Convert a small window 50 to a large window?
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Convert a small window 50 to a large window?
I've got a 50 F1 that is in serious need of some TLC. It was my grandfathers truck, bought used in '56 or '57. It's been a work truck it's whole life so I'm going to do a mild restification, adding power disc brakes and maybe ac.
Grandpa put a '57 Y-block in it years ago and my dad rewired the whole truck from scratch in like '72 using aircraft wiring and circuit breakers.
Anyway, I've always found the small rear window to be a big blind spot. Anyone ever put in a big window? What are the pros and cons?
I know the truck will never be a show piece, I have to much respect for it and plan a using the s%^t out of it. So I don't think there would be any value lost by changing out the glass.
Any input would be apreciated.
Grandpa put a '57 Y-block in it years ago and my dad rewired the whole truck from scratch in like '72 using aircraft wiring and circuit breakers.
Anyway, I've always found the small rear window to be a big blind spot. Anyone ever put in a big window? What are the pros and cons?
I know the truck will never be a show piece, I have to much respect for it and plan a using the s%^t out of it. So I don't think there would be any value lost by changing out the glass.
Any input would be apreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Victorville CA USA
Just one question, what are you considering to be a "big window". One from a
51 or 52 or the holy grail of the 1956? I have a 52 cab that I am going to cut
up that the rear window section is decent on but I am in Calif.
51 or 52 or the holy grail of the 1956? I have a 52 cab that I am going to cut
up that the rear window section is decent on but I am in Calif.
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Originally Posted by hamz52
Just one question, what are you considering to be a "big window". One from a
51 or 52 or the holy grail of the 1956? I have a 52 cab that I am going to cut
up that the rear window section is decent on but I am in Calif.
51 or 52 or the holy grail of the 1956? I have a 52 cab that I am going to cut
up that the rear window section is decent on but I am in Calif.
I may be interested in buying the window surround outta the cab. Shipping to Texas would not be too much. I could use the extra factory sheet metal for some patch panels too.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I want to do the same but just the opposite. I have '51 F-4 with a very solid body but the front fenders are rough. I have a decent '48-50 front end and a couple of dashboards that I may use to switch it to a '48-50. The only thing that would give it away as a '51 is the big back window but, with the flatbed with the full racking I think having the larger window my be best. I like the styling of the '48-50 more than the '51-52s. I am a long way from even starting on the '51, I have my '48 panel to finish first. I know it would be easier to just either buy a '48-50 cab or even a different truck but I have what I have and until I get a chance to work on the F-4 that'll be my plan unless something else comes along.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
Originally Posted by bobj49f2
I want to do the same but just the opposite. I have '51 F-4 with a very solid body but the front fenders are rough. I have a decent '48-50 front end and a couple of dashboards that I may use to switch it to a '48-50. The only thing that would give it away as a '51 is the big back window but, with the flatbed with the full racking I think having the larger window my be best. I like the styling of the '48-50 more than the '51-52s. I am a long way from even starting on the '51, I have my '48 panel to finish first. I know it would be easier to just either buy a '48-50 cab or even a different truck but I have what I have and until I get a chance to work on the F-4 that'll be my plan unless something else comes along.
"Don't do it!"
Don't mess with that '51 or I am gonna have to come over and take that truck from you.
I am not kidding!
Ilya
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From: Adams,CO.
I actually did this very same operation in 1981 on a 51 cab. I liked the small of the 48, so I swapped with a friend that wanted the big window from my 51. I cut both, but replaced only my own. Friend did his own. I have film pics of both trucks but no operation pics. But they swap out with not much metal work. I would never do that to a small window (mine or otherwise) again. The friend's truck lost most of it's character IMO but hindsight is 20-20 I suppose. I drive by rvm anyway so a BW only gives more "neck tan". MY .02 Good luck on your project. 
Last edited by El Cabron; Mar 8, 2005 at 11:00 PM.
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From: australia
concidering how cheap 51/52 cabs r would'nt it be easier to throw a cab on?, we r looking at fitting a cut down 53 window into a 52 cab so the top and bottom glass line is in line with the side glass, then put a 78 rear window into the 53, does this make me just as mad?
cya..gary
cya..gary
