Ken, It looks like a great project. If you need anything (besides panel doors) Let me know I've stripped a bunch of them in the last five years.
Looks like a great start Ken!
Thanx guys! I need time and money mostly
Most of the van will be custom as far as drive line. Interior will be simple and light. I want it to go really fast when I take it to the track. I will keep you posted if I do need anything tho.
Looks good Ken. Yeah like Jim said, get to work. Oh and does the interior look like that still with the CSI crime scene look? Sorry man, could not resist.
Ken, 15 years and havnt unloaded it yet?
Lets fire up the saw-z-alls then Ken. Can't wait to see this project really get started.
wow ... seeing tat makes me appreciate how good of shape mine is in to begin with ... kind of wish mine was the short wheel base but i'll get over it.. would like to get a set of the no window cargo doors for the side of mine.. maybe even for the rear as well...
what kinda shape is it in now ken?
Whoaaaa slow down guys, he needs to complete SuperBeast first!
It's empty inside now. Didn't find any human body parts, but there were others. I would love to get started on this project too, but like Snotty said, need to get some work done on SB. Unfortunately, the loan we wanted to get was not approved, Damn economy, so I'm not even sure anything will be done this winter. I'm starting to get really depressed.
OK guys! I chopped my early last night! Albeit only on paper and not exactly MY van, but you'll get the idea!
I need some opinions now before taking cutters to metal (whenever that may be)
First I have to say MY van will NEVER have these wheels and tires on it.
My question is; which of the first three roof lines do you like best?
Chop #1Chop #2Chop #3This is Chop #1 Slammed
I like Chop #3 but slammed.
I go with Nates vote..
Thanx guys. I need a little more input. I see on here the pics are a bit hard to tell the difference.
The first chop is half of the front windshield post removed, the third is 1/3 of the post removed and the second is in between 1/2 and 1/3 of the windshield post removed.
So you all like it with just 1/3 removed?
Oh, and keep in mind that this van will be pro-streeted with a stoked 440. It will be trailered not driven.
Personally , i don't like the angle chop look on the dodge - i'd straight chop it !!!
does it have to be a Dodge
I love the slammed look. What will the final color be and what kinda wheels you planning ? I'll challenge the other photochoppers to coming up with a mockup based on your answers.
I like #3 butt RAISE it! and put a 4x4 under it... U can still go with the 440 just Go MUD Boggin instead!
Scotty in Ohio has a 440 A-108 4x4 that's all jacked up. It's awesome.
If you don't Scotty, he as the yellow A-100 with the blue stripes down the middle. SS/V van.
Here you go Nate!
That be the one..thanks Rollie!
does it have to be a Dodge
It's always that one GM guy in every crowd.
I like the first one. I hope your short. I tryed sitting in Brian Bowie's chopped pickup, not a pretty sight. I'm 6ft and his wheel wells were cut down and there wasn't a seat in it.
I agree... squish it down.
Personally , i don't like the angle chop look on the dodge - i'd straight chop it !!!
Here you go Nate!
Lovin it!
Thats Steve scotts van from TIT,very sweet.
Without a doubt, go with...
Chop #1 Slammed...
I like #1, cant see diff. between 2 &3 ??
#1, angle chop, and slammed.
I' gotta go for #1 also,straight chop would look awesome
I do like the subtlety of the angle on the third chop while thinking of it down in the weeds with the Pro Street look. I can easily see a set of ceramic coated Zoomies coming thru the rockers and a set of 15X12 wheels tucked inside out back. Lots of other tricks come to mind as well.....
#3 in the weeds and MEAN......
Thanx for all the input so far. It will definitely not be a straight chop. Unless of coarse I mess up on the angle and Have to cut it straight to fix it
Not totally sure which wheels, yet, but I will be limited because of sizes available. I will need something pretty wide for the rear because the engine going in has an estimated 900 HP, so I'll need a good amount of rubber on the ground to move it.
Color really has not been decided on yet either, but nothing too wild, but not a simple black or white either.
Greg, You can bet on those zoomies coming thru the rockers.
this is just too kewel!!
anne
Door not high enough
Kids wagon comes in handy
Utility trailer axle. Had to sawzall the tires off cause they were so dry rotted they wouldn't hold air. Anyone have any spare 12" tires laying around?
Had to remove the boards over the garage door to get it out. Shouldn't be a problem after the van is chopped tho.
Bent in too!
All in all, not too bad for a junk yard van tho.
Lookin' forward to the project Bud...
How did you get the van in the garage??? It should of come out the same way.
Thats a hell of a project van you have there Ken. I see we have something in common, besides plans to chop a Dodge van, like not finishing one van, before starting another. Oh well, the joys of being multiple van owners.
i see why you want darrins garage
Me Too Beast!
Brad, I don't have the cash I need to do Superbeast's suspension, which needs to be done before I can go any further with the body mods, so I figure I might as well work on something I don't need money for just yet.
i see why you want darrins garage
Yup, At least I have a little more room in the 'working' garage.
There's a Cuda in there?
Love the wagon idea, that's using your noggin.
I forgot how much of an opening those things had in the floor for the mill.
Looks like fun is ahead!
Not bad at all Ken. I've seen much worse A-vans!
nice ken at least i did not have to take the garage apart and the wheels off
Boy that was tight
,couple of months and you'll be done Ken!!! Nice project.
couple of months and you'll be done Ken!!!
I wish! Even tho I do have a lot of the stuff I need to do this project, there are still some things I need to buy, which will be a wee bit $$$$ so it will not be done in a couple of months,
The body hopefully will not take too long tho. That's why there is a lot of planning going on.
I'm thinking I may look for a nose for it and just swap the whole thing out.
Nate can you post me the link to the A100 body panel place that you know of as (the best) place to use. I'll prolly replace whatever I can with new if it is available. I hate rust.
I was also thinking of getting this thing dipped. Has anyone done that. Do you think I should do it? If so, before cutting and welding or after?
Nate can you post me the link to the A100 body panel place that you know of as (the best) place to use. I'll prolly replace whatever I can with new if it is available. I hate rust.
Surplus Supply 1-330-825-3900
I think the feller's name is John.
Me Too Beast!
Brad, I don't have the cash I need to do Superbeast's suspension, which needs to be done before I can go any further with the body mods, so I figure I might as well work on something I don't need money for just yet.
I hear you on that. Thats part of the reason I decided to chop my 86 first, seeing how it isn't exactly running. Fortunately, the work needed to be done on my 91, really isn't going to cost much, so that will be worked on very soon, like this weekend.
Catch up time
This was a couple weeks ago. I moved the early into the working garage. I know, it's not as big or as fancy as MY garage at Darrins house
but, she fits
Deb and I think it looks like a GROUPER
She is all leveled here and ready for final stripping.
Here are some spare doors I thought I was going to use ?????
Spent this past weekend on the final stripping. Well all but the gas tank anyway. That still needs to come out.
Dash - It's welded in?
Air box, which apparently is welded in ?
Some Stuff I removed
Deb and I think it looks like a GROUPER
Is that now the theme of the build... Project GROUPER... I'm looking forward to watching the progress on your build Ken...
Have fun my friend...
Notice the nice shape of the cardboard glove box
This is the fuel filler hose. Think it leaked?
Where it came from
Nice Gas tank HUH? It's customized
Sans doors
I was going to use windowed doors on the side to make it easier to do the chop and then fill the hole in afterward, but the doors fit like shit!
Apparently the only way to adjust them is to bend everything till it fits.
At this point, I'm not sure which doors I will use, but I'm going to start thinking about custom doors and hinging.
nice now slap a 350 in it
Well about time you catch up to the rest of us who have earlies in a million pieces
lookin good there is always a fix to welded in pieces a good spot weld tool and a big hammer
nice now slap a 350 in it
She is going to be getting a stroked 440!
better cover them clear spots...
Well about time you catch up to the rest of us who have earlies in a million pieces
lookin good there is always a fix to welded in pieces a good spot weld tool and a big hammer
I only have about 10 pieces left on the van
I just can't bring myself to whacking a door with a BFH to align it.
Yes..the dash and air plenum are all welded in place.
You may be able to elongate the holes the bolts go though with a dremel to get your adjustment on the doors.
Looks like that gas tank imploded. That can come from using a non-vented gas cap.
Gates has a new 90deg. fuel filler elbow p/n 24716
Can't wait to see it done
Wow. Pics of the elusive early! Thank you Ken. I have been dying to see these fro a long time. Looks like a good long project, but a fun one. You are planing an angle chop, right?
I hear ya on the money thing... I got mine in a deal I couldn't pass up. I'll be done paying child support in 4 years. That's when I can get really busy on mine... until then, let 'em stare. Doesn't bother me.
Lookin great ken, you really gonna chop it? I'd love to see it and if so I'm looking forward to the tutorial.
Ahhhh the garages all over the US were busy this past holiday weekend! Keep up the good work bud! n keep them pics a coming!
Lookin good Ken, I like the angle chop & slammed,being it is going pro-street it needs to be slammed. On page 2, whats wrong with the chrome smoothies & whitewalls,that's what I have on mine,lol.
let me see if I can post of my 70 dodge that was lowered & yellow(its been awhile since I had it), I miss it.
Ken, you mentioned dipping? here we have a place called media blasters..they do sand blasting but instead of using sand they use plastic beads,easier on the metal but cleans it nicely & you don't have sand everywhere.
better cover them clear spots...
You know I will!
Yes..the dash and air plenum are all welded in place.
It will stay for now. I may cut it out and make a glass dash and run a plenum from the nose vents into the dog box for more air. Not sure yet.
You may be able to elongate the holes the bolts go though with a dremel to get your adjustment on the doors.
I moved the doors around last night and got most of them to fit much better. All the hinges will be shaved after it is chopped, so right now I just need them close. The adjustment that is needed will not matter with the dremel cutting. Funny, you mentioned bending and pulling, all the door bottoms are whacked like someone hit them with a B.F.H. to make them fit right.
Looks like that gas tank imploded. That can come from using a non-vented gas cap.
Gates has a new 90deg. fuel filler elbow p/n 24716
I think it was actually caused by a 4x4 on a floor jack
Don't ask how I know
Thanx for the part #, but she will be getting a fuel cell with direct fill.
Can't wait to see it done
You and me both buddy! It's been a long time coming.
Wow. Pics of the elusive early! Thank you Ken. I have been dying to see these fro a long time. Looks like a good long project, but a fun one. You are planing an angle chop, right?
See I told you it existed
Yup, the angle chop will hopefully begin this weekend.
I hear ya on the money thing... I got mine in a deal I couldn't pass up. I'll be done paying child support in 4 years. That's when I can get really busy on mine... until then, let 'em stare. Doesn't bother me.
Nice to hear you have your priorities in the proper order. Nothing worse then when people don't care for their young ones. Good luck with your project when you get her going. Hope to see you at Thaw.
Lookin great ken, you really gonna chop it? I'd love to see it and if so I'm looking forward to the tutorial.
Sure am. Hopefully will start the cutting this weekend.
PM me your email and I'll send you my planning so far.
On page 2, whats wrong with the chrome smoothies & whitewalls,that's what I have on mine,lol.
Nothing, just not my style! They were cool before I was born
let me see if I can post of my 70 dodge that was lowered & yellow(its been awhile since I had it), I miss it.
Would love to see a picture or three!
Ken, you mentioned dipping? here we have a place called media blasters..they do sand blasting but instead of using sand they use plastic beads,easier on the metal but cleans it nicely & you don't have sand everywhere.
Yeah, we have them round here too. I'm not sure what route I will go with that yet. I have a blaster, so I may buy some media and do it myself. I do want to check on a price for dipping tho. I think it will clean inside everything better.
WOW, Ken, you have your hands full. Have you started laying out cut lines yet?? You gottta be getting antsy!!! I know I am. Especially not being able to work on any vans this past long weekend. But today will see some work for my 91, and maybe some stripping for my 86 chop project. I can't wait. Good tutorial you have written. Some confusing areas, which I will discuss with ya later.
Not yet. Got one more door to hang and some glass to remove. Then I need to clean off a bunch of years worth of dirt so I can draw on it. I'm really hoping to cut it this weekend.
I've got my fingers crossed Bud...
I've got my fingers crossed Bud...
I hope you mean that in a good way
I want to go home now and start it. Can't do anything tonight tho. Have a wake to go to. Maybe more work tomorrow.
Deb and I think it looks like a GROUPER
Is that now the theme of the build... Project GROUPER... Don't think so! We may call it that till the rust is removed, but the name is still kinda up in the air.
I was originally going to use "Thunderstruck"
I have also been thinking about "Disturbed" or "Stupified"
Dunno, Heavy Metal and Metal Fabrication just seems to go together.
We've always had your number
Old Number 7 that is
We've always had your number
Old Number 7 that is
Oh, yeah! That's a whole different number tho
Too funny...
The power of the human mind my friend, the power of the human mind...
Well, I got all the doors on the van now. Stripped out the wing windows on the front doors too last night. Aligning doors on an Early Dodge is a bitch. Finally figured out you need to heat the hinges and bend them to adjust them. That will need to be changed after the chop. Tonight's plans are to clean the van and remove the glass from the other doors. Then I will start marking my cuts.
Friday morning she will go under the knife!
Thats good to hear Ken,keep us posted with pics please
Finally figured out you need to heat the hinges and bend them to adjust them.
Will do Jimmy!
What do you mean by that Nate?
I only figured it out because the doors on mine were done that way. and they are the original doors. I finally noticed it on the drivers door hinges.
OK, I know I am a very long way from paint, but I need some suggestions for a color. No, I DO NOT want flat black. I am not building a rat rod.
I don't mind two tone or something, but I don't want anything to wild. So, lets hear your ideas!
Pink...
nahh a proper mural is absolutely required
crazy thing is there is really company's that make em !
http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archive/2006/03/fake-windows-wi/ ..
so may be easier to go with the pink huh
What do you mean by that Nate?
Oops..I misread the post. I thought it said "beat". Duh. Hey..it was early in the morning. I must have been cross-eyed.
colors??? how about '68 Dodge Turbine Bronze Metallic with a W3 off white two tone??
mix those with a nice set of polished aluminum wheels or old school smoothies, either would be nice...
just a thought..
Hmmm, how about satin black ? An angle chop has to look mean !
Unless you would rather go for a two tone sea foam green and white.
I was thinking about the new Mopar Bronze that they use on the Dodge Ram Datona like this one
ClickY Or maybe some kind of teal?
I dunno.
Two tone would have to be a cool blend, not just a normal two tone.
Planned front tires - not as tall though.
