The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Five Window Chevy Trucks

It seems everyone makes a big issue about having a five window AD (1947 last to 1955 first series)Chevy Truck. Now, in my travels looking for parts for my Chevy (five window). I have seen many more five windows than three (this is on 1/2 to 2 ton. I would like to have more opinions on this. Have you encountered more five's or three's? In my belief, there were as many if not more of the "FIVE WINDOWS", just because I have seen more of them than the three windows.

I'd think it was the same as with the TF small and big window trucks - many more of the 3 window [and small window TF] trucks were made because that was the standard model and folks back then didn't waste money on extra's for a work truck, but nowadays the 5 window and big windows are the 'desireable' models, so more of them are resurrected - BUT it also may be the case that improved visibility of the 5 window got more popular as the AD years progressed, so maybe by the 53-55 range, more of them were sold

the gallery here seems to be a bit heavier on the 3 window, tho I haven't looked at'em all - people make a bigger deal outta the 5 window because they were an option, so equated with 'deluxe'

Bill

red58,

I understand what you are saying, but I have seen many of the older years of the AD's with the "Five Windows" (befored 1953). Where I have encountered these is in the Bakersfield, CA area of CA, which was and still is a farming community. Now, why would a farmer want a five window (that would in your eyes cost more) than a three window? I still believe there were as many five's as three's, if not more. Just because I have seen many more five's than three's!!

All four of my AD series trucks are three window and every one that I've "spotted" have been also, with one exception. Most of the street rod and restored AD's that I see at shows are five window's, so it seems that they got picked first for resurrection. I myself, with thinning short hair, prefer the "shade" of the three window trucks and their over all look too. Just my personal opinion,
Scott

Some people seem to like the 5 window cabs, I don't. I can't tell you how many times people have come up to me knowing that I am an old truck guy and saying, "Such and such has a 48/53 truck you may want to look at , and it's a 5 window!", like that's magic or something. I appreciate and respect anyone's opinion and taste in trucks and cars, but I don't like 5 windows. My 53 was a 5 window and when I started the restoration, the first thing I did was bought a 3 window cab. I think they look twice as good. Less visibility, but better look.

My 54 is a 3-window ... I sure wish I could make it a 5-window!! Them corners create a heck of a blind spot, man!

I do have a question on 5 window cabs. Did GM make them 1948 thru 1955 first series? I see alot of 5 windows that the owners call 48's, but have also heard that no 5 windows were manufactures in 48 or 49. Anybody know the real history on this?

AD, the 5 windows did cost more [not just in my eyes] as it was an extra cost option, tho I think it was only about 20$, that prolly represented about a 1% increase - maybe more CA farmers had the money, or maybe they needed the improved visibility, or maybe the 3 windows blind spots made'em more susceptible to getting wrecked early so there's a smaller percentage of survivors? could be anything - no way to know how many of each was made as they didn't keep that sort of records back then, but as a general rule, any of the options weren't included on a high percentage of trucks - the windows may differ in that

Ron Thompson - the corner windows were offered from the very beginning and it was called the Deluxe Cab Option, may have been fewer in the beginning, but they were offered from 47.2 on

Bill

Hey, I don't really care what you have or what you like! I am just trying to find out if there were more three window than five window cabs. I have had only one good opinion and that was from red58. Thanks red58 for your input.

I personally prefer the 3 window cab.. to my eye it looks leaps and bounds better than the 5 window AMC Pacer looking 5 window cab.

My guess is the reason you see more 5 window cabs on the road today is because thats what folks like.. i've seen dead mint AD 3 window cabs go to the crusher, and when I ask why they'd do such a thing they reply, "if it hadda been a 5 window, i'd have kept it!"

here's another thought AD - the area you're in was close to 2 of the plants that produced the AD's - LA and Oakland - might just be that more of the 5 windows were turned out at those plants, less at the east coast plants and in Canada - I do see many more unrestored 3 windows sitting around up here, although as said above, see mostly 5 windows at the show n shines

Bill

I don't think you'll find any production numbers to verify your question. GM didn't do too well back then with their records. I'm sure you're seeing a regional thing in CA. with the 5 windows like we see in the midwest with the 3 windows. In our area, they spent more money on heaters and the like when it came to options rather than on appearance.
Scott

red58, you may have something there! But I have seen these five windows in junk yards, salvage yards, front yards and back yards. The front yards and backs yards would not sell the truck or any part of it... Go Figure??? The point I am trying to make is... these farmers weren't keeping these five windows for restoration purposes, probably just for sentimental reasons. Now, where were all of the three windows, I am sure they would have felt the same about them, if they had such.

