What year C10 had the small back window?
The Chevrolet C10 trucks with the small rear window were produced from 1960 through 1966. Starting with the 1967 model year, GM redesigned the cab and introduced a larger rear window.
This difference in rear-window size is a well-known visual cue used by collectors and restorers to help date a C10. The change reflects the transition from the first-generation C/K body design to the second-generation cab that began in 1967, which featured a noticeably larger rear glass area and a more upright profile.
Window sizes by C10 generation
First generation (1960–1966): Small back window
During the 1960–1966 period, C10 pickups used a comparatively small rear window. The cab design was more compact, and the rear glass is a common identifier for these early models among enthusiasts and restorers.
Second generation (1967–1972): Large back window
In 1967, GM redesigned the cab as part of the second-generation C/K line, introducing a significantly larger rear window. This larger glass remained a hallmark of the subsequent cab styles and is frequently used to date and authenticate trucks from this era.
How to identify year by window size (and other cues)
Use these visual checks to help determine whether a C10 has the small or large back window, especially when the truck’s paperwork isn’t clear. Do this before you rely on other dating clues.
- Small back window (1960–1966): Narrow rear glass with a relatively low roofline and a more compact cab silhouette.
- Large back window (1967–1972 era): Taller, more upright rear glass and a distinctly redesigned cab profile that Modernized the rear visibility.
Beyond window size, other identifying cues—such as grille design, badging, door styling, and interior trim—can corroborate the year range. Always cross-check with the VIN/door tag and production data when possible.
Summary
The small back window is a feature of the first-generation C10 trucks, dating from 1960 to 1966. Beginning with the 1967 model year, Chevrolet introduced a larger rear window as part of the cab redesign, a characteristic that helps differentiate later C10s from early ones. For accurate dating and restoration work, combine window size with other physical cues and official documentation.
What are the small rear windows called?
The small back window on a car is called quarter glass or a quarter light. It is typically a stationary or, less commonly, a venting window located in the rear body panel, between the rear passenger door and the rear windshield.
- Quarter glass/Quarter light: This is the most common term for this small window.
- Valence window: This is another name for quarter glass, which is located above the rear wheel well.
- Opera window: This term typically refers to a small window found on luxury cars from the 1970s and 1980s, often featuring a padded or vinyl roof and an ornamental purpose.
The main purposes of quarter glass are to improve the driver's visibility by reducing blind spots and to add a stylistic element to the vehicle's design.
What is the small window in the back of a truck for?
These auto glass windows are held in place and secured by metal or plastic latches inside the vehicle. For pickup trucks, these windows are an important component to keeping drivers safe. Additionally, they provide a cool breeze from the back of the truck on warm spring or summer days.
What is a 1972 Chevy C10 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,388 for a 1972 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What is the difference between a 1967 C10 and C20?
The obvious difference between the C10 and the C20 is that one is a half-ton and the other a three-quarter-ton truck. These classifications don't refer to their respective curb weights, but rather to their payload capacity.
