Chopped Hardtop

BAMA_57 · 2013-10-08 22:08

I'd never seen one like this. That everyone might want to see.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-FORD-FAIRLANE-500-HOT-RAT-ROD-Custom-Modern-DriveTrain-CHOPPED-AIR-BAGS-/221294564509?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item33862f149d#ht_500wt_1182

Limey57 · 2013-10-09 06:52

Sorry, but I just don't "get" the whole rat-look movement. I love rods (both street rods and hot rods) and I don't mind patina, but some of those tagged as "rat look" just don't do anything for me. Never been a fan of radical roof chops, I prefer subtle chops, the sort where when you look at the car you think "wow, that looks great, but what's been changed?".

I've also seen some chops with wrap-round windshieleds where the glass is held in with clear silicone sealant because it just doesn't fit the chopped top!

RICH MUISE · 2013-10-09 07:11

I agree 100%. I understand the original concept of rat rods..just having fun with a car you don't want to worry about. I don't understand the concept of spending alot of time to make a car look like a rat rod. That said, I do like the vise grip door handle

Ford Blue blood · 2013-10-09 07:39

The "whats the coolest thing" crowd changes concepts like I change under wear. My "resto rod" built in the 70s went out of style many years ago, pro stock died, the smooth look is fading and the rat rod thing will pass with time as well. Given the 36 has 136K trouble free miles and still ticking more of them off I figure the "resto rod" look will be back in in a couple of years!

Don't recall any of the rat rod style cars contending for AMBR or Riddler.

Jeff Norwell · 2013-10-09 14:15

Sorry.... he destroyed it.
Grandma Winnie is missing her Tickle Trunk straps and Uncle Chester has part of his Barn roof missing.

Good Lord.

hiball3985 · 2013-10-09 15:39

Another 57 bites the dust, too bad..

Jeff Norwell · 2013-10-09 18:27

The Term "Rat Rod" was coined in the early 90's by a member of the Shifters Car Club...... the term MEANT to be a working Primered, not finished, driving car....... these guys drive and build early pre war and post war hotrods.It was a rebellion against the jelly bean pastel easter eggs of Goodguys and the NSRA.....
Then it morphed... the public became aware and everything from decaying rusty crap to your Pappys rusty mailbox became a useful(?) piece..... Road signs,mascots,tools,....most are/were "art" cars....... if you want to call them that..... others argue there are no rules in building your own car.....while in the sense... maybe true.... there are rules....
At anyrate.... the mainstream media got wind of this and we got such terrific "reality shows like Monster garage and the other ones that follow.....
Every wing nut who could afford a six pack of primer and some rusty tubing was now a "ratrodder"
Heck.... they have 3-4 mags out there and folks still drink the Kool-aid.

sorry-rant -off

4thgen57 · 2013-10-09 20:15

I was admiring the craftsmanship until I looked under the hood! I like the 30s and 40s rat rods, but what they have done with this is a ridiculous! maybe I should take my 57 body and put it on my mini van chassis!!!

However, What I truly love about classic cars is the fact that you can do whatever you want! As long as it pleases yourself there are no rules! I don't agree with a lot of the cars I see on here, But I always admire the time and effort that someone has put into it. Im a 30 year old kid! But I want my car nostalgic! Y block stays and all.

JPotter57 · 2013-10-10 10:35

What a steaming pile...wow.
Another fine example of what happens when a chevy nerd gets a hold of a Ford...

Zapato · 2013-10-10 13:40

Quote from: JPotter57 on 2013-10-10 10:35
What a steaming pile...wow.
Another fine example of what happens when a chevy nerd gets a hold of a Ford...

James, really tell us how you feel................

Zap-

disclaimer.... couldn't have said it better myself. have fun getting that titled in any state.

Wirenut · 2013-10-10 20:15

And I spent all those hours on mine sanding and painting when I could have gone ratty..

TexasFordGuy · 2013-10-10 20:44

Here is a video of it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGf8sEyyEjU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUi8cxCdWka7V8sWTnScePpw

The hing that bothers me is they had to use Plexiglas windows. My guess is they chopped 1st without thinking about how to cut the glass.

Limey57 · 2013-10-11 02:15

Quote from: TexasFordGuy on 2013-10-10 20:44
The thing that bothers me is they had to use Plexiglas windows. My guess is they chopped 1st without thinking about how to cut the glass.

Hope they never have to use the windshield wipers or they'll be replacing the windshield on a regular basis or spending hours polishing out the scratches.

I've seen a few cars with wrap-around windshields where they look "factory" but those were done by chopping the glass first then making the roof/apperature fit the glass, not the other way round. I've seen examples that were done the other way and a large percentage of the glass was clear bathroom sealant!

F570RD · 2013-10-11 08:17

At least he kept the door handles.I detest shave'n them.The straps are beyond comical as we know how the hood should open.....LOL.

robhaerr · 2013-10-11 08:46

57 Fords are already lower, wider...hard to change the proportions to look right or better.

This is an epic fail.

I don't like the stock proportions of the rear quarter panels on the Fairlane, anyway. The larger sweeping rear fins make this even worse.

Chevy hood ornament?

News:

Chopped Hardtop

F570RD