48bigtrucks,

Your answer does make a lot of sense and I will ponder on that one. So, you are saying, they shipped most of the five's to the west coast and the three's to the east coast. You know, all of the trucks that I looked at (over a hundred) over half of them had heaters, in the Bakersfield area is does get to -32 degrees and I am sure most vehicle owners would want a heater, truck or car. So, on the west coast they had five windows and heaters... hmmm

don't have a good answer but when I bought mine in 97 I found more 3 windows, might depend on the area that a person is in,, I do know that the 3 window were a little less expensive,,, some folks don't know why they are 5 windows and some call them corner windows rather then 5..both are hard to find in my area,with the window being more rare, I always called them five windows ,I enjoy the extra window while driving on the interstate, never knew what an AD was till I got on the bolt... regards..have a great New Yr....Fred

Most of what I see sitting around my neck of the woods are on farms, and both the '51 3/4 ton and '52 1/2 ton parts trucks I have are 3 window. Purchased originally by some farmer who probably figured that the 3 window was cheaper, and that the less glass you have that can get broken, the better.

I've had the pleasure of meeting at least three guys who bought an AD brand new from the dealer and their take on it seemed to be that the 5 window cab sure was slick, but with the money you save with getting the 3 window, you could buy that much more feed.

So my guess is that trucks that were going to spend the majority of their life working on a farm or ranch with occasional trips to town would be less likely to be purchased with the 5 window option than trucks that were going to be used in-town more frequently.

So while my gut tells me there were probably more 3 windows produced, it seems like it's the 5 windows that get saved the most often. I'd bet if you could do a headcount of every AD cab that still exsists in North America, you'd find the 5 window cabs outnumber (or come close to outnumbering) the 3 window cabs.

The Deluxe Cab and the Nu-view windows were separate options, but usually joined. Finding a Standard cab with the corner windows isn't too uncommon (I have a '54 4400 like this). Finding a Deluxe without them...that's quite a bit harder, but they do exist.

I say buy what you like and thats in any hobby. From truck or car collecting to collecting salt shakers. In the end you are the one that needs to be happy dont buy something because you think someone else thinks its cool or its more valuable in the long run. Unless thats your goal I think most of us here really enjoy our trucks for the main reason they look cool and remind us of the past. Around this part of the country it doesnt make much difference sellingwise whether a 47-55 is a 5 or 3 window but there is a difference between 55-66 big and small windows. Most want and will pay more for a big window.

Around here in Vancouver ,BC there seems to be more 5 windows than 3.I think it's a matter of personal preferance as to what some one wants.It seems to me that if it's sporty and impractical,that's what becomes the most valuable,partly because it's rarer.Like when I was younger I had a choice to buy a 56Nomad or a 58 Retractable. The choice was simple because the 58 had no trunk and expensive to repair.Young people seemed to want the 3 window Douce coupes over the 5 .Old people buy extended cabs and four door sedans.Women and old people drive automatics instead of 4 speeds.I like 5 window cabs because the visability is better.I like the 3 window because it gives a better roll cage and more privacy.I like 5 windows because I like as many factory options as posible. Who knows what's better,I'd buy either, I could not avoid one or the other, if I liked the rest of the truck.That doesn't mean I'll ever drive a 4 door or any thing other than a GM..

I'm sure it's no different than with cars. Most people seem to feel that a 2 door hardtop or a convertible is more "desirable" than a sedan-whether 2 or 4 door. Of course, if you're preserving history, than hopefully you'll save some of each!
But I'm sure it's simply a matter of personal preference, and and what a person regards as "desirable".

I have been around the AD trucks all of my life while growing up in wheat country in western Kansas. I think that I could safely say that 80-90% of the ADs were 3 window trucks. By trucks I also mean pickups.

I now live in south central Kansas and would guess that 3 window trucks would outnumber the 5 window units 3 to 1, perhaps more.

Those ADs I spot on Ebay seem about 50/50, perhaps a little heavier on the 3 window. The 5 window trucks are far from rare which is how many Ebay 5 window trucks are described.

Even though you didn't want personal preferences it comes along with my post. I now own a 3100, a 3800, and a 6400 with the 3100 being the only 5 window truck.

Since I actually prefer the looks of the 3 window it will be a toss up whether to keep the 5 window on the 3100 with its additional safety for city driving, or swap the 3 window from the 6400 because the cab is in better condition.

I still question why there were ever 5 window cabs on grain trucks since you have to use the mirrors to see around the bed corners? Also, why deluxe cabs on farm trucks?

