How to chop tops?

I'm looking for info re chopping. Is this a good reference?
http://www.4wheelz.net/item_details-1878772074.htm

This is what I'm thinking (04 Civic Si hatch):

The actual chopping is just nuts & bolts to me, the challenge is reconfiguring the glass. There's the "California" chop where you tilt the windshield back and the rear glass inboard by chopping the roof, but the glass remains stock shape and size.

If your car has a sunroof stand ready for some math....

Dan

There's some good info, as well as some detailed builds over on www.volksrods.com/forum. Yeah, the VW Bug-specific, but considering those cars are rounded in every plane, the tech to chop one should apply to many other cars.

BTW, that pic of the Civic is badass.

914Driver wrote: The actual chopping is just nuts & bolts to me, the challenge is reconfiguring the glass. There's the "California" chop where you tilt the windshield back and the rear glass inboard by chopping the roof, but the glass remains stock shape and size. If your car has a sunroof stand ready for some math.... Dan

The windshield would not be reconfigured. The a pillar would hinge rearward at the base, making the bonnett and windshield an even plane from the headlights to the top of the windshield. I think the hardest part would be fitting the side door windows to the new angles and the rear sides connecting to the roof. The rear side windows would be fixed and plastic. Hatch would be gone and roof is pretty flat width so could be sized comparitively easy. A plastic rear window could be inserted in roof similar to an old mid engine and another "window" between the brake lights a la CRX.

Pete, I'll check that out, thanks.

It's a 2-door Prius!

For the side glass just trim off the excess and reinstall, or if the comfiguration is the same (doesn't look like it) don't roll the window up all the way.

Will wrote: It's a 2-door Prius!

Lol, actually the the roof angle is similar due to the aero efficiency. Maybe better in some areas due to the flatter curve and hood/windshield being in line.

I've always wondered: How the heck do you cut a windshield?

take it to a glass shop and let them cut it.

Jensenman wrote: I've always wondered: How the heck do you cut a windshield?

Pretty sure an abrasive wheel in a 4" grinder will make short work of it. Have the wife hold a hose on it while you're doing it to remove heat.

Go to: http://tinyurl.com/4s96vb Read the experience.

Nick

The side windows seem to be the biggest challenge, you would have to have them cut or custom made. My suggestion is to watch old episodes of "Overhaulin" and the Hot Rods by Boyd Show. I forget the actual name, but LOTS of cutting of A-pillars and redoing tops. I do know this: reinforce the chassis before you cut the roof.

Jensenman wrote: I've always wondered: How the heck do you cut a windshield?

Sandblaster.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296834

DILYSI Dave wrote: Pretty sure an abrasive wheel in a 4" grinder will make short work of it. Have the wife hold a hose on it while you're doing it to remove heat.

And shards

tyrannosullyrex wrote:

Jensenman wrote: I've always wondered: How the heck do you cut a windshield?

Sandblaster. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296834

Cool!!!! That's definitely good to know for future shenanigans.

Bryce

Fortunately only the two door windows would require cutting. I just wanted to see what kind of feedback there was and if it was doable.

Side windows are tempered. No way to cut those babies. The glass is designed to shatter into little cubic marbles as soon as something penetrates the outer hardened layer.

Pete

NOHOME wrote: Side windows are tempered. No way to cut those babies. The glass is designed to shatter into little cubic marbles as soon as something penetrates the outer hardened layer. Pete

Custom glass? There is a slight curve to them. Plastic would get scratched when retracted.

DILYSI Dave wrote:

Jensenman wrote: I've always wondered: How the heck do you cut a windshield?

Pretty sure an abrasive wheel in a 4" grinder will make short work of it. Have the wife hold a hose on it while you're doing it to remove heat.

Hopefully a pneumatic grinder.....................

Huh. Never considered a sandblaster, but it makes perfect sense. I have tried to cut/grind glass bottles (making lamps) with so so success. There are bits made to bore into glass and of course the old standby etch and crack for house glass, but I couldn't see that working on a tempered/laminate windshield.

Check out traditional Hot Rod magazines. I have two with articles on chopping tops. THere was one in Hot Rod Deluxe that was really good.

Umm... why not just get an RSX?

I understand the need to do something unique and create a one-off custom, but in this case it seems like a lot of work and effort when the factory already did the work for you.

Just throw an "H" badge on the grill and be done

-Thor

There's a thought. Then join the Car and Driver forum. After that I could take all of my blues and jazz recordings and have them changed to MUZAC format. Take down my Picasso and replace it with a color by numbers painting.

Oh, wait, it is a color by numbers painting.