I have a 1962 T-bird That I am planning to chop soon. I am already planning this chop. I have performed a couple of chops already but never on a roof line like the t-bird. I would love to see some chop in progress pics for one of these bullet birds. I am thinking of about a 4 1/2 inch chop. my self. I have added some pics of some cool chops on theses birds. If you have any more cool pics of these birds chopped please post then..But I would realy like to see some chops in progress on one of these
I think the best way to do the rear window on these bullet birds would be to lay it forward. It seems to make the rear c-pillar look thinner & gives the over all desighn of the car a more of streamline look. The 2 pics below show the diffrence in the way the back window can be done. which version do you like?
It's not a bullet 'Bird, but I'm doing my '59 'Bird. Sunk the windshield into the cowl 2". I had made the top of mine removable before, and am still trying to decide what to do with the rear window/back of the top. I don't care for the heavy C pillar, which looks even thicker chopped. I think I'll lay the rear window foward, like you are thinking of doing with yours. James D did a nice photo chop for me here showing some different top treatments. 4 1/2" seems like a lot, they look squashed to my eye with a heavy chop like that. The black one you picture looks like the C pillar is left alone, while the red one has the window leaned forward? Brian
I agree with you brian about the squashed look..i ment to put 3 1/2 inch chop..not 4 1/2. And i totaly agree with you about the heavier c pillar look when you chop these cars. I think that leaning the rear window forward is the best way to go. 1 of the things I am not sure about is how to redo the vent windows..I have never had to mess with them before.
agreed: chop the top, then section the C pillar and sink at the top/lay the rear window forward? (break up the C pillar mass)
The red one is by John D'agostino it's called the Firestar, that one looks way cooler, especially the rear windowarea, here is a good link - maybe googgle translator could help http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...7agostino+firestar&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbs=isch:1 some more birds http://www.salguod.net/gallery/good_guys_2005/1962-ish_Thunderbird-5-photo.jpg http://images50.fotki.com/v399/photos/0/223020/7976662/Picture37-vi.png firestar rear http://files.americar.de/images/2009/09/629a2729297ec58a351bc0c261d647ff.jpg
thanks for the links Abe Lugo. those are some cool birds. I dont think the purple one has been chopped..if it has it was only an inch.
I would still like to see some chops in progress of one of these cars. old or new pics dont matter. thanks guys.
I found a few pics of a a chop in progress but they are after the chop was done & before being painted. Looking at the pics confirmed something I was thinking..because of the shape of the rear window, when you lay it forward you have to sink the outer corners into the body..I guess you could have the bottom tips of the glass cut.
Here´s a photochop I did a while back. I think it´s a mistake to try to lean the rear window forwards very much. I added stainless cladding to the sides to match the front bumper.
I like the paint scheme you came up with on this one. I am planning on going with one of the hot rod flatz colors for. But my opinion is it looks better to lay the rear window forward more & thin out the look of the c pillars
Well it´s your choice. I think the most important thing is not to over-do the chop. Less is really more.
Im still hopeing someone post some pics of a chop in progress of one of these birds. If I have to be the 1st to post pics of a chop in progress on my bird then everyone will have to wait a few months on those photos..part of the down side to being in the army..currently my tbird is in TN & im in TX...I tell you what...It realy sucks not haveing anything to work on at the moment.
Here's mine as it sets. Haven't touched it since this spring (other projects) when I started sinking the w/s, but you get the idea. I agree with James D, less is more with the top chop on these things. Just enough to make people scratch their heads and think "What's different about this?" Brian
I would say it looks best to move the rear window forward to match the original roof profile, and extend the deck area between the trunklid and roof. This would probably involve custom glass or using something from another car. As much as I like that red one (did Oz do it?) I think the angle of the rear window is too severe for my taste. Good luck with it man, I really like those '61-63s!
flyingbrian48..I just went & read your thread about sinking your windshield. great thread man. I had an interesting though..I wonder if anyone has ever laid the front windshield back instead of cutting the glass or sinking it...just a thought..lol
Shouldn't the great and powerful Mr. Oz be given honourary 'Master of HAMB' status, in spite of his post count? Your work, sir is impeccable and inspiring.
That being said, I have always thought the Square and Bullet Birds would look good with a clean chop and the fins removed.
Thanks for the info OZ..I realy do love the work you did on that 63. Do you have any progress pics of the chop you could post on here?
The in progress pics you posted are of OZ's 63. It's the candy tangerine one in the previous posts. Hands down the best bullet bird chop ever, but no suprise really when you know who did it.
yeah i know its the same car..but in the pics i posted the chop has already been completed and they are doing body work..i am wanting to see pics of him actually doing the chop..It would help me plan my chop.