Chop Questions - Speak up Old Timers!!

[IronFreak]

I plan on starting my build this weekend, I have a 52' that I'm going to chop, channel and even section to some degree......horizontally and vertically. Metal and welding are nothing new to me, i don't feel normal unless in covered in metal dust......This is however my first chop. I know you going to say what I plan on doing is not for a beginner…… and I agree......but I'm still going to do it so let’s skip the pleasantries and don't try talking me out of it.

I had everything laid out in my mind on how I was going to do this, but I want some honest opinions from guys that have done a few. I was going to do a 5"-4" chop to rake the top, but split and stretch the lid. Then I read some threads that are saying that’s more work than just reliving and dropping the A pillars back. What do you guys think? I have been making up a ton of butt-welding clips to stretch it like this pic......

Want the body to have a mean rake that leans forward, that’s why I was thinking of sectioning the cab as well. I don't like the proportions of the 52’ when they chop the tops, the doors look to tall, I was thinking of something like this.....its a 46 Chevy but you get the idea......

This is what I was think for my cab....pardon the crappy Photoshop work.......

It’s not as raked as I want the top to be, but its sectioning about 5 inch out of the middle between the hinges so the door geometry doesn’t get screwed up.


This is now open for discussion guys...and gals, let me know your thoughts!!

 

[Sam_Fear]

Doesn't sound unreasonable. Somebody will probably even tell ya you're not chopping it enough - that's how we are around here.

The lean back on the A-pillars is more of a looks thing. 'Competition style' I've heard it called - my guess to reduce drag on the salt flats. I'm guessing some guys think it's harder to split the roof because of the potential for heat warpage.

A lot of guys just cut off the bottom of the cab instead of sectioning - sometimes because it's easier than sectioning, sometimes because of rot. It gives a different look too.

No matter what, make sure you'll have enough room inside - it won't look cool unless it's driven .... a lot!

 

[IronFreak]

I've just been hesitant about lopping off the bottom, these trucks have that nice swooping roll, not sure if I want to have a straight stop like this......

Maybe if I raked it up a little from back to front.....then I would probably have to do suicide doors. I like them but its already going to be low......I'm a big guy, I don;t need to make this any hard on myself haha. Dropping the pillars back might get me more of the look I want though, this thing is going to be low and wide. I like performance, and being is school I can't go buy a 20k sports car, so I'm going to make this drive like one!

 

[Sam_Fear]

IMO I think keeping the rolled rockers would look best.

 

[IronFreak]

Yeah.........I'm going to go out in the garage and stare at it now for a good couple hours while I finish making my butt-welding clips........[S

 

[Old Iron]

I've looked at some of mine for weeks deciding what I wanted to do

 

[offroadrolls]

I agree with Sam, the rolled rockers are cool. I'm no expert on chops and such but I think it would look cool if you sectioned 4" or 5" out of the middle.[S