Ok, my Buick need The roof little lower. Anyone have a good place to find some info about doing it? I have chop a model A and a Volvo 121 in the past. But i need a little more info before i put the grinder in this one. Thanks Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
This an early 50's Caddy that belongs to a friend of mine. It isn't a Buick but has pretty much the same top and lines on the upper body. Not getting carried away and taking too large a chop is the key to looking right rather than squished on this roof style. I think he took some metal out of the roof above the rear window but am not positive. That might give you some ideas on how to get it right though. I don't think I got any photos the one time I saw it when he was building it so I don't know what he did with the top but he did have a parts car that he may have taken a section of the top from to stretch the top when he dropped it. Clicking on any photo will take you to the album that it is in so you can see all of the photos full size plus a couple of extra ones of it.
Thats a nice chop! I think iam going to do like 2 or 2 1/2 inch, i like when its almost dont looks like its lowerd. Dont want to destroy the "roof line" Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I don't know...I'd seriously consider not chopping. The hardtops have a lower roofline than the sedans to start with. And unless you've got really good skills and experience, it's easy to screw that car up. I think you'd have more trouble with cutting glass and modifying the trim than you would doing the metal work. If you decide not to chop it...you're done...and you can concentrate your resources on the rest of the build. Take a look at this mild custom. No chop. Looks good.
Her's a link to the Chopped Caddy http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/1101rc_1951_cadillac_hardtop/ Elwood
A hardtop chop, with wraparound glass, and full-trim is just about, if not the pinnacle of difficulty. Not for the faint of heart, or the faint of wallet. I will cut anything, and I like the roof on this one, the way it is.
Rod Powell built this beautiful '53. I know he is on the HAMB, but I don't know his user name. I'd never tackle it, but in expert hands, the results are unforgettable! (If for no other reason than he was able to pull it off!)
Don't loose all the stainless if you do cut it. A couple inches on these is a lot... Don't over chop and try and think ahead before you cur
I talked with Rod once about his Buick and I think I remember him saying that he used another cars roof on it, he's on here so he may reply to your post...
We used to have a 52 Riveria 2dr HT. Looked almost like yours. Put a 364 nailhead in it with a Dynaflow. No chop. Looked real good and ran very well. It would actually smoke the tires. Dave.
No hot tips, but here are three pics of a 52 for you to study. These cars chopped are great looking Kustoms. Good luck.
Thanks for all feedback, i like the challenge to chop it not only the look. I know all Stainless trim is a hard task to deal whith. Last winter i help d a friend to do all trim on his 3" chopd 39 mercury carson top, including build new round glass trim for side Windows. Took about 30h to complete. I hope to see some more pic or info how to start this project, iam allready have the chassie done w 96 roadmaster front and rear. /Steve
Yehh i think i have done the chassis right, runs really good. But the motor is nothing i bragd about, lol.
Little update, i get tired of looking at it just sittning in the corner last friday! So i cut it, 2" i think it was ok choice! Iam a rookie whith that english wheel...so its take some time. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
No progress ? I just got a 52 , debating on how much time n effort go into it . Lol Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The roof is done, all stainless and stuff was a pain in the a$$. Around 60h spent so far! Post some pic tonight. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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