how much to chop

[dean79339]

I'm going to chop the top on my 77 and am not sure of how much I can take out without giving me headroom problems. I read an article on 73-87 tucks that said they took out 6" I think that will be to much although it looks good. I also would like better details on marking off my cuts. Any help would be great. This is the first step on a long term custom project. I hope to suicide doors/ custom dash/ shave handles/ french in the side marker and tail lights. I have searched but can't find a site that address issues like these. Any suggestions. If I can get a camera I will begin to post pictures as I go along. Thanks

[piecesparts]

BIG HINT here and something to thnk about before you do this::::::

Cut the glass first and then cut the cab to fit the glass. That way you can get your sealing problems solved easier than trying to get a glass to fit the truck after it has been chopped. Cutting glass is a specialty thing--find a guy that is good and then be willing to pay what it costs and don't cry if he charges you for more than one windshield. It is your project, not his and you will assume all costs, and windshields break easily. I got lucky and got my 68 glass cut the first time and it was done with care. By the way, they did NOT cut it with a glass cutter---they polished it down with a sander and polisher.

Second, don't go to far and then wish that it would fit better. I know a guy that has an 87 that has 4" cut on his cab---it looks great, but he keeps cracking windshields from the corners, due to flex in the truck cab. He happens to own a body shop and has a friend with a glass company. They finally glued the fourth glass into the framework rather than use the rubber mount, seems to have solved the problem.

I got my glass cut at Sunrise Glass company in Merriam, Kansas. They have had people come from all parts of the United States, just to get the glass done right. There are many years experience in their shop.

[82c10]

i say 0" the stock height of the roof looks the best

[crazy longhorn]

I did a 4' chop on my 69, & at 5' 9'' , it fits about as tight as I can deal with. For a daily driver, I would suggest a 3 to 3 1/2" chop. If you get a copy of HOW TO CHOP TOPS, by tex Smith, you will have all the info you need on chopping tops & cutting glass. As far as the door glass in your truck, you may opt for lexan, as the curved tempered can be made......but VERY pricey! http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn