1936 Ford 5-window... to chop or not to chop?

what!

 

I went back & forth about chopping my 3w for several months........finally decided not to do it, for whatever that's worth.

 

You--no chopeee! But as I say that I'm chopping my 31 coupe. Your car is a tough one to do, but they look good if done right. Tough call. Good luck. Keep us posted on what you decide.

 

3 window--- yes! your 5 window --- no!

 

No chop.

My .02

 

I say NO and I liked chopped cars...

 

As mentioned. If chopped poorly, then it's toast. They look great either way though.

 

Curious as to where the above printed chop illustration is from?

No matter what kind of car style (in this case turret topped) don't chop just for the sake of modifying or shock value, easy chop or not, its about the flow of lines. Going for a tail dragger look? Hotrod rake? Restored? Many cars don't need it, but then again I've chopped most of the cars I've built. Some cars are easier to chop by design, but in my opinion there is no easy chop and most chopped cars are poorly thought out.

 

Don't chop it, put some skirts on it and in it and drop the rear.

 

If it were only that easy. Scanned from a 50's HR or a CustomCar little mag. Can't remember which one or which issue, off the top of my head.

 

If you are a tall man..do not chop...If your short man...its your decision,but I would chop it...

 

I'm going with the no chop crowd.

 

No chop for me.

 

I would chop it ! If it were a roadworthy car that was mostly original I would probably leave it alone...

 

Another vote for NO CHOP! It works on the 3w, not so much on the 5w. And besides, there are not many all-steel ones left today!

 

Chop it! That is what I did to my '35, but, to me it really depends on your final concept-I went with a 2" chop (I think anything more looks like a stepped on Frog), but again, that's just me-

Here's mine (it's still in process but getting closer)-

 

I would chop it,
but also I've done 4 in that body style,
and it's a trickier chop.
The toughest part are the quarter windows.
At least make sure your guy is good at it,
and has a plan,
and you have the money!
The chop is alot more than just the body shell,
there's the inner window trims, front windshield frame, windwings, glass/rubber...
All those little details take as much time as the outer chop.
Not to mention a new headliner.

TP

 

Why does everybody seem to think a car has to be chopped? Ford absolutely nailed body design in the thirties, why mess with it? For the record, I'm one of those weirdos that would (and has!) walked right past a '36 three window to get to a five window of the same year. I don't like customs for the most part so that may be part of it, but a stock topped '36 on a subtle rake with a set of Halibrands or Americans or something else fun and some serious power beneath the hood is about as good as it gets.

 

A 36 Ford coupe 3 or 5 window does NOT need to be chopped. They look great as is. Why spend all that time and money to ruin the cars proportions?

 

If its a Kustom chop it if its a hot rod just dump it on the ground....

 

cut er up

 

please, don't make it look like this mess

i often ask that same question.

 

The car is too pretty the way it is.....I vote no chop

 

I love the 35-37 left alone or chopped if done right, Also, later ford business coupes 46-48 (short door) look good left alone or chopped, I suggest you get other stuff done stance etc...drive it around...don't be in a hurry...Bad idea's come from hurriedness...

 

You can think about it, but don't do it!

 

what he said!!

 

Don't chop it.
JJ

 

don't need choped..................

 

Thanks for all the great info. You guys have a wealth of knowledge I appreciate and respect. After reading all your posts, I've decided not to chop it. I'm going to reasonably lower it, work on its stance and put fender skirts on & get some classic wheels for it. That's the car for me.

It has a 1946 59AB Flathead. From what I understand it is the Ford replacement engine for the original. It turns over and runs... The next question: Keep the 1946 59AB or get a higher horsepower motor. I read the 59AB has a lot of modification options. What are your thoughts on that?

 

great news that you've opted not to chop it.