the "what have i got to lose" shoebox section job

I used to know a religous guy that said you never build the roof before the foundation for a house. I have always wanted to build one roof first to prove him wrong.

Jeff,

I normally say don't take too much out of the sides of one when you section but this one looks good with the 5" removed. You proved me wrong on this one, good eye.

 

Hard to tell from this photo (it's all i've got, sorry), this one is sectioned about 3". I talked to the guy who did it and he said more than that you get into serious compound curves and metal work. It's a beautiful car, but a ton of work.

I did one piece inner rockers all the way from the A pillars to the rear wheel wells. Had a local steel supplier cut and bend the metal to my specs. Worked like a charm.

 

"Sectioning - the supreme task!"

Actually, in a lot of ways sectioning is easier then some chops IMHO, especially on a simple section like a shoebox (probably one of the easiest to section). More time consuming, yes, since there is so much welding. Least ways you don't deal with fitting gl***, mouldings, ect. Some people like the look, some don't but I'm in the like them group.
After 40 years of doing chops, sections, ect I'm not into it much anymore but if I find a decent shoebox Ford buisness coupe I'll section it in a heartbeat. I've always loved the Dunn car.
If your metal skills are up to it, go for it!

 

i wasn't saying i'd lose the rocker beneath the doors, just that i might run the outer skin down farther. the idea i've been working on would tie the back and front of the body together with more integrity than the interrupted pieces Ford used there. i'm just not a fan of chopped tops on everything, just as i'm not big on slamming everything flat on the pavement.
i've measured the interior structure and my conclusion is that for practicality, 4" is the safest maximum and 3" might be the ideal amount for a non-professional builder to attempt. 5" is really getting into making lots of extra cuts to remove interference points inside the back end, and dictates the same plus up front.

 

I know what you meant, basically have the skin of the door hang down to get rid of the rocker, would probably look nice.

yep 5" out of mine got into cutting off the flanges at the bottom of the quarter panel seam and the top of the wheel well flange.

jeff

 

Sectioned unchopped shoe boxes look gay, don't let any of these old farts tell you different.
Oh yeah radius'd wheel wells are only cool on g***ers. That section un chopped sedan by foose looks terrible...I don't care who built it or when it was built, the proportions of that car ****s...don't waste you're time,build it right....
Mine 2"








unchopped (gay)

 

as Jack Benny used to say... "Well."

when i see my car in a poodle skirt ****ing on a driveshaft behind the bowling alley, then i'll know if it's "GAY". you can build mine if you want; bring a trailer and a few hundred bucks.

 

don't be afraid to section it, but there are some things you NEED to do. Make REAL sure the ch***is itself is sitting level from side to side...and I do mean level.
Then make sure the body is level too.
Get the sheetmetal fitting real good before you start.
Plan ..plan.. plan .. measure...measure ..measure. If you plan it properly you should end up with a great result. Brace it really well,the sliding vertical rods would be good too.
Make your cuts as neat as possible.Some areas its a good idea to slide the top down overlapping the bottom and run a skinny (1mm) cut off wheel through both skins at the same time.
Just my .02

 

i'd heard that suggestion, sounds good. today actually is turning out nice outside although chilly, i think i'll take a long look at how to do one-piece rockers front to rear... if what i have in mind works, i'll do some pics.

 

Everyone has their own 2c and what they like ........... Plan it out, stick to you're guns and It'll come out as planned........... Good luck ........ Post plenty of pics too.

 

Go for the section job! We need a new full custom build thread and I cant think of a better subject than a shoebox section job!

 

+1, Yep a couple of the nicest sectioned shoeboxes aren't chopped.

 

WOW! I guess you have your opinion but I kinda like my car with the radiused wheel wells, and it is not a g***er, it is a custom as far as I can tell.....If we are going to judge others cars here I think yours looks broken sitting on the floor like that, why dont you put some springs under the damn thing...Jim

 

http://tinypic.com/r/a41veg/6
check out the rear wheel opening flare. I'm a new member still struggling with computer issues. I do love the sectioned look. Doc

 

^^^^^if thats your car, good luck finding it. and check out kustomrama.com, they have a lost and found section.^^^^

anyway, i always thought that shoeboxes are a little too "tall" just like the new challengers. i say "go for it", because shoeboxes are getting a bit bland, theres no new things people are doing to customize them. itll be kinda sad if it doesnt work out, but ****, we'll get over it.

 

I took your advice about kustomrama and I think they are going to do a story. Many thanks!