Rear tires
Wheels
I'm going for a look similar to this one drawn by Greg
Except with an angle cut chop like this
your going to need a hacksaw blade, some duct tape and a case of krylon but other than that COOL ! ;)
So if we darken the orange on this one a bit that would do the trick then
I was thinking about the new Mopar Bronze that they use on the Dodge Ram Datona like this one
ClickY Or maybe some kind of teal?
I dunno.
Two tone would have to be a cool blend, not just a normal two tone.
Love the Mopar Bronze, not the Teal... For a two-tone you coul add a bit of Mopar Bronze to some Cream and paint the mid-section that colour...
Didn't like the Pink...?
I have had my eye one the blue thats on your N2itro for years.Then I went with the burnt orange that Chevy and a couple of others came out with.
the really neat thingabout the paint on an early is they look really sweet when they are ready for paint to be painted from the inside out.when done right this looks very nice.
Picking a color YOU really like to look at becomes very important.You will be surrounded with that color the whole time you are driving the van......
I have always liked brite colors on Earlies.......
It will have some satin black on it for a while.Black primer makes the best "guide coat" when you are "blocking" the body to get it right for paint.
.........Wookee
Satin blue and satin red look good if you paint the bumbers that silver / satin silver colour.
yeah that dodge in primer is real cool, I like radical earlies a lot. I really like those wheels ken.
I like the color on the bottom of that orange one Doug posted.
No Pink!
NO PINK!!! Whats this world coming too...
I like the Mopar burnt orange color personally. But then again, I also like the Nautilus Blue, and my own blue, but with a little more metalic. Like Wookee said, its your van, and you will be surrounded by it everytime you drive, which I hope you are building a driver...
here is a very good example of what i am talking about.
This is VCVC Member Dave Collons's super clean and detailed 2nd gen Early Chevy
This van took the "Flying Eagle" award at the "Nationals" in Ohio.
The wheels on this van came from Stockton........
........Wookee
that light blue color is what i like, plan on doing my '75 that way. sweet!
I had a 77 in that color blue it looked pretty sweet......
earlies just have allot more exposed steel that you really need toget right.
This is also a fact that is ussually over looked by judges up untill recently.......
alpine express best of show winner at the same years Nationals.is another example of great color cordination.in an earlies interior/cab.......
.......Wookee
I think candy metallic deep purple would look cool. There is also a color which Subaru uses that is like a midnight black with blue metallic in it. Looks really cool in the sun. Gold would be a good choice too, but then again I also like avocado green.
Something to contemplate Ken, when you do the "Chop" your vision will then be at the top of the windshield from your seat. I had to cut out the wheel hump and part of the engine dog house and adjust for the same as much as I could. This dropped my seats enough for what I thought was a better "Line-of-Sight"! There was a tad bit of distortion at the top of my glass, but your's is flat, so that may not be as bad a problem? I only did a 3 1/2" chop, but on a curved windshield. Also, if you drop the seats, then you have to attack changing the steering wheel. One thing leads to another when you do these things, so I found out!!! lol
B.W.
Something to contemplate Ken, when you do the "Chop" your vision will then be at the top of the windshield from your seat. I had to cut out the wheel hump and part of the engine dog house and adjust for the same as much as I could. This dropped my seats enough for what I thought was a better "Line-of-Sight"! There was a tad bit of distortion at the top of my glass, but your's is flat, so that may not be as bad a problem? I only did a 3 1/2" chop, but on a curved windshield. Also, if you drop the seats, then you have to attack changing the steering wheel. One thing leads to another when you do these things, so I found out!!! lol
B.W.
Yo know,I never thought of that. But what will you do Ken? I like the progress! Lookin great!
Whenever doing custom work like this, you find that with the thousands of tools that you have, you still need more. I could not get the drill into some spots to get the spot welds cut out. I have three different drill extensions, and the spot weld cutter didn't fit in any of them. I searched the garage for an adapter to go from a hex bit to a square 1/4" socket bit, and couldn't find one. It's on the list now to buy. Anyway, instead of wasting an hour to go buy one I improvised. I looked in the toolbox and noticed I had two nut drivers. Heck, I only need one, so I cut the handle off one and made me a nifty new extension to put in the drill. Add a deep socket to fit the spot weld cutter and I was good to go.
After drilling all the spot welds on the ribs, I cut the bottoms with a cut off wheel and removed all the ribs...
i ran a recessed channel in the top of the wheel weels
in the chop i built, dropped the seat rails an easy inch lower
and worked out great IMO
Almost there...
Big piece of pie?
Drivers side out
That is where, I'm at for now. Spring Thaw next weekend, so it will prolly be 2 weeks till I make the last 4 cuts and put the roof down on the cut line.
Stay tuned!
whoaaaaaaaaaa! a heritage of master craftsmanship indeed! What a cliffhanger though.
It all looks good on paper......
The bigest thing I have learned about fabracation work over the years is no matter how well you plan things out.... things change......
If you are the type that needs blue prints to build by it can drive you crazy......
I really like what I am seeing so far.......
.........Wookee
Something to contemplate Ken, when you do the "Chop" your vision will then be at the top of the windshield from your seat. I had to cut out the wheel hump and part of the engine dog house and adjust for the same as much as I could. This dropped my seats enough for what I thought was a better "Line-of-Sight"! There was a tad bit of distortion at the top of my glass, but your's is flat, so that may not be as bad a problem? I only did a 3 1/2" chop, but on a curved windshield. Also, if you drop the seats, then you have to attack changing the steering wheel. One thing leads to another when you do these things, so I found out!!! lol
B.W.
Yeah that buddy! This van will be getting an entirely different suspension as well as steering components. I won't be driving it long distances either, so it doesn't have to be too comfortable. I'm kinda going for the cool, fast factor and will fit in the rest as I go
whoaaaaaaaaaa! a heritage of master craftsmanship indeed! What a cliffhanger though.
Thanx buddy!
Oh, and sorry bout the Cliffhanger, but need to make sure there is enough time for the next step. Definitely not the point to rush things.
It all looks good on paper......
The bigest thing I have learned about fabracation work over the years is no matter how well you plan things out.... things change......
If you are the type that needs blue prints to build by it can drive you crazy......
I hear you there. Spent around 6 months on the planning and I still did some things differently. It is nice to have it all on paper too though, for those brain fart times
Lookin Good Billy Ray!
Let see, you practiced chopping metal on a 50,000 diesel van, so you could get it right when you started on the early ?.. Alright ! Waytogo
Lookin Good Billy Ray!
Feeling good Winthorp !
Thanx buddy!
Let see, you practiced chopping metal on a 50,000 diesel van, so you could get it right when you started on the early ?.. Alright ! Waytogo
I guess it does seem kinda odd, but at least I can buy NOS parts for the Ford.
Way to go Ken, there's no turning back now...
Awesome progress you've made so far, you're well on your way... It's great to see, and be a part of the careful planning that you've gone through to begin this creation, and it's great to see the job begin... I'm looking forward to seeing this through every step of the way, and will look forward to seeing the finished product... Thanks for sharing your build with everyone, it's important to the continuation of the Kustom Kulture... Enjoy... My only regret is being too far away to participate in your build...
Again Ken, congrats on a job well done...
Thanx buddy! Feels great to be creating again too. Thanx to you also with the help in planning.
Yo know,I never thought of that. But what will you do Ken? I like the progress! Lookin great!
RIGHT NOW THE PLAN IS TO GET the body done then, the suspension. If I need more headroom I'm thinking of rolling the seats back on the wheel well a bit so that it goes back farther.
Cool, will you pull the dash closer to you after you move the seats back? you know something wild?
Have not given much thought to the dash yet. The damn thing is welded in. It may stay with the stock look or it may get completely replaced. I won't really be able to tell until I work out the front suspension and steering.
Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh! Chop it good!
Great READ! The progress looks GREAT buddy... See ya at thaw!!!
Have not given much thought to the dash yet. The damn thing is welded in. It may stay with the stock look or it may get completely replaced. I won't really be able to tell until I work out the front suspension and steering.
Right on!!!I love it man!!
Great READ! The progress looks GREAT buddy... See ya at thaw!!!
Thanx buddy! Sure will!
I've been waitin to use that line on someone, THIS was the perfect opertune
Looking awesome. I can't wait to see more progress, to see how it all comes together. I won't even start mine before yours progresses farther. I wish I could still be at Thaw, to talk to you endlessly about chopping.
Yup, it worked for me Rhoe
Thanx Brad. If Thaw was not this coming weekend, it would most likely be finished, cept for all of the welding. There are basically only 3 cuts left and it's ready to go back together. Just need to do some figuring on one of them cuts.
We can always talk at Lost, or Vanfest or the Nats.
Looks great Ken. You do fine work.
Ken ,looks like you are useing the new style chevy taillights??
quote=Superbeast]
whoaaaaaaaaaa! a heritage of master craftsmanship indeed! What a cliffhanger though.
Thanx buddy!
Oh, and sorry bout the Cliffhanger, but need to make sure there is enough time for the next step. Definitely not the point to rush things. [/quote]
I don't mind a cliffhanger. I've got one going on at my house it's called wheel well arch with no rocker panel presently. I'm really excited you started this because scott in our club is taking the engine and trans out of his 87 to put in his 77 dodge so we have a van with no drivetrain, and we're going to try and chop it and we were discussing straight or angle, we were gonna try straight but since you are doing the angle we might be able to learn from your pictures and try that instead. Ours will not come together as well as yours i'm sure but we've got a plenty of learning to do. thanks for inspiring us with your creations!
just kiddin about the lights,thats a great start Ken.
I;m really liking what I'm seeing here. Looks like you are doing a fine job, and the end result will be a real show stopper. It take a smooth hand to make a nice cut like that.
Looks great Ken. You do fine work.
Thanx guys! I try Nate!
just kiddin about the lights,thats a great start Ken.
Took me a few to realize what you meant
That step is a must when angle chopping.
I've got one going on at my house it's called wheel well arch with no rocker panel presently. I'm really excited you started this because Scott in our club is taking the engine and trans out of his 87 to put in his 77 dodge so we have a van with no drive train, and we're going to try and chop it and we were discussing straight or angle, we were gonna try straight but since you are doing the angle we might be able to learn from your pictures and try that instead. Ours will not come together as well as yours i'm sure but we've got a plenty of learning to do. thanks for inspiring us with your creations!
We all have projects like that
A straight chop is quite a bit easier than an angle. There are a bunch of extra steps that need to be done when doing an angle. I'm still working out the details for the windshield framework. I may do it Friday before heading to Thaw if I have time, if not it will be the following weekend.
I;m really liking what I'm seeing here. Looks like you are doing a fine job, and the end result will be a real show stopper. It take a smooth hand to make a nice cut like that.
Thanx buddy. I really hope so. The hands are shaky, that's why I'm using two
Sometimes I could even use a third
Wow, I missed this thread for a while, looking great and is definately going to look sweet
hey ken , glenn here , i think # 1 looks best for the reason that 2 and 3 the front window angle. and the rear upper door angle are to much the same and to me looks simmilar to the corvan . does anyone else see that .of course its just me .nothing wrong with an extreme angle chop , that would look awesome tubbed . good luck ken ,no matter what angle you choose . it'll be ready for summit station , right !!
Looking good Ken,bet ya can't wait
Thanx Mike!
Going with #1 Spaceman. It's in the process now.
It'll be ready for Summit Station for sure, just not sure of what year
Thanx Jimmy!
Spent last night building a jacking system to hold and maneuver the roof into position. I'll take some pics of that tonight.
I was having a few concerns with the windshield are, but I think i came up with an idea that will work for me.
One word of caution to anyone considering a chopped van, A straight chop is WAY easier to do than an angle. Altho, IMO angle chops look so much cooler
Well this weekend sucked!
Thursday night I finished up the jacking system after cutting the grass. I had made a cocktail and looked around the garage that has been destroyed. I told Deb, the next order of business was to clean the garage. Called a buddy to help put the spare doors back into the attic of the barn. THEN tragedy struck....
I climbed into the van to jack up the jacking system to prepare the roof for the final cuts. As luck would have it the front system was about an inch too short. No problem, I figured, I'll just run some 2x4's under the system to raise it up the rest.
So, I climbed out of the van stepped on my welders plug and twisted my ankle. Down I went!
Well, I just got back from the Orthopedist And I have 2 fractures in my foot and torn ligaments in my ankle
Needless to say, work on the early has come to a screeching halt and will have to be on hold for at least 3 more weeks.
That's crappy news... only three weeks though is good! Sorry about that, dude.
ouch
Ouch I feel your pain. Wish you a speedy recovery. Hope you are well enough to get to Lost. Take some horse tranquilizers to get there then we'll fix you up with Johnny O's Orange Crush and Snotty's blender drinks to ease the pain. You'll be out playing football and horseshoes in no time
Well this weekend sucked!
So, I climbed out of the van stepped on my welders plug and twisted my ankle. Down I went!
Well, I just got back from the Orthopedist And I have 2 fractures in my foot and torn ligaments in my ankle
Needless to say, work on the early has come to a screeching halt and will have to be on hold for at least 3 more weeks.
That truly sucks Bud... I agree with the "Ouch", did something similar carrying a full acetylene tank years ago... The crappy thing is it can be an injury that is quite easy to do again...
Chop looks good Ken..sorry to hear about the ankle..hope for a speedy recovery..
Damn Ken..sorry to hear that..OUCH. Just walk it off! That's what I was told by my a-hole coworkers when I had a manhole cover fall on my foot in 1993. The pain was so unreal I couldn't breathe!
Damn Ken, I definitely feel your pain, and you at least had the smarts to get it checked out. I've been hobbling around on a sore foot, for the last 6-8 weeks. I suspect hairline fractures, but would not be willing to take time off work, so mine will have to heal over a long period. Take care of yourself buddy, and remember, a clean work area is a safe work area.
Thanx guys! yeah, the foot is messed up pretty bad, but it will heal. Sucks that I'm so close with the chop and can't do a damned thing. I'm pretty bummed about it.
damn dude, that blows!!! 3 weeks? I hope your right, although fractures and especially torn ligaments are usually more like 6 to 9 weeks min!
I sure hope u guys are still coming to Lost! and like Doug said once ya get there me and Johnny will fix ya up! LOL
Sorry to hear about your foot Ken.......
Take it from experiance stay off of it and let it heal.
Nothing worse than having a bad wheel......
At least you have a desk job....
......Wookee
Ken, Sorry about the accident. Hope you're on your feet soon. If I know you, you can't stand to be laid up. Please don't throw anything at Debbie or the girls while your laying around all pith'd off. Just kidding. I know it sucks. Suzie says "Hey! and hang in there."
