I agree that the stock top is a bit tall; the side windows look like they're "surprised". The problem with most '36 3W chops is that they take too much, and lose the beautiful curve on the top edge of the window. When I decided mine needed it done, I made a template from the door window garnish molding, and cut it apart to find the right amount of cut that would retain the curve while eliminating the surprise. I concluded that 1 1/2 to 2 inches was the right number. Donn Lowe in Oregon City did the job. Although he thought I was goofy to choose such a conservative whack, we were both very pleased when it was done (DRD57 pix): PS Mick, that Valley Custom article is a wonderful find. Do they show the final result? Don't recall ever seeing a Valley '36.
50 Fraud, I saw photos of your car online on the Fotki site and loved the car and the chop. Your car is very similar to what I plan on ending up with. The online details of your car say it has a 1.5" chop. Is that correct? On a side note, I JUST got a phone call informing me that the two rear and one front fenders that I bought in Missouri have arrived here in Calif and I will be picking them up today. I will now have a pretty good ***ortment of fenders to choose the best ones from. NO RUST! Thanks for all the input.
Chop the **** out of it. Waste as many as possible! I got mine, now it's time to slam the door and raise the value of these things.....
Django, your dad's is just about perfect, how much of a chop is that? looks to be about 3" and a little out of the crown? and the top of the windshield lines up nicely with the top of the door window, was the windshield chopped less? 'always had a thing for the '36s not just the Fords either all the makes started "filling out" in the mid thirties very ***y
Yes, 1.5". Donn's surgery was amazing; the top went straight down after the cut with only one small "adjustment" cut to the right of the rear window (and slight lengthening of the top above the doors). I have prints of several progress pictures from Donn, but I haven't scanned them. Let me know if they'd be useful to you.
I love "pro" jobs like that. Makes feel like I do a decent job sometimes. That being said I still had Mad respect for GW but everone needs to know there limits. Look on the bright side. Atleast there will be one job done by him that won't be claimed by Barris :O
It is interesting that every car has a natural chop amount, where it is just matching up "tangents", usually a subtle amount. Then one more inch creates twice as much work, and 2 more inches you replace alot of the original steel. I've been thinking of chopping my 40 since before I bought it, but if I grow some balls it would be under 2"s, just to keep the stock curves, not re-design the whole top. Good luck with your project! Looks like you've got some good models to follow. TP
Some of the people on the HAMB have very strong opinions. When they see a newbe they asume they are also new to the hobby. Remember YOUR CAR, YOUR MONEY, YOUR WAY. good luck
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