Projects Learning to chop project: 50 Chevy 4d

My friend has gotten a '50 Chevy 4 door as a parts car for his '50. It's pretty much gone, but he's gonna use it to show me how to chop a top on a car. He has it measured out to do a 6" chop. It's not gonna be a "perfect" job since the car is gonna be a parts car any way. But I am stoked to get the learning experience.

I don't know if you can see the marks where we are gonna chop it or not. It'll be a couple weeks before we can, but I'm stoked so I thought I'd share!

 

For a first time I would start with 2 inches. The more inches you take out the difficulty multiplies. Start easy so you don't get discouraged at the first attempt. You can always chop more out later.

 

You can NOT find a more difficult style car to chop. Not only is every post angled and curved, but it's a fordor as well. Take your time and learn a lot. Your next project will be much easier.

 

Take your time, but if it turns out great, then you have to finish the car the right way. If it's really rotten, brace it up even more than usual before you start cutting. Good luck, and post pics as you go.

 

That's awesome that you are tackling something new. You can always cut more if it's not enough. Definitely more work to add it back once it's gone. Just a thought. (Measure twice...cut once) Have fun!

 

My friend is, I guess I'll say a "seasoned" chopper lol. He has done quite a few cars. And that's part of the reason we are doing such a dramatic chop, is since it'll be harder, it'll give me more of a better understanding so when I go to chop something I should have a damn good idea of what I'm doing. In theory anyways. Hahaha. I appreciate all of the advice and encouragement tho!

 

X2 when you chop it more it's more work. To me, I make the cuts where they will go back together the easiest . One thing people might over look is cutting into area where the garnish molding go on the inside as well. Good luck , keep us posted !

 

Jimbo, @droplord49 on here has done a really nice chop on the same car. Might be good to have a look for reference material, good luck with it !

 

6" is way too much of a chop on these cars, especially a 4 door.

 

I'm currently building the same car, and am thinking about doing a chop somewhere down the line. I'll be following this one.

 

If you read the first post carefully, this is going to be used as a learning experience since the car is a "parts car". They don't plan on turning it into a finished car, and as such, probably aren't too concerned about what looks "right" for the body style..

 

I read the post and fully understood what he said.

 

Any chance of posting picture of his past work?

 

Here's some of his other work.

 

It looks like he's a good one learn from. Take it all in and learn as much as you can.

 

Ole bet that "A" doesn't corner too well, with the tierod in the front the Ackerman is fu... Up.....

 

So how is this project working out ? Post some pictures.

 

HELLO......earth calling Jimbo...

 

Sorry guys hahaha been busy lately. Only went 5 instead of 6 inches. Started on the doors. Not sure if we are gonna finish or not. Things kept getting worse and worse as far as rust goes. Hahaha

 

How about it?