Thread: Copping the top

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Hey, I'm new to the hotrodding community but have plans on building a Rat Rod Pickup. I have restored 2 first generation Camaro's and am pretty confidant in my skills. Anyway, after looking into how to chop the top of a car, i still have some questions pertaining to the glass. Would i need to have custom glass made or can a glass shop cut and refine the windshield i already have?

Thank you!!
Craig Karduck

Flat glass is easy to have cut, like on old model a`s, but 50`s curved glass is hard to have cut. A local shop broke five of them trying to cut one down for my buddies truck.There is some companies that make chopped glass for popular cars but are pricey, and only cover a few models.

I haven't even started to look at specific cars or models yet, so i may be able to buy one around what those companies offer for windshields. Could you give me some links to their websites or anything of that nature??

Also, what other options do i have if i wanna chop a car that's got a curved windshield but no one makes a cut windshield for it??

Depending on the car, and the look you want another option is to lay the widow posts back and leave the windshield opening stock size. To get a custom made windshield used to run in the neighborhood of $1500.00....that's after you send them an exact size metal pattern. About the only other way to resize a windshield is by using a wet sanding belt, some of the glass shops have them....

Would a better option be to section the car?? It still lowers the entire thing down 3 or 4 inches, but i wouldnt have to worrie about the glass. I guess what im asking is, is it very hard to section a car or truck??

Depends on the look you are after. It requires a lot more work & is a hard one to pull off with out experienced help. Why not pick a car to start with that has a flat windshield? A lot of cars made up into the mid 50's had flat glass.
Good Luck......

Thanks for all the help guys! Im sure ill be here a lot in the near future!

Lots of chopped 50`s chevies out there, they must get glass pretty easy. 49-51 mercs have flat glass, early dodges do too.