I can tell you first hand these things are a little tricky to chop, dont quarter the roof you just need to split the roof near the front and lengthen it, and pull the roof back to line it up in the back and fill in the gap near the front of the crown..and then re adjust all the window pillars.. I am also looking for 37/38 chev sedan parts if you have any.
-- Edited by Chad on Monday 30th of July 2012 09:05:14 PM
thses roofs you dont and I stress do not quarter (cut in 4), you make one horizontal cut from driverside drip rail to passenger side drip rail. remove say "3" fron the posts line the fron up and pull the roof back to meet the rear up, you will have to fit a new section in the front near the crown, .. Doing the work near the front crown of the roof holds the shape better and easier to do all your hammer and dolly work. The tricky part is relocating all the window post and stuff
-- Edited by Chad on Monday 30th of July 2012 10:06:34 PM
im 17 years old got these out of a barn. they have been sitting for 40 years im am making the 37 into a rat rod and using the 38 for parts. i am looking to chop the 37.
Some suggestions if I might; Your young age likely means less experience and available cash as others here. Not to discourage you, but plan and get a feel for the grand picture of what it will take to put this car on the road. Then times that by 5 at least.
my suggestions; 1) get the car running and driving first. Chop the roof over the winter or as money/time allows. cool factor does not help you get it on the road faster 2) pick up a copy of Ron Fouriner's Metal Fabricators Handbook - this is your metal working bible. Many here will surely agree. 3) plan your chop very carefully - as mentioned, you will be adding sections of roof when you quarter it. Dont do anything without a 100% thorough plan. 4) air on the side of caution - you only get one shot at it, unless you want to cut off another roof and do it twice :(
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Tom Laughlin "Billy Jack" RIP - a true Hollywood hero
I'll agree with gearhead,unless your "real good" at body work, have the equipment & experience to this, "LEAVE IT ALONE" I't not just cut the posts & drop the top!!! Don't forget once it's cut, you could just "RUIN" a good car. I think about all the glass your going to have to get "custom" cut!!!! I had a few of my "Car Guys" try & talk me into chopping the 52 fastback, & yes I thought it would look cool but decided against doing it, as the costs just added up to "HIGH" been 3 yrs building this car & almost on the road [next week I hope] & would have been another 2 yrs + if I chopped it
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I can only please one person a day, Today is not your day!!Tomorrow doesn't look good either !!!!
Good choice Jake. We're not busting your chops and we dont know if you have experience/help/equipment etc... Speaking for myself, I had to let go of several unfinished projects when I was younger because I took the long road and ran out of cash. I hate to see that happen to others. Besides, you can get it running and enjoy it while you plan the bigger tasks...
just my 2 cents. Whatever you do...have fun with it
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Tom Laughlin "Billy Jack" RIP - a true Hollywood hero
I think this will be a good project. For the guys telling Jake not to chop because of lack of experience...I don't understand your mind set. How do you get experience, if you are discouraged from trying. I am not that old (30), and I am a skilled tradesman in the field of HDEM(Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic). When I did my apprenticeship, I was constantly told to stand on the side lines because of my lack of experience...Most the old mechanics would refuse to show me their tricks, or how to do certain jobs...I say PISS OFF with this old fashioned mentality. Now, I have been liscenced for 7 years, and when I work with an apprentice, if he/she wants to learn or try something, I say have at 'er! If i can throw in a suggestion, I do. Jake, I say give'er! and if it doesn't turn out perfect. at least you can say you tried, and you'll have learned some tips and lessons for the next one ;)
I think this will be a good project. For the guys telling Jake not to chop because of lack of experience...I don't understand your mind set. How do you get experience, if you are discouraged from trying. I am not that old (30), and I am a skilled tradesman in the field of HDEM(Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic). When I did my apprenticeship, I was constantly told to stand on the side lines because of my lack of experience...Most the old mechanics would refuse to show me their tricks, or how to do certain jobs...I say PISS OFF with this old fashioned mentality. Now, I have been liscenced for 7 years, and when I work with an apprentice, if he/she wants to learn or try something, I say have at 'er! If i can throw in a suggestion, I do. Jake, I say give'er! and if it doesn't turn out perfect. at least you can say you tried, and you'll have learned some tips and lessons for the next one ;)
It's not a "mind set' it's seeing too many older cars RUINED by people that have no ides what they are doing & the "have atter" attitude doesn't help. If this fellow has no body experience, chopping a top is NOT the place to start!!! I would say if he has acess to a person who has done this before & is willing to show him him how to do it, & provided the owner has the the place & tools & equipment then thats different, but to just go blindly hacking the roof is NOT GOOD!!!
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I can only please one person a day, Today is not your day!!Tomorrow doesn't look good either !!!!
Hey Jake its your car don't let anyone tell you what to do .Contrary to what some might think there are no rules in customizing that is the whole point .Do what you feel comfortable doing its only a car it can always be fixed if you make a mistake or change your mind.I don't know where you are from but I know the cars they are a good start as they are fairly complete and there are lots of parts on the two of them to work with. If you are local there are lots of guys in the Port Hope/Cobourg area who would be glad to pass on any advice that you ask for,till then you have 2 cars lots of parts and an idea what you want .Get out the tools and have some fun ask some questions and get it on the road. Ed
thanks ed and i am located in the grafton area& to do have access to lots of tool and eqiupment. im only 17 working on a dairy farm from 4:30am to 6:30pm every day then after that when i get home i am out in the shop untill about 10 working on them, so im getting some work in on my car almost every night.
I am 30. As well as being a mechanic, I have also built a few houses. I built these 4 houses my self...(carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and finishing). I never took courses for this, I just think it's common sense...First house was built when I was 19 while I was in college to be a mechanic. I've flipped all 4 houses, making money every time, and now live in a house I bough, not built, and I am mortgage FREE! How many 30 year olds can say that?
I guess my "have at'er" attitude paid off...I am not saying I can do anything, but I will always try. I still have arguments with the old miserable ****s I work with in the mines, and most of the time, I show them up, because they tend to be lazy and slow.
When it comes to cars, like flatblack said, you can't "ruin" a car, it might take more work to fix it, but in the end, it's just sheet metal, it can always be fixed.
