Hello HAMBers! I'm Pinstriper40- a young man with a dream... to chop virgin steel! I was invited to my friend Bill Bergeron's home to chop his beautiful 1935 Ford 3 window coupe. He's had it since 1980 and it's getting close to the point of completion. He's always wanted to chop it... and he wanted it CHOPPED! We corresponded for a few months, exchanging ideas and enthusiasm for hot rodding. Enough B.S. Here are some pics.
I spent the first few hours just looking it over and taping it out. I let the layout stay in my head overnight. Bill's got a helluva auto literature collection; needless to say, I read until 2:30 am yesterday morning. At 6:30, I was up and ready to make some cuts.
Don't worry Pat, I've got it covered.... Like I said, Bill wanted his coupe chopped so you could tell it was chopped. Most of the time I'm a fan of mild chops and restraint, but this time it's a little different. I was aiming for a 3"- 3.5" vertical chop in rear and a little more in the front. I got an extra front roof section from a '35-'36 Ford fordor that has been at my Grandmother's house in the woods for years. She had moved out ten years ago and the place had changed hands a couple times since then. Luckily, it was still there, and the parts I needed were still intact!
We had an issue with my extra front roof section fitting correctly so we decided to go with the '35's original front roof section. I've got it all lined up and it's looking like it'll turn out... Pics aren't working now but believe me it's beautimous!
I got everything done except for the door tops- we decided to align the doors better before doing the door tops. Total chop is about 3" in back and 3.5" in front. The windshield frame went together well and the stock clips will cover the cuts made.
I ended up not leaning them back even though it kind of looks like they are leaned back- but thanks for the compliment! I think Bill was pretty happy with the overall quality of work and look of the car!
Well I made it back down to Bill's to finish the chop and eat some of his wife's good home-cookin'. Bill was happy with the results! Let me know what you think!
Thanks bluedog! It makes me want a 3 winda of my own! I really fell in love with Bill's car when I was down there.
After a couple years of wiring, plumbing, parts gathering, etc, Bill was ready to get his car painted. We struck a deal, and after 18 days of hard work, this is what we ended up with. I just got back from doing the bodywork and paint, and I think it turned out nice! Bill is a very happy guy! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Thank you! I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to work on this car. It was a blast! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
It's been a long time, and I forgot I never added pictures of the finished car. It turned out to be a sweetheart!
The Jalopy Journal
