how do i go about chopping the top on a 1963 ford pickup
Also, do a search of this site, there's quite a bit of info available and things to consider before you get started.MARTINSR said:Well, you start by reading and reading and reading articles in magazines, and books. You can check out a good DVD by Ron Covell that I have, it is very good.Brian
Can we all say an AMEN...AMEN You are absolutely right. You can modify the shape of the top, you CAN'T modify the shape of the glass!gmwillys said:Can I make a sugestion to all those looking to do a chop [on any vehicle]???
Most non professionals do all the cutting and welding, and then cut the glass. I've seem many windshields broken while being cut to fit the new opening. I like to do the opposite for the windshield. I have the windshield glass cut first, and then use it as a template to shape the opening. I guess the pro's would laugh at this, but it works for me.
Your talking about a 54 Chevy truck, right? The only problem with the flush mount is the fact that you need "frit" (the blackout that runs around the edge of a late model cars windows) around the edge or you will see the urethane setting thru the glass! Few chrome mouldings as you describe are wide enough to hide it. There are plenty of people doing it, I havn't taken a good look at how they pull it off but as I sit here right now, that "Frit" is a problem. You can't just paint the inside of the glass because that adhesion is what will be holding the glass to the car if you apply the urethane over it! ain:theHIGHLANDER said:Good job Martin...I was wondering about that myself. Wasn't going to do f'glass. Planned on using a sheet of uhmw plastic 1/4" thick. Mine is a 54 and that slight curve has me thinking it through pretty good. I also have ideas about flush fitting the glass vs using the rubber. That's why I been pondering this deal with the plastic. I know I may be opening a can o worms with the flush fit idea, but I don't scare easy. I envision a thin chrome "christmas tree" style edge moulding around the flush windshield. Using the side window trim bright, and using the same W/S stuff around the rear. It looks kool in my mind, anyways.
I havn't taken a good look at how they pull it off but as I sit here right now, that "Frit" is a problem. You can't just paint the inside of the glass because that adhesion is what will be holding the glass to the car if you apply the urethane over it!Yes, a 54 Chevy 1/2 ton.
I had 2 ideas on that. 1st one was to tape the glass real well and use enough setting mat'l and pressure to provide a "bubble free" seal, let it set some and then trim/peel the taped edge. That seems like a major pain in the *** but it might work. The other idea was to find what type of etching mat'l they use to frit the glass and apply it. I work for an OEM prototype shop and I'm thinkin it won't be too hard to come up with. Lots of glass plants still here in Motown. Good "lookin out" dude :thumbup: The mldg is what we call "christmas tree because of the shape of the tangs that hold it in place. I'll be looking for something as close as possible to the width of the door mldgs around the windows. This will by no means be a walk in the park to flush fit it. For the look I'm goin for the big rubber gasket is just gonna bug the schitt outta me.