Chop top pointers.

[Chlsnk]

I am really considdering a chop top for my 84' short bed fleet side. Im thinking leaning the A pillars back and keep the stock size windsheild , have the rear window cut down because the squashed look jus seems right. I have read through many 47-71' chop jobs but never any for the 73-87' model years jus pictures of completed projects can any one point me to a posting on this?


My biggest question is wing vent windows how are they done? It seems you can somehow cut them down or go with the custom one piece window. Will the side windows have to be altered or can they just roll up and still match the window opening? I went and chopped off the top of one of these trucks when I took a load of scrap in so I have filler material and some box tubing to reinforce the inside of the cab.Went out today and took lots of window opening measurements.

I have some time to hammer out exactly what I want to do since I will be replacing the outer rockers and cab corners before I even start a chop. It is the glass that scares me most sheetmetal can be welded back windows can't.

[smashingchuck]

back window is flat, no problem there. Windshield is safety glass, no problem there. Side windows are the issue. I've been quoted a little under $3k for windows, and it seems to be the only option for one piece glass. As far as using the factory side windows, you can. You make a longer stationary vent window, and just keep the factory side glass. Looks kinda crappy compared to the one piece opening, but it does work.

As far as your choice to keep the factory size windshield, I would reconsider. The tend to look out of proportion IMO.

[old Rusty C10]

gonna move to paint and body to give this more exposure to the people who know this best

[Chlsnk]

Thanks! http://www.flickr.com/photos/bones77...7603987228766/ Im courious to how this guy did his window.

[vintagesteel]

Originally Posted by Chlsnk

Thanks! http://www.flickr.com/photos/bones77...7603987228766/ Im courious to how this guy did his window.

Looks like factory windshield laid back.

[Chlsnk]

Thats what I figured my main question is how to do the wing vent windows
.

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by Chlsnk

Thats what I figured my main question is how to do the wing vent windows
.

The wing vent windows can just be made of flat glass. When you get done with your chop, roll the factory windows up. Make a pattern for the remainder of the opening, get it cut, and install it in the wing vent opening using some weather stripping and move the factory window guide back. The wing vent will not be functional.

I think it's important to get the length of the roof right, and to maintain the factory angle on the A-pillar. The chop on that truck just doesn't look right to me. Also I think the windshield is cut down, but the roof is the factory length.