Customs Info on 1953-1955 f100 gentleman’s chop

I’m looking for info and pics if possible on a 53-55 f100 gentleman’s chop. I’m more needing to know about the inner header issues and door vent window issues.

 

I aint claiming one way or another about being a gentleman but he damn well knows his trucks.
@Pist-n-Broke to the white courtesy phone please.

 

A little off the top?

 

It’s where you cut just the front of an old ford and some studebaker were done this way. The 53-55 f100 had a top hat look in the front of the cab.

 

Isn't it just a little out of the A pillars?

 

Just a “barely” chop. Sometimes cars with backward leaning roofs only get the front chopped.

 

On the 53-55 ford it’s not off the a pillars. It s off of the brow above the windshield. No limit engineering silver truck is this way.

 

That would be called reducing the crown.

 

Famous on a Stude Hawk too...

 

Hmm…seems I learned something today. Not sure I will ever need it, but learned something anyway.

 

I have a gentlemen's drop but it isn't visible unless I am ala speedo.

I took it to mean a chop gaining attitude, without losing altitude. Yeah, add that to the OED

 

A lot of work for the small change you get but it sure looks a hell of a lot better loosing that just over an inch.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

I'll just call it subtle.

 

I wouldn't call it a chop, but rather "sectioning" the roof skin. I helped a friend do it on his '54 F100, we used a repro roof skin for a '56 and and trimmed it down to fit. Lost almost 2" from the crown.

 

Thanks for waking me up B-B. I know Nothing about fancy terms for what a cut is called. But I do know how to get a look I like and no matter how much or little, it's work to do it right. I also have opinions and understand some will not agree. That don't mean I'm wrong from my personal point of view, just disagree with ya. With that said, Slant Cabs just plain look Stupid with no vent windows no matter how little or much you remove from the top. It's just plain being cheep not to go the final yard and modify them to fit right. That said this one makes me smile. All total I've cut 7 of the 53-55 F-100's. No 2 are the same being the Customer gets to make the call, I only decide if I want to do it their way or not. I never use a tape measure to decide if I'm removing enough, only to make sure it's the same on both sides.

And yes, It has Vent Windows that work.


If you understand how vent windows work and do things right, there is No issue with adjusting their fit. and function. Every Chop job is a lesson learned to make the next one easier. It's always more work than you thought it would be.

 

Pist-N-Broke, I like that a lot! So where did you cut the top and doors?

 

That's a long story and I only type with 2 fingers. It was done before digital cameras so not a lot of reference to post up. If you can enlarge the top photo, you can see the Cut Lines on the door top. Should self-explain. In fact, I can see the witness lines in both photos being I hadn't metal finished them out yet.
P.S. Do not ever cut the header apart in the center. A personal opinion.

 

Live and learn.

 

I think the term originated on a magazine article on a Dick Dean '53 Studebaker hardtop chop. The door glass shapes on these cars has the leading edge higher than the rear and the chop was just to make it parallel front to back. The Ford F100 is like this too along with GM pickups from '67 to '72.