The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Big window vs Small window / 3 vs 5

How about some of your thoughts/arguments about having a big rear window vs a small rear window.

This also goes for having a 5 vs 3 window.

This goes for any year/model.

I kind of like the 'privacy' of the small window and 3 window. Obviously, some people just love the looks of a 5 window and/or the big rear window. Then again, I know that some of you 'hate' the 5 window!

Well, I flat love the 360 degree field of vision afforded by that corner glass. I'm still thinking about putting it into my '51.

When I was a little younger, I always said I wanted a 3 window because I liked the looks of them better, Now that I have a 5 window, I love the looks of it, and cant wait to get it finished. One thing I never understood though.....It seemed like growing up, EVERYONE always said...."oh, the 5 window, they are more rare, and more desirable, and a lot harder to come by" but it seems like just about every 47-53 I see at shows or on the road or anywhere is a 5 window. It seems to me that the 3 windows are actually more rare, however, I dont care, I like them equally as much. Besides....us northerners need those extra windows to let extra sunlight in to keep us warm on those early spring cruises or the late fall ones

I think the 5 window trucks are the way to go. I really like the looks of them. They are kind of unique.
Jim

I actually prefer the 3 window AD trucks. They look a little more ...? solid?....Old? I dunno, but I just like the looks of them. Now the big window versions I like. 55 thru 70's I think look awesome with the big window and I'm not even sure why they ever offered the smaller window. I think the smaller windows in those look a little awkward to me JIMO.

I think you will find the 5 window and the big window will command more money and will probably always be worth a little more due to popularity.

I really like the big back window on the '64-'66 trucks.

The 5 window cab on the AD trucks is neat, cuz if you've ever sat in one and looked backwards down the side, that corner window comes in handy.

-W

I like both (I got the 5 window) If I could afford it I'd have 1 of each, same with GMC vs. Chev

I am guessing that back in the day the 5 window deluxe cab AD's were rarer, but probably more 5 windows have survived as more likely to be restored. It is like my '64 Lemans convert, so many of them have been turned into fake GTO's, I think a stock Lemans is rarer today. I have a 5 window and of course I prefer it. I do know when I am driving other trucks I tend to find myself starring at sheet metal when I backup or change lanes. I also once read that folks in the south wanted 3 windows and small back windows on the theory that less sun heat in the cab.

I have both a small window ('59) and a big window ('58). I wish they were both big windows.......

Carl

My ’53 is a 5 window and I really like the added field of view when driving.

I'm kinda like Carl - have a big widow 58 and a small window 57, and because I mostly use either around town where the added view space is nice, I'd rather have the big window, tho I like the "older" look of the small window - the babytrkr [who uses the 57 most] prefers the small window

I think most today prefer the big window and 5 window cabs because they were the deluxe model, if the designation had been reversed and the other deluxe goodies put on the 3 window/small window, folks today would still go for deluxe, and say they looked better

Bill

I have several '64-'66 Chevy trucks with the small back window, so I was accustomed to the nuances, such as the blind spot, limited view when backing, etc. I also have a few '64-'66 Chevy trucks with the big back window and it has taken some getting accustomed to not hanging all the way out of the window when changing lanes.

The small back window on the '64-'66 Chevy trucks were the standard equipment, whereas the "Full-View Rear Window" Regular Production Options (RPO) A10 was an factory add-on and is not as prevalent as the small back glass. In part, I think this fact makes them a little more desirable. I personally like the larger glass; however the small back glass is so common it goes unnoticed.

Spring is around the corner, so let’s go truckin!

Tony

I like them both having had both in the past. But for better sight I do prefer the big window.

My '67 has the small back window, I like them better than the big windows, as OldCreek said, it seems like there is a little more privacy. I will admit, it does create some pretty big blind spots though.

My '66 has the small back window. And like 4-5-6 said, you have to lean way over the seat or out the window when backing up or changing lanes. My grandpaw's '71 had the big back window (standard starting that year) and I loved that window, especially when we were getting a trailer backed down into the woods or the barn. I'm planning on converting mine into the big back window when the time gets here.

My '67 has the small back window. I like the more classic look it gives to the exterior. Viewed from the interior, it does give a little extra privacy. The blind spot concern is there, but I never really noticed because I have not driven a truck with large rear glass to get "spoilt" on.

I have had two AD's, a three and five window. I like the 5 window best, in fact I changed the cab on the 3 window to a 5 window, took a lot of work but since that's what I liked best it was O.K.

Five windows are good. I've got a panel truck and you have to do it all by mirror.

OK, here is my 2 cents worth. I have a '50 Chevy 5 window, a '66 big back glass, and a '66 Suburban with barn doors, and a '64 C-60 with a small back glass. I enjoy the Delux Cab, and the Custom Cabs. To me they are more sought after, as well as better looking. The barn doors on the Suburban is hard to see out of. About 2 weeks ago while at a cruise nite, another Stovebolter told me that he had read an article in (he forgot) a magazine that told and showed how to convert a small back glass ( '60-"66 ) into a big back glass. It is a kit. Does anyone know where the sheet metal kit can be purchased from??? Please let all of us know!!! Thanks, Warren

in the Advance Design trucks, three windows is the way to go.

The 5 windows remind me of an AMC Pacer, or some kind of Buck Rogers space vehicle.

Warren:

Converting the '60-'66 Chevy truck from a small back glass to a big back glass is not done with a kit. It is all custom fabricated hand work. The following tech article will give you a play-by-play of the process.

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/CL_0309_OldSchool/index.html

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Tony

I'm a streetrodder and believe the 3 windows look much better as a hot rod than the 5 windows. My 48 was a 5 window and I changed the cab to a 3 window.

Tony, Thanks for the tech article from the magazine. I have a "old school" body man here in Phoenix that can tackle the big window project...just him finding the time to do it is the question. Also, I'm checking with an auto glass shop, another "motorhead" has done 3 big back window projects. I'll see what he has to say. Anyone else that can shed some light on this project please let me know. Thanks, Warren

It's whatever trips your trigger. As long as you like it, that's what counts.

John

I have owned two 3-windows (1950 3600)I own now. I used to have a 1949 3100 and I like the solid look but I have seen lots of nice 5-window AD trucks. Final comment would be that whatever you have enjoy it, lots of people would like to have any AD they could find.