There are 2 ways I know of doing it. The first thing you have to decide is if you want glass or plastic side windows. If you want glass, you'll need to find a set of mikes or archies windows.
I recommend installing the side windows first so you can match the roof line to them for the best fitment.
The windshield frame is notched at the bottom and cut at the top so the windshield can be leaned back and it uses a stock windshield.
Then 3" is cut from the b pillar to let the roof come down and back. I like to drill the spotwelds from the inner rear hoop and remove it first. The b pillars will have to be bent in to match the roof. The roof is now to long, if you removed the inner skin of the hoop, you can weld the shifted upper roof skin down to the b pillar then weld the inner hoop back in(a little trimming and drilling in the sunroof area and the sunroof fits back in, or you can take some material out of the upper and lower skin in front of the B pillar. Then you have glass, you match your roof to your side windows, protect our remove the side windows and weld it all up. If you're going plastic, you can cut your windows to match.
Then you just need a plastic or glass rear window.
Then you refit and fiberglass the smc panels to fit your new roof line.
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 09-25-2017).]
Side windows on all Archie's choptops were originally plexiglass, but a bunch got together and did a group buy to get a batch of glass side windows. Windshield is stock, just laid back. I think the back glass is just cut down.
The windshield frame is notched at the bottom and cut at the top so the windshield can be leaned back and it uses a stock windshield.
Then you just need a plastic or glass rear window.
Thank you. So I can use plastic/plexiglass for the sides and back. Good to know.
I can reuse my windshield. Good. When you notch the bottom and cut the top and lean it back won't that stretch it so the windshield would be a little short? Or am I over thinking this.
Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth. There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the amature for sure.
Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth. There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the armature for sure.
That's right, neither Archies or Mikes windows are drop-in, Archies have more of a curve, Mikes are flatter and take more modification but both will need the tracks adjusted/modified. And the method I gave is simpler than Archies and not 100% detailed, I have done it and I prefer it. It's not the only way nor am I claiming it's the best. Better than reading the threads is having help from someone who's done it.
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 09-24-2017).]
Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth. There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the amature for sure.
Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth. There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the amature for sure.
Make sure you do all your research and get all the parts before you make a single cut. Right before he closed up his shop Archie sold kits, with step by step instructions. The kit would have the side glass and all the trim pieces and a template for the rear window. Getting flat tempered glass cut is real simple. You might can still find an Archie kit on the resale market. Many homebrewed chop tops never get completed.
[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 09-27-2017).]
I know it’s been a while but I thought I’d give it a shot. I’m interested in doing a chop on an 88 and I’d like to go with glass side windows. I’ve looked into having the custom made and only one company even replied and the price was 10,000$ for a pair of windows. Does anyone have or know someone who has chopped door glass?
I used to own Archie choptop #4, and if I had to do it all over again I'd go with a two inch chop instead. I think that would be the perfect balance between radical and subtle.
I used to own Archie choptop #4, and if I had to do it all over again I'd go with a two inch chop instead. I think that would be the perfect balance between radical and subtle.
How good is the project car? What i mean is these are getting old and rare as many more will be destroyed i am already in the modified club started long ago but i wouldn't start now as at 10 years old it didn't have value at 37 it would have resale.My car is worth to me what i spend but i would already find a modified car if starting over and if had an original again would keep it that way. But once you chop keep going with mods and enjoy it. All i am saying is respect the originals if you find them.
