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Chopping the top on my 56 Pontiac

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by R.Reynolds, Jan 8, 2012.

  1. R.Reynolds
    Joined: Oct 17, 2011
    Posts: 21

    R.Reynolds
    Member
    from florida

    I want to chop the top on my 56 Pontiac , BUT the windshield of corse is a factor, and ideas on the problem, I can't lay it back like the back glass, can it be cut?
     
  2. flamedabone
    Joined: Aug 3, 2001
    Posts: 5,733

    flamedabone
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have never seen one chopped that didn't look like shit. But if you insist on chopping it, yes, you can cut the glass..it is a HUGE pain in the ass as the part you have to cut is on a heavy curve.

    Or, you can sink it, which is fabricating a pocket in teh cowl area that the stock size glass will slide down into. The idea is to still be able to fit your lower stainless trim in the stock spot, so the windshield doesn't look like it is down in a pocket. Sinking the windshield usually ends up looking like shit also.

    Hit the search button for other ways of cutting glass like blasting and cut off wheels, etc, but in my opinion, the very last thing that car needs is chopped. Get it running, lower it, do some paint work and drive that sucker.

    Good luck, -Abone.
     
  3. steveb
    Joined: Nov 11, 2004
    Posts: 180

    steveb
    Member

    From a design perspective, I think it can be done to look good. But, because of the sweetheart dip, you have to be careful, otherwise the front will looked more chopped than the rear. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I think this one (After) looks okay.
    Before.
    [​IMG]
    After.
    [​IMG]

    As far as the real stuff, dealing with the glass, I can't help you there other than what I've read: sinking or cutting it.
     
  4. jonzcustomshop
    Joined: Jun 25, 2007
    Posts: 1,928

    jonzcustomshop
    Member

    you don't mention what body style you have...
    IF you have a 2/4 door sedan , or wagon, it is as simple as finding a hardtop winshield, and cutting the top about 2 inches to fit to the lower windshield.

    if you have a hardtop (2/4) or convertible, you will need to find someone that can cut the glass....
     
  5. desotot
    Joined: Jan 29, 2008
    Posts: 2,037

    desotot
    Member

    Yes it can be cut , but it is much safer to grind it off with a glass shop aeracing machine [glass grinding machine with a vertical belt and water feed] this is a slow process but quite safe, I did a 56 lincoln premier windshield, it took about 12 hours and 15 belts. I have done quite a few windshields and only broken one.
     
  6. The Continental
    Joined: Aug 23, 2011
    Posts: 363

    The Continental
    Member
    from Texas

    Good luck. I'd like to see a thread for the mid 50s and up chopped cars. I can only imagine how hard it is to do a good looking chop on something with a wrap around windshield.
     
  7. chopolds
    Joined: Oct 22, 2001
    Posts: 6,323

    chopolds
    Member
    from howell, nj

    Yes it can be done. Did my 55 Olds back in the early 80's.
    Hardest parts are getting the glass cut (did it myself), and be sure to chop it correctly (don't do ANYTHING to change the shape of the opening...you cannot bend glass!)
     
  8. damagedduck
    Joined: Jun 16, 2011
    Posts: 2,341

    damagedduck
    Member
    from Greeley Co

  9. koolkemp
    Joined: May 7, 2004
    Posts: 6,006

    koolkemp
    Member

    If you have a sedan this is exactly how I would do it....same glass asa 56 Chevy so a new w/s wont be too costly.
     
  10. there are laminated back glass available from our friends? in china. a little harder to cut than the windshields. again you didn't mention if your working with a post car or hardtop.
    look for chopped 55-57 chev they use the same glass and are more photo's
     
  11. jazzfidelity
    Joined: Sep 19, 2011
    Posts: 370

    jazzfidelity
    Member

    lower it, shave it and modify the grill but this priceless body design doesnt need chopping! good luck on what you decide!
     
  12. R.Reynolds
    Joined: Oct 17, 2011
    Posts: 21

    R.Reynolds
    Member
    from florida

    I think I'm just gonna shave a bag it... Already got it all shaved and frenched lake pipes.
     
  13. R.Reynolds
    Joined: Oct 17, 2011
    Posts: 21

    R.Reynolds
    Member
    from florida

    Oh and it's a 4 door. With fender skirts and 56 caddy hub caps.
     
  14. R.Reynolds
    Joined: Oct 17, 2011
    Posts: 21

    R.Reynolds
    Member
    from florida

    Not sure how I want to do the grill just yet..
     

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