chopping a 32 sedan

Can anyone give me some pointers on where you need to make cuts on chopping a 32 sedan or any tricks or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking at taking 3 1/2 inches out.

 

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If I were doing this I would cut the back in the middle of the window height because of the curveture of the quarter windows. You will nned to stretch the top unless you plan on moving the top hinge. You will need to fab the rain gutter and top to fill the gap. The doors are easier,you can use the verticle pieces to legnthen door top. I would make templates 3 1/2 inch wide to mark the body with. I would tack the doors shut to keep the body aligned while the top is off. I have a 32 sedan as well but have not cut it yet. That will be a special day! Post some pics!
Oh yeah, try to chop it with it mounted on a frame.

 

Another deuce sedan going under the knife.....yah! Heres a couple thoughts or tips. As allready mentioned bolt the body to the frame YOU ARE GOING to use. Fit the doors before any cutting. A carbide blade on a skill saw works great to acheive even cuts on the post. Lay out all your cuts and then go back and recheck everything. With a 3 1/2 inch chop you will need to cut the door tops and roof (thru drip rail) You will have about a 3/8 inch space to fill in. I took a lot of pics when I cut my tudor (4 inch chop) but lost most of them. Heres a couple that I can share. Your gonna have fun!!! Steve

 

as the parts are going back togather it sometimes takes some pulls and pushes to things lined up prior to welding. All part of the fun......Steve

 

I chose to only take 2 inches out of the back window on my body.......didn't want a mail slot rear window. I took 2 inches out of opening and 2 inches out below window. If the bottom part of my sedan looks a little off its because it is sectioned........the belt line up should give you a reference though. Happy cuttin! Steve

 

Thanks alot steve for the info and the pics that helps alot.

 

If your body is a little rough like my 33 plymouth is then what I did since I didnt have a floor I cut from the bottom of the rear window to the non existent fenderwell,then simply moved the whole rear panel forward to meet up with the roof line.Didnt have to relief cut or nothin,because the rear was way off after whackin 5 1/2"out of it.Then in the middle of the doors I stretched the tops and the roof line an inch.Weld the doors shut by little tacks and run bars inside like an x for bracing .goodluck and dont chop it on your lunch break like I did.

 

I'm in the midst of finishing up the chop on my '32 5 window. It's pretty much the same process. A couple tips: Remove the skin from the A pillor from bottom to top before you make the cut through the structure. This will give you the material, intact, to make a smooth transition. When you cut the top to lengthen it make your cut at the widest part, near the back of the door. Cut verticly half way then a horizontal cut of about 3" then the rest of the verticle cut. This horizontal cut gives you an area you can clamp together while adding the 1/2" to 5/8" infills. Don't bend the posts, add to the top. Make the cuts in the front of the doors just below the curve. This makes it easier to create a smooth transition. It all takes a little fiddling around to make it all work out. Don't forget to take inprocess picture, you'll be glad you did. Good Luck, dirty dug

 

I am also chopping a 32 5-winder, just a little bit, 4 inches. I agree with all the pointers, just want to suggest that you make sure all is lined up before welding. I hope you are working with material that is a little better than what I am. Mine is a little rough aint gonna be the most accurate car out there , but gonna be fun.

 

I sleeve the post whenever possible. Makes fit up much easier, and gives you a much stronger joint.

 

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Put lots of bracing in the interior before you start cutting,to keep it's shape.