This is a GREAT mod in my opinion...what all is involved in doing a chop top? new rear glass? new windshield? is this something that someone with moderate body work skills could do?
Is this something "someone with moderate body work skills could do?"
I don't think so.... There is a LOT involved. Do a search for "chop top", and you will see most of them have come from V8 Archie, along with a few home builts. The biggest problem was finding the correct glass, but I think Orville has solved that problem.
I would say (just from reading) it's probably as difficult as doing an engine swap.
IP: Logged
01:49 PM
Tim K Member
Posts: 122 From: Crown Point, IN, USA Registered: Aug 2004
One of the biggest problems in chopping a top of a modern vehicle is the angle of the rear roof pillars. On the old pre-war Fords, the top was pretty straight up and down on the roof pillars, so we just took a few inches out and then dropped the top back on the pillars. But with angled rear pillars, once you cut some out of each rear piller to get your desired chop and then go to drop the top down, you will quickly notce that the roof is too short to match the rear pillars. Scetch it out on a piece of paper and use some scissors, you'll see. So........what most customizers do is cut the roof in half, and then add a piece to lengthen it so it now matches up with the rear pillars. Very dicie work even for a professional.
IP: Logged
02:30 PM
Techbot Member
Posts: 425 From: Pasadena, TX Registered: Feb 2004
wow...this means i'm gonna have to find a pro to do this work then. just my luck i'd start it and end up driving a car with no roof for the rest of its existence
i am doing my own chop top and didn't have too much of a problem with the cutting and welding. i can shake the car as hard as i can and there aren't any creeks. i have never done any body work myself but i managed to get the roof sectioned and bonded back together. i also have one rear b-pillar cut up and fit in. it takes some careful plannning. i used a piece of cardboard to make a pattern. then because of the angle it was too wide so i cut it down the middle to section it out so all the lines matched. i'm no expert but i seem to be getting it dont. you could always be scared your whole life though and not do anything. like the guy at work who never does anything wrong because he doesn't do anything. i think it would be more fun driving a chop top, your choice.
IP: Logged
10:34 AM
Vonov Member
Posts: 3745 From: Nashville,TN,USA Registered: May 2004
i am doing my own chop top and didn't have too much of a problem with the cutting and welding. i can shake the car as hard as i can and there aren't any creeks. i have never done any body work myself but i managed to get the roof sectioned and bonded back together. i also have one rear b-pillar cut up and fit in. it takes some careful plannning. i used a piece of cardboard to make a pattern. then because of the angle it was too wide so i cut it down the middle to section it out so all the lines matched. i'm no expert but i seem to be getting it dont. you could always be scared your whole life though and not do anything. like the guy at work who never does anything wrong because he doesn't do anything. i think it would be more fun driving a chop top, your choice.
What is your solution for the glass?
------------------ 88 Formula, "Asphalt Aviator"
"I've seen em---they're little fellers. You know, the Artesians..." ---caretaker at Olympia Brewery
well, most of the chops here arent cut down the middle, they are sectioned in quarters. dropping the roof will make all four points of contact in the wrong position. What you would need to do is cut the roof in half ,then in half the other way..then add to the middle in both ways. For the windsheild, Id just cut the roof above it off, then lay the windsheild down a little, but it isnt that easy either...you should notch the lower part of the windshield support, to allow it to flex. then fill in that notch...."v-groove" type cut. If you want to try this before attempting it on a Fiero...get a model car and chop the roof. That will show you what happens when you chop a car. John
IP: Logged
04:39 PM
Firefox Member
Posts: 4307 From: New Berlin, Wisconsin Registered: Feb 2003
If you want to practice, buy a Fiero parts car from a junkyard and play with the actual car. You'll quickly find out how hard it is......or how easy it is.....
[This message has been edited by Firefox (edited 09-22-2004).]
IP: Logged
05:10 PM
Sep 23rd, 2004
joshua riedl Member
Posts: 1426 From: watertown wi USA Registered: Jan 2004
for the glass i will be using the stock windshield. there are several companies out there who sell racing lexan. i've been looking at pro glass. aparently you can order a stock window to factory specs and then trim it and bend it to fit. obviously i am not that far yet and can't say for sure until i screw up my first one. the rear should be simple. and the sunroof will most likely be fiberglass.
