With the recent RPU pic request, this sort of got the gears turning. I've got a 39 chevy truck that's been chopped, you know, Rudy style. I got it from a HAMBer and I love the truck. But I've been seeing a ton of RPU pics around lately and I don't care how overdone the style is, I still love it. Here's the idea. I've got to finish a ton of body work on the truck to finish it the way I want. Media blast it, finish some of the chop welds, overall body work, rust repair, new gl*** all the way around, etc... I'm not shying away from doing a ton of work, but I need a few opinions on whether or not I should just whack the top off completely and go the RPU route. I'm thinking a Duvall or deep V style windshield up front. Maybe even fabricate some sort of hood with louvers punched in it and leave the sides off. For some reason I'm jonesing bad for this style. I see all kinds of 20's and 30's style RPU's, but does anyone have any pics of a late 30's early 40's style pick up cab that has been done that way, or am I just being an idiot with this idea. I know, "to each his own" and "its your car, do what you want, who cares", but I don't want this to be the most rediculous car on the road either. I guess I'm asking is this even do-able or will this be decent looking or should I give up and start looking for another cab?
i dont have any pics, but it seems to me at first impression that the cab is too bulky and wide for it to look good *******. not many things that are bulky and wide look good *******...
There's lots of AD style trucks out there without tops, and they look great. As for being too bulky, it all depends on how you proportion the bed.
I have 2 cabs/beds for my '36 (very similar cab as yours), and I've been thinking along the same lines. I too love the RPU look. As Cyrus pointed out...it is PROPORTIONS that make/break a look. I think some serious photoshopping is needed here. Glenn
post some pictures of the truck (side and front view) and I'll bet that you could get a few nice photo-chop renderings of it... I'd do one up for ya. I dig the idea... nothing cooler than a nicely un-done RPU ('cept maybe a nicely done 39 Chevy - haha) Joe
Thanks for the responses. I just can't decide what I want to do. As soon as I figure out how to post some pics on here, I'll snap a few with the digital and see if you photoshop guys can do it some justice. As far as proportions go, most of the chopped trucks I see have a shorter wheelbase and a "stubby" bed to it. My wheel base is quite a bit longer with a longer bed. I'm in the process right now of laying the back end down about 4 inches. You'll know what I mean when you see the truck. Its got sort of a muscle car rake to it and I want it to sit low and level. The bed is also a couple of inches narrower than I like, so when its off the frame for the c-notch and axle flip, I'm going to widen it so its as wide as the cab. I prefer the bed to be almost as wide as the cab. I never planned on putting any gl*** in the side or the back windows, so I could care less about being "practical" when it comes to rain or snow. If I feel like driving it, it won't matter to me what the weather is like outside. This is one of the main reasons I'm leaning towards taking the top off. Again, thanks for the opinions and I'll have a few pictures up soon.
Here's a few links to the truck. These are from when Sephgato owned it. Mind you that this truck will sit level by Monday, give or take. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208828&d=1154055027 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208822&d=1154054815 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208823&d=1154054815 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208829&d=1154055027 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208821&d=1154054815
here's my work in progress. I've chopped the top 5" and narrowed the cab 4". I will be welding it all back together this weekend, but you can get an idea what it looks like cut down. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127505
trucks too cool to go rpu. and too fat, in my eyes anyway. unless you widen the bed. that would make a big difference.i bet if when you see the roof start to straighten out that idea will fade.
The problem with making most trucks into a RPU is the bodyline. If the bodyline is too far below the bottom of the window and you cut the top off even with the window the bodyline looks goofy. My 48 worked great cause the bodyline is close to where I cut the body. Also my truck is full fendered. Take away the fenders and the cab will look bulky. Clark
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