51 Chevy Custom

Kitbash wrote:

Custom Mike wrote:I don't have the testicular fortitude to chop a top yet

lol with all the other detailing you do it would be cake work for you bud. tis only plastic after all

The detailing part comes easy to me, chopping a top and opening doors....that part has always been a place I didn't want to go. But now that I have a hinge bending jig, I'm gonna try my hand at opening up some stuff, so a chopped top can't be far off for me!

ok a bit further along on the chop process

did some rough sanding and if i were smart i would have added a bit more crown to the roofline as it would have made the job easier, but who said i was smart??? shurrup tina!! lol

as it sits, after the rough sand, i can see the depression i have to fill to smooth things out


also while i am at it i am going to remove the current molding and replace it once the chop is done with .020 round rod


front window molding is to be replaced as well


after a bit of file work to clean up the sides a bit i check the profile to see if it is heading in the right direction


yup, it is
now a closer look at the depression in the roof


you can see the high spots ( where the primer is gone ) and the low spots ( where you can still see the primer )
the goal will be to get both of these on the same plane so it is smooth
while i use spot putty for the shallow smaller bits, an area this large i tend to use 2 part automotive body filler. it does not shrink over time and sets up to be sandable in about 20 mins.


after the initial sanding


most of it is smooth right now so i will use the spot filler to take care of the little remaining bits


gonna let that set up for a bit and hopefully get back to it later today

i have a shower to install but i should still get a bit of time on my day off in the dungeon

cya soon

See, stuff like that is why I've avoided chops, it's so easy to screw up and get a weird looking roof. But like you said, it's just plastic, and Bondo and me are good buddies...I'm gonna have to do it soon!

It is looking pretty good, so far.

Good Work Sir. I'd like to get that kit just to try it., Of course I'd follow your Tutorial to the "t" LOL. Excellent pictures & explanations for all steps!! You've just convinced me to go get 1 & do it ,Seriously ,Thank you Mr. Kitbash. GOD BLESS!!!