Steve & Suzie
Sorry to hear this Ken. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
Sorry to hear that Ken,the chop will be there when your better,now is the time for more ideas
Rub some dirt on it!!!!
Sorry to hear of your pain Ken--
now you will know for next time!!!
Hugs!
Suzie
Ok, if you choose not to obey the Doc's , remember I have a new bone saw I am dying to try out
So take it easy, or else
Thanx guys! Yes it sucks. The Doc told me to stay off of it for at least 2 weeks. Then I go back to see if I can start working on it. I already acquired a walk on inflatable cast, so when I get the OK, it will be on and (hopefully) I'll be able to get some stuff done.
Deb and the girls have been great so far. I'm slowly learning how to get around. The hardest thing so far is carrying my drink from the kitchen to the couch
We'll be at Lost for sure, but I'll prolly still be on crutches.
See you all there.
Thanx guys! yeah, the foot is messed up pretty bad, but it will heal. Sucks that I'm so close with the chop and can't do a damned thing. I'm pretty bummed about it.
Sorry to hear that Ken
Well Ken, good time to do some sketches,with color!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well Ken, good time to do some sketches,with color!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I could draw cool customs, I wouldn't have to build them
Look at them fat little piggy's!
Those pics should come with a warning label!
OUCH.. that makes my foot hurt just looking at it...do what the Doc says
and get healed up..no pun intended there
And yeah those pics should have come with a warning... At least specify don't look if you're eating lunch, now I got one helluva mess to clean up... Sorry guys! Didn't think about lunch time. It's almost time to go home here!
Its not so much the ankle it the toes, dude how come the second piggy is longer than the first.
dude how come the second piggy is longer than the first.
Ask a female what that means
Your feets are still that bad? That was like a week ago, no? ugh!
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit!
Heal up buddy see ya soon! I do like your jacking systems thou very intuitive!
DITTO...
So long toes means long ****
COOL!!!
DITTO...
So long toes means long ****
COOL!!!
Shoes, Brad, shoes!
Hey Ken do you ever wash those things? I can smell them from here. Whew.
Sorry to hear about the foot. Heal well.
Yup, foot is still that bad. Doc says that swelling can take up to 6 months to return totally back to normal.
Thanx Snotty. Sometimes it pays to have a bunch of STUFF around to build things out of.
Yeah Sask, SHOES
Sorry Phil, but it's hard to wash them while on crutches
I'll make sure to hose them off before the pig roast on Saturday
...do what the Doc says
which doc are we talking about here?
...do what the Doc says
which doc are we talking about here?
Well I would say our Doc..
good call. I bet he has just the thing for that. Ken I did something similar to my ankle once, post pictures in a another week or two when it starts get really dark in color or maybe in the purple/yellow stage, that'll be realllll appetizing. hehe. get well man!
it changes color almost daily. It's kinda neat that way, but it still sucks.
Maybe there's a good looking neighbor lady that fell on her chest and we could see those bruises maybe? If you ever rack your "boys" falling off a bike seat,PULLEZZ no pictures.
Heal up soon Ken,wonder if Hallmark has a card for that?
Ken, I hope you're playing the sympathy card out there, and at your next van run... that's gotta be worth some special catering!
Good luck with that!
For some reason earlies seem to attack their owners. Rick Kenney (purple Grand Illusion Econo) was attacked by a sawzall while working on the roof. It was a travel wagon with the hole in the roof and he was trimming it so he could install the new roof skin. Forgot that the engine and motorbox were out, leaving a big hole in the floor...landed on running sawzall, leaving big hole in his side...OW
For some reason earlies seem to attack their owners.
What was that saying... oh yah, - "Meanest vehicle ever built!"
Get well soon Superbeast!
Clear skies!
Maybe there's a good looking neighbor lady that fell on her chest and we could see those bruises maybe?
We couldn't get that lucky.
If you ever rack your "boys" falling off a bike seat,PULLEZZ no pictures.
Oh, you mean like when I got snipped. Hum, now where are those pics
Not to worry, no pics of that
Heal up soon Ken,wonder if Hallmark has a card for that?
Thanx buddy! I wouldn't be surprised
Ken, I hope you're playing the sympathy card out there, and at your next van run... that's gotta be worth some special catering!
Good luck with that!
Not really, but it is getting me out of some chores. I'd almost rather be doing them tho, cause then I could be chopping too.
Forgot that the engine and motorbox were out, leaving a big hole in the floor..
BTDT - ALMOST fell in mine a few times. I finally put a plate over the hole!
landed on running sawzall, leaving big hole in his side...OW
Ouch! Hurts just thinking about it.
Well, I went to a new doctor on Friday and he put a soft cast on till the swelling goes down, then he said I need a cast so foot heals right.
It really sucks, but gotta do as he says, I can't afford to risk foot problems later.
Well at least with a soft case it will be easier to navigate around...
Well at least with a soft case it will be easier to navigate around...
Not really, I still can't use it. I want to walk dammit! Can't chop vans with crutches.
Oh, you mean like when I got snipped. Hum, now where are those pics
Not to worry, no pics of that
OH, you too.....
Nice to know I'm not alone...
Sorry to hear about your foot...been there done that..fell off the deck...don't ask why.
Sorry to hear about your foot...been there done that..fell off the deck...don't ask why.
Thanx buddy!
I bet there was alcohol involved
Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick!
Damned foot is still in a cast! I want it OFF!
cant you still do stuff w/ a cast on? how big is it?
Once the doc gives me the OK to start standing on it, I hope so! Right now I'm on crutches so doing anything while standing is a major chore.
And it's
Really Big! cant you still do stuff w/ a cast on? how big is it?
You gotta watch how you word things around Ken. He will surely insert your foot into your mouth for ya...
I wanna try some of Ken's meds! He's just rapid-fire wit today!
He is often like that Corey. I don't think he needs meds for this either.
He is often like that Corey. I don't think he needs meds for this either.
You should hear me at a run when there is alcohol involved
especially a BUCKET! Yummy!
He is often like that Corey. I don't think he needs meds for this either.
You should hear me at a run when there is alcohol involved
especially a BUCKET! Yummy!
I'm gonna shoot for a trip in 2011... unless you get out to midwest for may long weekend in 2010... I think that would be a blast! I've never had a BUCKET before!
You ain't had nothin till you've had a bucket.
Mid West for Memorial day may work. Been going to Lost for years. Missed it once for The Hot Rod Power Tour. I said I would never miss it again for something else, but another van run would be acceptable.
I like your taste in style Superbeast. First time I set eyes on that sketch of the early I about creamed my jeans. It’s so clean and custom….When I look at it I feel inspired.
Let me know if you figure out how to flip the door hinges before I do. Seems it would be difficult to get the hinge function correct and maintain door alignment. I keep thinking the hinge would really need to be two hinges in one. (Would be a lot easier to no door it, lol.)
Good Golly!!! Stroked 440?!?! YEAH!!!!!! That’ll “do it in reverse” for sure!
This van will be getting an entirely different suspension as well as steering components
Tub it out and AIR BAG IT! hehe
That’s getting closer to the top of my todo list. Let me know what you do with the steering. Clover has tracked down most of the front replacement parts, but not all of them. I considered an axle swap…. But changed my mind....
Did you remove the dash and or air plume yet? Any pics detailing that?
I’ll be ripping into mine very soon…….. I’m not looking forward to that.
What exactly does the air plume do???? Obviously air goes in… but why?
Oh and the CHOP is looking GREAT! Hope the foot gets better, those pics looked RUFF!
cant you still do stuff w/ a cast on? how big is it?
The type of problem Ken is having requires you to be NON weight bearing.This means staying off of it for it to heal correctly......
No van project is worth having to deal with a bad foot the rest of your life......
......Wookee
I agree with wookee, I went back to work too soon after my neck surgery & am paying for it now.
Thanx Brew! Yes, my plans for this are clean simple and fast. Of coarse there will be some vanner touches.
Door alignment on these vans is a joke. You have to heat and bend the hinges to do any kind of alignment with them. I'm going to avoid most of the issues with mine as I'm going to make the rear doors like a hatch back and the side doors will be clam shelled. The front doors I was thinking of using one of the suicide door hinge kits, but not actually making them suicide, or maybe I will, not sure yet. If not that route, I may try and incorporate a newer front door style hinge into the jamb by building a pocket to fit them in.
Yup a stroked 440 - estimated 900 horsepower. That at least I already have so I won't need much $ for that. I think all I really need for it is a carb.
It will be tubbed, but no bags. I thought of using bags, but I do want to run this baby down the 1/4 and I'm not confident in a bag doing that, so prolly just a good set of coil overs for suspension.
The front end I have mostly figured out in my head. I'm sure it won't be as easy as I'm planning, but I'll make it all work.
Thanx to Wookie telling me it can't be done, I've figured most of it out.
Thanx buddy! At first I was thinking of use an electric steering set up that some of the older GM cars had. Then I came across another idea of using the steering components out of an 80's Toyota van. Then, I started to realize that there were a lot of earlier foreign vans with everything needed. I'll prolly have to fabricate a few brackets, but it shouldn't be too bad.
I have not decided yet if I'm going to remove the dash in mine. I'm only going to remove it if I decide to build a totally new, custom one. I thought of building a glass one to lighten it up some, but with everything else removed, I may need some weight to keep the front end down.
The plenum fills with air from the vents in the nose. Once the air goes into it, it feeds fresh air into the heater box and the 2 foot vents. I was going to take it out completely because the heater box is not going back in mine, but then after talking to Brian Bowie at Thaw, I decided to leave it and modify the opening to feed more air into the engine bay. I plan to build a tunnel from the dash to the engine box. Kind of like a center console. I figured I could use part of it to mount the shifter also.
Thanx for the kind words. The foot will heal and it'll get done. I'm working with someone now to try and get a parts van to change the rusty nose and the other rust spots. I'm hoping it all works out.
No van project is worth having to deal with a bad foot the rest of your life......
......Wookee
You got that right buddy! I have had problems with my feet since the day I was born, so believe me when I say I'm doing exactly what the Dr. says. Even went to 3 Dr.'s before I found one that knew what he was doing.
Lookin' forward to seeing the continued progress on your project bud...
900hp...
Well, no new progress on this yet, but my foot is getting better. Got my cast off last week and finally got a shoe back on this weekend. Can't stand long yet, or walk very far without crutches, but I guess time will be needed for that. I was actually able to drive myself to work today. Hopefully I'll be able to get home
Will prolly wait on this project till after the Nats now.
Well, no new progress on this yet, but my foot is getting better. Got my cast off last week and finally got a shoe back on this weekend. Can't stand long yet, or walk very far without crutches, but I guess time will be needed for that. I was actually able to drive myself to work today. Hopefully I'll be able to get home
Will prolly wait on this project till after the Nats now.
Definitely take is easy, you certainly don't want to prolong the time away from your project, my friend...
hey at least you'll be able to do some wandering around at the nats vs. wheeling around.
Yes, take your time, and heal up properly. Nothing like a bad foot the rest of your life, because you were to eager to work on a project. Projects can wait.
Yes, take your time, and heal up properly. Nothing like a bad foot the rest of your life, because you were to eager to work on a project. Projects can wait.
Brad has to find the voice of reason, and take away all your fun, Ken! I'll tell you what Superbeast... sounds like a great time to have another beer! Do that until your foot is healed! Then you'll have two good reasons why walking right now is dangerous!
My brother and I invented the
"while you're up" game! From as soon as he would physically show intention to stand up from his seat, until the moment he sits down, I would say "while you're up", and he'd have to bring me a beer from the fridge! It works both ways. My sister messed with it though and says "when you're up", and I hadn't moved my butt anywhere... she thinks she knows how to play the game so awesome, but she's got it all wrong! Now, of course the game takes a little twist if you are the first one to break the seal... To see us both sitting there with the game on TV, legs crossed, eyeballs floating, not wanting to be the first to get up... quite amusing! This game is great when watching movies or sporting events with a large group! Imagine 10 "while you're up"s during a Nascar race, the poor sucker who gets stuck with that one!
Just want to give you something challenging and skill developing while you wait to continue working on the A van! Take it easy buddy! Your medicinally-induced jokes have slowed down a little... kinda miss it!
Hey Ken, just got through your thread.....be patient, it takes a while. It'll be a year for me on Labour Day weekend, since I rolled mine in a field at Butler. Wasn't pretty was it Doc?
Had all the same colors for a while too. Keep your chair in site at the Nats...alcohol makes a great painkiller till the next morning, then it's swelled like a balloon again.
see ya soon.
Thanx guys! I've had issues with my feet since birth, so I'm not risking anything. I'm down to one crutch today. It actually hurts more now trying to walk on it, then it did shortly after I broke it. Hopefully by Nats it'll be almost normal.
I've learned that alcohol is a good pain med, but it has to be used in moderation to avoid making it worse.
Sask, sounds like a fun game that can get out of control very quickly.
I have to admit, it's been pretty nice being waited on, but it still sucks not being able to do much of anything.
Hell of a story ken. Sorry about the foot and that I couldn't grab ya a beer at the Nats. Hope it survived the fun!
Looking forward to the chop too. I don't know how you managed to stay out of the garage. I would SOOOOOOOO be out there working one footed and all. ESPECIALLY since you're sooooo close to the main "bend". Hell what better way to heal than to distract yourself from feeling the pain with a good looking van project?
See you all in the fall. It may be that long until I get some decent time available to make a run. For now I'm a cyber-vanner.
Thanx buddy. You would be out there because you are a but younger than myself. I'm getting older and need to watch things with my health. I've had foot and leg issues since birth and can't risk issues with either.
My foot is almost back to normal now, but my back is now acting up, and I fear I may need to go for surgery AGAIN
I do, so want to get this top cut and at least tacked in place tho.
Hey, quick question... been discussing "clear spot removal" with wookee and matchstick. And they're big advocates of flanging. Are you planning to flange the joint or butt it? I'm planning a chop (or two) myself and am just curious. Seems like you've gathered a wealth of information on chopping and I might just take advantage of you for it.
Gimme gimme! Ha ha.
Hey, quick question... been discussing "clear spot removal" with wookee and matchstick. And they're big advocates of flanging. Are you planning to flange the joint or butt it? I'm planning a chop (or two) myself and am just curious. Seems like you've gathered a wealth of information on chopping and I might just take advantage of you for it.
Gimme gimme! Ha ha.
I butt welded the sectioning & chop job done on "Project Venom"... A flange would help on warpage... My only concern with a flange is moisture, combined with capillary action, getting into the joint... A good seam sealer would rectify that though...
