3" 56 chop
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I have never chopped a top, but I would imagine as long as one could take the 3 inches from the metal below the window, it would be the least difficult. Of course that would drop ones line of sight , when looking thu it from their rearview mirror. But again to me, if you take it all from the cab above the window, you will change the contour shape of the cab roof sloping down over the window. making the joints not line up properly ... jmo
I have the upmost respect for anyone with the skills and willpower to do chopped roofs, they are serious work both in labor and getting them to look right, yet still have the windows and doors to work properly. It is a awesome job ,
I have the upmost respect for anyone with the skills and willpower to do chopped roofs, they are serious work both in labor and getting them to look right, yet still have the windows and doors to work properly. It is a awesome job ,
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 2
From: Georgetown, Ky
Thats definatly a BIG undertaking, but im sure with some effort and definatly alot of metalworking skill you can get it accomplished. W/o spending alot of time looking at the truck i think you might be able to cut the 3" of metal out Around the window, go in somewhere around the middle and then up and across above the window, and back down on the other side ... Of cousedoing this there is a HUGE chance for metal warping, going slow will definatly help ... Good luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
From: Destin/Ft. Walton Beach,
You take the metal out of the center of the sides of the back window. Then you cut the tops off the windshield posts, and lean them back to the original place on the roof. The factory windows can be GROUND (not cut) to fit, but I would only have the windshield ground (or a new replacement). I would remove the vent windows during the chop, extend the channel for the weatherstrip, and have new side and back windows made to fit. Straight glass isn't very expensive.Curved windshields are the toughest to deal with.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
Keith56_cruz_cab and fatfenders56
have pix in their galleries showing rear window moving and chops. Also the latter had dropped his seat 1 inch. and such, to make up for the lower window. Some pix to look at anyway.
have pix in their galleries showing rear window moving and chops. Also the latter had dropped his seat 1 inch. and such, to make up for the lower window. Some pix to look at anyway.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: indiana
chopping the top is only the beggining. i chopped mine. troubles starts....what to do for a headliner,whos going to cut the side windows and windshield,door weatherstripping has to be cut to fit. seat has to be cut down, i love the way mine looks chopped but its been a pain in the butt. i cut my window down love the small back window. dont forget about the window frames on the door has to be cut down also. good luck and happy chopping
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
chops were originally done to improve speed via less wind resistance, thus they probably always removed headliners and stuff for less weight. But I know what you mean, as I have been planning out my 2 inch chop on my 88 tbird for a few months now. Street Rodder had a good write up back in April, May, and June of 2005, on a 37' Ford sedan
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
From: Destin/Ft. Walton Beach,
Beleive it or not, but I've seen windshields fitted to a chopped top with a belt sander, a lot of belts and a damp towel.
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