I know there are some the trucks on here that have been chopped. My 50f1 is running now so before I put the front on and the windows in it I want to take 4 or 5 inches off the top and would appreciate some info on how you taped the top off for the chop. I want a mail slot back window and need to know how to go about marking it. I have and have read the Tex Smith top chop book. I marked my top starting at the doors.I measured on the body lines on the doors and marked them so that the top would come down and the lines would match up. But when I tape of to the back to the rear window the 5 inches comes out to low on the window to let the window come down to match up. What am I doing wrong? RUSTY
sometimes you have to do vertical cuts to make things line up right. so take 5" out of the center of the window and do a vertical cut down to you lines that are getting cut out of the rest. 5" is 5" as long as its all straight up and down. also if you are taking to much out of the back window you can also take an inch out below the window to make up for it. looks arent everything and if you make for the look of a mailslot back window you will be losing any rear viewing area. you dont want to wrecked your fixed up truck backing up right?
Sometimes you have to cut out the whole window surround and add or subtract metal above or below it to get it wear you want it. since you want a mail slot, but have it as usable as possible(?) sit in the truck and look out what you have now then mask off 5"? where you don't have to see out and put the window surround around that area. I chopped my 40 GMC 3 1/2" and took it ALL out from below the rear window, leaving the window stock height. Your mileage may differ.... Or what JG said, only he types faster than me!
Thanks; I made the vertical cuts and I got it all marked off. I checked every thing about a dozen times. I'm going to try to cut it in the morning. Thanks for the help. RUSTY
I like a mail slot but on the F1 I like to cut it a little less than the rest ...it just stays in proportion better...and visibility is a little better on lane changes. Also on a big chop you may want to raise the windshield opening up at the top on a 4-5 inch chop I would go 1 or 1 1/2 inches. You have to cut the header on the inside of the cab too but it's gonna make the chop look right and give the truck less of a forehead. Here's one I did for a guy...he only wanted 3 inches and didn't want me to open up the windshield...so i didn't...but I did move the back window down a little. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361086
brewsir; THAT'S what I wanted to see. Looks great I should be able to do about the same thing taking out the 5". Don't you think. I posted another thread with pics of the marked top ready to cut see what you think and let me know. I also have another top and set of door tops to get my pieces out of. Thanks RUSTY
Here are before and after shots when I took 4" out of my '52 F2. It was necessary to make 3 vertical cuts between the door opening and the back window to allow better alignment of the panels. I still have good rear window vision IMO. I crossbraced everything before it was cut.
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