Projects Chop or not chop steel 32 5 window?

It's your money, do what you like.





Since you asked for opinions, here's mine: Whack the hell out of the roof and build a HOT ROD.

 

One word: Chop.

 

I agree, Jeff can hijack my threads any day with that coupe, great job and I see what you mean about sticking with a them! How did you come up with all that, experience or did you find cars with the similar design?

I am thinking since it is my first build to stick with the close to stock flathead, paint the frame gloss black, but just leave it unchopped and flat black primer, I figure once it is chopped, it's pretty much no going back. I think like a lot of people we end up changing the cars so I guess just start with something basic. Also just steel wheels to start, work on the color scheme and try a few things out. It's easy to go to a shop and have them mount some wheels to see how it looks, nothing lost. I also need to get the stance just right so there is probably going to be some trial and error to get it right since it is my first 32 build.

And oh it's not my first project, I started my first project when I was 14 and learned a lot by the time I could drive. I like mostly stock, I like my truck, it's about my favorite. I think I like the building more than driving them. I just sold a 65 short bed that I drove the heck out of, I left the paint alone and just cleaned up the frame, redid all the mechanicals, brakes, upholstery, lowered it and put some wider wheels and tires, very simple. I guess I must be doing something right, as soon as people see them, they want to buy it and I eventually get an offer I can't refuse and move on to the next project, but now want some keepers. And yes I did reposition the front bumper, I was anxious to finish it, drive it and get some pics, I didn't notice it til I saw the pic also.

I am just now getting into the jalopy idea, also to just build it and drive it and enjoy it, I hate worrying about rock chips, wear and tear etc, it's not worth having a garage queen. Drive em like you stole em is about the best advice I have ever heard! I know, they don't fit the jalopy theme, that is why I am learning now, I can't bear to drive most of them, it never fails, the first few shakedown runs, Murphy's law hits and a big chunk of semi tire flies right across the hood, cracks the windshield and also scratches the top, what a nightmare, I just can't do it anymore! But that is the advantage to sticking to the same black formula, it's easy to replace or repair stuff and it's easy the second or third time, I guess that is why they invented home workshop/bodyshops.

 

OH man you would have to torture me with that Busby coupe, I am slowly learning the different period styles, but I am not sure from what period, I guess I need to hit more shows and just ask. I like the looks of that severe chop 32, 3 window but probably not practical and also has to have the right theme build.

I think mine will start out similar to this 34 except without the chop to start, hood top, and smooth steel wheels even though I like those. Also more chrome in the front.

Also, what is the idea or reason for this style vs commercial headlights? I know the difference in looks, is it just a personal preference or is it tied into something else? Same with the full hood, half hood, no hood and also a quick change, either black, natural or polished?

This black 34 is a great build, I remember seeing it in Pleasanton Goodguys or something, really cool and basic.

Is this Poteet 5 window with the yellow wheels chopped? It looks like it but only an inch, it's hard to tell.

 

In my personal opinion flat black is so overdone and makes a car look cheesy and shitty. I would either run regular grey primer for a while or tint the primer and do a suede until you actually paint it. Just my opinion but the whole flat black thing has been done to death.

 

Chopping is an attitude and channeling is a style IMHO, It takes a cajones to whack a $17.5k body cause that would add more than what a quick change would set you back depending on who does the chop. I'd like the visual of the chopped coupe, but you being 6'1" tall getting in that car may even be a chore after a while. Didn't seem that there was a whole lot of 6' footers back in the 30's when these car were designed so a size 12 foot just making it past door opening and the seat even can be a work out.

On another post you inquired about a chassis, There are many local chassis builders in the So-Cal are that could set you up. You've gotta make the call for what exactly you'd like this Deuce to do.
I've got a car with coil overs, everything else is transverse leaf sprung and another that semi elliptic sprung that was done using 55-57 Chevy springs-rearend.
All ride different, they all have different personality traits and handle their own way.

The idea situation would be to find a rolling original 32 chassis with the style of Hot Rod components that you already dig. They pop up from time to time. Then make it your own.

I think that your square back had great style,seems like a car from when I attended high school in the late 70's as hot rods were "way cost prohibitive"on a burger flippers budget .

 

Chop it!!

 

Thanks, the Squareback took some trial and error, somehow I turned about the ugliest car on the planet, when they are stock with the front sticking way up in the air! The right color, stance and wheels made the car, so I am probably sticking with what works, gloss black, it just looks so great when you finally get is straight as an arrow and everything to fit perfect, it's an obsession. I wish I had that car in highschool, or a 32 I just thought they were all rust buckets and the ones restored looked like a mess. I worked in a grocery store, baled hay, detailed cars, mowed lawns, shoveled show, drove a mattress truck back and forth to pick up new mattresses for a Furniture store in our town! All that was needed to support my car and motorcycle addiction and obsession, except the addiction is a lot more expensive now, hard work always pays off.

 

Go visit the Kennedy Boys and they will set you straight on how to build a traditional style 5 window. Jason has chopped many of both the original and UP bodies. His work is first class and they are a no BS shop. Personally, I don't care for a stock height 5-window unless it is the resto-rod style.

 

Hey do you know the website or phone number for The Kennedy Boys? I did a search, all I get is stuff on the Kennedy family!

 

Mickey---
You won't go wrong using the Busby coupe as a template for your build, without a doubt it is one of my all-time favorite 5W's.
Not saying you have to copy (any) car or style, like you said, spend some time looking and talking to car owners as I'm sure most people are glad to make suggestions.
One of the key strategies to a build is to not mix and match components of different categories, some may refer to this as the "theme" of the build.
Remember to enjoy the experince of the build process and not get too caught up in keeping to a pre-determined finish date.

