Help Chopping a Model A Coupe

Hi,

I have a 31 model A Coupe. I have been fabricating metal for over 25 yrs but have never chopped a top. I figured a model A would be a good candidate for my first. I want to take 4 to 41/2 in out. Where is the best place to cut it? To me it looks like the centering the cut on the rear widow is the best place for the rear section. The doors and the front windshield post look like they should be cut about 2 or 3 in below the C/L of rear widow because of the location of the top door hinge and taper of the side profile of the door. Does that sound right or is there a better way to do it?

Any advise, pics, instruction would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,
Mike

 

Someware on this site there is a link to to a very nice step buy step pictures of how to chop an A. But I cant remember ware it is. did you check the tech section. Its here you just have to find it.


Bret

 

I cut 4 out of mine and it looks good

 

Hi Bret,

I searched and searched but no luck. Thanks though I'll keep looking.

Mike

 

Hopfully someone will come up with it.


Bret

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59331&highlight=model


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59505&highlight=model

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59221&highlight=chop

I searched a+chop...also check out teh FAQ's lots of good info and i think there a couple setp by steps to get you thinking about your project. Enjoy the reads and post up some progress pics when you start slicing that thing up.

Saulgoode

 

Thanks!!!! will do

Mike

 

Hey Mule Farmer do you have any pics that you can post? I would like to see what your 4" chop looks like. Did you do it yourself?

Mike

 

I can take some pics. It may take me a day or two. Yes I chopped it myself something about swinging the axe on 75 year old metal makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.


Bret

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36066&&showall=1

 

I am not an authority on chopping, and this article is a work in progress, but it may be helpful:

http://www.cl***icroad.com/modelA/chop.htm

 

And, yeah, show us some pix !

 

Thanks Rolf!! Thats perfect!! exactly what I am looking for. I tried to post some pic's earlier but failed, I'll try agian.
Thanks,
Mike

 

Yah right, I've looked at your whole site and while I am no expert, I would say you've done this sort of thing once or twice before. Nice work!! I have officially added your site to my favorites list.

Your my hero,
Mike

 

Thanks Bret, I'd love to see em.

Mike

 

Good Stuff "ORCAS TOW".

Thanks,
Mike

 

great bunch of links here

'may just have to save this one..

 

I was going to say that you need to slice the posts a bit but of course it had been said on the HAMB before... Project diaries will always be nice!

 

O.K. I've laid out a 4.25" cut from the centerline of the rear window to the front post. It looks like the front post cut needs to drop down about 2" to allow for the hinge, would you agree? Should I cut the door staggered (lining up the rear and front cuts of the roof or straight from the 2" drop in the front?

Mike

 

Don Dillard (DRD57) did a play by play on his A at his brothers place "Dons Hot Rod Page"

 

Wow thats one solid looking A.


Bret

 

Looking forward to seeing this one progress Mang!

 

Mike,

You don't have to worry about making a straight cut, as long as you cut the same everywhere. I did my A post cut lower than the rear, so I got some distance to the A post top hinge.

Looks like about two inch below the hinge.

 

Great tip I found the link http://www.donshotrodpage.net/Project-30/projectindex.html

Thanks,
Mike

 

You should see this body! Its almost a shame to cut it's so nice, almost . The only body damage is a couple of dents on the roof were stuff was dragged across it while it sat in a garage for 40 +yrs. It also has two small rust areas, but other than that it is as straight and clean as could be.



Mike

 

Thanks Rolf, I measured it out again tonight, I think somewhere between 1 1/2 to 2 in looks about right. The only problem is that stud for the windshield is right in the cut area so I'll have to relocate it. I think I remember seeing that you did the same.

Mike

 

Yeah, damn, that's a nice body.

Yes, no biggie to relocate the stud.

Once you have chopped the windshield, you can install it and test the hinge ratio, and make sure the windshield opens. I also moved the bracket on the windshield frame. Make sure it pulls it in all the way when closed.

I got more pix on my link:

 

O.K. tomorrow is the day. My son is back from camp and has three days until school starts again, so now is the time. This beautifully preserved 74 year old piece of metal is going under the knife. This car has sat in my shop for five years. Many have said to me, "don't cut it", "its too nice", "get a fibergl*** body, they're really nice", and believe it or not, during a few brief moments of pity, I myself have even had 2nd thoughts, BUT NAUGHT!!!!, IT'S GETTING CUT!!!! After all, what 74 year old wouldn't want to take another chance at youth? Add a few extra horsepower; take out a wrinkle here and there, what could be better?



Wish us luck!



Mike

 

let me just say...if you have worked sheet metal for a quarter century, then you can chop an A...thats all...its like a really easy puzzle...

 

Thanks! I am looking foreward to it.

Mike