The B-pillar is marked for...
The B-pillar is marked for cutting. The entire pillar will be cut out as it will become longer as it is canted forward. These two cuts will be the final cuts to remove the top.
Careful measurements were taken to ensure the centerline of the roof was perfect and that the windshield opening was symmetrical. And of course there is always something to be said for good old eyeball engineering. It was time to take a long hard look at the profile. The side silhouette was looking very good, so now work could proceed.
But alas we are out of both time and space, so you’ll have to wait until next issue to see the finished product. In the September issue we will finish the rear quarter windows, form the canted B-pillar, and make the transition pieces in front of the decklid up to the relocated rear window. Stay tuned, this is one very good looking top chop.
The Sawzall is used to cut...
The Sawzall is used to cut the A-pillar. Work carefully, being certain to hold the saw on a straight cut. There are several layers of metal to cut in the very sturdy A-pillar.
With help, the roof is lifted...
With help, the roof is lifted off the car and placed on the floor. The shoebox Ford has a lot of bracing in the roof panel so it holds shape surprisingly well.
From the rear you can see...
From the rear you can see how the roof was cut around the rear window and then over to the quarter windows.
At this point the window is...
At this point the window is still standing in the stock position. It will remain that way until the top is test-fit to determine how far the window must move forward.
Nothing strikes fear in the...
Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of hot rodders quite like looking at a perfectly good car with the roof cut off.
Shoaf makes the second cut...
Shoaf makes the second cut on the A-pillar. Always cut the top off first, and then make the secondary cuts on the stubs attached to the body.
After cutting the A-pillar...
After cutting the A-pillar for a 5-inch chop, the top was lifted back in place for the first test-fit. The A-pillar misalignment is pretty minimal but the rear window will have to come forward, and it was decided the windshield area should be expanded.
The rear package shelf will...
The rear package shelf will be cut down the middle to allow the stock window to move forward. This also makes a great clamping and alignment location.
A cut-off wheel made quick...
A cut-off wheel made quick work of the rear package shelf. The rear window will be moved forward and tilted on a greater angle for a very pleasing look.
Now our attention is turned...
Now our attention is turned to aligning the A-pillar. To make the alignment the bottom will move in about 1/2 inch and the top will move out a similar amount.