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Nov 19, 2003 | 08:26 AM

#16

timucin

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thnx irondragon

i also need some time to measure the car... i am very busy for the moment...will have all measures today or the day after...

Nov 19, 2003 | 08:34 AM

#17

53choptop

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 156

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From: Pflugerville

The first thing you need to do is buy "How to Chop Tops" by Tex Smith. Thsi books is the bible when it comes to chopping tops. It gives 2 way on, how to chop a 53 ford, and a wole bunch of other cars and trucks. Read it study it learn it.

I chopped the top off my 52 Olds, now I know its different, but it was alot of work, still haven't decided on the windsheild at 600 a pop, and with the possibilitiy of breaking them while cutting, not looking forward to it.

Anyhow good luck.

Nov 19, 2003 | 10:07 AM

#18

merc546

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 1,243

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From: Michigan

HI,

If you can get the December 2003 issue of Truck Builder it's published by Buckaroo Communications. Customer service number is 866-515-5600.

They have an excellent article with lots of pictures on chopping the top of a 56 big window F100 (big window is the rear glass yours is a small window). You will just have more metal to cut.

You will see how difficult it is. I don't think you want to lean the windshield post rearward and you will have to split a 56 top into 4 pieces. Also the rear glass dosn't have to be cut as much as you chopped the top. If you are going to drive it you might want to see outside.

One other thought have the windshield cut first then cut the top to match and make sure all welds are smooth at windshield contact points. I think 5 inches is way too much but again it's your truck do what you want .

Enjoy

Chuck

Nov 19, 2003 | 10:10 AM

#19

irondragon79

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Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 1,392

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From: Michigan

yeah, that was the book I was talking about. I found it invaluable as a resource for techniques on filling in the sheetmetal on my roof and building my quarterwindow. Although I never actually "chopped the top" on my truck I, actually cut my cab in half, which is really similar.

All I can say is measure a lot, then recheck your measurements, measure again... then think about cutting... recheck your measurements... I think you get the idea. I actually took me about 2 days to get up enough nerve to actually take the jigsaw to the old sheetmetal.

Also I found that using masking tape to lay out your cuts works extremely well.

Oh and to echo merc546's comment about having the windshield cut first, then fitting the window opening to the glass is one that I have heard too. It is impossible to make the glass fit the opening, metal can be bent, glass can't.

Last edited by irondragon79; Nov 19, 2003 at 10:13 AM.

Nov 19, 2003 | 10:13 AM

#20

timucin

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Quote:

Originally posted by irondragon79

All I can say is measure a lot, then recheck your measurements, measure again... then think about cutting... recheck your measurements...

yep

Nov 20, 2003 | 06:30 AM

#21

uk1050

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 518

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From: indiana

i chopped the top on my 53. see my gallery. one important thing
weld in braces inside your cab,to keep it true,and youll have to lower your seats. e kept the original bench and took off the mounting bracket and made new ones.

Nov 20, 2003 | 11:16 AM

#22

timucin

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uk1050 ;
visited your gallery very nice project

how much you dropped the top?
looks excellent..

Nov 24, 2003 | 03:57 PM

#23

DJ Rosa

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 162

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From: RICHLAND

uk1050

I would love to see some more pics of your truck and more info on your chop. Man could you come to my house for a weekend!!!! Your truck if over the top and I love that look. Please keep us in pic and updates.DJ