I just got a 56 cab with a 4 inch chop job.... looks like it was done the right way, it is just a shell...... since the doors are empty, I figured I would go with one piece door glass as well... anyone know where I can get all the glass for my cab? I am in South Bend, INDIANA. I know the windshield is gonna be the biggest issue... bear in mind that I have NO glass to start with

 

Welcome to FTE.I would think you'd have to buy all the glass,and have it cut down locally.Furthermore,if you're having someone finish the truck for you,I'd deliver the glass to him,let him determine how much to cut,that way it's on him if it's sized wrong.Good luck, Steve.

 

Welcome to the forum. If it was me, the first thing I would do is search out the services of a local glass company that will work with you on custom fitting your glass. The side and back glass is fairly easy, since it is just flat glass. But your flanges and openings need to be just right, and an experienced glass guy can look at them and tell you if they're going to need any massaging so the glass will fit in right. Any mis-fitting will put undue pressure on the glass and cause breakage, either at installation or in the future.

The windshield will be another matter. The 56, with it's compound curves will be very tricky at best, and nearly impossible if the cab's opening shape isn't built just perfectly. A standard windshield glass will need to be custom cut and trimmed to fit, and there's no way to change the shape of the glass. You need to make the opening fit the glass. That may be a reason why the previous owner never finished his project.

Again, a person with custom glass experience will be able to walk you through that, and recommend any necessary changes in the opening so your windshield will fit. You want to do all of this before doiing any finish work or paint on the cab. Otherwise, you may find yourself doing it all over again.

My 2c.

Good luck, and Welcome to the forum!

 

The only way the standard windshield can be cut and made to fit is IF the roof was chopped the correct way........the top part (ie above the cut) was widened to suit the lower existing posts.
Try to imagine an ice cream cone with a section missing out of the middle.
If the posts have been angled in any way to realign them then a stock cut windshield wont fit.
I hope i have explained that clearly enough, my point being, check the work done on the roof BEFORE cutting any glass. Often unfinished chopped cars are sold because the PO couldnt get the glass to fit......

John

 

I've seen a few people try it on here, cutting the glass is very very tricky.

Most chops on a '56 that I have seen they actually cut the dash/firewall and not the glass, then slid the glass down in it a little. Cutting it perfect is very difficult on a '56 and it would take just a little mistake to have to do everything all over again, another reason why I think most who chop them lower the glass into the cab, so in case you have to replace it you don't have to repeat making that cut perfect.

 

THANK YOU ALL THAT HAVE RESPONDED SO QUICKLY.

It appears that the top was chopped correctly, there is about 2 inches of width added to the top portion ( I will have pics and firm measurements once the "truck" is here in my possesion) the finish welding has not been completed yet, and the upper windshield channel has not yet been built. The doors are 99% welded, the pilars are also down to final finish, the top widening- it is about 80% done, and was probably done 20 years ago, then the shell was cast off- never to be completed... the price was right, the grille and OG dash cluster are worth nearly the amount paid, and my brother got a full 72 F250 4x4 chassis, with 390/C6/NP205 combo with the 56 cab and doghouse..... so we are certianly money ahead going in.

 

I like chopped tops, but with the curved windshields it can be a nightmare I guess. I've only worked with a chopped top and flat windshield from a 48 which was easy. I hear about professional glass guys that can cut the curved glass and all, but not everyday.
You might have to do some real "looking" to find someone with experience. In general I've seen a lot of custom cars and trucks with curved windshields and they use an OEM windshield from another donor car or truck and then do the chop of the cab to fit the OEM glass they have bought. Does that make sense? And sometimes in customs I see them find a rear window from a donor that fits. I suppose if one can find a pro to cut the 56OEM windshield that would be best, but I've avoided chopping anything unless it had flat glass. Just all too scary-looking for me, but it can be done. Get expert experienced help on this one area. That's my advice.

 

Welcome to FTE!

Please read this thread to get some perspective. It may or may not help, but it's an informative read nonetheless. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...indshield.html

 

Wow. That's a great thread Havi.

 

Thanks Havi..... I seen it before, but couldn't find it again when I looked for it.

 

I'd leave the glass to a professional(this from a guy who has to order two new side windows tomorrow. The ones I got were cut incorrectly and apparently sanding off the corners makes them explode(one a few minutes afterwords and the other took about 30 minutes later-after it was installed in the door).

 

You can't let the glass get any heat into it from sanding, or it builds up thermal stresses. It sounds like this was tempered glass, not laminated? Tempered is even more critical.

 

Yes, tempered. As they didn't fit properly, I had nothing to lose. But, it was an expensive lesson.

 

hey guys I looked at the old thread...I cant figure out why the pics dissaperaed so I will re-post them



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