Chop Top Write up?

[1985xjlaredo]

I have searched for a while ( 3 days) and found some decent posts on the chop top, but I haven't found an actual writeup on one. Does anyone know of a good write up? Or is there some form of template kit that is out there for doing it? Any good books that cover a general chop. I found lots that cover 49 Mercury but none that have anything to do with leaving the top or a portion of it off.

 

[Rev Den]

I used the following procedure.

1. Drink
2. Embrace the Sawzall
3. Cut
4. Cage

HTH

Rev

 

[Jump This]

I used the following procedure.

1. Drink
2. Embrace the Sawzall
3. Cut
4. Cage

HTH

Rev

There are variations of Rev's approach.


1. Plan (involves drink most of the time)
2. Choose WMD (The Rev prefers the Sawzall, I like the plasma cutter and angle grinder)
3. Execute (this normally requires a dumpster close by)
4. Find parts you thought you were not going to use anymore (dumpster dive)
5. Cage
6 Continue to upgrade and spend large sums of cash.

Any other variations I missed?

 

[Rev Den]

Rev approves.

Rev

 

[87xjco]

There are variations of Rev's approach.


1. Plan (involves drink most of the time)
2. Choose WMD (The Rev prefers the Sawzall, I like the plasma cutter and angle grinder)
3. Execute (this normally requires a dumpster close by)
4. Find parts you thought you were not going to use anymore (dumpster dive)
5. Cage
6 Continue to upgrade and spend large sums of cash.

Any other variations I missed?

7. Breakdown on trail
8. Decide rig needs 4-link, full frame, V8, or something equally as rediculous
9. Lather, rinse, repeat

 

[Jump This]

9. Lather, rinse, repeat

:roflmao:

 

[Phil]

7. Breakdown on trail

#7 is generally not accetptable, and should be avoided.

 

[Jump This]

#7 is generally not accetptable, and should be avoided.

Especially if you wheel with Capt. Ron and Rawbrown at night. Those bastids don't carry any spares (that you don't have) and you will probably leave your rig on the trail overnight.....

:smsoap:

 

[1985xjlaredo]

Ok well that was funny and all but not too helpful.

 

[Rev Den]

Honestly.

There is no guide, if you think you need a guide....this ain't the job for you.

Not slamming you.....just giving advice from someone who has been there.

If you have specific questions, ask away and I will try to share my limited knowledge.

Rev

 

[Jump This]

Honestly.

There is no guide, if you think you need a guide....this ain't the job for you.

Not slamming you.....just giving advice from someone who has been there.

If you have specific questions, ask away and I will try to share my limited knowledge.

Rev

Ain't that the truth?

As the Good Reverend said, if you have specific questions go ahead and ask away. But if you have no idea where to start, that might be a good indicator that this isn't a project for you.
The cutting is easy. Most of your time should be spent on the planning;
I.E.
Do you plan on running it on the road after the chop?
Using a tailgate off of a MJ or just cutting down the hatch?
etc etc.

You will need a cage if you chop it. You should plate the frame rails also...

You kinda' see where this is going?

Rick

 

[87xjco]

Ok well that was funny and all but not too helpful.

Sorry, i've never done one but it is one of those projects that everyone does a little differently.

And I know from doing my own project, it's very hard to document and photo every step. When you're in the heat of battle so to speak, it's very hard to stop and take photo's. So you tend to get only finished sections of the build, and not every step that really shows someone how to get to that point themselves.

I spent almost as much time taking photo's and posting them on my build, as I did on the build itself, and I still didn't give enough info. that someone could use it as an instruction manual. (of course no one else would want to do my build)

 

[1985xjlaredo]

Well I know where to start I just wanted to get some ideas of the design. The only thing (and maybe the most important) that i not to sure about is how to fab up a soft top for it. I really just want to cut off the roof and the side windows behind the c pillar. I know how to do all the fab for the project just need some Ideas on the cover and how to make it weather proof. I'm not really concerned about the access to the rear IE. MJ tailgate or anything cause the cage will take up a lot of the space anyways. A good photo of how a good top mates to the back would be great.
Oh and are there any wires i need to be concerned with in the roof besides the rear dome?

 

[Rev Den]

Snaps.

Take it to a custom convertable place and let them have at it.

Bring money.

Rev

 

[1985xjlaredo]

About how much money? Like over $350

 

[old_man]

Definately

 

[Rev Den]

About how much money? Like over $350

Yup.

Rev

 

[RedHeep]

About how much money? Like over $350

Don't go on the price is right. You're not close enough to win the showcase

 

[1985xjlaredo]

$1000 Cause thats crazy! I could get the material for about $200. I can get a snap rivet kit and some extra rivets for about $20 and a crazy mad sewing girlfriend. I mean it doesnt have to be 100% watertight. Hell it isn't watertight now, but about 90% would be just right. Hell my friend just got a new top for his 92 mustang for a little over $650. Anyways what have some of you paid for a custom top.

 

[bshaw]

are you being totally serial? at first i thought you were joking around, but now i think you really are being so serial..... :dunno: