor cab,it should be cheaper that way too.
There are vendors of brand new complete cabs out there (Premier) but i'm not whether you could buy the individual panels from them if you'd prefer new....

The value will not diminish as your "VIN", or serial number doesn't indicate wether it was a 3 or 5 window(yours is a 3, the 5 is with the cab corner windows.) It was just an option from the dealer, and unless you have the original build sheet (did they even make those for these old things???) no one will know otherwise.

I think this is exactly what you are trying to do, judge for yourself if its out of your comfort zone.



I could be mistaking but i think the creator of the video is a member on the forums here as well. maybe search and shoot him a PM.

Hope that helps

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-54-Rear-Cab-Outer-Window-Panel/productinfo/44-002/#.VZpa2OdHcko

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-54-Rear-Cab-Outer-Window-Panel/productinfo/44-002/#.VZpba-dHcko

10% off promotions are regularly available.

First I think that cutting an AD cab to put those panels in is a horrible, expensive idea. For an expert rod shop sure, for the average hobbyist good luck. There is a much easier and less expensive way to make the conversion. First start with a set of these from a donor cab.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129371322/in/album-72157631868452754/
Next without major surgery and having to endure door fitment and gutter issues not to mention difficulties around the belt line, you cut the outside like this.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/18849826063/in/album-72157631868452754/
Look at the relative size and heat affected areas, which are small and localized.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/19282884008/in/album-72157631868452754/
The inside is simply a replacement of the existing panel, you weld where opportune (read small) and the joint between the two is at the pinch weld.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/18849820823/in/album-72157631868452754/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/19444386216/in/album-72157631868452754/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/19284317059/in/album-72157631868452754/
You can work one side at a time, all variables are controllable. I have sold 8 sets of these to people from parts trucks (no I have no sets for sale). One person I helped had it paint ready in three days, another person who gave me an email back was near the same time.
Again with less than a professional set of skills and tools that method is not the easy way to do this conversion, nor is it inexpensive. I used to sell the pictured set on eBay for $250-300 which included the glass as shown. You will be into the panels, glass and shipping well over $1000 on the other set.

Great post Brad!

2X Carl's comments. Very nice comprehensive response complete with steps, pictures and cost. I'm in awe Brad. One question, do you have a set for sale?...just kidding.

In my experience, you would have to cut those panels anyway since these cabs are not all equal by any means. Good post Brad.

Thanks for all of your input. Brad, I really like your suggestion of just putting in the corner windows and not the whole outer panel. I appreciate you taking the time to post the pictures and keep me from " reinventing the wheel " on this project. This is my first attempt at a project of this size, so I want to keep it simple and not get frustrated by botching it. I will just take my time and get there bit by bit. Thanks again to all of you for some great advice.

I have a more detailed PDF sheet that is available for this conversion (which can actually be done from the inside first, one guy drove his truck for a while as a 4-window). If you send me your email I would be happy to forward the more in depth details. Some may wonder why I have not converted my own truck? A couple reasons, one my truck was painted when I figured out the process. Two I actually like the 3-window configuration better as a personal preference.

I used Brad's info and a friend had a plasma cutter - zipped thru the lines surgically like it was butter! Came out great!