I realize it is each persons decision what to do with his or her own property but it seems to me a little crazy to take a sawzall to 70+ year old sheetmetal today.Guys in the 50's went at it like there was an endless supply and to them it probably seemed true.I'm not slamming anyone for the practice but would just like some opinions from others.Want to hear all.
I suppose the bigger question is what are you considering chopping? That might change peoples answers.
Chop if its a ****py car that needs help. Dont cut something cherry. U can always get reproduction sheet metal replacement parts for most of the great old iron. My .02 -GothY-
The only '50's car I liked chopped are '49-'51 Mercs. Personally, I wouldn't chop it though. Of course, a Model A, a '32 Ford or any other '30's car doesn't look right unless it's chopped. At least with the Fords you can buy a new, uncopped body if you want one.
Chopped tops are part of the ARTFORM that is hot rodding. I would think that enough examples of both chopped and unchopped vehicles will survive to allow future generations to see both.
in that same aspect then you shouldn't shave trim/ door handles/ or change grilles or lower the car by changing the suspension...correct? I say **** it and chop whatever you want AS LONG AS IT WILL LOOK GOOD!!!
Oh really? Where is the location that you can do this? I'd sure like to find a "new unchopped Model 'A' Ford". As far as I know, Ford hasn't manufactured a new Model 'A' since 1931 and I kind of doubt there are any NOS bodies still available. As to the chop or not question; that would be up to each individual as to what they want their look to be. I like them both ways.
I'm an old ******* setting here thinking about the first car I saw chopped. It was a 50 merc you could put a regular pack of cigarettes through the window but a king size pack wouldnt fit. this was in 1954, I just finished my first chopped car [5inches] off a 51 ford took that long to have a chopped car and I love it. I have a 1933 Ford 5 window I wouldnt chop because I drive the hell out of it and couldnt see stop lights without sticking your head through the steering wheel If you want to chop it its your decision
its all in what you want. the guys back in the day were just trying to improve there car with modifications to his liking and that's all were trying to do today
I went for the either way vote since you really need to know what the car in question is before a yes-no vote.
I see this as a variant of the "landmark building" and "wilderness preservation" dialogues. A lot of people want to keep something original - because that's the way they want it. Except that they don't own it, and they won't buy it - they want you to pay for it. Do what you want - doesn't matter if I like it or not. Someone says different? They can buy this one "to save it" if they meet your price, or get their own.
I like em both chopped & unchopped. There are some cars that just shouldn't be chopped IMO but overall, IF the chop is done tastefully and executed flawlessly, I think it actually enhances the car... My Chevy coupe will not be chopped.
i second that. i could care less about a car being rare when deciding whether or not to chop it. it is more a question of whether the car will look better or not when chopped.
I do what I dame well please with things I own. I am out to make myself and my family happy. This tread is retarded.
I have always had trouble spelling spell check missed that one. And this is still a retarded tread ***hole.
oooh, this should be a good tread. an alliance member with 1,100+ posts versus an FNG with 27 ... popcorn anyone?
God damn, no truer words have been spoken! I gotta deal with that **** all the time at work, man, you're right on when it comes to people like that! I'm takin' 5" outta the top of mine, already got 'er taped off. Dunno 'bout a channel, might just z the front of the frame instead, but I love a nice, well excuted chop on a an A sedan, just looks right to my eyes.
There is only 1000 Durant 614 coups around today and i chopped mine. If the owner thinks it looks better with a chop then CHOP it! ...and yes this "This "tread" is retarded" and i feel a lil more retarded for posting in it...
WHAT ARE YOU DOING SITTING AROUND HERE ASKING......get out in the garage and fillet that thing.......i wanna see the roof of that (insert car name here) within inches of the dash......
if you don"t know what you want, then how are we suppose to help ? Only you can make up your mind , but have seen more bad chops than good.
My 34 sedan is chopped and would look funky without the chop. Not a bad looking original, just too freaking tall. However I must say that the 4 inch chop may have been a tad too much though. Having to drive on a 135 degree recline is somewhat of a pain after a time. I've seen 57 Olds' that have been chopped and while it looks pretty good, mine is not. The original roof line looks like a factory chop especially after adding a visior. While it is true that for many early Fords you can get most of the parts as replacement items and even buy a whole new steel car if you got the money, restoring a chopped lid is a tough act, so make damn sure you know what you want before kicking the sawsall into gear.
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