Thread: Model A top chop

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at 6'6 250 there is not much i fit in anymore . thats why i was building a truck . when younger at 180 or so it was no big deal .

Welcome from another old retired guy! After chopping mine I would change the
order that I did things. Since your to the rolling chassis stage I would mount the
body on the frame. Replace the hinge pins, and line up all body lines, shim frame
as needed (and or) bend hinges as needed. Install bracing in cab to stop any
movement after top removed. I cut mine down near the body line to help prevent
warping. I stayed 2" above belt line since there is lead in that area.
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Hey, I saw it on TV! Well I think it works very well. I use mostly a small air saw
to make the cuts, which keeps the heat of cutoff wheels away. The top metal
is 19 gauge, and easy to blow thru. Any problems use copper or brass to put
behind the weld while tacking. Look thru the top chop articles to see how to
deal with the door posts, and windows to blend them together. I lost most of
the chop pics, but there are some in my build log. I would leave the top insert to
last if it were me. I only chopped mine 2", I'm 6' 1", and inside clearance is fine.
A little lower seat, and 3"-4" would work.
Build it the way you want!
Have fun, Rich

Hi Rich,
Thanks for taking the time to respond so thoroughly. Staying close to the belt line seems like a good idea. I was not going to do that but sure makes sense. You do some nice clean work; do you have a site that has more pictures of your build? I've been going around and around with pros and cons of the sequence and could not come up with a clear answer so thanks for your opinion. I'm almost done getting the subframe and body secured to the frame and then body lines and door gaps are next.
Thanks again,
Bob

Bob:
Click on the link at the bottom of my post here for my build thread.
I got in a hurry on mine, and did the chop before really getting the rest of the body repaired.
Without the body in final position on the frame the top may have a slight twist, and door fit will be poor.
Are you going to run fenders, or are you going hi boy? Lots of great fabricators here, look thru the
build logs when you have time.
Take care, Rich

Bob, I assume you have your frame solidly held and level?

Rich, thanks for the site info. The last day or so I've run into some have to dos and should dos and have not finished your thread but you are very thorough and made a very STRONG car. I will get some good info there.
Bob

Henry, your assume is correct.

Sorry, I guess I'm not very thorough; I'm running fenders.
Bob