The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk big back window vs small back window in tri 5 chevy truck

Hello to all fellow Stovebolters. I am restoring a '56 Chevy model 3100 half ton and need your opinion on something. I was fortunate enough to locate an original truck (57K miles) with matching numbers and am in the process of a frame off restoration. I have already had everything sandblasted and epoxy primed. Last winter I completely rebuilt the old 235 six banger and chassis components of the truck. My original cab revealed a lot of rust through around the lower windshield especially in the cowl vent area that is hard to get to and repair. Additionally I have rust everywhere and patch panels galore waiting to be welded in. I was able to locate a very decent 55 cab recently with good metal and a big rear window.
My question is, which body style would be more desireable in the restored truck. A truck with big back window or one with a small back window. At this stage , I can cut out and weld in the small one (glass costs a lot less for that model) or leave the big window model in and locate a glass for it. Would it be worth more in the long run?
I have searched this forum and others on the internet for a comparison or information about the value of each and cannot find anything to help make the decision.

Thanks to all who comment.

Uncle Jesse

I'd go with the big window, as there are fewer of them that have survived over the years...

Stick is right go with the big rear window if you have that option.

do what you like , "desireable" is up to the beerholder ... many folks seem to think the big windows are preferable if they want to hot rod it, but many feel that the small window is more appropriate for a 'real' vintage truck .... $ value will be about the same if you're worried about resale, and that'll be something just less than what ya spent on it look thru the gallery 5-9's and I think you'll find about equal numbers of each

Bill

I find the big window is more desirable & increases the value of the truck.

I am partial to the big windows, but I do think it has a lot to do just with your personal tastes.

I think the primary reason I like the big windows is that they did not survive to modern trucks--so they are a feature that is lost in time. To me this adds to the mystique of owning something that was built a half-century ago in very different times. They don't build them like that anymore, and it is part of what people notice about them. I think that's why I picked a 58-59 rather than a 55 2nd thru 57--they stand out more and reflect those Eisenhour/Kennedy years, you know?

The big windows are also more practical when you are in reverse.

But it probably is just as much of a "tastes great"/"Less filling" kind of thing. We could start the same topic on Fleetside and Stepside, I bet.

You are in the postion to pick the one YOU like the best, and go with it.

I wanted a 58-59, Big Window, short bed, Fleetside because they really stand out and stand alone. From the rockets on the bed, the quad lights, the rocket-tailed lance fender ornaments, and for 59's the "Apache", they capture that time in history and look like nothing else. I want to paint Sputnik into my door art, and wow, you just couldn't do "Apache" in today's "politically correct' world. It simply exudes that time in history, and the big window adds to it. It's like big fins on a Caddy, they only happened once.

I wouldn't cut apart a cab trying to convert it to big window or small window. It can be done but with a lot of work and patience. If you do have a big window cab Do not cut it to replace with a small window. then look for another cab with a small window.

I heard the reason why there are so few big window trucks is because in those days with no A/C it got to hot in the cab with all the sunshine shinning in.

Having owned a big window 59 I'd have to agree with all the statements above. You'll not be sorry with the big window choice for a high Kool factor as well as the added ease of seeing to the rear.

My 55 is a small window,and thats the way I like it. However the big ones seem to be more desirable to most buyers.I built my truck to suit me. Which ever one you like go for it.

Somewhere I thought I saw a kit you could buy to change small back windows to large or did I dream that?
[email protected]

I remember seeing somewhere had a template or something for early 60's pickups, I don't remember the tri-five though. Here is a big rear window glass for $65 if anyone is interested.

http://my.execpc.com/~jfox/4salecover.html

Hey regmudd, I too remember reading and article (with pictures) of converting a small to large back window on a tri-5 series truck. I'v e searched all my old magazines and other articles and can't find it now. That's what I am now finding myself doing with all my spare parts and tools, too. Can't find what I'm looking for sometimes. I think, however that in view of the many fine comments from other Stovebolter's that I may just leave it a big window and trust that it will turn out well. Thanks you and all the others for your help

Uncle Jesse

Thanks for the info about the big back glass. I will e-mail them today to inquire about the window.
It sure is great to have a large network of 'helpers' working on my project. I will be calling again.

Uncle Jesse