 

Where you're located will determine who is the easiest and most convenient for you to deal with. The Kennedy Brothers are in the Pomona area of So Cal and would be my 1st choice for a chop. They're workmanship is first rate and prices are reasonable. If you deal with one of the big name shops you may find that it would cost much more and take longer. But again depends on where you're located. Old Ford Hot Rod coupes should be chopped and 5 windows at least 3".

 

Why would you want to make it look like a glass car? No chop. Enjoy it as it is.

 

Interior height has to be top (pun intended) priority for tall guys.
Since we're throwing around opinions..yes on fenders.

 

Mickey, PM Lynn (Pewsplace) and see if you can twist his arm to go see his stuff and take you to Kennedy Bros. I understand they have limited business hours and you need to know the secret hand shake to get in. Your still in the learning and gathering stage and I'm sure Lyn will help you out. Check out his website too.

 

My own personal feelings on chop vs no chop is all in what apeals to the guy who owns it.
There are some stellar examples of both in this thread and either way the car can have "the look".
I prefer them chopped myself.
Personally, no more than 4" max.

I was told time and time again to leave my coupe unchopped as i started building it because it was a Henry body and so many have been done etc etc.
i listened to the advice, but still did what suited my taste and cut it 3.5".


I have not lost a second of sleep over doing it either.

I'm 5,8 so room is NO issue for me, but a few 6' guys have sat in it and said they were comfortable.
Biggest issue i think they'd have is visibility at stoplights if they were first or second in line. They'd have to bend down some to see it. Aside from that there was plenty of leg room.

Unfortunately i cant recommend a shop to help do it, but there are some good outlets already mentioned anyway.

Best of luck and just do what you want and have fun doing it.

Tony

 

Had my stock height 32 5 window at a run one day years ago and a guy asked me how I went about raising the roof. He had never seen a stock height 32 5 window. In those days in Australia nearly all the 5 windows were 2" chopped deuce customs glass and he thought they were stock height.

 

Nice chop Tony, my feelings exactly. My 3W was in a wreck in '99 and after we completed the body work my friend who was straightening it out told me nows the time to give it a haircut. Cut 2 plus inches out and I too never regretted doing it. Ford coupes were chopped long before glass car bodies were ever available. A chopped coupe is a Hot Rod un-chopped is a resto/street rod.

 

Do what you like.... but if you chop, save the pieces!!!!!

 

Tony is spot on, save the pieces if you decide to chop it, easier to undo at some point if you or a future owner would want to go back to original height.

 

I just got a few quotes from well known shops and don't want to bash anyone, they earn their money for a good job, BUT $17,000 and $19,000???? I actually had to call back 10 minutes later thinking I heard wrong or hit the twilight zone, seriously!! Oh, heck with that, and just when I was hooked on chopping it, fuggidaboudditt! Honestly I paid just over $17k for the body, I kind of see why, $40k to have a car that still looks like a $7000 fiberglass car, the new age body's I have seen at shows usually have a crowd around trying to convince the owner that it is steel, they even have the right drip rails! Oh heck, that didn't make my day, looks like stock height it is. I was comparing the same shot, side by side, the chopped looks so much more like a hot rod, but I do like both looks, but I don't have much of a choice now!

But in all fairness, the chopped is also lowered about 3" more than the one that is not chopped. I guess I will have to break out the photoshop and see how it looks!

 

That first pic looks exactly like my old '32 five window! Model A rear cross member and spring gave it that exact height! 304" flathead, Evans heads, Potvin cam, Culver City Hali Q.C., UN chopped.
Car was red and chrome...Chrome shop owner hired me to polish, allowed me to polish my own stuff and he chromed it. Body, frame, shell, rear axle housings were red.
I would plot murder for your Deuce, just like that. It'd be black...

 

They look good chopped.....they look good stock height.....lots of hot rods have a chopped top......save your time and money and don't bother chopping it.

 

If I didn't chop it, I would seriously look at channeling it or run it full fendered and no matter what, stance is a must to get it right!

 

I have the box of bits i took out of my 5 window.
Its like gold! Hahaha

Tony

 

Just get one of each...

 

You will soon find out the cost of having someone else, especially a high end shop, do your work will put you in the 6 figure bracket quickly. Bodies @ $20K, Chassis @ $15K, Paint @$40K, Upholstery @ $15K plus engine and transmission @ $10K + stop most people from proceeding with their original plan. The solution is to seek out shops/backyard builders with a good reputation and negotiate your prices fairly. We have many quality places that are 1/2 of what you will find in the big name shops. Why? — They don't have the overhead to figure into the hourly rate.

 

The Kennedy's are responsible for a lions share of The TRUE traditional cars in southern California their shop is 2 blocks away from so-cal in pomona , on east end st. ... There is a chance they might have even origionally assembled your united pacific body...

They know how to build righteous cars if your willing to listen to their advise

 

You need to do like You first think to do.

I do not like Original height 5w deuce cabin. Looks like T-ford.
I do not know how to say it english, but if skin in Your hand arms looks like "chicken´s skin" then You succeed with Your hot rod!

Top is one thing and You need to think another details, specs too,..... All together makes hot rod.

Aulis

Here pic of my 5w. Not too low to drive ( 8 summer = total 120 000km (+70 000miles) and good Rock´n´roll feeling when top is lower.

 

Chopped=hot rod...