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Customs Another '53 Chevy Chop?!? Pinstriper40 style!

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Pinstriper40, Jan 11, 2018.

  1. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Well, here goes... I was asked by a friend to chop a car for a friend of his. The car is a '53 Chevy 2 door sedan. It's airbagged, and not exactly my style (I like chrome!) but I respect where the owner of the car is going with it and his passion for it! He's always wanted a chopped "sled" so finally he's getting his Chevy chopped... By me!

    This isn't going to be a conventional chop. I've taken a few extra steps so far in the sail panel or C pillar area to give it the look that we've decided on. Radical, but practical; an exercise in doing things a bit differently from most '49-53 Chevys out there. I might throw a "curveball" at the B pillar as well...

    Please follow along over the next week as this project progresses! This is the result of one day's work.

    Enjoy!
    20180110_100048.jpg 20180110_112401.jpg 20180110_114356.jpg 20180110_174107.jpg 20180110_174126.jpg 20180110_143726.jpg
     
  2. 504640
    Joined: Aug 8, 2011
    Posts: 533

    504640
    Member

    I'll be watching............
     
  3. Donuts & Peelouts
    Joined: Dec 12, 2016
    Posts: 1,193

    Donuts & Peelouts
    Member
    from , CA

    Pinstriper40 likes this.
  4. brady1929
    Joined: Sep 30, 2006
    Posts: 9,254

    brady1929
    Member

    I will too. Nice job.
     
    Pinstriper40 likes this.

  5. 54reno
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 139

    54reno
    Member

    Watching also. Would like to do mine someday.
     
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  6. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Great!
    thank you!

    Sounds good! I plan on booking a few around the country this year, if you'd like my help we'll talk! Stay tuned!
     
  7. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Sorry in advance for the fuzzy photos, my phone's photo lens is scratched up. I'll take a series of clear photos when I'm done.
     
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  8. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    The rear window is now set in place. I moved it forward and laid it down, avoiding the trunk support and elongating the tulip panel in the process. I'll add the filler strip next.

    20180111_170630.jpg 20180111_150418.jpg 20180110_174805.jpg
     
  9. 0nedon
    Joined: Oct 20, 2017
    Posts: 348

    0nedon
    Member

    TOO bad the member introuble with the '54 chop nightmare isn't closer to you! Looks like he could really use your help.
     
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  10. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Tulip panel filler piece is in. It'll take a minimal amount of filler when fully welded up.
    20180112_121147.jpg 20180112_121206.jpg 20180112_130313~2.jpg
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  11. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    More progress today. I got the sail panels basically done, on to the B pillars tomorrow.
    20180114_163113.jpg 20180114_163120.jpg 20180114_163135.jpg
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  12. cretin
    Joined: Oct 10, 2006
    Posts: 3,066

    cretin
    Member

    Looking good. Looking forward to seeing more.
     
    Pinstriper40 likes this.
  13. 54reno
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 139

    54reno
    Member

    Nice work. Looks great.
     
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  14. SquintBoy
    Joined: Mar 19, 2011
    Posts: 101

    SquintBoy
    Member

    I like the quarter window rear detail. Looking good so far!

    sent from the red phone
     
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  15. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Thank you! I'll post more tomorrow evening, just doing finish welding and grinding today.

    Thank you very much!

    Thank you! The quarter windows are 3" shorter lengthwise than stock, so I reshaped the rear curve. They'll need a skim coat, but they'll look good! Thanks again!
     
    cretin likes this.
  16. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Just about done! I'm just handling the metal work, including the garnish mouldings. I'll post a few more pictures when I'm finished with the doors and B pillars. There really isn't a bad angle on this car, which is the point, isn't it?
    20180116_175816.jpg 20180117_153558.jpg
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  17. rmorris
    Joined: Jun 3, 2017
    Posts: 102

    rmorris
    Member

    Chop looks sweet
     
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  18. VOODOO ROD & CUSTOM
    Joined: Dec 27, 2009
    Posts: 1,287

    VOODOO ROD & CUSTOM
    Member

    NICE WORK.

    VR&C.
     
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  19. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Thank you! On to garnish mouldings today.

    Thank you!
     
  20. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    I fixed the drip rails where they'd been hit with the sawzall. I'm about done with my part of the chop (metalwork). The owner is going to do the body work and paint. I've got full confidence it'll turn out great!
    I started on the garnish mouldings today. I found the best way to do it is to hold the bottom of the mouldings in with their respective screws and work from front to back. The quarter window was trickier due to it's shortened length and tighter curves. More pictures tomorrow!

    As far as "custom theory" or "chop theory" goes, in this case it was very easy to retain the stock drip rails. The drip rails form a very nice definitive line that gives the top a "set" look, which allows the viewer to appreciate the other aspects of the top. The C pillar is neither too thick nor too thin. The angle of the B pillar follows the natural door gap line. The rear window is set at an angle that allows for as much rearview capability as possible, while maintaining the flow of the top. This is very important for a couple reasons.
    I personally hate rear windows that are simply laid down at an extreme angle. This is neither traditional nor practical.
    For an extra days worth of work a rear window can be moved forward in the tulip panel area laid down a certain amount to enhance the roofline and continue the flow of the roofline. Doing this also helps avoid flat spots in the C pillars from certain angles. (Front or rear 3/4 view).

    Anyway, I did it this way because, to me, it's a practical chop with good proportion and visibility. 20180118_111614.jpg 20180118_121342.jpg 20180118_131037.jpg 20180118_094611.jpg
     
  21. Donuts & Peelouts
    Joined: Dec 12, 2016
    Posts: 1,193

    Donuts & Peelouts
    Member
    from , CA

    Great job, that extra day of work was worth it. Learning from this thread thanks for sharing

    Sent from my SM-J727T1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  22. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    After 12 days of welding, grinding, and fitting, I'm done! I finished last Friday, but have just gotten pictures of the top in primer so I'll show them now. All of the garnish mouldings are done, and it's back to the owner's garage to get ready for the car show season.
    To quote the customer:
    "It's great, got it home yesterday in the garage. Ready to start working on it today. You completed making my 53 the lead sled it was meant to be, thanks so much for all your hard work. You have unbelievable talent at such a young age keep it up."
    I'm happy to do so, Stan! If you're reading this I really appreciate the opportunity!
    image7.jpeg image4.jpeg 27067347_1548611895174373_3095821455916039517_n.jpg 26993815_1548611921841037_2244048692614449822_n.jpg 27331794_1548611901841039_2468306581131670607_n.jpg Resized_20180124_083619.jpg
     
  23. Rick & Jan
    Joined: Apr 9, 2008
    Posts: 536

    Rick & Jan
    Member

    You did good Joel, she looks great! Wanna hack on my C'Dan??
     
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  24. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Send me a message Rick!
     
  25. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Update: the owner has re-done some of the body work and put the car in grey primer. 20180706_1136131.jpg 20180706_1136331.jpg
     
  26. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,179

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    Congrats on the unique but, good looking chop
     
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  27. Pinstriper40
    Joined: Sep 24, 2007
    Posts: 3,602

    Pinstriper40
    Member

    Thank you! I'll get a side profile shot with skirts on soon.
     
  28. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 17,097

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Looks good. Can’t help but think my next step would be raising the front wheel openings.

    Looking forward to the photos of it with skirts!
     

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