I need your Opinion on my 47 panel

I started this build in Jan, I chopped the top in paint program and didn't like it. But the idea kept bugging me, so I did it again but this time I shortened the body length by 2 feet. I have reached a point of prep, that this would be the time to do it or leave the idea.
What would be the best cross bracing to hold the dimensions. I just need some good tech suggestions so I don't screw it up and this has been the place to get great ideas. Thanks in advance for positive or negative, I need to get your thoughts.

The way she sats now. After the chop and section



Im not that good at paint program but this is some idea of what I am thinking.

 

Really dig all you've done ... shortening the body is EXACTLY the right touch! What are you thinkin' about for paint?

 

Thanks Garry! That kinda gave her attitude huh?
I had thought about pearl white but not dead set on it yet

 

Looks good, gonna run fenders? I think it needs to be a dark color, to me white on 40's and older cars make them look too big and bulky, my.02

 

Thanks Toast, I wish I new the paint program better to be able to change colors so I would see how she would look, but for now I can only imagine. My thoughts on the fenders are, I am going to attempt to make a set of dove tail slope fenders to match the panel I will be fabricating for the rear bottom panel. Im not sure if this is the proper term/name of what Im thinking is.
Im a bit nervous "just the old guy part of me" But I am going to give this idea a few days and see what you guy's are suggesting because I want it to turn out good.
So when I make that first cut, there will be no turning back.

 

Wow 4 hours later checking for Best way to approach this chop......83 views 2 posts?
What time does the HAMB I know to help out come in?

 

I think you have a great plan for the panel!
A 3/4" or 1/2" square tube frame work on the inside of the body to keep it straight should work.
Square it up before you get that far.
Maybe bolt the cowl down to a wood frame on the shop floor.

Norton

 

wow, me likey. whites to street rodderish for me. would be great to see rear fenders on.
i hope you do this and do a build thread.

 

wow i like what you did to the panel it looks great cant wait to see it with some paint good job

 

Thanks 27kid... I wasn't even thinking about mounting the cowl and thats a great idea!!!!!!! This is going to be like chopping a van "I've never chopped a van. Im really needing some ideas on cross bracing configurations to hold the dimensions. This is a pretty big area I will be dealing with and hate to screw it up.

Thanks Kiwi, I have a build thread already started. its on my profile as My Last Challenge. I have no idea what I was thinking when listed it that way. After I get done with this one, I will be building one for my daughter. I'm lovin it.....again!

 

24" looks good, did you consider 18"?

 

Support it in every direction youcan. That is a big body to keep still. What are you going to use for a roof filler? I want to do mine but the roof is large and has a pretty nasty curve to it.
good luck

 

Ian makes a good point!

Leave some space between the door and fender.

Norton

 

Yes, listen to this wise man. 4 or 5 inches, whatever you can spare.

 

I agree with you guy's. It would look better with a little spacing behind the door. Good eye guy's Thanks!

Thanks neverdone ,
I will be picking up steel sometime this week. I thought I would frame in the front floor of the cab with 1'' square tubing. I am also getting 16 gage sheet steel.

 

Bracing, will be like any chop, only doubled,
because you are taking some out of the length as well.

 

my .o2. leave about 12-16" between door and rear fender and no more then a 3-3.5" chop to keep a nice proportion of the body

 

That came out great!!. What will your wheel base be w/ fenders? I think it would look good with fenders as long as the wheel base isn't too short. my 2 cents

 

Thanks Dirty but I haven't done the chop yet, I am still gathering info so I dont screw it up when I start. But right now an extended light truck frame like S-10 or Ranger would be a great selection cause center to center wheel distance is about 128", So if I remove 18" from length of the panel it should set nice on a regular light truck frame that are easier to find as well.

 

I wouldn't shorten it quite yet. I would get my donor frame first and get that all set first. Then shorten it to fit the frame. Does look good shorten thou.

 

You all have been very helpfull like you always are!
I won't be doing anything except putting new front floor frame in this week. The chop possibly will start next week and I will post my progress on my build thread. Thanks again.

I did purchase a Non-running 1999 S-10 p/up this evening. V6 5 SPD. I will be pulling it to Louisville next weekend from Ohio. Great deal from a friend....$200.00 bucks. and before you say it....I did offer to go and get it going for him! (I may be a bit slow but Im gettin to know a few of you!) but he said nope it's yours, I just bought a new one.

Dan

 

that thing would look nasty with no fenders.

 

I personally wouldnt shorten it. It looks weird, to me, with such large wheel arches on the shortend version. I honestly think it would look great chopped and in full length.

However, having said that, if you are insistant in shortening it, I would do that before you chop it. Basically brace the body up in two sections inside the body, cut out the middle, scoot them back together and weld back up. Then tackle the chop.

If you are not insistant on the shortening, you could always do the chop 1st, then shorten after you see what you have, but I think that might throw off the porportions of the chop and the roof line flow and make more work for yourself in long run.

 

I went back into the paint program and added 6" between door and wheel arch as suggested by you guys.

And that does look better. So it will be an 18'' section removed instead of 24''
Good idea guy's!

 

Rusty, that's a darn sight gooder ! The rear fenders are so long that any less wheel base would look out of proportion.

 

I really like the way the 47 panel is coming along !
I only question I have is what are you going to do with the rear fenders ?
As for bracing the body up , I use 1"x1" square tubing welded in the best places to keep everything in place .
I am looking forward to see the 47 panel when it's finished !

RetroJim

 

This is great look, combined with the right stance it will be killer!

 

Thanks guy's!

Retro Jim, after I get the chop and secton to this point in above pic. I will be framing in the rest of the floor. I have the rear inner fender wells that I will use as a pattern.
I am also going to attempt fabricating new rear fenders. I have the old ones but they are in really bad shape.