[chopper526]

Ed, this was the first car I ever chopped. I saw what a couple other guys did, and I'll tell you, once I overcame my apprehension it was pretty straightforward. I tacked the doors closed so I cut everything at once, doors and all.

[TFoch]

Nice job on the chop. When do you think you'll be going for that first ride? Be sure to take some video to share with us.
Tom

[EDNY]

Ed, this was the first car I ever chopped. I saw what a couple other guys did, and I'll tell you, once I overcame my apprehension it was pretty straightforward. I tacked the doors closed so I cut everything at once, doors and all.

My 2.5" chop was done with the doors off.  Noticed that my 33 (5W) and a couple others had gaps at the top between the door and roof. For that reason I may need to cut out less from the door posts ....may only be a 2.25" chop on the doors!!

Plus I need to stretch the doors about 1/2" on the top (middle) because of the rear leaning A pillars, so each door will have (3) cuts. Had to stretch the roof 3/4" so the A pillars would align.

Ed

[chopper526]

The only thing holding me up right now, Tom, is money for the exhaust. Hopefully in the next week or two. I wish my kids didn't like to eat so much
I guess that's one of the nice things about the '32, Ed, the top is almost a straight drop. I just had to do a little work on the front edge of the door frame.

[EDNY]

I guess that's one of the nice things about the '32, Ed, the top is almost a straight drop. I just had to do a little work on the front edge of the door frame.

On the back window (lazy D?) I only removed 1" and took 1.5" out of the top panel...it almost looks stock.  Personally don't like the "lazy D" windows chopped more that 1 ".  You can see my 34 on the left with the stock window and my 33 on the right with a 2.5" roof chop but only 1" chopped rear window.

Ed

[TFoch]

Chopper, I hear where you're coming from.  I just saved up to get my wire harness.  Now luckily my company had a good year and my bonus should pay for wheels and tires.  I collect parts I need as I can afford them.  It'll be cool to see your car go down the road.  It's come a long way.
Tom

[chopper526]

Yea Tom, I am going slow and steady as I can free up cash. I am jumping out of my skin to get this thing on the street but will not rush it or half-ass it.........too much

[EDNY]

Ed, I put the winshield in with butyl tape and held in place by interior trim. I made sure the tape was not flush with the outside of the body. Then, once I paint the car, I am going to finish the outside with a piece of rubber gasket. I will trim away the cannel so that only the lip sits around the outside of the windshield and over the body and I will glue it in to give the appearance of a one piece rubber gasket/weatherstrip. I ordered about 5 different types of weatherstripping from Steele and then I chose the one that I thinks fits and looks the best. I think the part number I chose was; 70-0075-57. I think the rubber looks good and maybe a little nicer than forming a bead of glue or caulk. I'll try to post some pictures to show you what I mean.

chopper 526

I included the Steele Rubber link below, the rubber for the 33 is all by itself (as usual). The part number is 70-1195-52.....$ 4.10/ft.

Looking at the diagram...it appears that the rubber would be pulled with a cord from the front? All of the old Chevy's I worked on (50's/60's) we pulled the rubber from the inside.

The rubber for the 34-36 Chevy's in the catalog (70-1191) looks like a better fit .

Am I correct that the glass rubber is pulled from the outside?

Thanks
Ed

[chopper526]

Ed, I'm sorry, I have no experience on your year car, but it does look as though the weatherstrip would be pulled from the outside. On the '32 they didn't use this type of weatherstrip because the windshield rolled up a couple inches. As I said, I am making my windshield stationary, and because it is chopped, it would be very difficult to get the glass cut in exactly the right size and shape to use this type of weatherstrip. So, I am going to cut it back so I use only the exterior lip to give the "effect" of the full weatherstrip.
As far as chosing the right weatherstrip to use, you might be best suited doing what I did; I picked out about 5 or 6 different ones and ordered a foot or just a sample (they are free) and then I picked the one I liked best. In my case, I think I picked 70-0075-57.    Jim

[EDNY]

Chopper526

Thanks for the tip..contacted Steele Rubber (link below) and they are sending me 3 samples to compare...they appear to be a first class outfit and even sending me a catalog.

Got my doors chop sectioned and installed. Everything is just spot welded with MIG...going to TIG the panels once I have the door windows working. Have the wedges and strikers installed..locks temporary..used 34 door handles...better looking than the 33 handles.

CAN"T WAIT TO GET SOME PAINT ON IT! Even primer...but don't want to use any paint until I'm ready to start the plastic/sanding

BTW: Last Fall I converted a portion of my "hay barn" into a heated shop. I used 8 yards of sand and 8 yards of gravel to make the floor level...may pour a slab this year.  Used the metal roofing from another building I took down to make the walls.  All walls have 2" blue foam insulation behind them.