Chop the top on my 1947 Ford Pickup

hotwheels · Oct 22, 2010

Well, i am a little nervous since this is going to be the first time i have ever done this. I kind of wanted to keep the top the way it is, but everyone i show it to says i should chop the top. So, what i have done so far is; i measured off of the frame up to where i felt the rear window of the cab could be moved down without allot of changes. I then took a level and walked around the truck with the level and drew a line where i am going to make the cuts. I too measured down 4" inches since i am taking that much out of the cab. My lines are now all the way around the cab and doors. Here are the pics of my layout and i will be cutting the cab off with a sawzall.
I know before i make the cuts that i need to reinforce the cab, so i will be using heavy rebar and weld it to the inside of the cab.

Wish me luck.......oh, and i added a picture of the rims i am planning on running.

kzoldman · Oct 22, 2010

Just make sure to cut on the right side of the tape, unlike some people (me)

. Also remember if you can cut it you can weld it. You are going to find that top is kind of shaped like a bad built pyramid with all the angles off, it's called a turret top I believe. It is a little tricky but if I can chop one anybody can LoL.

Have fun and yes it will look good chopped.

rainman · Oct 22, 2010

Good luck and keep us posted!!

hotwheels · Oct 22, 2010

The cut is made

Well the top is off. I checked and double checked my measurements, i removed all of the windshield molding and the glass. I welded in my rebar in a bunch of different directions for strength and removed the top. Here are the pic's with the top off of the truck.

I have to admit it was pretty scary making that first cut, but i figured if i mess it up, i will just get another cab. After making the first cut and i relooked at what i was doing, i am pretty excited. I am going to be sure to take my time and make sure all of the metal lines up nicely, i hope anyways.......

And thanks for the headz up kzoldman, i double checked which side of the tape i was on after reading your post.

willierat · Oct 22, 2010

That was fun, Huh! Wish I had braced mine first but I was to ready to cut. I think I finally have everything back in line though. Wish my cab was that nice.

hotwheels · Oct 22, 2010

4" chop top complete

Thanks willierat i really appreciate the kudos man. I just finished cutting the full 4" inches around the top of the cab. I temporarily placed the top back on the body so i can get an idea of which and where i need to go from here. Check it out:

nos487 · Oct 22, 2010

Looks good, I am just not that brave.

hotwheels · Oct 22, 2010

nos487 said:
Looks good, I am just not that brave.

I wasn't either, but i figure the worst i could do is ruin this cab and have to buy another one. hehehehehe......Thanks for the kudos too.

kzoldman · Oct 22, 2010

Now, see how much better it looks with 4" off the top

goose-em · Oct 22, 2010

Looks like fun. I love chopin tops, sectioning and channeling. Lot of work but huge rewards.

Can't wait to see a little more.

Bowtiestang · Oct 22, 2010

Looks good[

rainman · Oct 23, 2010

Guess you already found out its easier to make the top cut first? Looks good so far, take you're time and think it through and you'll be ok.

ratrodney · Oct 24, 2010

Looks great dude!

RR

hotwheels · Oct 29, 2010

raised rear cab window

After a little bit of thinking, i really didn't like how low my rear cab window was going to be from behind. So i measured up 3 1/2" above the top of the glass onto the metal and cut it. I then flipped the window upside down and rewelded back onto cab. Here are the before and after pic's.

kzoldman · Oct 29, 2010

Looking good! May even give you more rear view when driving.

rainman · Oct 29, 2010

Great idea, it actually makes the top look lower from behind.

hotwheels · Oct 29, 2010

thanks guys, i am pretty excited about the look. It was a hard decision too, cause i thought the lowered look was alright, but after thinking about it for a while and thinkin about installing a rearview mirror, flippin the window seemed like an excellent idea.

Sam_Fear · Oct 29, 2010

Good thinking. And good results.

Neverdone · Oct 29, 2010

Looks like its coming along great! I am still trying to find the marbles to start cutting my dodge.......

hotwheels · Oct 29, 2010

Thanks guys, i really appreciate the kudos........Okay, i moved the line on my cab ahead 6" inches so that i am far away from the curve of the cab. Then i took 2 pieced of angle iron and welded them level off of the bottom inside of the cab up to the roof. I cut a 1/2" off of the angle iron and then i torched a couple pieces of flat metal with the curve of the current roof line. Hopefully this will allow me to set the 2 pieces back in place. It's pretty sturdy so i am comfortable that the 2 sections will go back together pretty easy.

Chop the top on my 1947 Ford Pickup

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