To Chop or not to Chop (my 5 window deuce)

The best change made to my 3W was to cut the top 2 1/4". It made the body to roof proportions correct, in my opinion. My car is full fendered and sits fairly low. I think a highboy needs to be cut more, like 3 1/2". Best is to gather info from mags and car events and compare the different roofs. Then when you're sure what looks best to you get it done. The FOGGER

 

I dont like to chop them because its a rare car today. Waybakwen in the 50,s it seemed they were kinda rare, even then, due to the popularity. 3 windows especially. The real reason the chops were done was for the lakes racing, [as was the rakes,big an little tires,channel and sectioning,4 carb flattys,etc] some guys made their racers into street machines, and some just liked the look and copied the racers. They looked cool pulling into the drive-in,and it was different. Well today its about the same reasons, 'except'-- they are 'rarer' but 'not' different anymore. The influx of the fibergl*** bodies in any figuration you want, has made them almost commonplace. So if you really like the chopped look you can get what you want and not change an original body. just my opinion.

 

If this is your first chop it will probably definitely devalue the car. A Deuce is a very expensive place to practice. I personally prefer a stock height for the comfort factor. I am very tall (almost 5' 10") and find many chopped cars cramped. Have you driven a chopped car before, if not you should.

Charlie Stephens

 

unless you where a top hat they look alot better chopped .
I don`t know where sask is ?
but I have a shop just west of austin and I chop tops ! and build hot rods
if I can be of any help call me Casey`s Customs 512-825-5547

 

If you do chop it, save the pieces you cut out. Someone might want to "unchop" one, and you could get some decent s**** price for the cutouts.

 

THANKS OLLIN for the photoshop work. That's awesome of you to take the time to do this...this really helps out.

 

fuggeddaboudit...

 

Great minds must think alike! Thats my plan too. Traditional highboy (possibly chopped) with a flathead and my full fendered unchopped tunnel rammed 2-4's 355 SBC with a Muncie 4 speed and a Halbrand Champ rear.

 

Amen!

 

5 3/4'' up front and 6'' out back...CHOP IT MANG!!!

 

It depends on who you are selling it to.

I have a real good friend that has two a gl*** one (he makes gl*** bodies) and a steel one. Guess which one is chopped.

You're absolutely correct the steel original body is chopped and the gl*** one is stock height. He chopped the steel body from a pristine resored original car.

I like the look of a 5 window unchopped and a mild channel, but I'm not a deuce guy so you probably couldn't sell me either. Never the less if I was spending money on one it wouldn't make any difference to me if it were chopped or not. Unless the chop job was a real hack job.

Anyway value depends on who you are selling it to.

 

chop it don't be afraid.

 

unless its your first chop i say chop it!!!!!!! yea it takes a pair to chop it!!!!

 

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

 

Just chop the fenders and be done with it.
Then you have a nice 5 window and some custon guards.

 

Since you asked, I would not chop it. In fact, I have a '32 5-window coupe, too, and I have no intention of chopping mine. I can appreciate chopped rods and respect those who like them, but I don't actually like them myself.

 

Believe me, I understand the dilemma. I would never chop my '36. But a '32... definitely.

Look at the Busby coupe... How can you not want to chop it?

 

Unless that car is getting a heavy channel, MotorCycle fenders and perhaps a square roll bar, Chop that ****ing thing!!! You don't have to go much but I think aesthetically it needs at least 2" out of the top. The most significant Hot Rods for the most part always have chosen to chop.

 

Wow, you are going to get a ton of opinions here...

My two cents, leave it alone.

 

Looks funny with a tall roof. Easy for me to say, but I say chop it. You won't regret it. You'll have a story to tell your kids...

 

They look good both ways....get it driving now and have some fun with it and when you get bored, chop it. It will seem as if you have a completely different car just by lowering the lid.

 

chop it or trade it in for a rascal. >

 

Chop it Chop it Chop it

 

Chop it!!!!

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

I like it chopped! That looks bad *** chopped. I had a 28' model a coupe that wasn't chopped and I tell you what; going down the interstate at 70mph I wish it was chopped. It was like driving a barn door. Theres good reasons to chop it. Areodynamics, looks, and the way it feels when you drive it. Them big windows get old really quick. My 2 cents..

 

Question, are you going to chop it? Have you ever chopped a top? Do you have the right tools to do it? Do you know how to spot weld thin metal so it doesn't warp? How much does it cost in your area for fabricating?

 

Just my opinion ...

You need to evaluate each members opinon stated and the type car they own and the amount of experience they have.

1 ) Do they have a chopped vehicle ?
2 ) Do they even have a pre 65 vehicle or are they just a Computer Cowboy/Mechanic ?
3 ) How does their situation compare to yours
( their financial standing ... do they make good financial decisions ? )


Figure in the expense of chopping the 32 ...

1 ) Can you chop it yourself ?
2) If not ... How much will it cost ?
3 ) Do you have a good, qualified metal men in mind to Chop it ?
4 ) AND ... have you ever sat it and drove a chopped 32 5W Ford ?

I stated in your other thread ... that I would never chop a 32 with as nice a body as yours seems to have. But that's just me. I have owned quite a few 32 Fords over the past 30 plus years ... and I find that the nicer the body, the less modifieded they are ... the more money they bring when it comes time to sell.

In the end ... it is only your opinion that counts.

 

Thanks for your input, wise words from all that will be taken into consideration. I do have a fantastic bodyman/fabricator who will do the job if I go ahead with it. Here's a pic of his work on the rear 1/4 of my altered wheel base 65 dodge I just finished.

 

do not chop, mine leave alone what henry ford built i think 3 window more suit chop not five window good luck