need 65-66 CHOPTop help!!

[Project86]

Me and a friend are starting a ratrod project. And frankly we are stumped as to where to cut. I say closer to the bottom of the window near the door and cut a section out
However the B pillar on these trucks are tapered. Anyone have any detailed pictures of how one was done

[chevy_mike]

For most tops outside of Model T's and A's, you have to quarter the top, i.e. cut it into four pieces. As you lower the roof, it has to widen because of the taper of the pillars. You then make strips of metal to fill in the gaps in the roof. There is still a lot more to take into consideration.

Honestly, if you're not sure where to make cuts, this is a project way over your head. You'll likely ruin the cab. I took a class on doing a chop on a '50's sedan and OMG, there is a LOT of work and details that go into a chop. Before you make the first cut, make sure you have braced the heck out of the cab with tubing, to keep it from sagging and twisting.

Good luck...

[jonzcustomshop]

visualize what you want to do before you make any cuts.
listen to what chevy mike said.

take a look at my 60 build in my signature, I have many detailed pics of the chop on it.

you need to make sure to measure from the drip rail to the window frame front and back , otherwise you will end up with a reverse angled chop- if you take 2 inches out of the front pillar, and 2 out of the rear, since the front pillar is at an angle the 2 inches is actually less, you have to be level and make level cuts.
here is a pic of one that was cut wrong:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285575

[BR3W CITY]

I say just look at 10 different chopped 60-66's and see if you still want to do it. 6/10 don't have windows that close, the cab sags, and you lose what little room there already is. Maybe 4 of them actually have proper proportions.

[Project86]

I definitely see what you are talking about.

I've seen a mild chop on some and my older friend likes the look of it. And being that we are pretty good at fabricating and welding and such we think we could at least attempt it.

Trust me the truck we have otherwise would be scrap material...

But as far as the rear of the truck it has us stumped. Since it is kind of a reverse triangle. It stumps us as to how to cut/section and fit it. Hence why I mentioned the idea of cutting the pillars at the (or near)bottom and dropping it down.

[jonzcustomshop]

I still cut mine at the rear in the center. I left the top portion alone, and I leaned the bottom 4 inches of the back out to meet the top. you have to cut the door edge portion away and reshape it to fit the new edge of the door. basically the bottom 1/2 of the pillar ends up with a triangle patch to finish it up.

here is one another guy did that is similar to what I am describing:

[Project86]

Actually that picture helps us out a ton!! I was thinking there could be a way to notch it and bend outward but wasn't sure!! Can you get more pics like that or direct me to the link?

[jonzcustomshop]

here is one that came out real nice:

[Project86]

Here's something similar to what exactly we are accomplishing. And I've searched for detailed write up to no avail!
Give the article a quick read and you'll see http://www.rodauthority.com/news/vid...nds-of-badass/

[65sub]

That Ratrod Coupe is pretty cool. It looks like about a 4" chop. How much are you planning.

[jonzcustomshop]

check out my build , maybe page 7 is where the chop starts:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904

there was a guy on the board that cut down a few trucks like that rat link
he narrowed them as well

[Project86]

Thank you for your build link!!! And man I'm digging the old panel looking rat rod!!

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by Project86

Thank you for your build link!!! And man I'm digging the old panel looking rat rod!!

the panel started as a truck, here are more:

[Project86]

That's amazing!!
You guys are giving us a good amount of hope!! Hopefully we can start soon and take our time. Especially with the chop!!

[65sub]

Don't forget to start a build thread and post lots of pictures. I want to watch the progress on this one.

[Project86]

Oh trust me we will
May start at the beginning of the year and take out time

How as far as the roof does anyone have reference pics of the cuts that need to be made?

And just for clarification. The rest angles pillar... Those straight cuts are used so you can bend the metal outward to match it all up?