After seeing Brewser chopping Mac's Paneltruck, I got inspired and was hoping for some ideas. My Panel is a 52 Ford. Sitting in the truck I have easely 8" from to top of my head to the roof. But a 8" chop would be rediculous, right???? I think it needs a severe chop, new paint, new wheels and bias-ply tires, but just not sure what route to take. Any creative ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks fellas
SBC's are for guys who don't know how to build Flatheads. Nothing sounds better, looks better or runs better then a built Flathead. Just my opinion.
Ick... Btw, I often see that panel truck headed towards Burbank in the morning on my way into L.A. Nice ride, dunno if I'd chop it. Seems like that might take something away from the utility the panel was intended to have.
Ok Munster and Monkey (Bumpstick) you guys really want to chop this thing, huh. Looking good btw. Am I going to have to "bag" it like all the other girls.
I understand the urge, but I think that thing looks good as is. Honestly, I like your original picture better than the photochops.
Any ideas on the exhaust, right now it's just kind of comming out from the front of the rear wheels. Any ideas???????????????????????????????????????????
i always tuck the exhaust into the 1/4 panels with a down tip.....i don't like seeing it. if you chop the panel it looks like a weird sedan delivery, don't chop it i say (plus no hauling in it if it's too short). i say stock roof, some good flake paint (maybe a gold, copper or jade green.....trendy i know), wide whites, 54-55 olds full caps or 50 pontiac caps.
I'd have to agree that the body proportions get messed up when you chop a panel truck without sectioning it too. It may look interesting if you chopped it and shortened the wheelbase by a foot or so to restore the proportions. I like it the way it is. Maybe give it some shiny paint and Radir wheels.
I almost bought one like yours about 30 years ago. Here's an idea for you. Maybe deep metallic maroon with a deeper, almost black, scallop paint job. Food for thought.
On the F-1 's I like a little less chop....we did one last year (justa truck) but did about 4 inches and it looks pretty killer. If you do a heavy chop I think it really needs to be slammed on the earth for it to look right. No you don't have to bag it...just 3-4 inches off the ground is plenty of clearance!
Here is what I would do: Just chop the top three or so inches above the window frame, that is, just the crown. That lowers the visual overall, without messing up the body proportions. I have shown it with the original roof height above the new line to illustrate the difference. Then drop the back height to match the front (no rake) and add white walls, as others have shown. I will do a finished pic later when I have more time.
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