Windshields...

[SMF Speed&Custom]

I have brought this up a long time about about chop tops and put the whole chop top deal out of my head but now I am thinking about it AGAIN. I want to chop my 66 F100 about 2 or 3 inches the most but only problem is getting another roof and getting a cut windshield. Does anyone have any idea about what to do with the windshield issue? Anyone come up with an easy way to do the chop or anything since last time I asked this question?
I'd just like to see who here has attempted it now and what they did.
Thanks guys!

[FORDification]

Funny you should ask, since I've been researching this a little over the past couple evenings, getting ready to add some glass to my choptop.

The most popular low-buck approach is to use a sandblaster to cut the windshield. Check out these related threads at HotRodders.com:

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/chops-g ... 88319.html
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/choppin ... 83465.html
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/glass-c ... 71125.html

However, I just ran across the following thread at the H.A.M.B messageboard, and it seems that a water-cooled tile-cutter with a diamond blade will do the trick....and it's what I'll be trying first. I've saved every windshield from my parts trucks, so I have a few to practice on.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/show ... p?t=141657

Anyway, you won't need another roof. You WILL have to cut the cab roof into four sections though, since it'll get wider as it gets dropped.....and then you'll just fill in the gaps with sheetmetal. There's a few shots of mine from the inside to show what I mean at the following link:

http://www.fordification.com/mychoptop-p03.htm

[jzjames]

Kieth, that roof looked like it needed some sandblasting. Did you get to do any work on it yet?

[FORDification]

No, not yet. Since I got it I did spend a day tinkering with the vent windows. The previous owner had the vent window frames roughed in, but they need work. In fact, I'm almost thinking that it would be easier to start over modifying a spare set of frames that I have rather than trying to fix the ones that were started.

The cab doesn't need any sandblasting, that's just surface rust you see on it, it'll sand right off. The cab and box are actually very close to being paintable, and I'm thinking about taking a break on the '67 for a while and doing some work on the choptop. I can practice my painting skills with it first.

[fordman]

keith when you metioned a tile saw and blade. that remindered me that you can get a circular saw type of tile saw with the water attachment. i have seen them at home depot and lowes and maybe harbour frieght has them also.

[SMF Speed&Custom]

Please keep me updated on your windshield attempts! I will let you do yours first before mine! haha. Just kidding, I have a long ways to go first. I wont chop mine as much as yours there (how much IS yours chop btw?) but I will chop about 2-3 inches off. I dont want noone to really NOTICE it's chop big time just a little bit because in my oppinion these trucks look like they have a huge turret up top and a bit goofy. 2 1/2 inches would probably take care of that problem. Now you say that I don't have to get another donor roof? What about the rain gutters around the top? I dont know if I can make them...

[foghorn]

Hey keith do you still have the thread where i told how to cut flat lammy glass? I still think that this method would work for a windshield. just might have to burn the alcohol line a couple of times to get it warm enough to open up to cut the clear sealer with a razor blade.

foggy

[FORDification]

You know, after posting that message, I got to thinking about it, and realized that some donor truck parts would probably have to be used after all....specifically those areas you mentioned: the front rain gutter section and another section for the rear window area. I'm pretty sure I'll get a shop day tomorrow, so I'll be sure to take the camera and get some shots of those areas on mine.

I'll definitely keep you all informed on how the window chop goes. The next time I'm in the city I plan to stop by Lowes or Menards to get one of those tile cutters.

foggy: your description on how to trim the glass and weatherstripping are in this thread, where I posted the first pictures after getting it home.

Anyway, I took some measurements of my choptop truck and compared it to my '67 and found it's been chopped exactly 7". The front window now measures 11-5/8" between the upper and lower channels. The side window openings are 9-1/2" tall and the rear window is down to 5-3/4".

Just for the visual, here's a few comparison pictures showing what trucks will look like with various degrees of chops. Coincidentally, all three are '68s:

3" CHOP


5" CHOP


7" CHOP


The first two pictures were saved from E-bay listings, and I'm simply reporting the total chop as reported in those listings. The third picture is of mine.

[rjewkes]

Gotta say Your shops neighbors gotta be wonderin' how many times your gnna change the truck.

[flyboy2610]

Hey, it never hurts to try!

[SMF Speed&Custom]

I can't wait to see how this turns out!

[FORDification]

Well, I took the day off to head into the city to get the tile saw. This thing was $88 at Lowes. I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to fire it up, but I'm sure looking forward to it!

[SMF Speed&Custom]

88 bucks? That's a good deal and looks pretty nice. I will keep on checking your progress for sure. If it seems to work out well then I will attempt a chop on my 66 I think.

[foghorn]

might work don't know for sure. just remember anything power you do without coolant like water try not to get it to hot. you can use a belt sander to smooth and shape some what like i said watch the temp of the glass.

foggy

[flyboy2610]

It has a hose and valve for water cooling.
That looks like a fun tool! I bet I could get myself into some trouble with THAT!