A poll of the ADs in my yard:
5 window-
'47 Chevy 2-ton
'54 GMC ½-ton
'54 GMC ½-ton
'55 Chevy ½-ton

3 window-
'48 Chevy 2-ton
'50 Chevy ½-ton
'53 Chevy 2-ton
'53 Chevy 2-ton
'53 GMC 2-ton
'55 Chevy ½-ton

Results of poll: 60% of the ADs in my yard are 3 window.

I'd rather look at a 3-window, but drive a 5-window. I think... The only AD I have that is licensed and legal is the Suburban and I like the visibility, though its not really great either.

Most the trucks I see around here (near Seattle) seem to be 3-windows, though I could not say 5-windows are rare.

I guess I'm an old guy. My primary driver is an extended cab and my wife's car is a 4-door.

Cletis, I think you solved it. The question is answered.

I have a 4 door sedan and its an automatic ergo I must be old, right KN!!!! I have had both a 3 and a 5 window and will say that a 3 window looks like an old truck whereas a 5 window seems newer. Driving a 5 window with its good visibility
is a joy whereas driving a 3 window does take a lot of attention because of the blind spots!
On another note a lot of 'non-bolters' seem to think the 5 window only came out in one or two years. I've heard the comment that "my .... had one of those but it must have been a different year because it had corner windows".
Nevertheless I love em all!

I guess it would still help eliminate blind spots. My '54 4400 has the corner windows, no deluxe trim, and an original grain bed (aftermarket upfit). Deluxe cabs on farm trucks? I guess that's what the farmer wanted. If that's what he wanted to pay for, who was to say he couldn't have it?

Hi,

Chevy production records of this time period are almost nonexistant. Trucks were used for work in these years...people bought what was on the dealer's floor. Few were ordered. I have never seen anything to document the production percentages...and I have looked.

Bill

In my area, there were more 3 window cabs. My dad had my '51 Chevy 1/2 ton 3 window, ever since, I was 9, or 10 years old. He gave it to me, for my 12th birthday. That was 32 years ago, last week. Through the years, I've probably owned, somewhere between, 30-40, Advance design Trucks, & out of all those trucks, only 7 of them, were 5 window cabs(5 pickups, & 2 COE's).The majority, of these trucks, were built, in Atlanta, some in Baltimore. The closed down Salvage Yard, where I keep my parts trucks, at one time had around 30, of these trucks, big, & small. I stripped them down, before he had them crushed, & all of them were 3 window cabs, except, 3 of them. So I'd venture to say, it is indeed, a regional thing. I have noticed, through the years, that around here, most of the 5 window cab trucks, are '47-'49's.

Back in the day, there were not super mega dealerships with dozens of different optioned trucks sitting around waiting for customers. If the old grain hauler bit the dust and the dealer only had a deluxe, 5-window 6500 in stock would you let the wheat sit for 6 weeks while your special order 3 window came in or would you get the 5 window? I figure that's how a lot of farmers ended up with 5 window.

cletis,

I would have to agree with you, if a farmer needed a truck (big or small) they took whatever the dealer had or what they could get in a reasonable time. I also agree that the five window was far from being rare. But then again I have seen many 2 tons (five windows) with the stainless exterior trim on the doors and windshield. But here again, all cabs were the same and maybe that was the way it came about at the factory, if they needed orders for 2 tons and needed cabs right then and the five windows were the only thing available at that certain time, then that is what they got.

AD Pickup
I agree especially with what Cletis said about whats available.
That would explain why a 49/50 6400 and an older Galion steel dump w/a full cab protector had CORNER WINDOWS
Obviously the owner needed a new cab and chassis yesterday and could,nt wait so the old body was thrown on the newer truck

It was my understanding that the big bolts shipped from the factory as just a cab sitting on the frame.. the dealer or the buyer of the truck would decide what sort of flatbed/dump/tow truck/box/etc they put on.

So like its been said.. the old '37 took a dump in the pasture, and you need a replacement now.. you take what the dealer has in stock.

If you were just going to put a flatbed on one of those trucks, the 5 window would be usable.

5 Window trucks may not be as common as 3 window trucks, but they certianly are far from being rare.

Exactly Frank
He took what was available
What a waste of a 5 window tho,look over the shoulder to see nuthin but steel.
Me,I,m partial to my plain jane 52 1ton 3window beast

Fumblin, GM did supply just about any type of bed you could want on a big truck, but it was more common (and apparently cheaper) to buy a cab/chassis and have an upfitter install the necessary equipment. GM beds are apparently quite rare.

I just purchased a 53 1\2 ton five window last night. I originally planned to rat rod a an old chevy truck, but this one is in such good shape it would brake my heart to cut and weld on it. Witch brings me to my question. Does anyone know of a site where I can purchase bolt on parts to add a small block and possibly IFS? Any help will be greatly appreciated.