Projects HELP! What do I do with this chop? Has anyone done this before?

I got 2 '50 P20 Plymouths. The one in the pics is chopped (other will be a parts car), but I can't for the life of me understand how it was chopped. To be honest, I like it...a lot. It gives the back end a really unique look. Problem is, not sure what I have gotten myself into. Anybody seen or done a chop like this? If so what are my options? All suggestions are welcomed. Car itself is incredibly solid. Only surface rust minus a few minor spots on one of the doors and trunk area. Thanks!

 

first thought, that looks like a swapped roof. Second thought is the amount of work that's going to need is why they sold it.
anything can be fixed so stay w/ it.

check out my '51 plym thread (link down bellow)

jeff

 

I'm not a Plymouth guy but I like it. Go for it.

 

I'm guessing filler panels will have to be cut from the doner, and welded in place,possibly reshaped to fill the gaps. Ive seen this done once to a mid '50s ford, and referred to as a sunken top. It was more popular in canada than in the states, as we "chop" ours.

 

They sunk the roof and decklid between the quarters. Makes for a smoother line than just choping the roof.
I have seen 50's Chevy's fastbacks done that way. You have to rework the quarters to look like they were raised.

 

In every panel You have point "A" mostly established
You roughly have an idea of where point "B" wants to be.
Take point a to point b and weld it up.
It'll be cool as hell, have fun

 

Find some threads here on the HAMB were 1949-52 Chevrolet Fleetlines were chopped. That trunk deal is a lot like many of them, were the sides got cut and the trunk lid moved forward. Maybe a better side shot would make this project look better. Bob

 

Sunken top! I tried googling everything to see what it was. Good info everyone. I have a fun driver to still cruise around in, so this one will definitely be seen through to the end.

 

Maybe not applicable to your ride, but perhaps interesting nonetheless;
Bill Hines "Little Bat"'s wings evolved from sinking the trunk below the fender height while chopping the rest of the top.

 

It appears someone was overenthusiastic and bit off more than they could chew and then abandoned the project,I think they sank the top and that's why the quarters look strange.

You will probably have to use filler panels or reshape the quarters but I bet it will make a cool looking custom! Good Luck! HRP

 

The first thing I would do is cut away the trunk section and get it back where it needs to be. In looking at the picture it is now not reaching the back of the car and is also missing the section below the lid that the seal, drip rail and latch would be part of. Cut that piece off the donor car reattach and then look at what needs to be done to get the trunk and roof to flow properly. Without that anchor point at the back anything else you do is going to be going around in circles.

 

Looks like some one tried to do a chop on a "Fast Back"styled car but didn't want to deal with sectioning the deck lid.
Lots of work but as was said it can be fixed.
As K13 said. That area under the trunk lid is going to need a lot of work.
Torchie

 

Set the rag in the gas filler on fire and run!!!! Lol just kiddin man

 

Ha! Not running from this one...it'll be that much more worth it. Thanks for the tip on handling the trunk portion first. I'll see how the donor car has it and go from there. Believe it or not I considered the idea of a continental kit.

 

Put these on it.

 

How are you at metal forming? I can see some potential, but it's going to be a ton of work. Trick is to make it look like it's supposed to be that way! Go for it. It will be worth it in what you learn, no matter how it comes out. And please, no continental kit. Make it an ass you want to see, .........you can't stop looking at..........

 

There's your answer(s).

Have a good look around the HAMB, lots of amazing work being done to all sorts of really messed up cars. Do some reading, some learning, and go for it. Check this one out...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1949-cadillac-custom.873919/

 

Torchie has got it right! Lazy way to chop a fastback roofline. Personally, I do not think it looks good, and anyone who "knows", knows they took the easy way out.
You could continue the course and put in filler panels to complete the sunken roof, or cut it completely apart and do it right. But prepare yourself for a lot of work and metal fabrication! Fastbacks are hard to do correctly. Either way, please get rid of that rust. Another lazy way to work, cutting and welding on rusty panels!

 

trust me, that's the first order of business...thought the same thing.

 

K13. When you do a chop like this you move the lower trunk mounting point forward. This gives the effect of extended quarters. While some think it is a lazy way to chop the top I doubt it is. You have to cut the whole middle out of the car. The trunk braces are cut and the quarters are flapping. Then you have to work out a transition panel to make it look good. The only glass you might not touch is the rear window.

 

Do you have a straight on profile shot?

I think you need to keep cutting.

 

If you like the look looks finish it ,You need to make filler panels for those gaps unless the donor car has enough form beyond what you need to reshape, you could use chip board or poster board to make patterns of what you need ,its going to lots of cutting and taping pieces together for a pattern its cheaper and you are not wasting metal and welding , 1st order of business get it blasted and primed in epoxy

 

the magazine I read that in was RODDERS DIGEST, around '91 or '92 . Any way good luck with it, dont let it go to scrap like so many others have lately. It will be cool when done!

 

Found these on another thread, they may help you get an idea......

 

I can only guess at what's been done and your guess is as good as mine. I would lay the bottom of the quarter glass down so as not to have some much to fill then fill the gaps and weld it up. The welding a little at a time of course.

I would not let that one go to waste it has good bones.

 

1949 Plymouth. Chopped 8" and hard topped

 

lol. I have a pair of '60 Imperial fins if you want to do exactly that.

 

Is there any temp. bracing? It does not look like it in the pics.

 

Someone did the fun part of the chop and left all the hard work for you.
The roof profile does look really good and deserves to be finished.

 

You got a damn fine chance of making a beautiful costum, but this is borderlining a humongous task.

Have you and hands on experians with a chop on a 50s style car? I would be so far in over my head on this one, I would use this one to fix the other. [emoji24][emoji33]

But I'm not you!
I really think this could turn out beautiful, and may the rear window area needs a little more down. But what do I know.

Except I'm patiently waiting for updates! And I have confidence in you!!