What would you consider a fair price for having a 30 coupe chopped 3.5-4 inch's......all welds finished, and all window trim finished.....minus the cut glass. I am located in the MD/PA/WV panhandle area. Not sure if there is anyone within 200 miles that anyone could recommend.
I would think it's about 1 1/2 or 2 day job by someone who knows what they are doing times the body shop rate per hour.. I've chopped a few but took me a lot longer...
Takes a good solid day for sure. I'm sure there are some fellow Hamber around your area that could help if you'd buy beer and food for the day. Wait, you might go broke faster that way. LOL
We just did one for a guy. 30 Ford Cp. took 2" out of it for him. He dropped it off on a Sat. morning and then picked it up the following Sat. Metal work and grinding only(Body and all Window Frames)...that was $1000 if that helps
I can offer no advice on the metal work, but when you need the glass, "Glassman" here on the HAMB is absolutely the best way to go. Read all the testimonials, mine among them, and you'll be wowed. Don't let the fact that he's nearer the Left Coast bother you, nor that your dealing with a chop. He'll walk you thru the template process, and even his packing and shipping are amazing. His name is Chris Blattie. Just search Glassman in the HAMB o dex. And prepare to be impressed.
MANY thanks for the input and the reference (Bluedot) for the glasswork. I will try to find someone that has done this a couple of times and has photos/references. Anyone in the OH/PA/VA/MD/WV area would be suitable.
My friend Bob Hilton did mine...... He knows these "A's" inside and out .... Here's mine in bare metal..... Can't speak on the price........quality should come first... And I know he is fair as far as cost Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Not an A but the going rate for a 3 inch chop on a deuce 5 window is around 3500.00 in this area. They don't seem to discount much for an A, they claim same amount of welding?
Yes, that was going to be my next question! I really think a 3 inch reduction in height adds something to an A. I completely realize this is a subjective thing and everyone will have their own opinion.
Cost to Chop 3" $60.00 For a good grinder $5.00 for grinding disks $50.00 for liguid courage to chop it and your labor for a day!!
If the wood is still there, you need to consider chopping the wood correctly (for strength) and re-installing it. $1600 is the average price here, about 2 days worth of work. But you could buy a grinder and some cutting wheels at HF for under $20 and go rent a MIG welder...... just a thought
I did a 31 2dr sedan a few months ago. No glass, metal finished, all trim and ws frame, $1300. Drop off to pickup was 2 days, but thats only because he scheduled it in with me.
i guess when you dont know how or cant do something yourself you will be stuck paying whatever someone wants that does know how. an A is alot easier than a deuce. deuce needs the roof stretched to do it correctly. unless you hack it and tip the windshield posts to meet up with each other, which in my opinion is hackery.
Your forgot the masking tape...I like the blue stuff...it is a soothing color, something you need if you are doing it for the first time! LOL
I don't disagree but you missed two other requirements...necessary skill and available time. The time I can find but the skill...I don't have it. I am qualified to be the 'help' but not the lead.
Bob did the garnish moldings as well..... And my windows roll up and down like a new car. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
If you can get it done for $1,500. to $2k, metal finished and garnish moldings and windshield frame. that is a smoking deal. Here in So Cal the big shops charge an astronomical amount to chop a car. For a 3W or 5W '32 Ford the rate is $5k and up. So Cal Speed Shop gets $10K and about the same for Walden. Both shops do excellent work and have a high overhead. I helped an old friend chop my 3W in his back yard and he spent extra time filling the roof and priming and blocking the body so it was paint ready, it took a solid week. I paid him $3k and figured it was more than a fair price. Good luck with yours.
i think your either side of $2,000 around these parts. regular retail price if you don't know somebody.
You get what you pay for as I'm sure you know. I would think for a quality chop and good metal finishing needing little filler if any would run you anywhere from 2K-3K and up.
I was quoted 5K ten years ago for a '30 Tudor sedan..that was enough motivation to do it myself, and it turned out excellent! sometimes you don't know if you can do something unless you try. An "A" is probably the best to learn on for a first chop since most of it is a straight shot, no compound curves or stretching. Funny thing is, the builder who quoted me the crazy price is a well known local/national builder who's had magazine cars told me "Why don't you just try to do it yourself, they're not that hard".
I'm Listening! There are so many good chops here on the Hamb that are well documented, it's like having an instruction manual. If you look at most of the threads regarding chops on A's, you see a group of guys with low stress doing simple but calculated work. Oh, and beer.
Forgot -Masking tape $10.00 Not to be a smart ass, But never did a chop of my own before I did my 29 dodge coupe, but did lot of reading and looking at other forums on HAMB before I started. I think my chop turned out good for the first time. And I only used one 4" grinder disk!!!
Got to get creative on help now days!!! Did not evan take off the roof- just pickup up a little. Choff
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