Here's a high-level overview of the process, emphasizing the complexity involved:
1. Planning and Design: This is crucial. You need precise measurements and drawings to determine how much to chop the top. Consider the overall aesthetics and how the chop will affect the car's proportions and the fit of the windows and doors.
2. Preparation: The car's top needs to be thoroughly prepped. This includes removing the interior, windshield, and rear window. Any rust or damage needs to be addressed.
3. Cutting the Top: Using a specialized cutting tool (like a plasma cutter or air saw), the roof section is carefully cut along the planned lines. This requires extreme precision to avoid errors.
4. Metal Fabrication: This is where the real skill comes in. The cut roof section needs to be lowered. This often involves shrinking and stretching the metal, carefully adjusting panels to maintain a smooth, even surface. This may require English wheeling, planishing, and other metal shaping techniques.
5. Welding: The lowered roof section is then welded back onto the body. This requires skilled welding to ensure strong, smooth, and watertight seams.
6. Bodywork: Extensive bodywork is needed to smooth out the welds, fill any imperfections, and prepare the surface for paint. This will likely include lead filling, sanding, and priming.
7. Window and Trim Installation: The windshield and rear window are reinstalled, and any necessary modifications are made to accommodate the chopped top. The interior trim also needs to be adjusted or replaced.
8. Finishing and Painting: Once the bodywork is perfect, the car is painted to finish the custom look.
Why you should NOT attempt this yourself unless you're a highly skilled professional:
* Safety: Improperly chopping a top can compromise the structural integrity of the car, making it unsafe to drive.
* Complexity: The process involves advanced metalworking techniques that require years of experience and training.
* Cost: The tools and materials required are expensive. A mistake can lead to significant additional costs for repairs or even a ruined car.
If you're interested in getting a 1951 Chevy chopped:
* Find a reputable custom car shop: This is the safest and most reliable approach. Research shops with experience in custom bodywork and restoration. Look at their portfolio for examples of their work.
* Prepare for a significant investment: Chopping a top is not a cheap undertaking. Get multiple quotes from different shops before committing to the project.
In short, chopping a top is a complex, advanced body modification. Leave it to the professionals unless you have the necessary skills, tools, and experience.
