Chopping the UniBody?

[myfairlady]

I have a 64 fairlane that I have been re doing and I will be putting some pictures on soon as I get the fenders Ive been bodyworking, but I want to chop the top. Its a unibody so its gonna be alot different. Any advice or some where to get some advice?

[shizzy]

just keep in mind there is no frame supporting the body. the body is its own support. make sure it is braced solidly before cutting the top off.

[Wizeguy]

just keep in mind there is no frame supporting the body. the body is its own support. make sure it is braced solidly before cutting the top off.

Frame connecters would be a nice addition before the chop. But not neccesary if you do what Shizzy said. Either way, you still need to brace the inner structure. Do you need pics of bracing suggestions?



T

[myfairlady]

hell yeah if you got some ideas and some pictures I would love them. I talked to this one guy and he said that the rocker panels are on of the main points to stregthen.

[donsrods]

The rockers are the main strength, plus the tunnel and floor subframes. When you cut the top off the car is going to want to cave in right in the middle, so the bracing is a necessity.

The guys are going to post some pictures for you on how to do that. Have you figured out the windshield and back window yet? These can be super expensive to have done professionally. I see some people are saying they can do it with a wet saw for tile, but I have never done that. Before you chop you better figure out that glass issue. There are lots of half done chop jobs sitting around because the guys cut before they researched it.

Don

[55Rat]

check with Jegs or Summit to see if they carry frame ties or sub frame connectors for your car, or make your own ,you can go to Books a Million or B and N and sitdown and read the different chassis books they sell read before you buy. also for reference on points to put your braces inside the car check out some sites on car rotisserie's like the roto 2000,it will give you a good idea.

[shizzy]

****, didnt even think of that. I would definatley add the subframe connectors first

[Wizeguy]

I'll post some bracing pictures of my A model rat asap.
Also, Dons right on the glass issue. Better check into that.



T