Technical Hard chop: sitting on the chopping block

I have the body leveled in all directions getting ready to do a heavy chop. Still need to add a couple more braces and the firewall before I make any cuts.

 

Let's get going. The HAMB nation is waiting for a detailed description with photos of how you do your chop.

 

I’m hesitant to show any welding on the internet. But I will post some pictures of the steps and technique I use.

 

Whatever anyone says, don't mention the doors....doh, I think I just did.

I've got my comfy chair in place, waiting for the action!

Chris

 

^^^^^^^
What he said

 

Can't wait to see this.

 

Maybe I’ll use universal doors.

 

Hold your beer for ya?

 

Its been nearly 11 hours already. How is the chop going? Are you done yet?

 

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I bet Henry's up there wishing he'd thought of a factory chop, thinking he could have saved a ton of money on steel and glass..

 

The first cuts

 

Im puckered up here!

Chris

 

Have you seen Bobby Walden's youtube video series on chopping a '32 3 window? I found it to be very interesting.

 

Bobby Walden chops the doors first. I don’t think Standard is going to do it that way.

 

Judging from that windshield pattern, I'd say Heavy in heavy chop should be capitalized!

 

Yes, HEAVY chop.

 

No going back now.

 

And the cuts.

 

No going back now!

I filled those notches at the rear of the cowl, in the screen apperture, as I couldn't see any point in them other than to allow moisture in ( it can rail here). Welded some nuts in to replace the funny original style fixings. No problems so far.

Chris

 

Let’s see more when you can

 

The floor paint is smart. I don't know why I never thought of that.

This car is going to be pretty special.

 

Waiting to see it come together

 

You sure you have enough space in that shop? Enjoying this.

 

Yeah Buddy! The hard part (the 1st cut) is over... bring 'er down!!

 

Working on the a-pillars inner structure. Shortened and laid back.

 

Who would want to?

And tools?
And steel stock?

Enjoying this too. It's like a good book that you can't put down. A very special book that none of the rest of the world gets to read.
Keep writing.

 

Subscribed. Keep it coming.
As a hack, I might ask what the yellow paint on the risers and floor does.
Indicates shift or movement?

 

I would say yes. Without the roof the car can be twisted if moved. We didn't think to use paint on the floor to show movement at the shop I was at. We did put a series of reference marks on the vehicle and took measurements that could be checked and rechecked to verify nothing was moved prior to welding the roof back on. Say from b post to b post, across the door openings, b post to a post opposite side, ect.... Even with braces welded in the can might twist if moved and if you put the lid on with the car twisted, you might never get it straight again.

 

It’s always interesting to see all the different styles and techniques that metal fabricators use to chop tops. All take different approaches to make it work.