John
chop and sectioning...how hard
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by b1gr3d
i know the obvious of having to cut weld and reform BUT still i am asking..how hard is it to section and chop a 55 f100? and if there are any pictures share
Vern
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Norway
I agree with Greatnorthwoods on this one. but also i love a truck that looks awesome.check out this article i came by awhile ago, this cherry is alot smaller than the stock ones!
http://www.classictrucksweb.com/features/0309cl_56ford/
http://www.classictrucksweb.com/features/0309cl_56ford/
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
I've seen this truck in person twice. I am told the owner sold it for $55k instead of the $125k asking price. It is very nice. But I like the original lines better. Also, it is not street worthy. It's a trailer queen for show only. John
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lol ya know whats funny? i had a picture of that truck as my background for a while. i do agree that a moderate chop would be nice but..this will be a rat rod, so it has to be radical in more than 1 way. i really like the 31 louvers and i might try to do that to the hood. and is it sectioned any? it looks like it has been a lil bit but it doesnt say in the article oh yeah doesnt tim allen own that truck now?? or one similiar
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Midland, Texas
The scoop on bodywork could come from someone more experienced than I but when you ask how hard something is, you neglect to tell us at what skill level you plan on operating. How are your metalworking skills? How's your understanding of geometry and some basic mechanics and engineering. With these few things intact, what is your experience level? Chopping a classic truck is probably relatively easy. Sectioning, relatively difficult, as it would probably affect almost all systems, steering, suspension, and drivetrain. The very coolest part of all of this, Big, is that at your age nothing is impossible and it is best to learn your lessons young. If you don't have the skills and experience you can go get them. Want to know if something is hard to do?... go do it. I'm betting your the guy to come up with a cool truck beyond the advice and opinion of others. best. himmelberg
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From: Michigan
I figure if you really wanted to, and took your time, you could teach yourself the skills you need. Thats what I have been doing with my '52 F-3 project. I opted to make myself an extended cab pickup, which required me to actually chop my truck in half and fill in some new metal... took quite a bit of my own fab work. I had no prior experience, but I think things are coming out pretty well. Additionally, do your homework (read up on techniques, look at other peoples projects, do a lot of planning) I know the skills I have learned from my project will be valuable for future projects.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
A chop is hard enough that your first one will likely have flaws unless you have considerable bodywork abilities. Rocket science? No. But absolutely not a simple task. Leaving it in primer will help. Like Himmel said. What is your experience and skill level? Waht is the starting condition of your project? And how much can you spend on it over the next couple years.? It will take time and money. Usually a whole bunch of one or the other.
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skill level - i am at my local technical school the first 3 hours of school. after school i go apprentice at a body shop. i have metal formed some things, i can arg and mig weld pretty good, i have actually taken geometry this year also (hehe i knew i was gonna need it to do this kinda stuff)and lately i have been making fin extensions for a 53 stude with fins from a 55 stude. why i want this truck is to have somethin that when i go down the streets people stop and go "whos that, WHOA that thing is cool" and for a learning expierience. i'm heavy on the body work already but i want to know more about all the mechanical, susp, and how stuf work aspect. and that red truck...nuhuh too low and a lil less chop would be nice 
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by b1gr3d
why i want this truck is to have somethin that when i go down the streets people stop and go "whos that, WHOA that thing is cool"
... therefore, the reason to go easy on the old truck's original lines... 
Vern
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
B1
Your enrollment in tech school makes it obvious you're serious. If you can't handle the task yet, I bet you soon will. Just ease into it. Close up a few seams, lose the cowl vent and move towards your chop and section. Now mind you I would never do any of the above to my truck, because these features are why I bought my truck. But it will be a great learning experience for you. Shortly you'll be dispensing some customizing advice based on experience rather than asking questions.
Have you read any articles or books on chopping? They are out there. Chopping has been done a zillion times. A bad chop can really screw up your ride and that is why I suggest easing into it. By the time you do a little filling and shaving you'll get a feel for appropriate welder settings and such for your sheetmetal.
Your enrollment in tech school makes it obvious you're serious. If you can't handle the task yet, I bet you soon will. Just ease into it. Close up a few seams, lose the cowl vent and move towards your chop and section. Now mind you I would never do any of the above to my truck, because these features are why I bought my truck. But it will be a great learning experience for you. Shortly you'll be dispensing some customizing advice based on experience rather than asking questions.
Have you read any articles or books on chopping? They are out there. Chopping has been done a zillion times. A bad chop can really screw up your ride and that is why I suggest easing into it. By the time you do a little filling and shaving you'll get a feel for appropriate welder settings and such for your sheetmetal.