Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

John Gilbert · 03-01-2011, 09:34 PM

Scott Hursh at Classic Big Window in Montana sent me his conversion kit while I was still the editor of CCT, and we just got the install done last weekend for the May issue. I went to Brothers for the new glass and window rubber, and also picked up a set of Custom Cab moldings as well.

I thought you guys might like getting a peek at how it came out.

Thanks,

John

nachodog2 · 03-01-2011, 09:41 PM

Looks good, now we need some pics with the glass.
Posted via Mobile Device

hotrod66 · 03-01-2011, 09:52 PM

how hard was it to do? i have 3 small windows out of my 5 trucks and i don't like driving them as much as i do the big windows.
and how much dose the kit go for with out the glass?

TwiggyTheDrummer · 03-01-2011, 10:01 PM

Looks great man! Wish I was able to get close to stuff like that easier.

John Gilbert · 03-02-2011, 01:15 PM

Thanks you guys, yeah I really like how it looks too. It's going to be a 6 weeks before the article hits the newsstand, and then shortly after CCT's web where you'll be able to see it for free... Not that I'm saying don't buy the magazine. In the meantime here's a link to Scott's website he has the directions posted. I went into more detail in the 5 page story, but it will give you an idea.

www.classicbigwindow.com

**Clyde65** · 03-02-2011, 02:18 PM

I was told by a body shop ( I sent the instructions and sent link to site for him to look) it would be like 40-50 hours of work plus paint, which translates into over $2k+, so I decided to put that off.

John Gilbert · 03-02-2011, 02:35 PM

Forty to 50-hours of bodywork! How long would it take him to adjust a door, 6-months?

I waited until the very last minute to write this story, it was due the very next day. I called Steve Bentley he's a good friend that helps me with Custom Classic Trucks' and Classic Trucks' tech stories that kind of scare me. In other words I didn't want to destroy my cab.

He started a 7AM Sunday, and by 2PM Steve had it as far along as you see it here. I'll post some pictures of the inside as soon as I can shoot some low-res photos.

A person needs to have some basic skills, and tools to pull this off. I think anyone that after reading the story in the May issue of CCT stands a real good chance of knocking this out in under 2 days. The next part of the story in the June issue will show how to finish off blending the metal into the cab's interior sheetmetal, and how to install the rear window glass yourself.

40-50 hours, really?

TagMan · 03-02-2011, 03:57 PM

It must be me, but I prefer the small window look.

67swb72klb · 03-02-2011, 04:14 PM

seems to go back and forth on this one used to be nobody wanted those bbw now they cant live with out em i like em both

John Gilbert · 03-02-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TagMan

It must be me, but I prefer the small window look.

The truth is now I like 'em both. Back in the day when I was a kid, we had a fully-loaded two-tone deluxe cab '58 Apache Big-Window, and when the '60-66s came out I liked the looks of a Big-Window better. Maybe because you could see out of them better, or maybe just because they were rare.

Hey by the way, I've got a big-to-small window conversion kit... Want to buy it?

tenni126 · 03-02-2011, 04:30 PM

If nothing else, it seems like the added visibility would be worth the mod. I don't love the blind spot my small window has. But, I also wouldn't be too keen to trash the interior paint at the moment. Next time it's stripped down, though...

**Clyde65** · 03-02-2011, 04:36 PM

John,

I swear that is what he told me, from what your telling me, he obviously didnt WANT to do it at all. I have seen a bunch of guys doing this, I would like the added visibility, the coolness (IMO) and also it will add to the value ( again imo). Oh and that was plus painting the area.

I thought about getting a BBW from a truck and going that route too. I have no skills with metal so I have to use a body shop, one I thought was a reasonable one.

duallyjams · 03-02-2011, 08:47 PM

Is it so easy that even a cave man can do it.

chevyrestoguy · 03-02-2011, 08:57 PM

I like the look of a big-window better, but I prefer riding in a small window because it's cozier, and I'm a white kid who doesn't like his neck sunburned in the summer.

To me, I love cruising down the freeway with the vent windows open and tucked back into the corner all cozy-like with the tunes blasting away on the radio.

rbar · 03-02-2011, 10:01 PM

I used a big back window donor. I popped it out of the donor and since the truck was already in the paint shop, they put it in, otherwise I would have. You cannot tell it wasn't done at the factory and the total time involved was 14 hours. No body work needed at all.

