What year did Chevy trucks have five windows?
The five-window cab most famously marks late-1930s Chevrolet pickups, with the best-known example being the 1939 model year. While variations exist around that period, the iconic look is tied to that era.
What defines the five-window cab
The term "five-window" refers to the cab’s glass arrangement. Typically, it describes a configuration that visually presents five distinct glass panels on the cab: the front windshield, two door windows, and two smaller vent/quarter-style windows behind the doors. This setup creates a distinctive silhouette that collectors and enthusiasts use to identify prewar Chevy pickups.
Key years and models
Below are the years most commonly cited by collectors and historians as offering the five-window cab or the most recognizable version of it.
- 1938–1939 Chevrolet pickups (early examples of the five-window style)
- 1939 Chevrolet pickups (widely cited as the quintessential five-window model)
- 1940 Chevrolet pickups (continued use of the five-window cab in certain trims before wartime shifts)
Note: Variants existed, and documentation can vary by body style and production site. The five-window look largely faded after World War II with the shift to newer cab designs.
Why the five-window cab matters today
For restorers and collectors, the five-window configuration helps identify a prewar Chevy pickup and guides sourcing of period-correct glass and trim. The cab style is a visual fingerprint of a specific era and can impact authenticity and value in restorations.
Summary
The five-window cab is a prewar Chevrolet hallmark, most strongly associated with the 1939 pickup but visible in the late 1930s more broadly. This styling choice represents a brief, iconic period in Chevy truck design before postwar redesigns shifted cab configurations.
What 50's pickup had corner windows?
The new design for the 1955 Chevrolet Series 3100 pickup was revolutionary from the cab forward. Inspired by passenger-car design, it had a new streamlined wraparound one-piece windshield, full corner windows, and a larger rear window.
What was the worst year for Chevy Silverado?
The worst Chevy Silverado years are often cited as 2007-2011, 2014-2017, and 2019-2021 due to frequent problems like engine issues, oil consumption, transmission failures, and electrical and AC problems. The 2014 model year is especially notorious for a high volume of complaints and numerous recalls, while models from 2007-2011 had engine problems linked to the Active Fuel Management system, and 2019-2021 models experienced engine bearing and lifter issues.
2007-2011
- Engine Problems: Many engines with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system experienced high oil consumption and lifter failures.
- Recalls: This generation had several recalls, including issues with Takata airbags in some models.
2014-2017
- 2014: This year is frequently listed as one of the worst due to a high volume of complaints and 19 recalls.
- AC and Electrical Issues: The air conditioning system was a major problem, with many owners reporting failure.
- Transmission Problems: The new 8-speed transmission experienced issues like clunking and eventual failure in some instances.
- 2015: Experienced a high number of recalls and complaints related to the transmission.
- 2017: Had numerous transmission problems, including rough shifting and shuddering, leading to low reliability ratings.
2019-2021
- Engine Issues: These models are known for Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter failures and engine bearing problems, which led to recalls.
You can watch this video to learn about the worst model years of Chevy Silverado: 57sGarage of TimeYouTube · Aug 11, 2025
What year did Chevy make a 5 window pickup?
Chevy 5-window trucks, part of the Advance Design series, were made from 1947 to 1955. These models are known for their "Deluxe Cab" which featured five windows in total: two doors, two rear corners, and one windshield. The specific years were 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, and early 1955.
You can watch this video to see a 1950 Chevy 5-window truck up close: 52sGarage HeadsYouTube · Jun 1, 2024
- 1947-1953: These years featured a horizontal bar grille, two-piece windshields, and angle-topped bed sides.
- 1954-1955: The design changed to a crosstype "bull nose" grille, a one-piece curved windshield, and a deeper bed with flat-topped sides.
- 1955 (First Series): This was the final year for the Advance Design and was the last to be offered with 6-volt electronics, though GMC offered 12-volt options.
What makes a 1950 Chevy truck special?
The 1950 Chevy truck wasn't just functional. It was a work of art. On the inside, it came with a larger and more comfortable cab than earlier models. Outside, the sleek and stylish body featured integrated headlights and rear-quarter windows for better visibility.
