For years, truck builders have searched, looking for that much-sought-after early five-window Chevy pickup project. They are still around and are occasionally found, but it’s getting tougher, and their condition is ever worsening. It’s simple math really: Only so many remain, and many of the really solid ones have been spoken for.

We hear the stories of glee nearly every week from readers who inform us of their finds and their intentions for their new projects. Most all are simply over the top because they found a ’47-’53 Chevy pickup at all, and some have been willing to pay dearly for their rusted-out hulk of a truck. These enthusiasts know full well that they will be able to work on what’s there to build the pickup they’ve always wanted. 

No doubt the variations on the above scenario are manifold, but one thing is rather constant: The styling of these trucks is so unique and so fitting that, regardless of the personalization involved, most are left to look as they originally did. This basically means that much of the work involved in these old truck bodies is to get them into solid, original shape. This challenge, however, can be especially difficult, not to mention expensive, depending upon the condition of the truck and how complete it is. As builders become involved, many find that it’s a little more than they bargained for in terms of both time and money. 

The actual rebuilding phase of such unearthed treasures and the process of reconstructing them is supposed to be a happy one, not one that causes us to second-guess our decisions due to time, material and costs. This work, as you know, generally starts with removing the dents and replacing all of the rusted-out parts, both of which are ultimately essential for any sound rebuild. The extent of that commitment is another matter, and it is a challenge dictated by the overall condition of the basic sheetmetal, not the chassis, as that’s a consideration largely determined by the type of project we’ve chosen to undertake. Thankfully, there are many fine examples of these trucks running around, built to—and with—the imaginations of would-be owners.

Although they are loved for their design and those ultra-cool corner windows, the production of these five-window pickups was somewhat limited. With the availability of these cabs quickly drying up, builders have been left with having to deal with basic cab structures that they otherwise would never have used because of their poor condition, but they had little choice. If they wanted such a project they were forced to use what they had, or build something else. No doubt many have, as the associated costs proved to be too much. This has just changed, since Dynacorn recently announced the reality of the much-anticipated release of its spectacular, new, all-steel ’47-’53 Chevrolet five-window cab.

The market has been well served with all the reproduction steel patch replacement panels Dynacorn produces for the Advanced Design trucks, but that didn’t reduce the amount of work, and the commitment, involved to see such a project through to completion. So it made great business sense for Dynacorn to begin making full cab assemblies and offering a completed cab that includes doors, firewall, floorboards and dash panels. Dynacorn’s effort just removed the once looming price of entry, as now anyone can build these sought-after trucks using nearly any chassis design they wish, including the ?original. 

The new truck cabs are complete in every way from a basic assembly standpoint. That includes brand-new, hinged ’47-’50-style doors, which do not feature the vent windows. This makes the most logical sense for Dynacorn, considering that so many truck builders modify the existing doors, and new replacement doors, to eliminate the vent window and accept one-piece glass. Fortunately, Dynacorn has designed the Chevrolet cab to accept factory components. As Dynacorn’s founder, Jim Christina, put it, “The cab components and doors are all-new stampings. This provides Dynacorn with the highest quality and the best fit possible.”

Christina also informed us that these cabs feature all of the factory holes, so those looking to build an original-style truck can benefit from this stock, original approach. Upon delivery, the cabs are ready for any small bodywork that owners may deem necessary, and with the over-the-counter availability of every part to build these trucks, there’s no longer any need to dig for parts at swap meets. Although you may not presently own any of the parts needed to rebuild these trucks, there are many aftermarket companies, such as Chevs Of The 40’s, that can provide almost everything you will need, including complete chassis, chrome trim, window components, weatherstripping, fenders, bed kits, panel supports and interior parts. With Dynacorn’s most recent announcement and cab availability, the popularity of these trucks will soar.  

Each new Dynacorn cab is treated to e-coated black primer, which prevents rusting during transport and storage. This high-quality black primer can be sanded and worked in the same fashion as traditional primer, only it’s more protective during the pre-phase of the buildup.

Almost immediately following the much-anticipated release of the new Dynacorn ’69 Camaro coupe body, which followed a year behind the introduction of the ’69 Camaro convertible body, this Chevy truck cab will be just as much of a hit with the truck builders as the Camaros have been with the super rod guys. Dynacorn has priced the Chevrolet truck cab at $8,995, with a $295 crate charge, plus freight. Dynacorn does not sell direct; you have to purchase this cab from one of its ?distributers/dealers. Dynacorn will assist you in locating the one nearest you. We are told that Dynacorn presently has these cabs in stock, so while you can expect a rush on the initial units, don’t wait. Get your name in now. 

The price is well positioned when you take into account all of the costs involved in prepping an original cab. Would-be home builders, as well as seasoned builders, will appreciate these new truck bodies for the minor work they will require when compared to a badly damaged original. These new cabs will not only save hundreds of hours of costly metal replacement and repair, but they will also dramatically cut down on the build time, and that’s even more of a savings. When factoring in the initial cost of an original truck, plus the time and cost involved with the disassembly and stripping, along with all the new sheetmetal and the fitment and installation of the new parts, the Dynacorn cab not only saves time but also saves on project budgets, allowing more money to be spent in other areas of the build, or simply pocketing the difference.

While Dynacorn is offering the five-window Chevy truck in one variation—as a complete cab with hinged doors—its vast inventory of quality sheetmetal components and individual parts contains nearly everything to complete a build of this type. The plan is to next introduce the ever-popular ’55-’59 Chevy pickup cab, which is in the works and is scheduled for release early next year.

As we mentioned, Dynacorn has a strict dealer network setup across the U.S. This includes Street Rod Headquarters, which we are told has already taken delivery of the new five-window cab and is taking orders from prospective customers. The bodies are delivered via custom crate only, with the new doors hinged and gapped, ready for your choice of custom or factory door latches. We can’t stress enough the popularity of these trucks, and we anticipate that orders are already backing up, so do yourself a favor and try to work this availability into the schedule you have set for your build. If you want to get on a list, call Dynacorn for the dealer nearest you.