John Gilbert · 03-03-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

John,

I swear that is what he told me, from what your telling me, he obviously didnt WANT to do it at all. I have seen a bunch of guys doing this, I would like the added visibility, the coolness (IMO) and also it will add to the value ( again imo). Oh and that was plus painting the area.

I thought about getting a BBW from a truck and going that route too. I have no skills with metal so I have to use a body shop, one I thought was a reasonable one.

Sorry for the lag. You know there's a lot of good fabricators in Texas, and some of them are on this board. If you decided to pull the trigger, I'm sure a shout out on here for some help would put you in touch with the right guy at the right price.

I like this kit because I didn't have to mess with losing the VIN like with a cab change.

**N2TRUX** · 03-03-2011, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Gilbert

....
Hey by the way, I've got a big-to-small window conversion kit... Want to buy it?

Now THAT is funny. Sorry, guys but BIG windows rule...

John Gilbert · 03-03-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Now THAT is funny. Sorry, guys but BIG windows rule...

Ah, you know... Just trying to move some leftover parts.

SCOTI · 03-03-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Gilbert

Sorry for the lag. You know there's a lot of good fabricators in Texas, and some of them are on this board. If you decided to pull the trigger, I'm sure a shout out on here for some help would put you in touch with the right guy at the right price.

I like this kit because I didn't have to mess with losing the VIN like with a cab change.

I went from small window to big window w/o the VIN change or the kit you used. Did it like others mentioned: I cut up a donor cab that was rusted up & used the inner cab wall. It was tacked & panel bonded into place. No disturbance to my nice patina'd roof.

karlbenz · 03-03-2011, 11:28 PM

I'll take a small window over a big window any day. them big windows look kinda dorky to me

(ducking now)

SCOTI · 03-04-2011, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlbenz

I'll take a small window over a big window any day. them big windows look kinda dorky to me

(ducking now)

Let me edit this to reflect my feelings on the matter.....

Quote:

I'll take a BIG window over a small window any day. them small windows look kind of small to me

kalirodding · 03-04-2011, 01:08 AM

BBW is cool but definitely NOT rare.
Posted via Mobile Device

HSkinner · 03-04-2011, 01:54 AM

I put in one of these kits in about 2 months ago and I'm a plumber.... I had a total of maybe 6-8 hours in without the body work and I'm hardly a fabricator

jimmydean · 03-04-2011, 12:12 PM

How much is the kit? I went to the site and it says there are none available.

**Clyde65** · 03-04-2011, 12:23 PM

they are about $300.00 for the kit. email him and he will answer you.

03-01-2011, 09:34 PM	#1
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Scott Hursh at Classic Big Window in Montana sent me his conversion kit while I was still the editor of CCT, and we just got the install done last weekend for the May issue. I went to Brothers for the new glass and window rubber, and also picked up a set of Custom Cab moldings as well. I thought you guys might like getting a peek at how it came out. Thanks, John Attached Images

03-01-2011, 09:41 PM	#2
nachodog2 Hell yeah!!! Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: canyon country Ca. Posts: 264	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Looks good, now we need some pics with the glass. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Stock is good but custom is the sh*t!

03-01-2011, 09:52 PM	#3
hotrod66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: space station delta farce (justin tx) Posts: 594	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window how hard was it to do? i have 3 small windows out of my 5 trucks and i don't like driving them as much as i do the big windows. and how much dose the kit go for with out the glass? __________________ Between saying and doing many a pair of shoes are worn out Last edited by hotrod66; 03-01-2011 at 09:53 PM.

03-01-2011, 10:01 PM	#4
TwiggyTheDrummer Keep It Simple Stupid.. Nope.. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Live Oak, FL Posts: 665	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Looks great man! Wish I was able to get close to stuff like that easier. __________________ 1963 GMC SWB Fleetside in Sunburst Orange Metallic 305E V6 w/ Plaid VC, Powerglide, BOSS 313 20" Chrome Wheels, Kumho Ecsta STX 275/45/R20's, Alpine/Clarion System, Dynomax Exhaust Old custom classic trucks have soul. Their dashboards aren't plastic, and they've survived both the best and worst of what the 20th century had to offer. For the owners of these trucks, it's often the same story. Through both good and bad times they persevered, until one day they could turn the key and roll up in a customized truck everyone with good taste would admire. – Custom Classic Trucks

