The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Big window transplant

I just purchased a '58 big window truck for a roof / backwindow transplant. The cab is in decent shape but I already have way too much time and money in my other one to start over. Has anyone done this before? The window frame and rear cab support are obvious, but is there anything else I need to watch out for? The door latches seem to tie in as well. Both roofs have different problems so I will be making a hybrid of sorts. Are all of the top and side parts the same? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks

I had seen one that was done. the owner told me instead of cutting the cabs he removed all the spotwelds, pulled the small window back cab out, and re spot welded the big window back cab in. Take your time. this doesn't sound like an ez job.

I've never done it before, but I would guess that the door fitment is something you want to be concerned with early on in the project.

Since you have so much work done on your 3 window, maybe it will be worth a good chunk of change if you sell.

Well, I'm commited now. I cut the roof off of the big window last night. I will have to remove the roof skin to repair internal rust damage. Thanks, Builder for the door fitment note. I am leaving the door frames on the small window cab as the big window's are trashed. Tons of work, but I have a MIG welder and reckless confidence. I am also using Daddy's advise and splitting the spot welds. I will still have one long weld across the back. I'll keep you posted.

Don't forget to take progress photos!!!!

I'd love to see how it goes for you since I've considered doing the same thing because I can get the donor metal for $150.

I am taking pics. So far I have removed the skin from the donor and the skin on my cab goes next. I found a huge mouse nest and a lot of rust under the donor skin. Looks like I will use original door frames, inner header, and windshield header. I will change inner frame (4 pieces) and outer skin. I have 5 days off across Memorial day, so hope to make real progress. Thanks for the moral support. :p

Got a few minutes last night and cut the inner roof panel away from the window frame proper. Man am I tired of drilling out spot welds. Still I'm making progress.

If you do something each day, no matter how small, you will eventually finish the truck. The trick is to not stop, starting again is much harder.

I finally started cutting on the cab I plan to use. I took off the roof skin and found.... RUST Gee, haven't seen any of that before. The header between the windshield and roof panel looks like swiss cheese. Does anyone reproduce this piece? It is curved and has multiple steps. It would be tough to make at home.

I have a Mig welder and reckless confidence, so I guess I'll just make one...what's another weeks labor at this point? :rolleyes: