I don't think soda would handle the layers and layers of paint on this thing... And I know it can't handle the rusty spots! Probably would have to be something a little more stout than baking soda
Got started yesterday doing all the prep work so Stinson and I can chop it today as soon as he gets here. Started by taking all the trim and windows out of the door. Then I stripped some paint and rust on the inner roof skin so I could see where to drill out all the spot welds. 43789 holes later I was able to pull the entire skin out pretty cleanly. So that left just the roof and inner supports. This will make it easier to cut the top off and also use a hammer and dolly when tacking it back together. Conduit because we can do it! Braced the cab to keep the flexing at a minimum. Something else I've been meaning to do was make some type of offroad ready welding cart. I couldn't see spending $100 or more on a big wheeled cart so I picked up this dolly and made it work haha Also been scoping this truck out locally I think it's a '58? Well on to chopping, more updates tonight!
I like the idea of cutting out the inner liner for the roof to do the chop. Lots of work but it will sure make things go a lot nicer.
Love your truck! I'm working on a '50 AD myself, keeping the OG frame but adding an S-10 front clip. Good Luck! I'm 100% convinced you'll reach your goal of driving that beast to Texas!
Ok wow. Awesome day. Couldn't have asked for it to go any better and definitely couldn't have asked for better help. Thanks a ton mr Stinson for coming out today and throwing down some serious work. Thanks Patrick for stopping by and lending a hand... It was cool to meet someone new from the HAMB too. And now to the updates...
Let's see how quick and simple I can make this with as many pictures as possible... Marked it with some striping tape and sprayed some paint over it. Mr Stinson was on cutting duty. This guy is the best I've ever seen with a 4.5 Cut cut cut! And dropped down for mockup. Loving the full-size dropped backed window. More mock up
Convertible? What?! And split it a couple relief cuts Like what I'm seeing Using some angle iron to help line things Later on that evening I'm happy. Took 3 out in the back and about 3.5 up front. Didn't lean the posts back or in any. Relief cuts in the back and split the front half in two pieces to keep the posts stock.
It made cutting and working the roof so much easier! Aww man don't lie we were just cutting some stuff up haha
Naw, it looks bitchin'. Glad I was able to come out meet ya'll (I am from MS), and hand stuff to you. Oh yeah, and eat your pizza. I feel the need to chop something now. Well, my feet made the pictures. Sweet!
I love that you kept the back window full sized. I always thought it looked goofy when guys chopped the rear windows into non-existence.
Love the CHOP!!! Good pics through the process too. As for the soda...it will take it to bare metal. I have taken some parts to my local soda blaster that were just as layered and had just as many years on it and they came back like new. He even took undercoating off inner fenders of a buddys impala that had been there for 30+ years. That stuff was just a goopy mess when we tried removing it at the house. As for rust, it won't clean it...it will cut it a little, but that is a limitation of the soda. It will cut off that paint though.
Well I'm hoping I can buy a nice big compressor/tank when I get a tax return. Then I can blast it and paint it myself...
Semi accidental wedge chop for the win! haha Good luck on the door tops. Thanks for the help low-n-slo54!
Haha I think it looks good with a little more out of the front and untouched pillars. Doors shouldn't be too hard... I hope And again thanks for all the help, and I'm glad were able to pick up a key element to your roadster project.
It's hard to believe that I only have 86 more days until I leave for the Round up in this truck. I think I'm going to have to make it run pretty soon here... I guess I'll spend the rest of this week working on finishing up the chop and then after that I'll be super-focused on getting it running and then driving. Hopefully I'll have it out on the road by late february at the latest so I can put a few miles on it and focus on a few more KUSTOM touches I have planned...
The chop looks good. I like how you left the rear window. I hate seeing AD trucks with the tiny ass mailslot window, it makes em look goofy. Looks like you're on your way to having a killer truck.
Thanks man Now that I've got the proportions of the roof how I want it I can't stop thinking about grill, headlight, and taillight treatments that will truly set this truck apart from the other AD's that have been built.
nice job on the chop man! i have a 250 out of a 66 chev in my 53 daily driver and am lovin it. still got the stock 3 speed and 4.11 rear but i dont need to go on the interstate anyhow and only live 15 min from work.
Thanks! I haven't cracked open the rear end yet, but I fear that it will too high for comfortable highway speeds. Gonna have to do something about that with a 12 hour trip coming up...
The Jalopy Journal