Living right in the middle of a very humiid/moister rich area. I have not seen any of my repairs swell from being flanged.The flap part of the flange is always on the inside.
There is nothing wrong with a good "well fitted" butt weld.
It is allot harder for somebody with little to no metal working experiance to pull off.
........Wookee
yeah, something ken told me that helped my welding a ton. Sheet metal HAS to be tight or you will burn a hole in it which makes a butt weld hard to do with sheet metal. If you look at ron ( beastlees) old threads he set up his channel cuts to be lowered via a mechanism he made out of square tubing so he could lower the roof and line up the van really well. Much to be learned about tooling there. he might be able to PM you details or pictures as I have no idea where that thread went.
Living right in the middle of a very humiid/moister rich area. I have not seen any of my repairs swell from being flanged.The flap part of the flange is always on the inside.
There is nothing wrong with a good "well fitted" butt weld.
It is allot harder for somebody with little to no metal working experiance to pull off.
........Wookee
Let me clarify a few things... Flange welding has it's place, in an area like replacing a bay window, it can make life a lot easier... That said, I would highly recommend seam sealing the open flange side, as when condensation runs down the inside of the panel, it will get sucked into the joint like a sponge, it doesn't matter how tight the joint, it will happen... "Project Venom" will have a flanged joint where I took out 25" from the length of the van, I feel in this application the butt joint is preferred...
As Wookee says, a "well fitted" butt weld is for sure allot harder for somebody with little to no metal working experiance to pull off... yeah, something ken told me that helped my welding a ton. Sheet metal HAS to be tight or you will burn a hole in it which makes a butt weld hard to do with sheet metal. If you look at ron ( beastlees) old threads he set up his channel cuts to be lowered via a mechanism he made out of square tubing so he could lower the roof and line up the van really well. Much to be learned about tooling there. he might be able to PM you details or pictures as I have no idea where that thread went.
Dave, it's great to see that people actually pay attention and absorb the information that is shared on this forum... This is a wonderful place to learn, with a lot of gifted people willing to share...
I am a fair welder myself, having worked for a machine shop part time for 8 years while I went to school and a couple years out. I have a little mig setup I bought for doing repair panels, it certainly does what I need.
If you don't have a tight gap, there's a little trick I learned from the old salt that ran the shop. It also works where its just thin in general too....
Get yourself a 1/2"+ thick block of brass, bronze or copper. Aluminum will work in a pinch too. Lay it up against the backside where you are working. Make sure its in good contact with the seam. It acts as a heat sink and in addition provides a "backer" for voids thus containing the molted puddle instead of blowing it out. It also has the benefit of being impervious to knitting with the project like a block of steel would. Basically it's nearly impossible to weld these other metals to the steel.
Oh, I've used a steel block before too... but damn, be careful you don't weld it to the thing!
And if you're doing the side of a van, you'll probably need a helper, or a lot of duct tape. Or... if you're handy machining, drill it and epoxy inset some good magnets into it.
Thanks for the tips Wookee and Match and Beast. Hope I'm able to reciprocate with some myself.
we used a brass piece while doing the window replacement actually. very handy indeed.
Ron I'd be a fool to pass up free information!
Free info is the best info for sure.
I've used pennies before, as a backer. Hard to do without a helper, unless, the backside is right handy. I'll have to find a big chunk of said metal, to help with my future projects.
Josh you need to come by now that your not to far away.
My plan with doing my early is a bit different than what I would do if I were doing a standard chop on a van. With me leaving the roof whole and pulling the sides in the sides to meet the roof, what I'm going to do is leave the 1" lip under the drip rail as you see it in the pictures. I'm going to remove as much of the seam sealer from under the drip rail as possible. Then I'm going to lower the roof inside the outer walls and do my weld right under the drip rail. I'll weld it solid all the way around and then grind it smooth. This will leave a smooth transition under the drip rail, similar to the factory look.
Damn Ken, somehow I missed this reply.
Hell yeah I'd love to stop by. I think you're like an hour fifteen north. PM me your addy. But will likely have to wait until after Keystone though. August is the busiest month at the shore, and on top of that I have my house up for sale. (Actually supposed to be getting an offer on Tuesday for it. So then I gotta get my sh*t put somewhere. But that's a story for another thread.)
Yeah leaving a 1" edge to overlap with. I was thinking of doing that very thing too. But I thought that putting a nice bead of seam sealer back up under the drip rail there would do the trick after welding instead of trying to grind it all pretty and risk nicking up the drip rail. Pulling the sides in is exactly what I want to do too, as I want to try and use a single roof. although I might decide to lay back the windshield a little too.
Sounds like we definitely need to get together to talk and have a
.
Door is always open buddy! I'll PM you the address. Hopefully by after Keystone my roof will at least be down.
what timing, I just saw this pop up in the recent posts box. I was trying to recall the name of this thread to see how it was going.
Hope you are recovering :-) This build is going to be way cool!
As soon as the Doc gives me the OK, this will be first priority. Last time, when foot was healed enough to do work I opted for trying to catch up on some yard work and messed up my back. Long story short, when it's fixed the roof needs to be down where it belongs so I can move onward.
Lookin' forward to seeing some progress Bud... The yard work can always wait till next year...
Now you tell me. Maybe if I would worked on the chop that weekend, my back wouldn't be f*cked!
what timing, I just saw this pop up in the recent posts box. I was trying to recall the name of this thread to see how it was going.
Hope you are recovering :-) This build is going to be way cool!
...yeah, I had to search pretty good to find it.
Glad you're getting better there Ken. Lets hope the Doc clears you soon.
R & R buddy. You only have one back. Everything else can wait, including yard work. Or you can get your other half active in the yard. My mom had to cut the grass this summer, first time in 37 + years, and she's doing fine.
Deb already has enough to take care of. Having a friend do some of the yard work now. I'm nor one to ask, but the grass at least needs cutting so the whole place doesn't look like shit. The rest will just have to wait. Going for spinal injections tomorrow morning. I'm hoping they work.
I wish you the best Superbeast!
-Clear skies!
Keepin' my fingers crossed for ya Bud...
Keepin' my fingers crossed for ya Bud...
Same from me too ken.
Good luck.
I'd cut your grass Ken, but yar just too far away. Not to mention, I'm pretty wiped after doing my own, which is for tommorrow.
Back injection update?????
Give us the good word Ken.
Took some time to read whole topic thru...
Reminds me when Deb was singing; "Oh lord, wont you buy me a angle chopped van..." Seems that U have to build one!!
Bro, keep the faith, even when shit happens. Hope your back and ankle will heel soon!
Miss U guys, my best to your girls.
KYRVÄKÄSTÄ JYRINÄÄ!
Be safe and VAN ON!!
-Pex-
Ken you doing oooooookkkkkkkkkk?
Did the shots help?
Thanx everyone. Finally back to work today. Gonna take me a while to catch up on all the posts. The foot is doing much better, but I'm afraid it's never going to be perfect again. Talked with that Doc, on Friday though, and he said it will take some time for it to be "normal" again. Feet seem to take a lot of abuse.
The back feels much better. The shots helped, but still not 100%. Doing Physical Therapy 3 days a week now, and I'm going back to see the Doc on Thursday. We'll see what happens from here.
Thanx for all the well wishes and the support.
Pex, You got it right. That's where the song started. Now all we need is a vanner band to record it
Be well Bro!
Cool man, glad to hear your back on your feet again (almost)
Are we gonna see you at any more van runs this year?
Oops...Sorry bout the hijack.
Keystone will be a definite. It's close enough for a drive. I won't know about Labor Day till I visit the Doc again on Thursday. Although with all the extra medical expenses, I don't even know if we will have any cash to go anywhere
.
Thanx buddy! I'm certainly trying. I need a van run bad tho.
Hahahah.... i'm not helping the hijack either! Glad you're doing better Ken. I'll find ya at Keystone one night. I'll be making a brief appearance. Dunno what night though.
Cool! We will see you then. Maybe we may get down to the shore to see you one Sunday too.... after all the bennies (sp) are gone anyway
Hahahah.... i'm not helping the hijack either! Glad you're doing better Ken. I'll find ya at Keystone one night. I'll be making a brief appearance. Dunno what night though.
Better be a night when Im there, I'll be there all the nights lol. I'll make sure I am awake this time haha.
Just a little update. As most of you know Randy Pelk stopped by 2 weekends ago. Randy is prolly the most talented custom van builder that I have ever met, and a damn nice guy too
The stopover was mostly a social visit, although we both wanted to chop something.
Anyway, we talked chops and such and the day before he came I cleaned the garage, so nobody broke any body part
While I was cleaning and BS'ing with Deb and a buddy, I took a ruler to the side of the van and started to ponder sectioning the van as well as chopping. Of coarse the chop needs finishing first and then I'll need to see if I'd be able to drive the van with it sectioned also. I mentioned it to Randy and of coarse he thought it would be cool
So what do you all think? I'd take 3" out of the flat section along the beltline. If I could photoshop I could see how it would look, but I could prolly build it before I could figure out how to photoshop it
So, now an update on me. I was supposed to go to the doctors this coming Friday for a final back inspection, but since last weekend my back has been getting worse again. I went to the doctors yesterday and he seems to thing that another of my herniated discs (I currently have 3 in my lower back) has moved and is now causing me more (slightly different) pain. I wanted to go for surgery to FIX my back, but he said he does not want to fuse half of my back. He said if he did I would lose way to much motion. So, he is scheduling me for another series of epidural shots in 2 of the 3 discs. He seems to think it will work well for me. He also told me that if they work, I'll be able to do things faster than recouping from surgery.
So, that's that for now. Next week after the shots we'll see how I'm doing and start to plan for some garage time to get the roof in place and plan the rest of the build on this van. Then I'm going to try and get some stuff done on Superbeast as well.
I say, go for the sectioning, worry about how you'll be able to drive it afterwards... I sectioned mine 4", and had a blast doing it...
Here's hopin' they get your back sorted out sooner than later Bud, ya gotta project to tackle, and a captive audience waiting...
Here's hopin' they get your back sorted out sooner than later Bud, ya gotta project to tackle, and a captive audience waiting...
Thanx buddy! I sure hope so. I can't take living like this any more.
If those east coast guys can drive a '32 thats been chopped and sectioned, it should be a piece of cake with a van. Just move the seat back and sit on the floor.
If you need anything photoshopped, either post a hi-res side shot, or Pm me for my email, and I can have it done in a few minutes.
I thought of that, but the front wheel well might be in the way to sit on the floor. I'll be able to tell better when the roof is in position.
As for the photoshop, would any of the pictures in this post work? If so, I could send you any of them in high res if you send me your email addy.
Thanx!
If those east coast guys can drive a '32 thats been chopped and sectioned, it should be a piece of cake with a van. Just move the seat back and sit on the floor.
There is one major problem that an Early Dodge Van has that 32 Fords dont.
You set on TOP of the fender wells......
........Wookee
Good you're doing good Ken. I really wanted to make the meet and greet, but I had a buyer for my backhoe coming 7am and had to go dig it out so he could get at it. The $1200 didn't hurt either. It sure was good to get that extra day in too moving stuff. It took me all of a week and a day to get the house empty. On the plus side, that means I'll have evenings free now. So one of these evenings I'll get up there for a beer and to talk chop.
Here's to getting better Ken.
I guess stupid question, But what is sectioning? Is it shorting/widening in length or width?
Hope you have better luck with back. I've been through my limit of 3 shots and never lasted. They also did a shot in my neck and lasted 2 weeks. The back issues is put on hold until after neck surgery. Had shoulder surgery 2 weeks ago. I feel your pain Ken, we're falling apart.
Jim
I guess stupid question, But what is sectioning? Is it shorting/widening in length or width?
Jim
If you look at the beltline of your van, the horizontal line that runs along the middle of the body... Well a section job is the removal of a horizontal strip from below that line (above it would be a chop), you have to cut through the firewall as well...
Hope this helps...
I would be willing to bet that the footwell in my van has more room than the deuce.
I sent a PM with my email.
Good you're doing good Ken. I really wanted to make the meet and greet, but I had a buyer for my backhoe coming 7am and had to go dig it out so he could get at it. The $1200 didn't hurt either. It sure was good to get that extra day in too moving stuff. It took me all of a week and a day to get the house empty. On the plus side, that means I'll have evenings free now. So one of these evenings I'll get up there for a beer and to talk chop.
Here's to getting better Ken.
I'm not really doing better, I was, but now it's getting worse again. You must be sleep-reading again
Missed you last Sat. Didn't know you had a hoe for sale, I prolly woulda bought it.
is always cold at my house. Stop by anytime. I don't drink it, but I always have some.
Hope you have better luck with back. I've been through my limit of 3 shots and never lasted. They also did a shot in my neck and lasted 2 weeks. The back issues is put on hold until after neck surgery. Had shoulder surgery 2 weeks ago. I feel your pain Ken, we're falling apart.
Jim
Thanx buddy, but DAM, your in worse shape than me. This will be my second series of shots. Doc, seems to think it's a different disk, so he's gonna shoot the same one as last time and another that he feels may have moved more. We'll just have to keep praying for each other. Hope you get yours all straightened out too.
And, YES we are falling apart. I've been in the doctors more this year than half of my life
I guess stupid question, But what is sectioning? Is it shorting/widening in length or width?
Jim
If you look at the beltline of your van, the horizontal line that runs along the middle of the body... Well a section job is the removal of a horizontal strip from below that line (above it would be a chop), you have to cut through the firewall as well...
Hope this helps... Yup, that's it!
I would be willing to bet that the footwell in my van has more room than the deuce.
I sent a PM with my email.
My footwell is about 4" deep and thanx to an idea by Twisted, will prolly be going away.
So, what, nobody has a yay or nay?
well the fabricator in me says section it. especially if you have never done it. Why not just more experience. However the 6'4" human being in me says that would not be comfortable to ride in at all! I guess you need to draw a vin diagram and weigh the pros and cons.
So, what, nobody has a yay or nay?
What, my "go for the sectioning" comment doesn't count...? So, what, nobody has a yay or nay?
What, my "go for the sectioning" comment doesn't count...? Sure does, but I knew that would be your answer
Good points Dave, but to me coolness still trumps comfort. I agree tho, it would be nice to be able to drive it
[quote=Superbeast]but to me coolness still trumps comfort. quote]
Enough said...
I say section it now knowing what it is and don't believe I have seen it done.
YeahKen. Many doctor appointments this year than ever.
