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Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup?

Posted By: 78asprin

Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 09/13/11 07:08 PM

So im wanting to take 2" out of the top on my 46 dodge pickemup truck. I've never done this before but what better way to learn? Haha anyway,any pointers or advice before I do it?
Posted By: CrAzYMoPaRGuY

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 09/13/11 07:52 PM

Do you have front/side/rear pics of the cab?
Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 09/13/11 08:11 PM

If you want, check out my pics of my race truck and get an idea of whats involved in chopping one of these trucks.
My truck has a 3 1/2" chop which means I took 4" out of the front post.
I have never done one at 2" but the same principle works.

I always tack weld the door in place or some tubbing to keep the door opening correct befor you make any cuts.

I cut the top section of the door off first about 1" lower than I plan to cut the cab, so you can get at the area to weld the cab back together and then after the cab is welded back together I fit the door top pieces like a puzzle.

you will need to cut across the top from door to door and make a filler piece(on a 4" chop about 2 1/4")
I would guess with a 2" chop you might need to add about 1-1 1/4" across the top.

Or you could lay the windshield post back and the top section forward, it is harder to it this way but it can be done...

If you want to talk about how I chopped mine send me a PM and I'll give you my phone # Ron.....



link here:
http://rides.webshots.com/album/559598861LBwiIz
Posted By: cuhemida

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 09/15/11 02:27 AM

remember it only take 15 mins. to chop a top but a lot longer to put it back together keep everything you cut out until the job is finished you'll find there are parts you'll need to use ( DON'T TOSS ANYTHING AWAY)
Posted By: dogdays

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 09/16/11 11:34 PM

I remember a magazine article in Street Rodder, probably, about a real pro (maybe Dick Dean) chopping a top. What surprised me is that he used a Skil circular saw to do the job! Just like cutting off a 2x4. Of course he used a different blade but there it was.
R.
Posted By: Dave Watt

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/05/11 01:23 AM

I've seen numerous chopped tops over the years and always wonder about the glass which seems to me a larger challenge. If it is curved at all, what is done to make it work?
Posted By: rowin4

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/14/11 03:45 AM

Quote:

I remember a magazine article in Street Rodder, probably, about a real pro (maybe Dick Dean) chopping a top. What surprised me is that he used a Skil circular saw to do the job! Just like cutting off a 2x4. Of course he used a different blade but there it was.
R.





There are circular saws made for cutting metal. When using the safety is important, wear, face shield , gloves and a long sleeved shirt.
Posted By: savoy64

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/18/11 06:40 AM

it takes a pro to cut down a windshield--sometimes they ruin 3 to get one cut right---and you pay for all of them----find a guy that has work to show you and customers to recommend him---bob
Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/18/11 06:06 PM

Yep, find a local glass guy and talk to him before you start.
Even if it's all flat, he's seen good and bad and will be able to offer pointers. Better to plan it all out first including the glass before you start.
There have been many articles over the years in rod mags showing the process. I think there have been a couple books too.
Between the HAMB and the hot rodder's forum, there should be plenty of build threads that show chops too.
Posted By: rattler

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/18/11 07:05 PM

The glass is one of the reasons that i didn't chop the top on my 57. Now that it's running, i'm glad that i didn't. I am six foot three and my head is just a hat from the roof now.
Posted By: dogdays

Re: Any advice on choppin the top on my 46 pickup? - 11/19/11 12:04 AM

Look for a book by LeRoi "Tex" Smith on chopping tops. I think he has an appreciation for doing things the less expensive way while still maintaining quality.
R.
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