[Cowtown Punk]

Ok guys,
I finally got the balls to chop the top on my 41 ford. The cutting part was easy, now it is time to put all the pieces back together, I cut a large rectangle around the rear window to preserve its size, shape, and curve. After removing 3 3/4 inches from the front and 4 3/4 inches from the back I welded the back windshield and corner post back together. Well the problem is that where the rear of the body and the window meet there is a curve on both sides creating a peak, about 1/2 high _/\_. Is possible to shrink the metal to correct this or hammer the peak out? I have a few other pieces that don't exactly line up also, I was welding cold roll steal to fill the gaps and just hoped that I could hammer them straight. What do you guys think? I hope this makes sense!! Maybe I will post some pics...man, what a mess!

[Dragon J]

Don't want to discourage you, but if you are describing what I think -it is a job... DON'T GIVE UP, THO!! You probably can't hammer it back without an 'oilcan' effect happening- you may need 'pie cuts'- slices to remove the puckered material at a 90 degree to the 'V', that is across the raised area, then weld and hammer/dolly back in- try to work the metal as it is hot and you'll have better luck- (the pics would be helpful.) Take your time- an oilcanned spot can be a nightmare- (and not the good kind like HK has!!) You probably needed more curve in the piece you put in. If you try to heat shrink an area as large as I think it is I'm afraid it will be too difficult. Remember don't give up and work patiently- it sounds like it will be cool when you're done!!! Any more info just ask and if you can post those pics it will also aid in responses!! Good Luck!!

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Dragon J ]</p>

[willys36@aol.com]

I'm with DJ, pie cuts are a staple tool of top choppers. Sort of a sledge hammer approach to metal shrinking and streaching but very effective. Since you have come this far, a few pie cuts should be a piece of cake.

Pictures would be real helpful.

[Old Farts]

Your's are bigger than mine! Did you get a book or somethin showing you how to do it or just jump on it?Thinkin about choppin my 41 tudor sedan, but I think I'm gonna get it mocked up and runnin first. I'm gonna put a blown small block in it but I don't want to destroy the hood that I've got, anybody got a hood to fit?

[pasadenahotrod]

Before you get off in never-never-land somewhere and get discouraged and crazy, go to Amazon or your local book emporium and see about getting a copy of Tex Smith's How to Chop Tops book. If you just jumped in there with a Sawzall and a hacksaw and air angle cutter I'm surprised you haven't shot yourself by now. You must a have a level head on your shoulders so get the book and spend a while in the chair in the garage reading up on the various techniques and tips in it. You'll be glad you did!