Section that mutha! You can cut a hole in the roof and drive it like a rat fink afterwards if you have to!!!
for me If I'm building it I wanna drive it. If I can't drive it for at least two hours comfortably then it might not have been worth it unless it's extremely radical like a barris car or something following some kind of theme. I think if it's just clean almost too subtle it might not be worth it to be undriveable..... but then again no custom van is not "worth it"
for me If I'm building it I wanna drive it. If I can't drive it for at least two hours comfortably then it might not have been worth it
You've never owned a '56 T-bird. My van is a Cadillac compared to it.
Show them the first Photoshop I did on it. It's chopped and sectioned, but it doesn't look like anything was really done to it.
I was thinking about doing that to the '32, chopping the top 3/4-1" just to see if anyone would notice all the hard work.
That's what I want to hear! Thanx Guys!
Here is the first Photochop that Mike did
It looks cool. He did a straight chop and took a section out of the body along the headlight/taillight section. Looks cool, but not a practical plane to cut it on because of the body curve. Then I told him where I would remove the section and he made up this photochop and angled the roof line. This is pretty close to what it will look like. I think the roof line will be slightly more angled tho.
Thanx a Bunch Mike!
for me If I'm building it I wanna drive it. If I can't drive it for at least two hours comfortably then it might not have been worth it unless it's extremely radical like a barris car or something following some kind of theme. I think if it's just clean almost too subtle it might not be worth it to be undriveable..... but then again no custom van is not "worth it"
I hear ya there buddy, but I have Superbeast for driving long trips. This van is not and never was being built for cruising. It is being built as a toy. Lots of power, little weight, and some paint.
I like the second photochop..that will be sweet...
It's easy to cut a picture up and make it look right.
Doing the same thing with metal is where the real challenge comes in at.
the center sectoin of Dodges is round /curved.
I am not saying its impossible but it will be a challenge to get that section right.
The center curve follows the huge headlights on the front of the van.
It will take some pretty tricky fitting to keep the stock headlights and make them look right.
Of coarse if you are going that far new head lights can come into play.
You already know first hand the challange even a slight a curve can through at you.You have BTDT with your side door on Super Beast.
Didn't Coop section an early Dodge a quite a few years back? I think it was yellow????
After all is said and done........It's only metal
........Wookee
True that Joe. You misread tho, He photochopped it in the wrong place in the first picture. The second one comes out of the flat panel at the top hinge line. That is where I would cut it, not on the curve.
Ken, how much was the section anyway.... looks about 2 inches. What's another 2 inches figured into the "coolness/comfort trump" anyway. Do it man!
...unless of course your back is never going to allow you to get into it. Then what's the fun in having a toy that will torment you because you know you will never be able to drive it anyway. Of course, I myself being 5'7" could certainly drive it for you if needed....
Thats where I would go.......
Now that being said.
That panel has a pretty good angle towards the rear of the van.
Woulden't taking 3 inches from there also make the rear corners tilt in more or a section have to be added to the roof section?.......
In that area you will also have to deal with the dash board......I am glad it's made of metal too......
Things that make you go hhhuuummm......
........Wookee
I have never done anything like this, so my advice may be no good. I would think maybe leaving the rear at or near factory height and dropping the front to where it is in the photoshopped picks to give it a slammed down look in the front? Like I always say, i have many ideas but never enuff money or expereience to try them
OK! So here is a photochop that Brad did for me last night. This is really close to what it would look like.
Thanx a bunch buddy!
Ken, how much was the section anyway.... looks about 2 inches. What's another 2 inches figured into the "coolness/comfort trump" anyway. Do it man!
Yes, I'm thinking between 2" and 3"! Coolness yes!
Of course, I myself being 5'7" could certainly drive it for you if needed....
I'm sure you would love that
That panel has a pretty good angle towards the rear of the van.
Wouldn't taking 3 inches from there also make the rear corners tilt in more or a section have to be added to the roof section?.......
In that area you will also have to deal with the dash board......I am glad it's made of metal too......
Yes, that section would have to be tilted in somewhat and the nose section would have to be modified as well. The dash doesn't bother me, because I had already planned on changing that.
OK! So here is a photochop that Brad did for me last night. This is really close to what it would look like.
Thanx a bunch buddy!
No problemo. Stay tuned for wheels and tires, and a hammered stance.
I have never done anything like this, so my advice may be no good. I would think maybe leaving the rear at or near factory height and dropping the front to where it is in the photoshopped picks to give it a slammed down look in the front? Like I always say, i have many ideas but never enuff money or experience to try them
That would work too, but also be a little more difficult. It would really make the angle chop seem a lot more drastic.
No problemo. Stay tuned for wheels and tires, and a hammered stance.
Sweet, Now that's what I'm talking about
I know all of this is still in the plannig stages.
I was looking at this A100 picture.
I could not help but notice the angles of the top line.
they tilt in on the sides as well as across the front.
the little point going on at the nose will have to be worked as well as a top door hinge.
I know there are answers to all of the probelms I pointed out
After looking at all of this it might just be easier to take the tree inches out of the center of the belt line and deal with a head lights change.......
That could be as sinple as losing the huge pie pan stock head light trim and "frenching" the stock headlights.....
This also would not change the angle of your a pillar.......
I guess easier should not even be considered when you are going radical custom..........LOL
........Wookee It's really not that big of a deal. The A-pillar is already going to move because of the chop. I'd just have to put a slice in the nose section to pull it in. I think doing it in the rounded area would be a major hassle to make the curve uniform again. I'm planning on getting rid of the pie plates, just not sure exactly how yet.
Rather than pull the a-pillar, section the roof. If it's already getting cramped it'll save an inch or two on each side. I've done them both ways and it's a much bigger pain to add metal to the roof, but it looks nicer.
Ken, one of the photochops had the side window post leaned forward. I thought that looked better..... just IMO.
Oh no! I'm definitely leaving the roof in one piece. That was the whole look I was going for. Building my own version of Bad Cut!
Ken, one of the photochops had the side window post leaned forward. I thought that looked better..... just IMO.
I noticed that. It was kinda cool, but if I'm going to have to lay back to drive it, I'm gonna need as much of that window as I can get, just to see.
Are you going to eliminate the vent windows like they did on Overhaulin'?
Are you going to eliminate the vent windows like they did on Overhaulin'?
Yeah man! Already talked with my glass guy. There will be some special window ideas for sure.
That should look sweet Ken.
That should look sweet Ken.
Thanx buddy! Hopefully I can get back to working on it soon.
Ken, one of the photochops had the side window post leaned forward. I thought that looked better..... just IMO.
I noticed that. It was kinda cool, but if I'm going to have to lay back to drive it, I'm gonna need as much of that window as I can get, just to see.
No offense Ken, but how the hell you gonna roll the window down when the top is bigger than the bottom? It ain't gonna go. Either it's gonna be stationary, or you're going to have to slant the front to match the back, tilt the whole mechanism and keep the wing window so it has some clearance to the front so it has somewhere to go...
Ken, one of the photochops had the side window post leaned forward. I thought that looked better..... just IMO.
I noticed that. It was kinda cool, but if I'm going to have to lay back to drive it, I'm gonna need as much of that window as I can get, just to see.
No offense Ken, but how the hell you gonna roll the window down when the top is bigger than the bottom? It ain't gonna go. Either it's gonna be stationary, or you're going to have to slant the front to match the back, tilt the whole mechanism and keep the wing window so it has some clearance to the front so it has somewhere to go...
Havent you heard of the new "folding" glass Josh?
Hey Ken you should get Brad to photochop you a new back and foot.....I wonder what you would look like with a new back and foot...hmmmmm
I know all of this is still in the plannig stages.
I was looking at this A100 picture.
I could not help but notice the angles of the top line.
they tilt in on the sides as well as across the front.
the little point going on at the nose will have to be worked as well as a top door hinge.
I know there are answers to all of the probelms I pointed out
After looking at all of this it might just be easier to take the tree inches out of the center of the belt line and deal with a head lights change.......
That could be as sinple as losing the huge pie pan stock head light trim and "frenching" the stock headlights.....
This also would not change the angle of your a pillar.......
I guess easier should not even be considered when you are going radical custom..........LOL
........Wookee Any side views of this van ?
here was there answer to the seat height issue
these seats where welded right to the wheel wells.....
I have a decent back and just thinking of taking this thing for a ride around the block hurts
........Wookee
boy I cant wait to get the old T-bird finished so I can get another van to Customize myself
wookie that thing is sweet, dont know if i would have chose daytons myself but it still looks awesome.
i also think the raked chop your doing is sweet superbeast, cant wait to see more progress pics on this thread.
Wow ken, i finally got to see your Chop, you've come along ways,hopefully your health will let you get back to enjoy workin on it soon.
No offense Ken, but how the hell you gonna roll the window down when the top is bigger than the bottom? It ain't gonna go. Either it's gonna be stationary, or you're going to have to slant the front to match the back, tilt the whole mechanism and keep the wing window so it has some clearance to the front so it has somewhere to go...
I'm a little confused about this. This is the picture your talking about
There is no reason this glass wouldn't go down.
Just for the record tho, I'm not going to do it this way.
Hey Ken you should get Brad to photochop you a new back and foot.....I wonder what you would look like with a new back and foot...hmmmmm
Don't really need the foot Dave, but the new back would make life worth living again. I can't take this doing nothing crap any more.
here was there answer to the seat height issue
these seats where welded right to the wheel wells.....
I have a decent back and just thinking of taking this thing for a ride around the block hurts
........Wookee
If I drove or rode in this, I would prolly wind up in the hospital or a wheelchair.
NOT AN OPTION! i also think the raked chop your doing is sweet superbeast, cant wait to see more progress pics on this thread.
Thanx for the kind words buddy. I hope to be back at it soon. I'm hoping my back gets better after some more shots on Tuesday.
Wow ken, i finally got to see your Chop, you've come along ways,hopefully your health will let you get back to enjoy workin on it soon.
Thanx buddy! I'm praying for next weekend. We will see!
The glass would still be a problem. You would need about 8-10" of straight glass below the 'cat whiskers' to keep it from flopping when it was rolled down. It looks like these early vans have flat glass so it would be a piece of cake to have them made.
ken... this is the one that won't go down....
It was the last one you had posted at that point.
The glass would still be a problem. You would need about 8-10" of straight glass below the 'cat whiskers' to keep it from flopping when it was rolled down. It looks like these early vans have flat glass so it would be a piece of cake to have them made.
Yes, it is all flat glass. I have a buddy that owns a glass shop and already talked to him about all my glass ideas, and he said it was all a piece of cake.
ken... this is the one that won't go down....
It was the last one you had posted at that point.
Don't think he did, but unless he moved the angle when he photoshoped it, it will work. It is at the same angle as the original
He may have moved it a bit, so it just looks like it won't work.
No problemo. Stay tuned for wheels and tires, and a hammered stance.
Sweet, Now that's what I'm talking about
And here she is, but not with the wheels Ken has picked out, only because I couldn't find them on a full side on pic.
That is gonna look sweet Ken!
Thanx Brad! I love it!
lookin good on paper, whats it gonna look like in real life?
Thanx buddy! Now to get the back fixed so I can get back to it.
lookin good on paper, whats it gonna look like in real life?
Similar, only different
Well, I go to the doctors on Friday and hopefully he will tell me I can do what I want again.
I couldn't wait tho!!!!!!
I was feeling decent this weekend so, yesterday I was in the garage and decided I'm gonna do it.
Did some checking and figuring and finally got to it.
Home made roof support
for the rear
Front hydraulic roof support in place in the front
Welding lip sanded clean
Pie cut at rear doors, for roof to go forward.
Top slice
Also so jamb moves to tilt roof and slide forward.
Gonna have to do some figuring and some tweeking here. I thought the roof line would have been farther forward.
Back corner tip. Sheet metal needs trimming
Thanx buddy. It's been a long time coming
Congrats my friend... Looks f'in awesome...
Now I got a idea of what you're going for!
Gonna be bad a$$ bro!
Looking good Ken.....its going to be awesome!!!
Back in the saddle again! Great job, buddy!
Very nice job Ken
and tell your helpers there in the background they did a super job..
Yep the liitle hard heads will not be BSing those girls when they get older.......
Sometimes "shop time" can be therapeutic all in it's self.......
.........Wookee
Looking very nice Ken,spring time
Damn Hypotenuses! I was wonderin' how you going to get around that issue without splicing in a roof section. That's one cool geometry lesson.
Wow This is looking really cool.Keep up the Great Job.You did alot a work already.
progress!!! me likes progress!!!! thats great news bud!
Now I got a idea of what you're going for!
Gonna be bad a$$ bro!
That's pretty much what it's gonna look like.
Looking good Ken.....its going to be awesome!!!
Thanx buddy! I think it will look sweet. Hopefully I can get some $ soon, so I can keep going with it.
Back in the saddle again! Great job, buddy!
Can't keep me down forever, tho it seemed like it for a while! Thanx!
Very nice job Ken
and tell your helpers there in the background they did a super job..
Thanx buddy! Yeah, I prolly could have done it myself, but figured a couple extra hands would have made it quicker.... and it did.
Yep the liitle hard heads will not be BSing those girls when they get older.......
Sometimes "shop time" can be therapeutic all in it's self.......
.........Wookee
You got that right buddy. I think they liked helping too. Only problem is they are all afraid of sparks so I don't think they'll ever be cutting and welding. I'll have to teach them woodworking so they can do interiors
And maybe some fiberglass, carpeting, upholstering, etc.
Looking very nice Ken,spring time
If I can get some $ I should have it rolling by spring! Anyone wanna buy a nice chopper?
Damn Hypotenuses! I was wonderin' how you going to get around that issue without splicing in a roof section. That's one cool geometry lesson.
Funny how you think you'll never use all that useless stuff they learn you in school, and it comes into play in some of the strangest places
Wow This is looking really cool.Keep up the Great Job.You did alot a work already.
Thanx buddy. Yeah, but there is a ton left to do too. Heck I got a mile of welding wire to lay.
progress!!! me likes progress!!!! thats great news bud!
You and me both buddy. Yard is a mess, but the roof is chopped
Looks like you got a good start Ken. cant wait to see it rolling down the road.
Wahoo Ken!!!! WTG! Alright, so I missed the roof lowering, can I still come up and have a celebratory
???
BTW... I'm officially an NJ homeowner now. Bought a place in Heislerville. 1/4 acre with a crapass garage and a huge falling down shed. But I'll fix it!
Looks like you got a good start Ken. cant wait to see it rolling down the road.
Thanx buddy! I can't wait either. This was my first van. I've owned it for 20 years and only drove it while the owner of the bone yard pulled me out of the woods wit a tractor
Wahoo Ken!!!! WTG! Alright, so I missed the roof lowering, can I still come up and have a celebratory
???
