Projects Henderson Fifty One (removable HT shoebox)

Can't wait to see you cut into it!!!
It's going to look bitchin.

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Like others say its gonna look real good think the car is really cool as it is now but i understand you it begging to be chopped

 

Not to highjack, But you have personal memories of Chuck DeWitt's Ford?
Anything you can share? (Other cars?) I love hearing custom history! thanks.

mo

 

What a neat car! I really like the grille treatment! I plan on doing the same sort of thing on my '49. I'll be looking forward to top progress and info! Keep on keepin' on!

 

Thanks! The grill just like everything else is just another recycled idea but in its own combination. Thanks for the encouraging words.

 

It should change the vibe of the car like no other mod has thus far.

 

I just ordered this 1974 Hot Rod yearly #14, it looks like it might have some good padded top build info. Any other literature that you guys can recommend would be great.

 

I remember that mag article when it was new.
Heres some more.
Torchie
http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_...s__gaylor/how_padded_tops_are_made/rc_article

 

I wish I could say I have but I was just messing with you.I wish I had a family history with that car though!!!

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Well, I bit!
Thanks for putting it straight.

 

Thanks Torchie. Every bit of info counts.

 

Here's a little bit more. (Click on the pics for text.)

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additional-how-to/86421/

 

Dude I think that's my dad in those picture! LOL cant wait to see where you go with this one, like anything though I'm sure we can get this done, If im not working a 106 hour total in one week again lol

 

I think a carson top will be a great improvement
To this project. I was that hoping from the beginning of this thread that it would happen.

One thought i have, thats not covered in the 3 links previously noted, was on the rear mounts,
Ive heard of using seat belt latches hard bolted to the top and body. Instead of bolts.
Allowing a quick removal.
Considerably easier than the other method of, a pair of hood pins and latches.

Good luck

 

Almost time.

 

So here is the big question guys, pie cut to corners or lengthen the top of the frame?

 

Which is easier, tilt the door windows and wingwindows, or widen the top's header?

 

I need to cut up the header to get the dents out. Barn landed on it.

 

How much would you have to widen it?
One of the things that I look at with a chopped top is to look at the windshield and see if the shape of the outline looks good.
Some times when people relief cut the corners and then move the posts in or out it looks funky. At least to me.
If you widened the top of the frame the corners will remain in their stock shape.
And you have to cut up the header anyways......
Hope this makes sense.
Torchie

 

Thanks Tortchie.

 

If it were me I would probably widen the top of the header then u won't have to fuck with side window angels.

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You have most likely looked at this build Eric but here is a link to Yarils shoe box and the top that he built.
If you look you will see that he made templates of the side window shape that he wanted before he started to bend the tubing for the top. The link starts at the point that he starts to build the frame. You an page forward from there to see how he does it.
Also I don't believe that he mentions having to do anything to the angle of his convertible door windows when he chopped the windshield.
Hope all this helps.
Torchie
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1950-ford-carson-top.458747/page-4

 

Well we took four inches out of the A pillars that worked out to a 3.5 vertical drop.

 

Thanks for all your help today BRENT.

 

SWEEET!!!
Break out the bubbly!

(P.S. I think I get a clue as to inspiration for the car's name.)

 

Man....

How the hell did I miss this thread until now? Fantastic build, great selection of parts. Carson top is the icing on the cake. What colour will you do the Carson top?

 

Lol, we enjoy some old time pipe smoke in the garage and the combination of colors in and out of the car reminds me of looking in a can of pipe tobacco. Good catch.

 

My 2c, but that looks a bit too much.

 

I was basing mine roughly on Chuck Dewitt's car James. Do you think it's more than his?

 

Yep looks bitchin!!!