Hey guys. I'm gonna have the top chopped on my '51 shoebox. I know my limitations and am not planning on attempting this on my own. I live in Indiana and am looking for a shop that would be able to do the chop and do it right. I would like to stay here in Indiana but would be willing to go into neighboring states (KY, IL, MI, OH). Does anyone know of a good shop around here to do this? Also I was thinking it was going cost around $5000. Is that reasonable or am I way off? Thanks for the help!
Dave Kinnaman -north of Anderson, west of Muncie. He's been doing excellent custom work for many years. Just chopped a '53 Merc 2 door. 765-378-5555.
Be sure to discuss what's included in the price, because there is a lot of work in the incidentals (vent, wings, stainless, interior moldings, etc.) that may or may not be included in the estimate. Nice looking shoe, BTW.
make sure you do your homework on the shop or guy you use and ask lots of questions and try and see some pics of their work...
I would also discuss in detail what kind of chop you're looking for. Lay the rear window down or move it forward; if you move the rear window forward you'll need to fill the sail panel or extend the trunk; lean the B pillars or straight, or hardtop it. Do a ton of research before you cut a nice car.
This definitely helps and gives me a good start. I'm new to this so any info helps. Thanks again guys.
there is a bunch of threads on here about shoebox chops. do some searching and see what style you like and how much you want it cut... you have a beautiful car, and ive seen roofs destroyed from chopping attempts...there is a lot of work involved for a nice clean job. get references from other guys who have had work done..its a big step, do your homework, my buddy had anxiety and was sick to his stomach until we got his roof back on and all done
Good luck, just make sure that if you reuse any stock glass like the back window, make sure it fits good with a gasket.
In NJ, $5K wouldn't get that back in paint. Your car looks wicked nice man. Seriously. Looks like a DONE car. Chopping the top is gonna screw it all up, I promise. The body needs to be braced, doors off, all interior out, not to mention the inherent reality of hot work on a painted car... forget it. If you're looking to chop the top, you better be thinking complete repaint. And then your budget of $5,000 is totally blown out of the water. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but those are my honest thoughts.
Have you seen the Merc? It looks pretty slick. I have been pushing him to fastback that 50 Pontiac out back. That one I cannot wait for. -Ronnie
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