Learning a New Craft: Chop Top

[Swar]

Well the C10 and I have entered a new realm. I've been planning this for awhile now, and it's time to execute. This summer I found a junk cab for $200 and brought it home. Looked crazy going down the highway, but my Dad's Taco hauled it no problem.

This will be my learning curve before I go for broke on my own truck. I'm chopping it 3 inches, leaning the a pillars back and cutting and pasting the small rear window onto mine. Here we go!

[Swar]

I researched ways to chop and found I don't like how the quartered and widened roof looks on our trucks, so I'm doing it my way.

[Swar]

My rig now and what the top will look like when I'm done...

[RustyPile]

The metal part is easy.. What are your plans for the windshield??

[Swar]

Plan A: Have the windshield cut
Plan B: Have AM Hot Rod make a new acrylic windshield, and possibly vent windows, rear window

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Swar

Plan A: Have the windshield cut
Plan B: Have AM Hot Rod make a new acrylic windshield, and possibly vent windows, rear window

Before you resort to "plan B", you might want to read this:

https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/19/...-pennsylvania/

[Overdriven]

If you’re willing to move the rear window opening around I’m sure you can get the stock glass back in there. Personally I think it would look better with the stock glass than cut down to about the size it is now.

Have you cut the windshield pillars down at all in these pics?

[Overdriven]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

Before you resort to "plan B", you might want to read this:

https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/19/...-pennsylvania/

Only the “chain” repair shops will even think to check for the markings windshield mfg put on them during a yearly safety inspection. Maybe a state trooper if you’ve really pissed them off. And he won’t be able to get insurance to pay for a new windshield through glass coverage.

[Swar]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

Before you resort to "plan B", you might want to read this:

https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/19/...-pennsylvania/

I've dealt with the state about this truck before. I had to get an "enhanced safety inspection" and a modified title because of all the framework. In other words, give us more money to drive on our roads... that you already pay for. But thanks for your concern all the way down in Texas.

Originally Posted by Overdriven

If you’re willing to move the rear window opening around I’m sure you can get the stock glass back in there. Personally I think it would look better with the stock glass than cut down to about the size it is now.

Have you cut the windshield pillars down at all in these pics?

I've seen chops with both the full large rear window and chopped large window. It doesn't do it for me. I like the small limousine window look.

The A pillars have been cut but probably need a little more taken off to level the drip rail. I have to lean them back first.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Swar

The A pillars have been cut but probably need a little more taken off to level the drip rail. I have to lean them back first.

Yeah, I've read that on the normal chop a little more has to be taken out of the front to make things set level. I've seen a few where the front of the door window opening is wider than the rear.

I bought this truck for the SWB frame and bed. I think it was chopped 5 inches. If you look close you can see that the door window is wider at the front than the back.

LockDoc

[Swar]

Yea I don't like that look, I'm measuring off the green tape to make sure it stays level... 5 inches just seems too much though. I think 3 is the magic number for these trucks. The windshield has the perfect lean to it. Did some more cutting and grinding last night. I've got the pillars almost where they need to be.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Swar

Yea I don't like that look, I'm measuring off the green tape to make sure it stays level... 5 inches just seems too much though. I think 3 is the magic number for these trucks. The windshield has the perfect lean to it. Did some more cutting and grinding last night. I've got the pillars almost where they need to be.

That's why I sold the cab. Too much for me too.

LockDoc

[TheRocket]

Who cares about the pickup. Tell us about that Triumph in the background!!

[Swar]

Haha you're in the wrong forum pal. ok the Triumph is my Dad's it's a '77 Bonneville 750cc pretty much all original, bought it new in '78, and he still rides it.

[richards72chevy]

Very cool chopping tops is kind of becoming a lost art.