Thread: Chopping tops

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I would like to chop the top on my 51 Buick Special 4dr. not a lot just looking to lose that big round top. I was told I need a donor car. any word of wisdom?

hmmmm. I guess my memory isn't that good on the old Bufords.... How about instead of all the grief involved with chopping a 4 door (believe, it is a very involved project), how about just adapting a roof with a lot less crown to it than the Buick. If all you want is to lose the big round top, this might be a viable option for you.

How would go about adapting a roof?

Well, first I don't mind to question your abilities, but it requires a lot of skill in sheet metal fabrication. You would want to make a cardboard template of the roof curvature just below where you want to cut it, then see what junk yard prospects that the curvature would match up to that are flatter than the Buick. Or, just cut the roof below the big crown, and fabricate your own top. With the compound curves on a roof, this would be best done with an English wheel..... Lots of cutting, fitting, shaping, hammer welding, and frustration to get it done.......

Like Dave's trying to demonstrate, advising how to chop a top isn't easy. Your abilities have a lot to do with it, and pictures are often more effective than words. It's tough on a site formatted like this one.

Look on a news stand for the April 06 issue of Rod & Custom, they're doing a how-to on chopping a '50 Ford sedan. It's not exactly the same as yours but will give you an idea of what's involved.

Get a book from Tex Smith called "How To Chop Tops". Great book, gives you a good understanding on how to chop a top.

Originally posted by FMXhellraiser
Get a book from Tex Smith called "How To Chop Tops". Great book, gives you a good understanding on how to chop a top.

Great book with lots of great info and pictures. Chopping a 4 door is not impossible, but like has been said, it's a tough job. Most guys doing that chop are welding the back doors shut tomake it easier, but I don't, personally, Like that look. Check it out, Tex Smith does some great books.

Hi friend... My name is Mikhail, i'm from Russia. I want to try chop top of my old care but i have a problem... i don't know how to do it... Somebody HALP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it posible, if you know any prosedure how to do it send me on my E-mail... moroz59@yandex.ru

Chopping a four door is totally worth while. You end up with something very unique. Check out these photos from my site:

Kuzminykh Mikha, if ya ever make it back to this site welcome to Club HotRod.

Although not your make of car, this will give you an idea of whats involved in the process.
http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/...135_0302_chop/

Also if you do a GOOGLE search you'll find more info.
Larry M.

Hea Dan I havent been on the forum very long but Ive read just about all of it. I think its great these guys hear realy know a lot. and i plan on learning as much as i can from um... In 89 I bought a 41 Hudson 4 door. stripped it of the frame. chopped 6 inches out of the top. spent 400 hrs on just the top. The back doors and back window eat my lunch. thought i would never get it finished. Wish I had the pics to show but my X got um with the other 99% of everything else. It can be bone but its a hard row ta hoe
Good Luck RUSTY50F1