03-02-2011, 01:15 PM	#5
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Thanks you guys, yeah I really like how it looks too. It's going to be a 6 weeks before the article hits the newsstand, and then shortly after CCT's web where you'll be able to see it for free... Not that I'm saying don't buy the magazine. In the meantime here's a link to Scott's website he has the directions posted. I went into more detail in the 5 page story, but it will give you an idea. www.classicbigwindow.com

03-02-2011, 02:18 PM	#6
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,539	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window I was told by a body shop ( I sent the instructions and sent link to site for him to look) it would be like 40-50 hours of work plus paint, which translates into over $2k+, so I decided to put that off. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

03-02-2011, 02:35 PM	#7
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Forty to 50-hours of bodywork! How long would it take him to adjust a door, 6-months? I waited until the very last minute to write this story, it was due the very next day. I called Steve Bentley he's a good friend that helps me with Custom Classic Trucks' and Classic Trucks' tech stories that kind of scare me. In other words I didn't want to destroy my cab. He started a 7AM Sunday, and by 2PM Steve had it as far along as you see it here. I'll post some pictures of the inside as soon as I can shoot some low-res photos. A person needs to have some basic skills, and tools to pull this off. I think anyone that after reading the story in the May issue of CCT stands a real good chance of knocking this out in under 2 days. The next part of the story in the June issue will show how to finish off blending the metal into the cab's interior sheetmetal, and how to install the rear window glass yourself. 40-50 hours, really?

03-02-2011, 03:57 PM	#8
TagMan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 26	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window It must be me, but I prefer the small window look.

03-02-2011, 04:14 PM	#9
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,447	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window seems to go back and forth on this one used to be nobody wanted those bbw now they cant live with out em i like em both __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

03-02-2011, 04:30 PM	#11
tenni126 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 77	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window If nothing else, it seems like the added visibility would be worth the mod. I don't love the blind spot my small window has. But, I also wouldn't be too keen to trash the interior paint at the moment. Next time it's stripped down, though...

03-02-2011, 04:36 PM	#12
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,539	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window John, I swear that is what he told me, from what your telling me, he obviously didnt WANT to do it at all. I have seen a bunch of guys doing this, I would like the added visibility, the coolness (IMO) and also it will add to the value ( again imo). Oh and that was plus painting the area. I thought about getting a BBW from a truck and going that route too. I have no skills with metal so I have to use a body shop, one I thought was a reasonable one. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

03-02-2011, 08:47 PM	#13
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window Is it so easy that even a cave man can do it. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

03-02-2011, 08:57 PM	#14
chevyrestoguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: apple valley, ca Posts: 2,670	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window I like the look of a big-window better, but I prefer riding in a small window because it's cozier, and I'm a white kid who doesn't like his neck sunburned in the summer. To me, I love cruising down the freeway with the vent windows open and tucked back into the corner all cozy-like with the tunes blasting away on the radio. __________________ Check out my latest endeavor: https://roundsixpod.com My build threads: '55 Chevy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=247512 '64 C-20: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446527

03-02-2011, 10:01 PM	#15
rbar Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 422	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window I used a big back window donor. I popped it out of the donor and since the truck was already in the paint shop, they put it in, otherwise I would have. You cannot tell it wasn't done at the factory and the total time involved was 14 hours. No body work needed at all. __________________ 1963 Chevy stepside 327 1965 Chevy swb 383 1996 Mystic Mustang Cobra 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP 415hp/415tq 6speed

03-03-2011, 11:28 PM	#20
karlbenz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: kannapolis, nc Posts: 505	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window I'll take a small window over a big window any day. them big windows look kinda dorky to me (ducking now)



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03-04-2011, 01:08 AM	#22
kalirodding CLASSIX Truck Club Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lodi Ca Posts: 318	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window BBW is cool but definitely NOT rare. Posted via Mobile Device

03-04-2011, 01:54 AM	#23
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window I put in one of these kits in about 2 months ago and I'm a plumber.... I had a total of maybe 6-8 hours in without the body work and I'm hardly a fabricator

03-04-2011, 12:12 PM	#24
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window How much is the kit? I went to the site and it says there are none available. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

03-04-2011, 12:23 PM	#25
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,539	Re: Punched my '66 Small-Window out to a Big-Window they are about $300.00 for the kit. email him and he will answer you. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!* Last edited by Clyde65; 03-04-2011 at 12:24 PM.

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