BTW... I'm officially an NJ homeowner now. Bought a place in Heislerville. 1/4 acre with a crapass garage and a huge falling down shed. But I'll fix it!
Thanx buddy! Sure thing dude. The door is always open.
Congrats on the new place!
Just a bit of an FYI....
It took me about 3 and a half hours to lower the roof. Most of the time was doing more figuring and sanding paint off the upper lip for welding. Imagine waiting 5 full months to do something that you only needed 3.5 more hours to do
Looking frigging awesome Ken. Just take it easy, and don't hurt yourself. I'm slowly healing, and getting pretty antsy also.
Looking good, that's quite the chop. You might have to add some windows behind the front doors, don't think you will be able to see out the side windows when your sprawled out in your Lazyboy seat.
Looking frigging awesome Ken. Just take it easy, and don't hurt yourself. I'm slowly healing, and getting pretty antsy also.
Thanx buddy! That's the plan, and getting help with heavy stuff.
Take your time too, we're not getting any younger, it takes a lot longer to bounce back.
Looking good, that's quite the chop. You might have to add some windows behind the front doors, don't think you will be able to see out the side windows when your sprawled out in your Lazyboy seat.
Bite your tongue! No extra windows will be going in, well.... Maybe one.
After seeing the inside space left after the chop, I'm thinking I won't be doing a section also. The wheel well looks huge now that the roof is 10" closer
Looking good Ken! Must feel really good to be back in the shop? eh! Can't wait to see it rolling. I found a picture for you to compare with, think I might have posted it before but it was a neat van in it's day. This chop belonged to an Ontario vanner named Rick Anderson who also had several others back in the 80's.
Gonna have to do some figuring and some tweeking here. I thought the roof line would have been farther forward.
yup..... chop geometry class it's fun aint it
when i did my chop ken,
i used that windshield post and top of the door opening pieces
from a donor in "quarter'd" sections to make up for the reach you found here , sucks but hey it's only more welding but worth the end result not "raking" the windshield back to meet it IMO
(think you know what i mean)
lookin good Ken,keep the ball rollin,and the welder sparkin
Imagine waiting 5 full months to do something that you only needed 3.5 more hours to do
But that's the story of my life!!
Looks great Superbeast! I hope the project proceeds smoothly for you, and please keep the pictures coming - I learn lots from them! Almost makes me want to go:
-Wouldn't that be a bitch on a maxi!!
Clear skies!
don't think you will be able to see out the side windows when your sprawled out in your Lazyboy seat.
That's what rear view cameras are for!! I want some to help with blind spots while lane changing because I tend to have that very problem; I lean my seat way back to get some of the weight off my lower back.
Clear skies!
Looking good Ken! Must feel really good to be back in the shop? eh! Can't wait to see it rolling. I found a picture for you to compare with, think I might have posted it before but it was a neat van in it's day. This chop belonged to an Ontario vanner named Rick Anderson who also had several others back in the 80's.
Thanx buddy. That is cool. Looks to be chopped about the same amount. Tipped the windshield back and left the rear of the van straight.
It does feel good to be cutting again.
Gonna have to do some figuring and some tweeking here. I thought the roof line would have been farther forward.
yup..... chop geometry class it's fun aint it
when i did my chop ken,
i used that windshield post and top of the door opening pieces
from a donor in "quarter'd" sections to make up for the reach you found here , sucks but hey it's only more welding but worth the end result not "raking" the windshield back to meet it IMO
(think you know what i mean)
I'm trying to decide what I want to do now. I'm torn between sliding the roof forward and fabbing up the back door to work or looking for a section of roof and splitting the roof and lengthening it. I don't want to tip the windshield. I think it will look better with the stock angle.
lookin good Ken,keep the ball rollin,and the welder sparkin
Thanx buddy! I'm hoping to.
Looks great Superbeast! I hope the project proceeds smoothly for you, and please keep the pictures coming - I learn lots from them! Almost makes me want to go:
-Wouldn't that be a bitch on a maxi!!
Go for it! It's only metal! A maxi, wow, need a lot of hands to do that one
Will keep posting pics as I go for sure.
I'm trying to decide what I want to do now. I'm torn between sliding the roof forward and fabbing up the back door to work or looking for a section of roof and splitting the roof and lengthening it. I don't want to tip the windshield. I think it will look better with the stock angle.
I'd definitely go with the stock angle, and I'd be more inclined to split the roof and lengthen it... It's sure lookin' sweet though, and it's great to see ya back at it, with your mind immersed back in the project... Gonna have to do some figuring and some tweeking here. I thought the roof line would have been farther forward.
yup..... chop geometry class it's fun aint it
when i did my chop ken,
i used that windshield post and top of the door opening pieces
from a donor in "quarter'd" sections to make up for the reach you found here , sucks but hey it's only more welding but worth the end result not "raking" the windshield back to meet it IMO
(think you know what i mean)
I'm trying to decide what I want to do now. I'm torn between sliding the roof forward and fabbing up the back door to work or looking for a section of roof and splitting the roof and lengthening it. I don't want to tip the windshield. I think it will look better with the stock angle.
I'd push it forward. You already have to mess with the back doors anyway. So its either 1. add a couple inches in the front roof, 2. lay the windshield back, or 3. lengthen the top half of the back doors. I'd go for that. You probably have a set laying around anyway, don't you?
ps. Lookin awesome man.
I'm trying to decide what I want to do now. I'm torn between sliding the roof forward and fabbing up the back door to work or looking for a section of roof and splitting the roof and lengthening it. I don't want to tip the windshield. I think it will look better with the stock angle.
I'd definitely go with the stock angle, and I'd be more inclined to split the roof and lengthen it... It's sure lookin' sweet though, and it's great to see ya back at it, with your mind immersed back in the project... AWESOME, KEN
So I have one vote for stretching the roof and one for sliding it forward??? Any others want to comment?
Thanx guys!
Stretch it dude, I think it would look better even if it is slightly more work to do!
Slightly more work? I don't know about that... Stretch the roof and leave the rear door geometry the same, or slide it forward and have to worry about the doors and jambs binding because the pillars are reoriented? I think it might be less work to stretch it. PLUS I think it will look cooler stretched...
I may be talkin' out my a$$, but maybe get a roof off an A108 and shorten it?
Slightly more work? I don't know about that... Stretch the roof and leave the rear door geometry the same, or slide it forward and have to worry about the doors and jambs binding because the pillars are reoriented? I think it might be less work to stretch it. PLUS I think it will look cooler stretched...
You are right buddy. It would be less work to stretch it, but the rear doors are going to be completely changed anyway, so it's a toss up.
Slightly more work? I don't know about that... Stretch the roof and leave the rear door geometry the same, or slide it forward and have to worry about the doors and jambs binding because the pillars are reoriented? I think it might be less work to stretch it. PLUS I think it will look cooler stretched...
You are right buddy. It would be less work to stretch it, but the rear doors are going to be completely changed anyway, so it's a toss up.
Ken, just for the record, I think the stretch would make it look very good. But I know that you were trying to make it using a single roof.... plus the doors were getting modded anyway.... yeah toss up. You know.
Well, I go to the doctors on Friday and hopefully he will tell me I can do what I want again.
I couldn't wait tho!!!!!!
I was feeling decent this weekend so, yesterday I was in the garage and decided I'm gonna do it.
Did some checking and figuring and finally got to it.
Home made roof support
for the rear
Front hydraulic roof support in place in the front
Welding lip sanded clean
Pie cut at rear doors, for roof to go forward.
Top slice
Also so jamb moves to tilt roof and slide forward.
BY the way we couldn't see your face,as it was behind the camera, but we KNOW, you we're Smilin as Much as the Help. A REAL Family AFFAIR.
I may be talkin' out my a$$, but maybe get a roof off an A108 and shorten it?
Not at all. That's not a bad idea, but not that easy to find either.
Slightly more work? I don't know about that... Stretch the roof and leave the rear door geometry the same, or slide it forward and have to worry about the doors and jambs binding because the pillars are reoriented? I think it might be less work to stretch it. PLUS I think it will look cooler stretched...
You are right buddy. It would be less work to stretch it, but the rear doors are going to be completely changed anyway, so it's a toss up.
Ken, just for the record, I think the stretch would make it look very good. But I know that you were trying to make it using a single roof.... plus the doors were getting modded anyway.... yeah toss up. You know.
I have extra doors, I don't have a spare roof!!!!
I'm sure you could find a donor with collision damage in front or something, and cut a complete section including the roof skin and the sandwich that makes up the side rails... If you cut it from the rear, you might find someone that needs a roof for an A100 pickup, and buy the front from you...
I'm sure you could find a donor with collision damage in front or something, and cut a complete section including the roof skin and the sandwich that makes up the side rails... If you cut it from the rear, you might find someone that needs a roof for an A100 pickup, and buy the front from you...
True that. I'm sure I could find something, or I could just use flat sheet metal and make it fit. I'm just trying to figure which way would look cooler
Its looking great....I say stretch it (my 2 cents)
Its looking great....I say stretch it (my 2 cents)
Thanx buddy! Seems the general consensus is to stretch the roof. Anyone have an extra ?
Bert has a spare one hanging in his garage in Niagara Falls NY
I say stretch the roof..retain the stock windshield angle.
I say stretch the roof..retain the stock windshield angle.
I'm liking that, too! I'm with Nate on that!
That would save some work, and keep the windshield away from your nose......
Just caught up on this post! You been busy Ken! It's looking great, and my vote goes to stretch. What are your plans for the rear doors?
Looks great Ken. Nothing like the feeling of cutting and welding on a van. Kind of Zen-like. Can't wait to see this come along.
Ken here is a number of a yard in york pa that has a couple of A 100 vans in it
Baughmans
440 Eberts Lane
York PA 17403
(717) 846-3944
downie519 has been there.......
.....Wookee
Bert has a spare one hanging in his garage in Niagara Falls NY
Thanx buddy! Good to know if I can't find something closer.
Ken...call Brian. He may have a spare 108 roof if you go that route.
I say stretch the roof..retain the stock windshield angle.
I'm liking that, too! I'm with Nate on that!
I think you guys misunderstood. I DO NOT INTEND on changing the angle of the windshield. I like the look with the stock windshield angle. What I was asking was to stretch the roof By three to four inches or slide it forward and lean the top edge here in farther.
That would save some work, and keep the windshield away from your nose......
With the chop, my nose will be near the back seat!
Just caught up on this post! You been busy Ken! It's looking great, and my vote goes to stretch. What are your plans for the rear doors?
Thanx buddy!
The back doors will become one piece. I'm torn between making a gull wing and sealing them off at the moment tho. I may seal off the bottom section and just make the top portion like a hatch, or I may do the opposite
Looks great Ken. Nothing like the feeling of cutting and welding on a van. Kind of Zen-like. Can't wait to see this come along.
Thanx buddy! You are so right. Although, I only welded the chain to the roof so far
Right now it has a floating roof
Ken...call Brian. He may have a spare 108 roof if you go that route.
Thanx buddy. Good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I go that route.
I say stretch the roof..retain the stock windshield angle.
I'm liking that, too! I'm with Nate on that!
I think the stock Angle is an important part of the vans style and Heritage.
Hey Ken, do it however you like! You can always slide it forward to help you decide the look, and then just slide it back again.
That's why I haven't started to weld it yet.
Ken...call Brian. He may have a spare 108 roof if you go that route.
Thanx buddy. Good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I go that route.
You could always use a window to fill the gap
Ken...call Brian. He may have a spare 108 roof if you go that route.
Thanx buddy. Good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I go that route.
You could always use a window to fill the gap
I got a set of monte carlo t-tops I'll give ya Ken... might be pretty cool!
I'd definetly slide the roof forward, and see how it looks. It won't cost anything, and then you will know for sure. Worst case, you don't like it, and stretch your existing roof.
Ken...call Brian. He may have a spare 108 roof if you go that route.
Thanx buddy. Good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I go that route.
You could always use a window to fill the gap
I got a set of monte carlo t-tops I'll give ya Ken... might be pretty cool!
Give him a place to stick his head out to drive as well
A window in the gap would be a sunroof.
T-tops, would be cool, but no thanx. Not for this build anyway. I kinda want the body simple. Does that make any sense ? Prolly not!
I'd definitely slide the roof forward, and see how it looks. It won't cost anything, and then you will know for sure. Worst case, you don't like it, and stretch your existing roof.
Pretty sure, that is what I'm going to try. Prolly tomorrow.
Went to the doctors yesterday and he told me I should wait to do anything strenuous till spring time. He said no bending, lifting or twisting. No lifting of anything over 20 pounds. He said face it, you have a bad back and need to cut back on things you do. I agreed, but not totally. I just have to get help now. I can't stop doing what I love to do.
I got a set of monte carlo t-tops I'll give ya Ken... might be pretty cool!
Give him a place to stick his head out to drive as well
[/quote]
Maybe Beast Lee would want them for Venom.
Ken, when I chopped my Early Chevy, I dropped my seats by cutting out a section of the wheel well and the doghouse, that way I got the proper line of vision through the front windshield. I lowered the seats the same amount of my chop via this method. 3 1/2 inch chop.
B.W.
yeah, Im going to put my 2 (per)cents in here.I would keep the stock windsheild angle and stretch the roof. If you want more pics of the A100s at baughmans Ill go and check em, send me an email at Downie519@aol.com, I check that several times a day.
Ken...
Brian says he doesn't have a complete 108 roof but has some sections of roof if you are interested. That way if you add, you can retain the patterns in the sheet metal.
Ken, when I chopped my Early Chevy, I dropped my seats by cutting out a section of the wheel well and the doghouse, that way I got the proper line of vision through the front windshield. I lowered the seats the same amount of my chop via this method. 3 1/2 inch chop.
B.W.
I've been thinking about that also, but I can't do any cutting there until I figure in my front suspension and tires.
One of the owners of Showtime did the same thing to it to make it easier to drive.
yeah, I'm going to put my 2 (per)cents in here.I would keep the stock windshield angle and stretch the roof. If you want more pics of the A100s at Baughmans I'll go and check em, send me an email at Downie519@aol.com, I check that several times a day.
Stay tuned
I'll let you know about parts tho, Thanx!
Ken...
Brian says he doesn't have a complete 108 roof but has some sections of roof if you are interested. That way if you add, you can retain the patterns in the sheet metal.
Cool, Thanx! I 'm not sure what I'll need yet, but maybe a couple little things.
Did some tweeking this weekend this is what I started with
Note the windshield post
I decided to slide the roof forward so I needed to cut the rear door frame posts previously left in tact to allow door re-fitment. The doors will need to be stretched a bit on the top to fit now, but it's only metal.
