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How much to chop a top?

12K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  Don Meyer 
#1 ·
I was wondering what the average cost is to chop a top if i were to take it somewhere and have it done. I have a 36 ford 3 window and i am debating weather to do it or not. Well I would love to have it done but $$$ is the question.


Thanks
 
#4 ·
Ahhhhhhh, 36 Three window....ahhhhhh (my best Homer Simson impersonation) :)

I LOVE those cars, my second favorite Ford (next to a 36 Roadster).

Listen, you REALLY need to go out and find the shop you want to do the work and find out how much THEY charge. Prices all over the country are going to be...well... all over the country.

That car is SOOO special, my main concern if I were you is finding someone who will do an outstanding job and then decide if you can afford what HE wants.

It is NOT AN EASY car to chop. Someone could VERY easily destroy the car. My concern would be quality over price.

Brian
 
#5 ·
I'm sure it won't be cheap to get it done right , glass and all. If you do find a shop, make sure it's one that's done it before...Don't accept a "Sure, we can do it" Ask for references of cars they have done before and get in touch with the owners of those cars before you decide.
 
#6 ·
A chopped 1936 Ford three window coupe is my favorite car of all time. As MARTINSR says it is not an easy top to chop. Look for a shop that has done one before or has done several similar cars. Look at their work and ask questions of the owners of the cars they have done. When you find a shop you feel can handle the work then you will be paying the "right " price for the job. If you can't afford to do it correctly now then drive it with a stock height top until you can. It will be worth the wait and you will not destroy your body. As well you could have the top chopped now and only do the bare minimum to get you driving and do the rest as you can afford too.

How are you planning to build your ride? Streetrod, tuff hot rod or tail dragging custom? Even though this is not my personal preference there is a beautiful three window tail dragger in the May 2006 issue of Street Rod Builder magazine.

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#7 ·
the 36 is like a willys. they just don't look right chopped. it is very difficult to do. imo dropping the windshield 2 in and not cutting the rear is the best looking . it's a lot of work and can really eat some man hrs. 5k is fair to do it right. lot of work on doors and garnish moldings.
 
#8 ·
Glass, Glass, Glass, did I mention Glass? LOL

After finding references for the metal man, do the same for the glass man before the job is started. I had a 68 Chevy PU that had been cut 4 ½ when I bought it. The glasswork had been completed but later on I cracked a vent window. The window was plain-jane flat laminated glass but I like to never found anyone to cut me one. Finding someone to cut a windshield could be a real hassle, especially if the person really has no experience and you keep paying for windshields until he gets one right.

Good Luck, me like chopped tops.
 
#10 ·
MARTINSR said:
The glass on the 36 is all flat, ANY glass shop can cut it for you. If you walk into a glass shop that can't do this job, run away.

Brian
I wasn't sure if the windshield on that car is totally flat. You're right though, run and run fast. LOL. The problem in my part of the country is that most of the glass shops call themselves "replacement" specialist. If they can't pull it off the shelf or order one, they won't do the job.
 
#11 ·
It's getting that way around here as well. All the chains are setting up shop replacing windshields and the real "glass shops" are slowly dying away.

There is still an old timer just a few blocks from me who will cut you anything you need. Even in flat tempered, he'll cut it out and have it tempered for you. Glass in the home gives me the willies, I had him make me a tempered table top for my 56 Chevy end table. But when he is gone, I will be in the same boat as you.

Brian
 
#13 · (Edited)
That is exactly my point. It is REAL easy to ruin that car. You have to be a seriously skilled craftmen to pull off a chop without it looking "squashed" or worse.

You want to see perfect, check out Kirk Hammets (yes from Metallica) 36 three window (ex-five window) done by the GREAT Artist Cole Foster.

When done right, they are one of the most beautiful cars you will ever see. done "ok", they are RUINED.


Salinas Boyz customs Metallica 36 Ford

Brian
 
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#15 ·
I also think this car looks better w/o a chop & I chop everything I have ,except my Rolls. If you must think about taking 1 1/2 " from the front only.

Spend a lot of time looking thru mags at chopped 36's. Also try sitting in some for ergonomics.

Don
 
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