Thanks man! Should be able to do some work tonight so maybe I'll have some more detail shots of the chop...
Top looks great, how much of a filler strip did you add to top? Are you leaving the drip rails or removing?
Drip rails are already gone... I want a super smooth look. I'm not sure about an exact measurement because I just make templates to cut out for the filler strips. Probably about 2-2.5 inches front to back and maybe an inch side to side on just the front half. For those that may be wondering what we actually did: Started by measuring and cutting 3" vertically out of the back of the cab, cutting around the bottom of the back window to let it stay original size. We then cut a 3" section out of the front pillars and took the roof off completely. We split it in half front to back in the straightest section and then put the rear half back on the truck. First we tacked the back pillars at the door jam to ensure they lined up right, then we tacked the back window just above the beltline. Then we made a couple relief cuts on each side to make the round profile match. SO WE DID NOT HAVE TO SPLIT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF. Then, starting on the driver's side we lined up the A-pillar and tacked it in place. After that was in place we used a piece of 1.5in angle in the top of the door jam to line up the door jam area. With the drivers side of the roof lined up we could see just how much the roof need to be tweaked/widened to line up right, so we split the front half of the roof into two pieces. WARNING: IF YOU HAVE A 47-53 YOU WOULD HAVE TO SPLIT IT INTO 3 PIECES BECAUSE OF THE FLAT GLASS AND "BEAK" IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOF. Next, we lined up the passenger side by first tacking the A-pillar and then tacking a piece of angle in the door jam between the front and back piece just like the other side. At this point we have a whole roof, but it's sagging pretty bad in the middle where the 3 pieces are not connected yet.... So I climbed in the cab with a 2x4 and some 12" plywood circles that I inherited with the truck and proceeded to shim up the center of the roof. With the 12" round plywood on top, the 3 pieces of roof all came up equally and we were able to simulate the crown the roof originally had.... but how to keep it like that while strips were added? Well Stinson climbed up and tacked a piece of sheetmetal to all 3 pieces creating tension in the roof to keep the crown. Now I just have to finish making strips and welding everything up...
Been hanging out with the wife... I've got a full day to work on it tomorrow so updates tomorrow night for sure!
It really looks tough out in the driveway. Looks like the door gaps are shaping up nice. Ready for a shot of the whole truck with the door tops on. Ruling...
By gum that truck is starting to look like something now. Nice chop too, just enough and not smashed.
Ok guys got a little more done... I set the old bench seat in there and strapped the s10 steering wheel/column to the dash. Yes I sat in it and made engine noises... I worked on the roof some more. All the filler panels are added and it is mostly welded up. I worked a lot today on getting the crown of the roof right and I think it looks a lot better now. Then I made one of the vent window frames fit... Not sure if I like it with or without... What do you think? And finally more mockups!
You're not hangin' about on this build... I don't have the balls, or the ability to tackle a chop. On the vent debate, I prefer the one piece glass,although yours should have them on account of the age of your truck. Whatever you do. Keep up the good work!
I thought they looked a bit big JMO. The drop glass would be to wee to rest your elbow on when you're out cruisin'....
At this point I think it looks better with no vent... But its old and should have vent windows... I might have to take a little out of it and see what it looks like then
The Jalopy Journal