Preparing for the slide
Connecting the ground electrode for welding
Slid forward
Tacking in place
Measuring clearances
Drivers side
Sanding drivers side for tacking
Atleast ya have it to the point where you can go out and work on it a little at a time, as the back allows ya.
Got a lot of welding to do now. Want to do the rest of the tweaking first so that everything lines up first tho.
I got a set of monte carlo t-tops I'll give ya Ken... might be pretty cool!
Give him a place to stick his head out to drive as well
Maybe Beast Lee would want them for Venom. [/quote]
This is where I need that puking emoticon... Got a lot of welding to do now. Want to do the rest of the tweaking first so that everything lines up first tho.
Keep it up my friend, it's looking great...
Its getting there bud... keep at it!
Wow! That's looking good. I bet it feels great to make progress you can see. I wish I had the patience (and the skill) to try something like that.
I got a set of monte carlo t-tops I'll give ya Ken... might be pretty cool!
Give him a place to stick his head out to drive as well
Maybe Beast Lee would want them for Venom.
This is where I need that puking emoticon... [/quote]
Got a lot of welding to do now. Want to do the rest of the tweaking first so that everything lines up first tho.
Keep it up my friend, it's looking great... Thanx buddy! I'm liking the look so far!
Thanx buddy! I see you too the chopped van plunge too. Congrats!
Its getting there bud... keep at it!
You know it buddy. As long as everything cooperates
Wow! That's looking good. I bet it feels great to make progress you can see. I wish I had the patience (and the skill) to try something like that.
Thanx buddy! It sure does! I guess I can officially say I am a proud owner of a chopped van
I can't help with the patience, but the skill only comes with practice. Just go out and do it.
Kick
ASS Ken! I was looking at pics of Nautilus build and it appears to me that it may be a stretched in the rear pillars like you just did. Anyway at this rate, by the time I get up there to see the progress you will be done and it will be in primer and running and driving.
As for good news I've got one of my chop candidates down here now... although it's being a storage shed at the moment. And I still need to get electric at the house yet... might need that first.
Thanxs buddy!
I doubt that
It's still a long way from there. You coming up for Running Wilds party on Saturday? Come up early and stop by!
Definitely gonna need some electric. Unless you have a gas powered welder
Definitely gonna need some electric. Unless you have a gas powered welder
actually, I do.... but its in PA. It has a generator too... Hmmmmmm.... forgot ALL about that! Thanks ken!
Ken,
That's looking awesome.....keep it up and keep posting pics!
I love the front end, that looks SICK already!
Thats really gonna be WILD when its done!
Definitely gonna need some electric. Unless you have a gas powered welder
actually, I do.... but its in PA. It has a generator too... Hmmmmmm.... forgot ALL about that! Thanks ken!
Well, there you go then. Start Chopping!
Ken,
That's looking awesome.....keep it up and keep posting pics!
Thanx Lee. I'll keep posting as I go along.
I love the front end, that looks SICK already!
That's really gonna be WILD when its done!
Thanx buddy. I like it too
Question for the A100 owners.....
Have any of you removed the dash and/or air plenum? I know they are welded in, but any tips or tricks to removing them would be greatly appreciated!
Researching the change to Jewels dash for the auto, windshields have to come out to get at the welds....I hope that helps Ken
patience and a spot weld remover bit from Snap-On or the like.. they drill out nice an leave you a clean hole to rosebud a weld back in after..
I love the work you are doing already Ken and am really glad to hear you are feeling better, even if not back to 100%....
Love to have you chop mine too, but would need a loaner van to get me thru while you do it. Hard to chop a daily driver...
Any progress on SuperBeast lately?? Wondering if you ever found the belts you wanted....
Researching the change to Jewels dash for the auto, windshields have to come out to get at the welds....I hope that helps Ken
Well I have that step covered. I was mainly wondering about the air plenum and any hidden weld locations.
Thanx tho!
patience and a spot weld remover bit from Snap-On or the like.. they drill out nice an leave you a clean hole to rosebud a weld back in after..
I love the work you are doing already Ken and am really glad to hear you are feeling better, even if not back to 100%....
Love to have you chop mine too, but would need a loaner van to get me thru while you do it. Hard to chop a daily driver...
Any progress on SuperBeast lately?? Wondering if you ever found the belts you wanted....
Thanx buddy. I have one of them. What I was looking for was any info on hidden welds or such. I have not removed one of these before and will prolly do it this weekend to work on the windshield frame. It would just be easier with the dash out I think. I may leave the air plenum for now tho.
Thanx for the kind words. I hear ya about the daily driver. I had that problem for years with SB. Hard to mod your daily driver. Now I just need time and $ to get more done with it.
I actually have a set of seats coming down from RI this weekend with belts that should work perfectly. Deb will be happy when I get them in.
I'm hoping to get some work done on SB this winter. I want to do the suspension, but I'll be happy if I just get the doors done and painted again.
Are you building a custom dash Ken? I wouldn't remove too much as a lot of that is structural.
Brian knows a guy who survived a head-on collision with an F-250 in an A-100. Not sure if he walked away, but he survived. That'll tell ya something.
Definitely gonna need some electric. Unless you have a gas powered welder
actually, I do.... but its in PA. It has a generator too... Hmmmmmm.... forgot ALL about that! Thanks ken!
Well, there you go then. Start Chopping!
You'd laugh if I did! (And I was thinking of it too!) Actually I'll finish moving the panel tonight from the back of the house to the front. Electric company didn't like going over the house with the wires. Frankly neither did I. It would probably take me more time to run home and get the welder than finish moving the panel.
Should have electric by this time next week. Then its CHOPTIME!
Good to see you (fully?) functional and upright working on the van!
Are you building a custom dash Ken? I wouldn't remove too much as a lot of that is structural.
That's the plan. Even if I were not, the dash still has to come out. It will be way easier to align the front windshield posts with it out, I think. I kinda want to go with a full custom dash.
Definitely gonna need some electric. Unless you have a gas powered welder
actually, I do.... but its in PA. It has a generator too... Hmmmmmm.... forgot ALL about that! Thanks ken!
Well, there you go then. Start Chopping!
You'd laugh if I did! (And I was thinking of it too!) Actually I'll finish moving the panel tonight from the back of the house to the front. Electric company didn't like going over the house with the wires. Frankly neither did I. It would probably take me more time to run home and get the welder than finish moving the panel.
Should have electric by this time next week. Then its CHOPTIME!
Good to see you (fully?) functional and upright working on the van!
I don't know about full functional
Tell the power company to put in a pole. When we ran a new service to my Dads garage, they put one in.
There is one, but its too short to clear the roof. And they say it's a "customer owned" pole. I suspect that they want ME to pay for another.
Anyway. Enough about my pole. More chop
please!!!!!!
Looking great buddy! I love the way the van looks from the front. That windshield is EXACTLY the right height.
Have any of you removed the dash and/or air plenum? I know they are welded in, but any tips or tricks to removing them would be greatly appreciated!
When you do this... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take lots of picturs and tell me what NOT to do... lol
I have a spot in the front that I need to fix. To do it right, I think I will need to remove the dash and air plume. :-( I'm not looking forward to that.
Closest I ever got to ripping out the dash was installing a new heater core... lol that was a trip...
Brian knows a guy who survived a head-on collision with an F-250 in an A-100. Not sure if he walked away, but he survived. That'll tell ya something.
Wow! Thats amazing, he's very lucky. (Must not drive like I do) Maybe he was not going fast? Earlys seem really unsafe at any speed, lol.
ken
It looks good...
I am wondering how you are dealing with angle of the windshield post?
Looking at the front windshield post from a side view it would look like this \
When you cut the top off and angle tilt it, the top windshield post now has a steeper angle. How do you get this top post angle to match the unchanged lower post (keeping original angle)?
Also I was looking at the point on the top center of windshield. In original form, the top of the windshield is horizontal(level). After the tilt of the roof, does the top point now become lower than the rest of the top of the windshield?
3rd Question: Looking at the van windshield head on...
Are you tilting the bottom posts in and the top posts out till straight windshield edge (while still keeping original windsheld angle)?
Separately someone mentioned extending rear doors... you could simply leave rear door height unchanged. The rear doors could be bent to meet new forward rear roof edge. The distance could be made up with a separate piece of metal above the doors.
In considering widening the roof, in the wedge chop... the rear would remain same width, while the front would be wider.
hence it is a pizza slice that would get put in (if the van sides dont tilt in due to chop).
Looking Good Ken, I see you went with an angle chop,very cool,lots of work. On my chop the front windshield posts go upward a little in stock fashion then are bent inward. I will look for a good pic. Appears you will have to extend the roof in back or lean the back doors inward,like John suggested. I am thinking that is why my van only has 1/2 rear doors.
There is one, but its too short to clear the roof. And they say it's a "customer owned" pole. I suspect that they want ME to pay for another.
Anyway. Enough about my pole. More chop
please!!!!!!
Keep your pole out of my chopping. It will only get shorter
Looking great buddy! I love the way the van looks from the front. That windshield is EXACTLY the right height.
Thanx buddy! I think so too!
Turned out to be 11" taken out after sliding the roof forward.
Have any of you removed the dash and/or air plenum? I know they are welded in, but any tips or tricks to removing them would be greatly appreciated!
When you do this... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take lots of picturs and tell me what NOT to do... lol
I have a spot in the front that I need to fix. To do it right, I think I will need to remove the dash and air plume. :-( I'm not looking forward to that.
Closest I ever got to ripping out the dash was installing a new heater core... lol that was a trip...
Will do buddy. I looked at it this weekend again. I didn't have time to take it out, because of a vanner party and trying to fix 2 other broken vehicles. When it rains it pours. BUT, I did notice the dash is spot welded around the bottom edge of the windshield and in the door jamb. If removing it you will prolly want to brace all the openings well.
I'm thinking of waiting now until I find a new nose for my van and changing it all at once and then modifying the new nose. I almost can't see doing it twice, but I may anyway.
ken
It looks good...
I am wondering how you are dealing with angle of the windshield post?
Looking at the front windshield post from a side view it would look like this \
When you cut the top off and angle tilt it, the top windshield post now has a steeper angle. How do you get this top post angle to match the unchanged lower post (keeping original angle)?
The top rail will be sliced in the door opening and the curve will be opened a bit to meet the original windshield angle. Looking at the van yesterday I noticed that when I do that step the roof will have to move back a bit to accommodate that spread. I'm glad I only tacked the side metal in place.
Also I was looking at the point on the top center of windshield. In original form, the top of the windshield is horizontal(level). After the tilt of the roof, does the top point now become lower than the rest of the top of the windshield?
Yes, that point is a tad lower than the rest of the windshield. the difference is so slight though that the installation of the glass should not be effected.
3rd Question: Looking at the van windshield head on...
Are you tilting the bottom posts in and the top posts out till straight windshield edge (while still keeping original windshield angle)?
Basically, YES
Separately someone mentioned extending rear doors... you could simply leave rear door height unchanged. The rear doors could be bent to meet new forward rear roof edge. The distance could be made up with a separate piece of metal above the doors.
YES, also. This is what I'm considering if I don't seal the doors off completely.
In considering widening the roof, in the wedge chop... the rear would remain same width, while the front would be wider.
hence it is a pizza slice that would get put in (if the van sides don't tilt in due to chop).
Correct again. If the roof is spread and not left whole like I did, the easiest way is to slice the roof on both sides front to back and slide the sides out to realign with the side of the van and fill in the pie shaped space that will be there. Keeping in mind that the roof rails will need adding to also.
Looking Good Ken, I see you went with an angle chop,very cool,lots of work. On my chop the front windshield posts go upward a little in stock fashion then are bent inward. I will look for a good pic. Appears you will have to extend the roof in back or lean the back doors inward,like John suggested. I am thinking that is why my van only has 1/2 rear doors.
Thanx buddy! Yeah, all chops are cool, but I like angle chops more
I never noticed your windshield is like that. I'll have to look next time I see you. With the amount they took out of your van, I'm sure the half doors are just to be cool! The only way they would have been too short is if they pulled the roof forward like I did.
I think we need a head-on pic from the outside of you seated inside the van in drivers seat area...
and pic inside looking out...
I am gaining an appreciation for the ol' dodges...
It is looking great!
Ken,gimme a call. I may have your A100 parts here in the Bluegrass state. 859-512-0105
Ken,I just spent an eternity reading this whole thread thru. This past year has been nothing but working serious overtime for me so Im a bit behind on this chop of yours and my own projects.
My chopped 66 Econo I used to own briefly, had the chop done by a guy out west as his first chop many moons ago and he went on to work for Boyd Cottington,which adds absolutely nothing of value to this post,but whatever.
He told me the roof was quartered for pretty much all the reasons you seem to be running into. If you dont add length and width to the roof, the sides wont match up unless you bend them inward and that creates other headaches and possibly other damage.
You seem to pretty much be under way and have most of it figured out as to what you are doing. For my 2 cents,I like the angle chop front like you are doing but with the rear doors left the factory angle. So I would split the roof and slide it forward if it were me but its your preference of course. After adding the section in, I would then split it lengthwise and add a center section. Everything should line up better this way at least it seems to me.
Option 2 is to use 2 whole A108 roofs, cut in unequal halfs lengthwise,then put the 2 bigger pieces together ,eliminating the filler piece in the middle,then shorten the roof to the length needed.
Option 3 is to use your roof and another A100 roof,do the same process but add a piece in to make it longer.
A sunroof where the seam is would make the finish work easier which is how mine was done. A nice factory style power one that closes off the window for high sunlight conditions is my preference. I hate the glaring sun coming thru making it hard to see while driving,plus it makes it hotter.
The black primer A108 chopped window van posted here I saw recently at a local show and those seats are plain nuts. My solution would be to modify a Corvair van bench seat. It has a thin rear corner where it mounts to the wheel well so it will sit about 4 inches lower than most bucket seats. This eliminates the need to mess with the wheel wells which causes tire interference.Just cut out the middle section and fab some round corners for each of the 2 inboard seat halves and have Fred Carello doctor them up for you. They would work great. Factory Corvair van buckets seats are very rare and pricey but would also need to be modified as they are way too wide since theres no engine box in the middle but at least they would have the inboard and corner sections if you lucked out and found a set to narrow. The passenger seat is the hardest to come by by far.
I ve got a good nose,roof, doors and much more if you like for your project. Only problem is distance.
Thanx Tim. I'm checking a couple other leads right now (hopefully closer) for the parts, if they don't pan out I'll be giving you a call.
