Model A Chop Quiz

Getting ready to chop my '29 Model A Tudor project and I'm looking for some feedback.

I know everyone has an opinion on what looks good, but that's not what I'm looking for. This is a matter of personal taste.

What I'd like to hear is from HAMBers who have actually chopped their model A sedan and how they like it. Such as:

"I chopped mine 5" and I wish I took off another inch more."

or

"Whacked 7" off the bad boy and I wish I made it 6-1/2".

or

"After my 8" chop, I love the way it looks, but I don't have room to chew my gum.

Anyway, you get the picture. Any pics would be great too.

PS: I've got a dimension in my mind for my chop, but if I told you it would spoil the fun.

so.........let 'er rip..............

 

I chopped my full fendered A Tudor 4" and I think it looks right. I have plenty of head room and I can see out of the windshield. Any more than that and the proportions will be off.
If you are not running fenders and plan on dropping the body over the frame, a shorter chop would look good. As you pointed out it is all about personal taste.

 

Thanks Rusty Rod.

Mine is channeled over a custom frame, has a really low stance and is fenderless. I've already vertically sectioned it about 21" behind the door posts to create an extended pick-up cab of sorts.

 

Here's what my little A is looking like so far.

Any personal experiences would be very appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

Thanks for the Pic Blasted.

How do you like your chop height? If you had it to do over, would you change anything?

 

It will look better and work better with the tie rod on back.

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I chopped a '29 Tudor 4",taking an inch out below the rear window.
So the rear window was only chopped 3".Looked a lot better,owner loved it,untill he sold it.

 

I think 5" chop is a great look. It leaves ample room for a 6' tall guy if its channeled 3" or less.

ROB

 

Well I guess we can agree to disagree on the tie rod position. I think it looks great out front. From a geometry standpoint there is zero differance on how it'll work. In order for me to run my straight axle (which I think is really cool) and with my frame as low as it is, I'd have to add about 6" to the wheelbase and push the front axle out that much further.

Thanks for your input anyway.

 

Here is my A with out fenders if it helps.

 

I went 3", then cut it another 2" - so 5" total. I'm 6'5" and there is no more height to give. Sitting on a bench seat, basically on the floor is going to be all I can do and keep the visor. I also moved the rear window down, only taking 3" out of it.

Search for posts under my name. There are pics of both the 3 and 5 on here. Its the green one with the stock wheels.

 

Ours is chopped 4" and unchanneled on a boxed A frame and thats all I'd like to go. I'm 6'2" and its gonna be tough at the stoplights with the visor on.

-Bigchief.

 

Im going to go with a 4" chop, 4" channel on my 30' Coupe. Thats the perfect combo in my opinion. Looks badass but you still got enough headroom. The 4" channel is just enough to hide the frame rails, not too low........perfecto.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback guys, it really helps. Anybody done a more radical chop?

 

Mine is chopped 4" and channeled 4". For my taste the chop and the proportions are just right since it is not reall low.

I am struggling to get the seat to sit low enough to see out with out hunching over. No big deal, just something I need to work on. If I were doing it over again, I would definately keep the chop but maybe raise the top of the windshield an inch just for some added viewing area.

 

Here's mine with a 6" chop and the same channel. Personally I love it, and wouldn't change a thing. If I went any lower it would've made those two side windows look a mile long. Of course I've run into all kinds of trouble with rear suspension, seat placement, and getting in/out. I'm 6'1" so I sit way in the back and the steering shaft is in the middle of my door opening. All things to consider but it's a hot rod so it's full of compromises, it wasn't built for comfort. Chop you car 4" and see if you like it. If not, go a little more. It's always easier to lower the roof than it is to raise it

 

moonglow... It's about TIME I saw some FRIGGIN' pictures of this thing!!!!! Have any side shots? PM them to me if you want. I know you and I have been building something very similar. Keep me posted brotha'!

BTW... I couldn't help but notice... you've got wood.

 

4 inches...

 

Im 6'3" and have mine marked out for a 5" chop and thinking a 3" channel.

 

Hey Scooter,

I'll get some side shots posted soon. I'm pretty excited that I got the vertical section roughed in and the body mocked up on the frame. I did make the obigatory "vroom-vroom" noises when I sat in her for the first time this past weekend!

So you like my wooden jig table? It's on casters and works out great in my little carport shop until she's roller.

Or maybe you're talking about my cord of fire wood?

Later,

 

How about no chop at all ?

 

Thanks Lucky77,

I love your model A's chop and stance. I'm with you.........if I want comfort, I take our late model Chrysler.

BTW, any problems with your tie rod out front?

 

Hey Shock,

I like your highboy with no chop..........but that's not for me. I appreciate you puttin' in your 2 cents though.

 

I chopped mine 5" and the back window was moved down and chopped 2.5". I'm 6'2" with no channel, and the seat will be about an inch above the floor.

 

I would definately keep the chop but maybe raise the top of the windshield an inch just for some added viewing area.[/quote]

Pay attention here. You can raise the top of the windshield mount for a better "view". Like having your cake and eating it too! Regards, Ron

 

Heres My Dads with a 4inch chop, no channel. I'm 6ft2 and Have plenty of room with the stock seats. If I had it to do over I would still chop it 4 but try to do 3 on the back window. It looks cool but the added viewing area would be good.

 

YOU know what I mean! LOL! Just kiddin'!

That jig table looks great. Wanted casters on mine, but would have had a hard time getting it level.

Want to see side shots.

Also, chop numbers... went three inches with a four inch channel. S/W Murrays have shorter windows, so I went 3 inches on mine (4-1/2 on standard bodys). I say go 5 or 6 inches with a 3 or 4 inch channel. Just my two sense.

Keep us posted... and make sure to tell us the "mystery number" when you decide!

Cheers!
Scooter

 

Pay attention here. You can raise the top of the windshield mount for a better "view". Like having your cake and eating it too! Regards, Ron[/quote]

Good advice Ron. I'll be gaining an inch or two above the windshield.

 

Thanks again everyone for the input. Any other pics or thoughts guys?