Features The Chopped Convertible

Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post:

The Chopped Convertible

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When you start with a true convertible, unlike a cut coupe or sedan, it's a bit easier.

 

The Clarkaiser Shop did some early chopped convertibles.

(photos from Rik Hoving's Archives.)




Everyone knows Larry Ernst' Barris Chevy HT.
But his Clarkaiser-built Ford was equally stunning....



...And it still exists today!

 

A daunting task to say the least.When you chop the windshield, it moves forward.Then, getting the dimensions right and making it look good....time to call a professional.

 

As far as I'm concerned, if you can drive with the top down what was the point of the convertible in the first place. Something not easily done with a Carson Top.

 

I have seen some nice looking chopped convertibles. This is a couple pics of a 40 found the a HAMB and an article on the chopping a top that I may have got here as well.

 

uncle Joes '49 chevy, 409 4 speed.......

 

IMO, a really well done Carson top beats the look of any convertible (apologies to those I offend by this). The best word for one is "sexy". That white shoebox that Mo has posted looks like a whorehouse on wheels!

 

I have to agree with Big Plan Dan. A Carson tops beauty is perfection. Why take it off.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Rob Ida is finishing up a truly killer chopped 49 Merc convertible for Jack Kiely. Real mild car, Lincoln push buttons, not overly done, McCulloch blown flathead... really superb car.

 

My'40 Chevy convert has been chopped for about 30 years. I did it myself and it goes up and down like a dream. I actually like it better with the top up though. I'll post a picture or two later from the desk top.

 

There are so many variables to consider. I used the rear portion of a 46 Cadillac roof on my 39. Also I had to make the rear bows floating so it can all fold under the parade boot. I’m 6 foot two and the bow overhead is as low as I’d want to go. Subsequently roof has a bit more swoop than the classic padded top which is flatter. Sometimes form has to follow function.

 

The priest that owned it(Father Larry Ernst) Might take exception to that comment Big Plan Dan ....
I love convertibles as well as Carson/Hall tops but as has been mentioned it takes a really well done convertible top chop to make it flow like a Carson. And as far as I can tell the majority of Carson topped cars were converts to begin with. Back in the day they incorporated the wood header and latching system from the front of the convertible top.
I think the trend to cut the roof of a 2 dr and put a Carson top on is a newer reality. JMHO...

 

I love Carson tops, but I`d rather have a chopped convertible any day of the week. People that have the fiberglassed tops don`t look good at all. They just don`t flow.

 

Padded Carson tops are cool. I think a real chopped convertible or roadster top is special...especially white. Mostly like them up. Something about the contrast in color and texture between the body and top...like a white pair of gloves or hat or something.

 

Paul Cepeda chop.

 

The challenge of keeping the folding top is worth having a convertible.

 

"348"

 

love this style custom
having a functional top makes it even better
seems like most were Carson topped during the tail dragger days
wonder if most were restyled to resemble the sleeker European cars of this era

 

HAMB'er Bob K's great drop top.

 

(From Pep Classic Cars)

 

If I remember correctly, this one was chopped when near new (1939-40?)

 

I'd love to see this one with the top up.

{From Rikster)

 

Here is a 40 Ford convertible with a similar windshield height to the one above. The flatter roof is more complimentary to the car.

 

The only pic I have of this 40, but it kinda shows what the top looks like.

Mick

 

Super, Mick. Thanks!

 

This was at GNRS 2011.

 

That thing is just perfect!
Most people would not even know that it's been modified.
Thanks for posting!