Event Coverage Joel Davis Chop Class Thoughts

I figured some of you all might like to know a little more about Joel Davis’s @Pinstriper40 chop classes, so I thought I might just document both my weekend overall and my thoughts on the class itself in case anyone was considering going to one.

To start with, back in September or so, my son Silas mentioned that he would like to take one of Joel’s classes. Part of this was likely fueled by him becoming a better welder all the time from what he is learning in vo-tech, part from his interest in the traditional styles that we all talk about here on the HAMB everyday, and also from some time spent at Joel’s shop back in May when we were in Colorado dropping both Silas and my other son off for a camp. Anyway, when he mentioned he wanted to take the class, I immediately wanted to do the same since I have always wanted to chop a car, but never have. I have been doing paint and bodywork since I was 12, but just never jumped off and chopped something yet. We first planned to go to Joel’s class up near St. Louis in October since we could stay with a buddy and fellow HAMBer up there. That was right up until we realized that it was the same weekend as the Gathering at the Roc that we were already going to. So, we looked at other classes and finally ended up scheduled for the one this past weekend in Mustang, OK.

So, we got all the tools and PPE that Joel suggested and were both looking forward to the weekend not only so we could learn something, but also so we could hang out with some like-minded folks immersed in car talk for a few days. Friday night was the start to the class where we were told that we would prep the car for the chop and talk about the plan for the weekend overall. Since I am getting more adventurous with my 50 Buick all the time, I chose to drive it down Friday evening. That was fine and the car did good, but there were a couple times that I questioned how smart that driving an original straight 8 car with drum brakes and old bias tires in Oklahoma City rush hour traffic on a Friday about 50 miles from home was. I made it fine and actually ended up only driving myself since Silas had to go straight from vo-tech to get there in time. He chose to drive his Edsel that some of you may be familiar with from another thread. He ended up a little late getting there since his drive was closer to 100 miles in that same Friday afternoon traffic. Turns out when we got there that we were the only two in the class that drove old junk which I guess shouldn’t have surprised me knowing how many folks in this hobby don’t drive their junk as quite as much as others.



Upon first glance of the car to be chopped that was also to be raffled off at the end, I had pretty much decided that I didn’t want to tackle that kind of project right now. It was a decent car overall, but had quite a bit of work to do to make it a driver even without chopping it on top of all that. It was pretty much what I would consider a fairly decent pasture car that hadn’t necessarily had an easy life. And, since my dream car (if I were to have one) isn’t necessarily a shoebox Ford, I figured I would let someone else build the car even if I won it.

Step one was to get the car positioned in the shop so we could all work around it. Next was to introduce ourselves to each other and all promise that we wouldn’t do stupid stuff, would be responsible for our own actions, wouldn’t hurt ourselves or others, and most importantly wouldn’t sue Joel, his helpers, or our shop host for anything that we should be taking responsibility for ourselves on. Joel then spent some time talking through everything we would be learning and lots of background of what it takes to perform a successful chop.

Next, we started prepping the car by pulling the rotted interior and all the glass out then cleaning up that mess. You guys can all relate to what that is like if you have ever cleaned up a car that has sat for years and years outside. When the night ended, we had pretty much pulled everything off, made a few cuts where we knew we needed it, braced the car up, and were in a decent place to get started Saturday morning. So, we stopped pretty much right at 8:00 pm as advertised and headed home. Silas and I enjoyed our trip back home in the old cars much more when there weren’t hundreds of other idiots on the road.

As the car looked at the end of Friday night and a shot from the trip home.



So, since class started at 8:00 am on Saturday, even getting home at a decent hour Friday evening made for an early rise before the hour drive. I didn’t sleep much since you guys can likely understand what it can be like to unwind after working in the shop on something like this. I am not only a gearhead, but even worse an engineer. So, my mind races at times in that planning, considering, going back over what all has just happened stage. Saturday morning, I had decided to drive the Ford since it has been neglected for the past few months since getting the Buick running. I checked all the fluids (filled some) and we loaded all our stuff in it for the drive. You guys that have multiple cars know what it is like to jump back in an old comfortable driver that you have good confidence, etc. in. It did take me a few minutes to remember that my turn signal switch was on the “normal” side of the column as well as what difference it is to have power steering and swinging pedals instead of pedals that go through the floor.