I know all about the splitting of the roof, but I chose not to go that route. I wanted to leave the roof whole to have the look of Bad Cut. Trust me when I tell you I spent months planning the whole process. I've come to a conclusion about what I'm going to do with the windshield and once that is done, I'll be moving right along. Thanx for all your ideas and suggestions. Keep an eye out, I'll be posting more soon.
Has anyone ever widened a van before? I'm thinking that by adding 8, 10, or even 12 inches would solve some problems, such as bigger dog houses, wider seats, more room inside, and fatter tires. would give a chopped van a wild look. Just curious!
There were some ambulance vans made which were significantly wider right from the factory, but still retained the general appearance of a standard van. Others here would know much more about them than me. To me they were pretty matronly looking affairs being that much wider.
If you need to see them, PM me so it's out of this thread. I do have pictures of an ad somewhere. I think it was for a Dodge.
Clear skies!
Has anyone ever widened a van before? I'm thinking that by adding 8, 10, or even 12 inches would solve some problems, such as bigger dog houses, wider seats, more room inside, and fatter tires. would give a chopped van a wild look. Just curious!
I remember an article in one of my old van magazines where somebody widened a Dodge maxivan somewhere around 12-18 inches. It was a display vehicle for a van furniture company. They did it so they would be able to fit more seats inside. It really didn't look good in my opinion.
Yux has one (camper I believe?) that was originally a whole van and they split the back "box" section in half and fatted that up... so it's the same original sheet metal, only wider (but just in the back half). I'll see if I can find a pic.
Has anyone ever widened a van before? I'm thinking that by adding 8, 10, or even 12 inches would solve some problems, such as bigger dog houses, wider seats, more room inside, and fatter tires. would give a chopped van a wild look. Just curious!
Glass ( windshiled )would be a problem , i would start a new thread on this topic as its a major highjack to Kens Thread .
Sorry Ken! You weren't using this thread were you?
OOPS!....Sorry Ken!
Mums the word!
Where the hell is that plane????????......LOL
......Wookee
You guys are too much. If you lower the roof enough the van will look wider
A little progress over this past weekend. Not as much as I had planned, but I got the dash out. I didn't take any pictures, but I will. I'm not sure whose brilliant idea it was to weld the dash in, but what a pain in the ass it is to get it our when everything is rusty.
Anyway, if anyone want to tackle doing this it's best to start at the windshield frame. Glass needs to be out. Use a blair tool to drill out all the spot welds around the lower frame. I cut mine at the inner edge to have a flange to mount my future custom dash to. Then on the drivers side and passenger side the dash is spot welded to the inner front door frames. There is a 3" long 'L' bracket that is welded to the dash and welded to the door frame. This 'L' is tacked, but it also has a bead weld about 1/2" long near a hole in the framework. Then there is a 2" long tab that is part of the door frame. The dash is also tacked to that tab with 2 or 3 welds.
Mind you it's not bad drilling, but my dash was completely gutted. You would need to remove everything from the dash in order to get it out. After all was said and done (dash out) I thought I prolly should have just cut it out. The dash itself is in decent shape, but the door posts on my van are pretty bad. They will be changed as soon as I find a good donor.
Sounds like some good progress Ken!
Making proress I see, I believe they welded in the dash for support since it is unibody. My van also has the dash welded in and it is for support.
Thanx guys, yeah, a little bit.
Your right Mike, the dash is the main support for lateral twisting in the nose. The only other thing holding the front door support rails in place is the nose skin. There really isn't much to the nose on these vans.
Ken I'm anxious to see your plans for the windshield area. not that I have a better idea, I just like to learn. sounds like things are coming along nicely. Don't you hate it when you bust your butt to do something right like drilling out all those spots welds when cutting it probably would have been just as practical? It drives me nuts when i do something like that.
Me too buddy! I was going to leave the roof where it is and take off all of the windshield framing and recreate it. Then Fill the gap that would be left at the top of the windshield and taper the outer edge of both sides of the windshield. This would give the windshield a Visor type look to the top edge. It would only be about an inch past the glass at the top edge. Now I'm thinking I may just slide the roof back a bit and fit the windshield posts back to a sock look where the glass would be flush with the metal all the way around. I don't know? This is why I haven't proceeded farther. Now I think I will like the look better with the slight overhang.... Decisions, decisions????
With the Dash, I wanted to just cut it out, but then figured if I change my mind and want to put it back in, it will be easier. I prolly should have drilled out the windshield edge also and welded another piece of metal back in so as to save the complete dash, but figured there prolly isn't much of a call for a dash from these vans. Once I find a nose for it, I'm sure I'll have a spare dash anyway. That one I'll remove completely without cutting in case someone needs it.
Going to do buddy! Thanx!!!!!
Email has been sent!
Damn Ken! Another no-window. You may have to do TWO chops....
Emailed me back. I'm going to call him today and make an Apt. to go see it. It almost looks too clean to cut up, but the chop comes first.
One chop is enough for me Josh, well at least one Early Dodge chop anyway :wink:
Was out in the garage last night to decorate some wreaths (don't ask) Deb said she thinks it would look cool with the overhang above the windshield. Tonight I'll ask the girls and see what their opinion is. Once the verdict is in, I'll get the window frame done.
Dash removal pics as promised;
Passenger side door frame. Not the critter nest in the hole
This also shows the tab I mentioned as part of the door post.
Drivers side
Inside of Dash. Note drilled spot welds and some plain old bending and beating. When everything is coated with rust and in a hard to reach spot, it's hard to see all the spot welds.
The other side
Another shot of the door pillar
DASH OUT
Not an easy job Ken! Good stuff!
Question... if you were to proceed removing the air box, what do you see there as far as welds go? Wanted to do it on the Fargo to remove the letters and fix bodywork, but it's near impossible to see.
Thanks for any advice you may have as far as how to get into there.
I knew someone would ask that
I was not planning on removing mine, but if and when I get a donor van for a nose, I'll be sure to dissect one and post pictures. The emblem should just pop off. They have spring loaded sleeves that the pins on the letters or emblem press into.
Ken, just a quick question... if you are transplanting the nose.... and the dash.... wouldn't it just be easier to do a whole nose/dash/EVERYTHING swap?
Ken, just a quick question... if you are transplanting the nose.... and the dash.... wouldn't it just be easier to do a whole nose/dash/EVERYTHING swap?
Yes and No. If it wasn't chopped YES. The reason I had to take the dash out is if you look at this picture
Notice the windshield side posts? The portion needs to be bent in to meet the top portion which will need to move out a bit. Since I'm pulling in the sides this part will need to be pie cut and tilted in also.
Get it?
Yes and no. I would probably have bent
only the pillar in. It would make the vertical body line straighter too. Unless the dash went up the pillar I would have left it alone....
Sweet, I like pictures lol. Now would be a perfect time for that nose.
I knew someone would ask that
I was not planning on removing mine, but if and when I get a donor van for a nose, I'll be sure to dissect one and post pictures. The emblem should just pop off. They have spring loaded sleeves that the pins on the letters or emblem press into.
Makes sense...
I assumed they were fastened with speednuts. But now that I recall, the door emblems on my econoline have the press-in type fasteners.
I wasn't suggesting you should take it apart, just wondered if you could see anything in there! Thanks,
Yes and no. I would probably have bent
only the pillar in. It would make the vertical body line straighter too. Unless the dash went up the pillar I would have left it alone....
Nope, wouldn't look right. The fold on the rest of the body is at the side body line. So the fold on the windshield posts needs to be in the same place. You'll see better as I do it. Maybe tomorrow.
I assumed they were fastened with speed nuts. But now that I recall, the door emblems on my Econoline have the press-in type fasteners.
I wasn't suggesting you should take it apart, just wondered if you could see anything in there! Thanks,
Yup, just press in. No, you can't see a damned thing. When I do find a nose I will dissect my old one though so we can all see how it's done. My old nose prolly wont be worth much anyway.
Just sell yours and chop this Ken!
There is nothing to sacred to cut up for the CHOP my friend... Just sell yours and chop this Ken!
Don't think I haven't thought about that already.
So thats the van you picked up yesterday, good score. I like it as is lol. Jack up the rear, wide back tires, 340 in there and it's perfect. or you could cut it up lol.
Thanks for the pics of the dash removal! It does not look like I expected. (not sure what I really expected, but not that)
At the top of the dash where it meets the front window, did you cut that off right along the window or was it welded in too?
I too am curious about under the air plum. I have a spot on the air inlet on the front drivers side thats rusted out pretty bad. I have a horrible fear I'll have to rip the dash out to get in there to weld in new metal and fully seal it.... I dunno man... looks scary, lol....
This is a great project! Thanks for all the updates!
Thanks for the pics of the dash removal! It does not look like I expected. (not sure what I really expected, but not that)
No problem, It's pretty simple actually. It would have been easier for me to get out (I think) if it were not so rusty at the welds.
At the top of the dash where it meets the front window, did you cut that off right along the window or was it welded in too?
It is welded in also. The front edge of the dash is actually bent up and is the inner piece of metal on the lower windshield pinch weld. I cut mine off just at the lower edge of the pinch weld toward the inside of the van approximately 1/2". I did this to keep support in the window frame are and also to have something to mount a new dash to. Although now that I'm planning on a new nose, i prolly could have separated them. Be warned tho, the pinch weld is brazed and spot welded (at least it is on this van) it may be a bear to get that apart. I'm beginning to wonder if the air plenum is brazed in as well. We shall find out.
I too am curious about under the air plum. I have a spot on the air inlet on the front drivers side that's rusted out pretty bad. I have a horrible fear I'll have to rip the dash out to get in there to weld in new metal and fully seal it.... I dunno man... looks scary, lol....
It's actually not that bad. First off though, depending on how the air plenum is mounted, you shouldn't have to remove the dash to get to it. There is actually quite a bit of room under there with the heater box, glove box and gauges removed. The nice part is the whole heater assembly comes out with like 8 screws once you disconnect the heater hoses. I could have removed the dash completely by drilling the spot welds in just over an hour. All I used was a right angle cordless drill and a blair tool. Of coarse a flat putty knife and a hammer were also used to manipulate a bit and find the spot welds in some places.
This is a great project! Thanks for all the updates!
Thank you. I'm glad I can help and appreciate the kind words. It makes doing this kind of thing, that much more fun.
Hmmm. You could always make a trailer out of the parts van, after removing the nose.
If I cut up the parts van I will use a lot of the other body panels as well. There might be enough left for a trailer, but I doubt it.
So, I've got a couple emails saying I should chop the latest van and use the first one for parts. What do you all think?
Look it over ken. If you will do less work chopping this one and not having to replace rust than you did on the chop of the first, then go for it! It would be nicer to have a solid original than a patch job I think. And hey, why cut up a solid one to patch a not-so-solid one? Doesn't make sense to me.... Plus I'm sure if you tack the first one together
someone would be interested in buying it. Plus you had your practice chop!
And this one's almost driveable? Gives you the option to run it around and enjoy it some while you're building up your HOT drivetrain.
..... or maybe you should keep them both. Everyone needs two early chops right?
While working on the first one did you ever say..
"If I could start over I would" Or
"I should have done that defferently"
Well here is your chance,
If your willing to sacrifice all the hours you already spent on it.
The ultimate question has to be, What will make a better end result.
ken
Any updates on this project?
John
Look it over ken. If you will do less work chopping this one and not having to replace rust than you did on the chop of the first, then go for it! It would be nicer to have a solid original than a patch job I think. And hey, why cut up a solid one to patch a not-so-solid one? Doesn't make sense to me.... Plus I'm sure if you tack the first one together
someone would be interested in buying it. Plus you had your practice chop!
And this one's almost driveable? Gives you the option to run it around and enjoy it some while you're building up your HOT drivetrain.
Makes Perfect Sense to me.
..... or maybe you should keep them both. Everyone needs two early chops right?
ken
Any updates on this project?
John
Not since I picked up the Cali van John.
I'm working on Luke's Chevy right now, and have a SPECIAL project for someone in the wings! Stay tuned.
can't wait to see your PROSTREET DODGE VAN done KEN,it is looking real good!!!!!
there is nothing like a PROSTREET VAN,THAT'S COOL!!!
You and me both buddy. It's on the back burner right now tho, got 2 other builds going to make some $ for my projects.
Ain't nothin' like a Big Block... Looking forward to seeing this build continue Pal...
Be sure to keep watch at my current Dodge project. Me thinks you'll like it!
Be sure to keep watch at my current Dodge project. Me thinks you'll like it!
So I just get back on here and now you distract me with a hunting mission for your latest work... I'm game... Be sure to keep watch at my current Dodge project. Me thinks you'll like it!
So I just get back on here and now you distract me with a hunting mission for your latest work... I'm game... OK, I'll make it easy on ya! Thanks Bud that helps big time, now I'll go check it out...
Ken
did ya talk to Bert from WNYVA
i know he has a dodge front end hanging in his garage 67/68
with no windshield pillars.i do know it is in great shape.
we Vanimals/WNYVA/NIAGARA VANS will be @ Salt City Vans Mid-Winter this weekend as i am the driver
will find more info for ya!!!!
Thanks Eddie, but I actually have one already. Well, I got it lined up anyway. Got it from Scottie.
Thanks again.
A KEN if u need any help or infor on your angle chop ,give BILL LANG A CALL AT HOTRODFABRICATION 410-479-2212
TOM who owns BLASTRO/HEADSTONE DONE HIS OWN ANGLE CHOP ON BOTH VANS ,TOM IS COOL TO TALK TO GO TO HIS WEB SITE AND GET HIS PHONE NO. HE CAN ALSO HELP U WITH THEY ANGLE CHOP.
Thanks for the info buddy.
Thanks for the info buddy.
ANYTIME!!!!!!
Let me no when u r thinking about a ROAD TRIP to your place n check out all your COOL VANS U have ,N THE ONES U R WORKING ON,MAYBE HAVE A VANNERS NIGHT OUT.
Hey that sounds like fun. Maybe I'll see if we can throw something together soon.
Please
Seriously
I wish! This has been tabled until Luke's van is done and the blue Dodge is at least near done! Unless of coarse, the Lotto pays off, then I'll be building custom vans all day long!
Seriously
I wish! This has been tabled until Luke's van is done and the blue Dodge is at least near done! Unless of coarse, the Lotto pays off, then I'll be building custom vans all day long!
c'mon lotto!!
Seriously
I wish! This has been tabled until Luke's van is done and the blue Dodge is at least near done! Unless of coarse, the Lotto pays off, then I'll be building custom vans all day long!
c'mon lotto!!
I'd be in heaven!