The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Value of big back window in TF?

I know that the big back glass was a premium when these trucks were new and they're desirable now, but how much does it add to the value of a 55-59 truck? I'm looking at a stripped down cab that's for sale and the guy seems to think that it's worth a small fortune because it had a big rear glass. The cab now has no glass, doors, or anything else that could be removed. It's just a shell. I'd appreciate some insight from the experts before I start haggling with him. Thanks.

Not sure what the definition of a small fortune is but for comparison sake there is this one which is more or less complete... sort of...
58 big window $1200

only worth more if a buyer finds it more desirable, certainly not worth a 'small fortune' ... to me, big or small window, a totally stripped cab isn't worth more than about 500 unless it's absolutely mint, but I see good cabs go for up to 1000 ... if the back glass is missing it'll cost a couple hundred minimum to replace it with new

Bill

I guess a small fortune is different to everyone. In this case, he wants $1000 just for the cab that's been stripped out. It's in decent shape but needs cab corners. I'm thinking more along the lines of $200. I don't necessarily need it but I'm going to build a '59 fleetside with all the side trim and I thought a big back window would look good on it. I have a good small window cab already.

When i was looking for my project, i was hoping for a big back window because i bought into the 'hype" of it... i found a more solid small window cab and i went with that - it became available because the guy who sold it to me succeeded in finding a big back window and he didn't need the small one anymore. The small back window cab has grown on me in the meantime and i like it as much or maybe even a little more than the big back window version. I guess that's because, to me, its more "truck-like" and basic and it fits with the purpose of my old step-side TF truck. Maybe a big back window is more appropriate/valuable on a fancy TF like a Cameo or Fleetside, but to me i wouldn't pay a premium for it. Others may have a different opinion of course.

I just found out that the glass itself is $200 more for the big window than for the small. I think that more than covers the extra value added to the finished truck.

if you put big and small window trucks of the same quality finish side by side, the big window won't bring a higher price unless a sucker comes along .... and you won't easily find a good used big glass, but a good small glass can commonly be had free

Bill

So what is the shipping on a big back window? That can be as much as the window.

a local auto glass shop should be able to obtain the glass thru their channels, front and back - mine can

Bill

Replacement panels that take the big back window are now available so the high price for a factory one is now moot. Same for the round bodied 53-56 Fords even though the 56 was the only factory one with the big window. Just get a nice clean complete cab and use whichever window you desire. Most people that bought the big window ones regretted their decision because the sun would roast the back of your neck. JC Whitney, Sears, and Montgomery Wards all had curtain kits to block the sun. No dark tinted glass and a/c in those days.

Big windows are in the eye of the beholder as much as small windows. I like and have both.

It is in the eye of the beholder.
I like to see out, but there is a loss of privacy with that big glass. I prefer the small window.

love my big window good rear vision when changing lanes

When I went to talk to the guy he was apparently in need of some money so he offered me a better deal than he had advertised. I got the cab and an 18' trailer load of hoods, fenders, doors, a stepside bed, boxes of misc parts for $600. All the parts are 55-59 and most are usable. I don't need most of it so I'll have to start looking for a swap meet nearby so I can pass the stuff I don't need along to someone else. Maybe I can get some of my money back.

Good hearing you got a good deal. (Don't forget the swap meet here!)

For more on the "big rear glass" discussion, the larger glass was unwelcome in the farming south, as it would let the sun heat up the cab and driver.

I have noticed more big rear glass on the bigger bolts depending upon application. Lots of tow trucks seemed to have them.

I'll be posting some of the easily shippable stuff as soon as I have time to do an inventory. The larger stuff will have to be for local pickup only. I plan to have AC in my truck so hopefully I won't regret the big window.