The Saturday morning drive was nice with the good heat on a chilly morning with way less traffic than what I dealt with Friday. We stopped at a gas station on the way and I noticed several late model somewhat specialty type cars and remembered that it was the Saturday for our local cars and coffee meet. I’m sure that they also assumed that we were headed there unless they happened to notice me in my ratty overalls and steel toe boots that somewhat differed from the let’s say less work (or maybe even car guy) dress that might be appropriate for something like a cars and coffee.

We made it down to the class a little before anyone else showed up, so I actually drove my car all the way to his back yard which seemed like a great idea at the time. That way, I could easily get to it for tools, etc. as the day went along. The problem with that ended up being the single narrow path out that had about 5 trucks parked in the way later in the evening. Even though class was only scheduled to go until 8:00 pm, we ended up going until 10 to make sure we got to the needed place for a successful “end” of what needed to happen in the class Sunday. So, I finally left about 10:30 since I was last. Then, my car sputtered and died as I pulled out onto the road. I pushed it into a neighbor’s driveway then walked back to the host’s shop to see if I could find any starter fluid. I did and walked back to use it. When I pulled the air cleaner, I noticed that my choke had slammed shut. After propping it open since I couldn’t find anything quickly to lock it, it started back up and I was on my way to return the starter fluid the next day…

Anyway, Saturday started with a vote on straight or slanted B pillars. We left Friday night assuming that they would be slanted. But, Silas (the second youngest guy in the class) was determined to convince the class otherwise so quickly blurted out that traditional cars have straight B pillars. Friday night around midnight he sent me a text with multiple examples of straight B pillars on cars like the Sam Barris Merc, etc. This was honestly keeping him from sleeping thinking about how important it was to be “right”. Anyway, he got his way when no one necessarily disagreed even though several had suggested slated Friday.

There were several folks in the class which was fun, but also made it hard for everyone to jump in and get involved at times. The folks in the class included guys who had chopped cars, guys who owned body shops, guys who had never done this sort of work before, and all levels in between. We all learned several tricks to making chopping a car easier and better including where to cut, brace, plan, etc. most importantly focusing on the final product of flow to where the car doesn’t actually look worse than where we started. I know we have all seen multiple chopped cars that would have been better left alone especially when it comes to flow overall. We decided on pulling right at 5” out of the A pillar which I thought might be more than I would like in the beginning. However, I did like the overall proportions when we were done. Also, in addition to chopping the car, Joel also showed the class how to do basic dent repair knocking some of the dents out of the roof and door. By the time we finished up around 10 pm Saturday, we had the A pillars back together, the B pillars mostly put back together, and the door tops started. Joel did a great job stopping us at multiple times throughout the day to make sure we were all learning what was needed to be successful tackling a chop like this on our own. Those times of teaching often also came with some humor that kept things interesting as well.

Pics from Saturday.


As we walked out the door Saturday at 10:00ish.


Sunday morning, Silas had a last minute need to head to pick up a buddy to take him to Texas to pick up a vehicle. So, he put the trailer on the one ton and left the house the same time as I did. So, I again drove myself down in the 56 to class. I again arrived a little early so not being smart enough to learn from the previous days lesson, I pulled into the back yard again…

We jumped back in on the work and started to finish up door tops, quarter glass openings, etc. before starting on the rear window placement. One key thing that I learned in this class was how important having the car braced up well and then keeping track of measurements off some point is. Keeping a good centerline down the car was also critical when it came to making sure we lined everything back up right.

Pics from work Sunday.


To be continued...

 

More pics from work Sunday.


Anyway, probably a couple of the coolest things I learned some of which might be specific to this chop were how we dealt with critical areas like window opening corners as well as how to make sail panels with an English wheel. Making sail panels instead of just putting multiple cuts then welding them back together made for a way better end product from what I could see. Overall, I would say anyone that has an interest in learning to chop a car would benefit from taking one of Joel’s classes. He does a great job of explaining, getting folks involved with hands on work, and keeping everyone entertained with his jokes along the way. Not only did I learn a lot of things that have now given me the confidence to jump in and do a chop myself, I also gained some new friends in this car hobby of ours.

