Model A truck top chop
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OddRodsGarage
Well-known member
Nice intro Rusty.............
dmw56
Busted and Rusted on Route 66
You can chop a Model A truck with a hacksaw. You could buy the tools you need to do the job and have money left over wit what you pay someone to do it. If you don't have the tools your going to need them for a build anyway.
BillM
Well-known member
What Sam said.....and then take that bucket, or something about the same height as your seat, sit inside it and tape cardboard along the top of the windows - reducing your sight line to the proposed chop amount....I spent hours in and out of mine, negotiating between how much chop and how much could I stand to drive it chopped.....
At least in my car, I had the room to move the seats around, tip them back slightly, etc etc..you won't have that luxury...you are pretty well stuck with a very small cab. It also depends on how tall you are....
Either way, think long and hard before you cut. I'm not slaggin you, just don't want to see you go wrong...
At least in my car, I had the room to move the seats around, tip them back slightly, etc etc..you won't have that luxury...you are pretty well stuck with a very small cab. It also depends on how tall you are....
Either way, think long and hard before you cut. I'm not slaggin you, just don't want to see you go wrong...
Dirtyrat
Got Fins?
Yes, the whole measure twice (more like 10 times) and cut once is in effect here as well.
Spend a lot of time marking off with tape or other means and make sure when you make your cuts, its what you figured for the chop.
Don't forget to brace the body well so that it stays square and true when the top is removed.
If you search the build thread section, there are plenty of builds of the 30s trucks which would help you see how others have done it.
But everyone has a skill level and comfort level. No one will fault you if you have someone do the chop for you, there is a time for learning but that time may not be now if it is out of your comfort zone or skill level.
Post up some pictures when you get a chance!
Spend a lot of time marking off with tape or other means and make sure when you make your cuts, its what you figured for the chop.
Don't forget to brace the body well so that it stays square and true when the top is removed.
If you search the build thread section, there are plenty of builds of the 30s trucks which would help you see how others have done it.
But everyone has a skill level and comfort level. No one will fault you if you have someone do the chop for you, there is a time for learning but that time may not be now if it is out of your comfort zone or skill level.
Post up some pictures when you get a chance!
Torchie
Well-known member
Agreed with all of the above.
4" is a reasonable chop on a Model A. But as has been stated set it up, sit in it and see how it feels.
Compared to many, A's are a simple chop as the roof's are very square. But if it's your first. It's still your first.
There are many sites as well as U-tube posts that will walk you thru it. Also don't be afraid to ask for help.
As far as costs go to have it done. I have never paid to have a car chopped so I would only be guessing. But as to the amount of time spent. It should be able to be done in a day as there is really no fabricating of panels to be done.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Torchie.
4" is a reasonable chop on a Model A. But as has been stated set it up, sit in it and see how it feels.
Compared to many, A's are a simple chop as the roof's are very square. But if it's your first. It's still your first.
There are many sites as well as U-tube posts that will walk you thru it. Also don't be afraid to ask for help.
As far as costs go to have it done. I have never paid to have a car chopped so I would only be guessing. But as to the amount of time spent. It should be able to be done in a day as there is really no fabricating of panels to be done.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Torchie.
Flipper_1938
He recycles the right way
Make friends with somebody who has done it. Hang out with them to find out what tools are needed and more importantly...how to use those tools effectively.
Buying beer and pizza to watch/help somebody work on their project will go a long way towards making your project better.
Buying beer and pizza to watch/help somebody work on their project will go a long way towards making your project better.
Willowbilly3
A *real* tin magnet
Yeah, that would be about 90% of my builds, setting and staring. But it can also result in tearing a lot of stuff back apart if you stare too long, lol.
