you make a great observation with this comment ! a lot of chopped deuce 5 windows just don’t look quite right in the quarter window. Possibly they need a little more shaping, instead of a straight down drop. Just about every Model A coupe that gets chopped looks even worse. Beautiful coupe that you have there ! .
Like them chopped/un-chopped either way, but prefer the innocence of the full height unadulterated 5 window coupes, but then, don't look in my barn as you'll find both, however crude examples.
I really like the 3.5 chop (it's what I did to my '33) and, if as you say, the current 3" chop is poorly done, taking another half inch out would allow you to do a nice job.
I like the chop on my old heap. In fact, I think it is about perfect. It was done in the mid 1950s by a bodyman, who as far as I know, did not leave a legacy of work on customs and hot rods. I kind of half-assed measured the chop and it was around 2 inches, but that may not be correct. If it would help, I can make an accurate measurement if you tell me where you would like it made. The quarter window is as good as it gets.
that looks more like at least 3&1/2 possibly closer to 4” Obviously the chop is measured by the material removed. On my already chopped (when I bought it) car, I just measured glass height midway on the door and compared that to another stock height one. The difference was 89 mm. Maybe we need ‘after’ measurements to compare………..
That copper coupe is awsome chopped, and the 2.5" is maybe my 'new' way see this ! NealinCA, that car is just top of the line. Thanks posting.
Here are a few more shots showing the roof profile Inspiration taken from the Don Van Hoff 5w Caption states "almost unnoticeable 2-1/2 inch chop in top"
So the height on your coupe with fenders on rear side window is ca 10.5” (?) ( it can be my magic number…
The Rule of Thirds is classic art of proportion. The roof should be one third and the body two thirds to be in perfect visual harmony. The tricky part is were to measure from. Meaning what do you call roof and what do you call body. This dividing line on a 32 can be above, below or in the middle of the beltline profile. Also if without fenders and/or channeling the frame height needs to be taken into consideration with the body. Black frame with a black body on top will look in proportion with a taller top. This is why fenderless Model A's unchopped running just splash aprons look more in proportion, the aprons give extra height to the body to counteract the height of the top. Without the aprons the top is too tall to be in visual proportion.
If opinions count............ My "rule of thumb" would read, never, ever, taper chop the roof of a deuce coupe. Pick a number, any number!
Had a 3” chop on an orange 32 coupe (highboy) and it looked good. Painted the car black and then wished I'd have taken another inch out. Colour choice matters! Lighter and brighter, I’d say 3” is a good number. Black and I’d go 4” for sure. See ‘Busby Coupe’ for reference.
Crusty Chevy, I has measure the rear side window. A 2" chop mean its as height as its wide, if that is a std harmony to the body ( by math ) I has not thought over. Thread was about my idea on rear side window was key. So the Busby Coupe is 4" I would guess more at 3". Color is shore a effect but also how a picture is take. I saw a 2.5" chopped last week and that was nice. I saw that car on the streets here in my city early 90's but keep in a garage by new owner ( cool se it again ) and it was build by a guy 22 years old then at 1 year time, body was a mess. Did not take pictures ( to bad ) The V8RPU coupe above I guess its 3", you might can check (?)
I'm probably one of only a few wielding a hammer & dolly hoping my 32 well-worn & abused sheet metal comes out presentable & this Dale Withers guy chops his 32 twice !
I have for many years wondered why no one has ever added 2” to 3” to the body section to accentuate the much ‘too’ high roof on a deuce, or even on a chopped one, - to achieve the correct proportions. it would also give more leg room for the taller guys……… Maybe @3w Hank will give it a shot ?
No….I ’m pretty Ok at 3” and the body guy will not like my ide to add up, but if I found a foof I would go 2 and 1/4”. The 4” is way to much for me and I do not like stock height and I learned not lean back front. That’s my position now.. But as I said first in thread I would stay at 3” byt try learn. Soon come pictures from a car meet today close to me the Dusters time travell ( I know its a black 4” chop 5W there !
I have always thought that ‘32 5 windows looks good with any amount of chop, (or even no chop at all) and all of the above photos just prove it ! That car above in post 53 is just beautiful ! .
LOL!!!!! Im picking up whatcha laying down!!! My poor car had a chop and rear windows welded in, 1st round... Then it had the roof cut slam off and made into a roadster 2nd round.. And the 3rd ROUND had a 4 inch chop top put back on....Last roof over 60 years and holding...LOL... Same owner then and did it between 1956-1968..Managed to paint it and show it too...
Now that is one for the record books (from the 59sedandelivery posting above), a coupe gone roadster & back again that is real dedication to saving a 32 coupe.....comes to mind the 'Taco coupe" a 33-34 5w rolled up from side to side virtually like a taco, but resurrected by a dedicated high school teacher & his students to run & race yet another day.
I seen this picture/drawing before and speak of 'nice' this one is nice. I guess ca 3" or a hair higher. Best attitude, or personal insights is another deal.
The Jalopy Journal
