I figured I'd start a thread for general info. to help out the newbie roof choppers. I for one am going to definitely this spring. I will be strating with my 86 Dodge shorty factory winder van. And Matchsticks van is also a factory winder van, so neither of us have to deal with the long, difficult welds. I'm also considering an angle chop on the 86, but leving the rear at full height.'

So lets everyone give some input, experiences, and other relative info.

I will be startig my own thread once I get underway, but figured this would be a great place to discuss cut lines, and what not.

CHOPPERS....FIRE UP YOUR SAW-Z-ALLS.....

I was hopin to see lots of general info here bt now. There is a big thaw heading for Ontario, for next weekend. And GF is having a grils only weekend. So I think I might pull the rear side winders out of my 91. I also have to yank the remaining stereo system.

I think I will post some cut lines ideas here, for your info. and comments. Just rememer I am going to be chopping a factory winder van.

Here is a PHOTOCHOPPED pic of what I'm leaning towards.

You will need to pull all the glass cept for the door glass that rolls down. You can leave that for now. Just make sure you cut it before finishing the door frames. You may not be able to get it out after you shorten the door frame, cept with a BFH.

That looks great Brad,good luck with it.

Thanks Jim. I really want to start with my 86, but it is still sitting in driveway, waiting for spring. So I may aswell look into a few things with my 91.

With this I have several rusty doors, which I will use for test fitting/cutting. Then when I have it right, I will cut the good doors. Same with the side gullwing door, as I have my original single rear for the side.

As rare as the gullwings are you may want to save that and build a steel door for the side.

I'm working on getting together some really good info. I'll keep you posted.

Where is your head going to fit Brad ??? When I had my Mid Cab Chopped, I could not drive it afterwards for more than 1 hour....

It is still up in the Great White North somewhere

Of course my plan is to also chop my seat bases. The visor, as seen in the photochop, may or may not stay on. It will be removed during roof removal.

I already have a steel door on the side. The original slider is still on the side, as you should know already. My f/g gullwing is on the rear. And I have my original single rear which will be going on the side, once the chop is underway, and cuts have been tested and completed on the exisiting side slider/gull.