Thread: Chop it...How much?

Tweet

Hi guys, contemplating a chop on the old A Bone (tudor). Wondering what is the most succesful amount to chop. Now I understand the 'how tall are you questions' and all, but I am more asking about the ride details such as can you see from the mirrors does a seat fit without looking goofy and of course what is the easiest height for the cut. If anyone has details on a website showing a process they took that would be good too.

Over to you

thanks in advance,

Webby.

Hey gherkin....I guess it all depends on the look you're going for, as to how much you chop it.

When we stretched the cab on the Stude, we took some side view pictures of the truck before we started.

We then got several copies made of the photos, and figured out the scale of the picture v.s. the actual size of the truck, and then cut the pictures so that we could try out our extension at different lengths, before actually cutting the truck.

Maybe this would work for chopping the top of your car too?

In my opinion, I think that a 2-3 inch drop would be good...but as I have learned on our truck, it's better to not cut off enough than too much...you can always cut some more if you think it needs it, and it's easier than tryin' to weld everything back together!

I'm not sure if all this made any sense, but I hope it helped a little...Good luck!

Gherkin,

Check my gallery and see how ya like that one. I'm pretty sure it's a 4" chop, but it was about 20 years ago. I cut it below the door hinge, so maybe you can rough scale it for sure. I'm 6' tall, and it was no problem for me to see anything . . . unless I pulled up too close to an overhead traffic signal.

Mirrors worked fine, seats fit fine. Next time, I might leave the rear window a little larger. Legroom was fine - even with a big block and a BIG setback in the firewall (Bitchin' BB firewall.) The windows were easy, since all of them are plain flat glass.

I cut the top by laying a 4" pattern all around and cutting it with my trusty Black and Decker saber saw. I took the doors to a shop and had them cut on a bandsaw. Hammer welded it all back with an O/A torch. Didn't have a MIG at the time. It took a lot of hammering and shrinking, but it came out great. The rear quarters were the biggest problem, since there's a taper. However, I cut vertical slits and welded them back up to bring the top in to fit the bottom. It's one of the easer chops - but it's no walk in the park.

I filled the rear seams too. That gave a much smoother look.

Here's a rear view for perspective. You also might want to check the websites of some 'glass rod manufacturers to see what their chops look like.

I knocked 3.5 inches out of my chev and it looks awsome, once the chop gets to wild it loses the look..........imop!

It is easier to cut a couple times til you are happy than to have to put a piece back in place.

leon

One of the things I have seen done with the back window is cut the entire window out intact before you chop it. Then after the chop, put it back in. That way the window stays the original size and gives you enough visibility. It also keeps the window square. If it looks too big, then you can cut it down a little at a time till it looks just right.

Pat

Thanks for the ideas they are great. I guess I will chew it over a bit yet, but I do have a SABRE saw and a mig.......mmmm what to do? Was that taper you were talking about, Henry Rifle, considerable in size? I was hoping it would be a very simple chop. Shrinking and hemmerweling don't scare me too much either.

Webby

Mine is a 3 1/2 inch chop, look at my pics in my gallery.

Hey Henry Rifle, what is your email address? you do not advertise it on this site? I would like to ask some questions regards the 34 in you gallery.
Cheers
Webby.

.

I had an A Model once, I chopped it 4 inches and loved it. Looking back now, the car was just as neat un chopped. I dont think you can go wrong....Larry

Webby,

I don't advertise because I just a hobby builder like you. If you have questions, contact me by private message, and I'll get back to you. The PM was apparently disabled, and I just activated it.

I don't like to post my email address on line because of spam.

Nice Chop TREEKILLER!

I know I'm not to tall but hey thats just crazy

Looks kinda cool that color tooo...

12" will do nicely

To each his own . . .