top chop

[Gene Sharp]

I have what I think would be an interesting project idea for someone wtih mechanical drawing ,,,,enginering skills etc
A set of scale drawings with measurements for a top chop (say 4 ")
on Early and later 50s chevy trucks
Would be a real help to have some measuremts
and thoughts on doing it
there is a really neat top chop in the front of the Classic Chevy & GMC Truck parts catalog

Gene

[desertrat]

I think it would be very difficult to make a set of plans for a 50's chop top. Once you start cutting the top, nothing wants to fall back into place as you would think. that's when you start getting creative ( cutting pie shapes, shaping and forming metal etc.....) . It's almost an art.

[Gene Sharp]

I have read a number of articles on chops
one suggested doing the doors first cutting off the top of door frames down at the bottom of where you want to remove the section
Then cutting the top piece and adding in from a donnor door
enough metal fo make it match the bottom half

Gene

[entourageguy]

And worse case is you end up with a convertible................
Brian ....

[desertrat]

I started chopping my '41 chevy, I can't see doing the doors first. but than again I'm sure there are tons of ways to go about it.

[AesC10s]

Looking good desertrat

[Gene Sharp]

looks good did you have to add some into the top of cab to make it fit after being lowered

Gene

[caino59]

as someone who has chopped a 59 chevy pickup (no small undertaking)

i can say without doubt the first thing you want to do is get your windshield cut before you start cutting metal.

you then cut the roof and build the roof around the glass, cutting and whatnot as need be.

then you do the doors.

the thing is - you can re-do any metal work....cut it, weld it, whatever.

but you can make glass fit a set opening very easy after the fact.

trust me.