55.2-59 55-59 big window conversion in progress..Questions and thoughts?

[beanyard]

Originally Posted by Shanehenrymusic

Well - Its been a while since I last posted on here. I FINALLY got the big window clip installed. It was pretty challenging to install - Especially since the Classic Truck's article skipped over a bunch of steps.. I jumped in there and came up with my own way of doing it.. I had to do a lot of cutting, notching and measuring. When you look at the pics you'll notice some things i did different from the article. - for instance - I didn't cut the big window clip on the inside of the cab, this gave me factory point of reference to get it perfectly lined up. In doing it this way - I had to notch the sides of the big window clip to get it to fit in.. you'll also notice that the clip is on the outside at the top and the inside at the bottom... fits really snug and once welded up and a little body work - you'll never know it wasn't factory.

Advice for anyone attempting this - its not a quick 4 hour project. I've been working on mine for about 3 weeks... to me it was worth it because I love the big window, however there is a lot of work involved. let me know your thoughts.

So are there two or 3 fleetsides in your garage... ? I am lucky to have just one.
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[Kateaux]

I didn't convert mine but I had to replace the outer BBW panel. My inside panel is good all except the part just above the window. I can not find anybody who makes just that smaller piece of the panel. A repop inner panel is over $300 and has high shipping cost. I plan to fabricate it but I sure would like to find that little panel section.

Kateaux

[Shanehenrymusic]

Beanyard - I have 4 toys in the shop - on the far end is a 58 big window stepside, a 58 small window fleetside, a 57 big window fleet and the one I'm currently building a 55 stepside.

[Shanehenrymusic]

I got all the body work all done over the holidays and the first coat of Z-Chrome sprayed.. I'm really happy with the way this big window conversion turned out. It was a learning process indeed.. what do ya'll think ?

[Red Foreman]

looks good & great job, I wish I could take the plunge & convert my 56 GMC but my plans are not to repaint.

[Shanehenrymusic]

It's a little scary and first when you start cutting - but its well worth it, when you get it done... to me nothing compares to the look of the wrap around back glass. Just my personal preference... if you decided to go for it. i can send you a disc of images I took along the process and you can learn from my mistakes! lol.

[mknittle]

looks great! interesting rear suspension.

[mr48chev]

Nice work, I've always liked the looks of the big window Task Force trucks and even tried to buy one about 35 years ago.

I've been wondering though if it would have been an easier job if you had cut the spot welds that held the inner panel in and installed the outer panel and got it all welded up in place and then install the inner panel so it wasn't as big of a fight with it.

[Shanehenrymusic]

I had considered doing it that way, however there is about 500 spot welds and the clip is fairly thin.. I was afraid the window wouldn't fit if I did it that way... After doing one I'm a pro now... Might open up a big window conversion shop- lol. My wife thinks I should make a DVD..
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[Kim57]

That came out real nice. Looks like it was that way from the factory.
Kim

[1959 Apache 3600]

Great work... It looks terrific, like it was there all along.

[ChuckDriver]

I love the big window!

[_Ogre]

nice work. not for the weak of heart i'd say.

[Metalformrt]

Great work, i tink do it in may 59

[vics stuff]

I have a 55 chevy small window and plans are to use a donor off a 55 GMC.
Vic

[dsraven]

when I did a big back window conversion I used new parts. the panel is spot welded in the rain gutter as well and the kit came with all the bracing. try the glass for fit when assembling. I used some short pieces of the original rubber to keep the glass spaced properly all the way around. keep the glass covered as you tack weld so you don't get spatter burnt into the glass.

[Steel_valley]

Looks great. I considered doing this to what we just got, but it seems everyone is doing it, so I'll keep my small window. Nice job otherwise though.