Oh, and the car was given away Sunday evening to one of the participants. The gentlemen that won it was ecstatic and will be a great caretaker of the car and someone who is excited to finish it up. As mentioned, I am not sure I would have kept the car if I did win although it was tempting once I saw how the chop turned out…

If you are interested in doing one of these classes, I would definitely vouch for it and tell you it is worth the time and money. Joel is definitely one of us and gets the traditional custom deal as well as anyone. I can’t say that for everyone in the class when I heard what some folks planned to do with the shoebox if they were to win it… You can find info on the classes on the link below as well as on that fakebook deal from what I hear although I am not on there to speak to that directly.

https://davishausofstyle.com/collections/all

Sorry I didn't take more pics and I'm sure I left out all kinds of stuff you guys would want to know. But, I sort of just spewed all this out to maybe just start the conversation as much as anything.
Jeff

 

That's for taking us to class.

 

Great write up, thanks for sharing.

 

Great write up. I wish I could have made it.

 

Cool, thanks for the info, who ended up with the car?

 

A guy named Dave Powers out of the OKC area. I had never met him before the class. He is the guy in the center of this pic with the beard and glasses.

 

oof.

 

One thing I should probably point out is that the participants in the class did most of the work with Joel’s oversight. Some of the welds were done by guys who may have never welded before, etc. So, don’t judge the class based on stuff like that. Most of the up close shots were mostly for my own reference if I ever chop one of these shoeboxes. And, we also obviously didn’t get anywhere close to done over the weekend. There is still lots of welding and details to work out for Dave. The sail panels were just barely shaped before the end of the day Sunday so aren’t by any means finished up.

 

I’ll be videoing his class in KS later this month both for my YouTube channel and for his promotional uses. Joel is a club brother of mine and I can’t wait to spend a weekend in the shop with some car guys. This waiting for a new house to be able to work on anything is driving me crazy.

 

Thanks for all the pics and trouble to document all this!!!!!! Very interesting!!! Lippy

 

Your write up, commentary, and pictures, was very helpful. Thanks.

 

So, now you've got another tool in your box! Way to go.

 

Looks like a great weekend Jeff! I took Joel's class a few years ago at Jeff Myers' shop. What a great memory to learn and work with both Joel and Jeff that weekend. Joel is a great teacher, lots of helpful information.....you will come away with tons more information than you will remember. Very hands on, at least as hands on as you want to be. There were a few guys in the class I went to that stood back, but everyone that wanted to work I think got more than ample opportunity to practice what was being taught.

Not sure his full schedule, but I know he has one coming up in Tulsa in the not too distant future I'd love to attend, but sadly already have stuff on the calendar that weekend. Hoping I can sneak away and run down for some of the day Saturday just to make sure he's doing it right. LOL

 

Well...I just bought something to practice on.

 

Cut yet?

 

I did not see that coming!! Niiiiice!!

 

Still trying to load it...

Me either...

 

Wheeler Dealer!

 

That is about the tallest roof line (EDIT: "Humpy") ever. You might have to chop it 2 or 3 times before it looks right .

Russ

 

Thanks for posting. I enjoyed the story.

 

You have chop those Merc's twice; once above the windshield and then the top.

 

Cool post. Did all of you go in knowing the car would be given to one of you, or was it a surprise?

Either way, really nice.

Heck, I’m afraid to chop up thawed ground beef.

 

Yea, we knew it would be raffled.

 

Man...what a long day...

 

Congrats on the Merc coupe!
I appreciate your play-by-play account of the class and how it went for you. You did a great job of showing the way the experience happens. These classes are something I have been wondering about, and now I am more interested than ever about actually attending one day.
I am sure Joel is appreciative of your nice write-up as well. This is the best form of advertising there is!

 

Wow what a beautiful Mercury! Can’t wait to see what you do to it!

 

Any progress on your Mercury? I want to help chop it!!