Post by gangster on Jul 24, 2012 13:10:26 GMT -5
This trick can be used for any of the 40's and 50's style bodies.
It is easy once you see how it is done... ;D ;D
Here we go. Starting with a new Merc. body
Cut out back portion of back window to drip rails as shown.
Next cut off roof leaving quarter window in tact. At quarter windows follow drip rail up roof line above window. Cut above the rounded part of window opening on front windshield corners. This will come into play later on. The blue fine line tape acts as a guide for straight cuts and measurements.It should look like this when done.
Next. cut off quarter window frames and set aside..
You should have a parts pile that looks like this now after these steps.
Here comes the fun part people think is hard.
Cut the desired length from quarter windows and reglue back on lining up the from door posts. Don't worry about the back lining up. You will see how it works out.. ;D
After this process is done it is time to chop the roof portion. cut front windshield posts same length you removed from quarter window frames. Now this will amaze you and explain how easy it is.. After the window frame posts are trimmed reglue top back on lining up front windshield frame. Don't worry. It will fit the curve of the quarter windows.. ;D Now you see why you cut above curved part of frame. Makes the frame looked finished..
It should look like this..
Now to the back window. A little sanding comes in here. Lay the window frame in on the quarter window frames. You will notice the curve has changed. Just sand to fit . Recurving the back window frame.Remove from upper portion of curve. This will lay the window frame inward. Reglue to top and quarter windows.. Top is then back on..
Now a small gap is between top and trunk area. Fill with styrene strip and a good plastic weld. Sand and shape when dry.
Do same with gap in door fame. Styrene and shape..
There you have it. A walk through a chopped top. If you want drip rail back if messed up. Styrene piping. Sand off orig. drip rail and reglue on new one..Re-scribe door lines if necessary with knife edge or dental tool.. Hope this helps the scary thought of chopping tops..
;D ;D ;D ;D
It is easy once you see how it is done... ;D ;D
Here we go. Starting with a new Merc. body
Cut out back portion of back window to drip rails as shown.
Next cut off roof leaving quarter window in tact. At quarter windows follow drip rail up roof line above window. Cut above the rounded part of window opening on front windshield corners. This will come into play later on. The blue fine line tape acts as a guide for straight cuts and measurements.It should look like this when done.
Next. cut off quarter window frames and set aside..
You should have a parts pile that looks like this now after these steps.
Here comes the fun part people think is hard.
Cut the desired length from quarter windows and reglue back on lining up the from door posts. Don't worry about the back lining up. You will see how it works out.. ;D
After this process is done it is time to chop the roof portion. cut front windshield posts same length you removed from quarter window frames. Now this will amaze you and explain how easy it is.. After the window frame posts are trimmed reglue top back on lining up front windshield frame. Don't worry. It will fit the curve of the quarter windows.. ;D Now you see why you cut above curved part of frame. Makes the frame looked finished..
It should look like this..
Now to the back window. A little sanding comes in here. Lay the window frame in on the quarter window frames. You will notice the curve has changed. Just sand to fit . Recurving the back window frame.Remove from upper portion of curve. This will lay the window frame inward. Reglue to top and quarter windows.. Top is then back on..
Now a small gap is between top and trunk area. Fill with styrene strip and a good plastic weld. Sand and shape when dry.
Do same with gap in door fame. Styrene and shape..
There you have it. A walk through a chopped top. If you want drip rail back if messed up. Styrene piping. Sand off orig. drip rail and reglue on new one..Re-scribe door lines if necessary with knife edge or dental tool.. Hope this helps the scary thought of chopping tops..
;D ;D ;D ;D
