[1931 steve]

Hi All. I have a 1931 Ford Model A 5 Window Sedan, the decision to make it a street rod is done. But my problem is do I Chop the top Or not? I don't believe it is all that difficult to do the chop. I have a Plasma cutter, saws all and a MIG welder. (Very close to buying a new TIG Welder). The glass seams like it could be just cut down. I will need to replace all glass due to the old glass is not tempered, so this is no big deal. All good and bad suggestions is needed. also what do you guys think about tubbing the rear end. I like the look of a chopped top and big fat tires in the rear. The only way I will tub the rear is if I can still get a back seat in place. I have 2 Kids and a wife so room is important. Project will start late summer or early fall of 2005. Thanks for all the suggestions. If I do chop the top how many inches should I cut out??

[poncho62]

I say, YES to the chop. If you want a car to chop, those years of Fords are about the easiest. Everything is straight. I wouldn't chop it too much, like you said, room is important.


That said, I would not go with the tubbing of the rear....It will really infringe on your interior room.

[SS66chevelle]

My .50 is YES, chop it, maybe 2 or 3 inches... just enough to make a noticable difference without sacrificing comfort..

[advanced design]

Go for something a bit different and leave the top standard height. Randy just installed a steel roof insert in a '30 Model A sedan. The car is built with a very low suspension, had the standard roof height and looked awesome.

I agree with Poncho about tubbing the rear.

All in all just depends on what look you are going for. Pick the direction and stick with it.

[McDuff]

Chopping is always a matter of your taste. Personally the chop on my 32 is what sold my wife on the sedan over the coupes that I was looking at. While my chop is pretty radical, I love the look. Take a look at all of the car show pictures and you will find some with and without and when you put them side by side you will decide what you like! Good Luck

[theHIGHLANDER]

CUT THAT MUTHA DUDE!!! No really...that's a car you can do all kinds of top work to. The fact it's a sedan means as long as you don't put the front seats too far back there's room enough for a 1/2 dozen dead bodies back there. The A is a small car so even just tubbed enough for 12in tires it starts lookin fat.

[adtkart]

The description sounds like a Tudor. If you tub it, there won't be room for a rear seat, as they had very little room anyway. You can go to wider rear fenders for the tire clearance. I believe that they are available in either 'glass or for the right price, metal.

The decision to chop has to be yours. I have a Tudor, and won't chop mine. I l like the looks of the roof the way it is. I have enough other plans for mine to keep me busy anyway. One thing to consider is the ease of entry into the rear seat area. If you have to recess the firewall, the front seats will likely be moved back some. That will make it difficult to enter the rear seat area. Eventually the kids will get too large to "torpedo" in thru the rear windows. The added couple of inches of head room may make the difference. Then again, that doesn't sound so bad afterall. LOL

[baddbob]

I'd chop two inches out of her but only one inch out of the rear window. Don't tub it just widen the rear fenders and run some 10 -12" wide tires. Bob

[41 merc]

I have done top chops on Model A's, and think that "2 1/2" with an inch out of the back glass looks right. I wouldn't tub it, go with a 17x8 wheels and a tall tire.

[Barz51]

I say chop it 2 1/2 inches. That is a long roof and minimal chops will have big visual impact. Check out Tex Smith's book on chopping tops. He's got a lot of details and tons of photos.


Fenders... Who needs fenders?


Also, if you ever get tired of your project drop me a line I'll come and clean out your garage for free. You happen to own my favorite body style and I'd love to get my grubby paws on one.

[Barz51]

So what was the verdict.

My offer still stands.

[Brad2v]

Barz51,I think your offer might be something along the lines of my offer to uh,"relieve" you of that Desoto Hemi you picked up a while back.

[Barz51]

Originally Posted by Brad2v

Barz51,I think your offer might be something along the lines of my offer to uh,"relieve" you of that Desoto Hemi you picked up a while back.

Hmm, I might see where your coming from.

[1931 steve]

Thanks guys I do think I will chop the top. Don't think I will tub the rear, sounds like there will not be enough room for the rear seat. The wider fenders in the rear sounds like a great idea (thanks adtkart). Also Barz51, your offer sound great but I think I might just have to keep this one. as like you this is my favorite body style and I have been waiting to get one for the last 15+ years. But if your still interested in cleaning my garage, come on over, you just cant take any car parts home with you!!!

[Barz51]

Well, that does not sound very fun. Not very generous I see.

I would like to stop in and see your project sometime though. Where are you at in Michigan?