CHOPPING THE ROOF (Part 1) - 51 Chevy Budget Rat Truck build

Techniques for chopping a roof in part 1 of chopping the top on this '51 Chevy truck. I do the layout of the cut lines and cut the roof off the Chevy pickup. After removing the unwanted sections, we try the roof in its new lowered position to check out the new cool look! The chopped roof is lowered 3 inches in the back and close to 4 inches in the front.
Check out the previous video where I demonstrated the best way to plan a roof chop.
#choptop #roofchop #ratrodbuild
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[@stephenbrown571]

I like how you actually show the different steps. Too doing this rather than editing it out.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Trying to show what is involved in doing it...

[@frankennaro4572]

You are a good teacher

[@johnrosen4569]

you are the man i love your utube show your buddy johnny blaze florida usa good job

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Johnny!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Johnny!

[@joeandmichelle7375]

The extra out of the front was an excellent choice. I like it !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

👍Dropping the front a little more does make a huge visual difference.

[@christophermedaris2804]

I been watch all your videos and I got to say your artistic with metal and rust and I love your work great job

[@ratrodsafrica]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Another good tip from the dude in the forest. Taking the time to "carefully" go over your cut lines and get everything even on both sides. ! One of , if not the best chop top videos I've seen. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Randy, appreciate the comment!

[@mikewilliams2072]

I am old man also but I love the rat rods, I built a 48 Ford f-6 cab on a custom built frame that I built on my garage floor. I sold it about 2 yrs after I built it and now about 5 yrs later I have retired and am thinking about building another as soon as I get my new shop built!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah man! Gotta build something! 🙂

[@chrislewis4830]

what a happy little giggle between talking. it makes me giggle to lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Cant help it...😅

[@matthewfocke5360]

I really appreciate your awesome craftsmanship. Your chopped roof cuts are exceptional. I bet the original buyers of this Chevy truck model would love the lowered roofline compared to the original, high stance roofline. I like it. Tastes change with each new generation. But we all can appreciate good design. Cheers!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Or, the original owner might get a heart attack!😂

[@chrisclegg7156]

Hi the disc you used to take the paint off , in the UK are called flexible strip discs , looking forward to see more work on the truck .👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Chris! Looks like those discs have a few different names. "Face off cup disc" is another I have seen here. Whatever, they work well 😅

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Carry on brother! Lot of work chopping an old truck. I call mine a design chair. Spend a lot of time in it at my age.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Uncle Bob! I'm honored to get a comment from the guru! You will know how much work goes into a chop job, its not how the flash youngsters make it out to be.😅 Design chair, thinking chair, different names for the same thing - a place where one can regroup and recuperate😂 I'm also slowly starting to spend more and more time in the chair. Thanks for the comment and take care!

[@sergiocabrera8977]

Good video " Man in the midle of the forest "

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Sergio

[@jamesfreeland3137]

Great work, good explanation and a nice solid truck. That's all it takes to make me happy. 😊 Thank you for showing and best wishes from James in Berlin, Germany.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you James.

[@erivon2234]

Div! I waited all weekend for this video mate, did not disappoint. very VERY LEKKA! you have de-mystified top chopping for me! 3 inches looks really really good... I have access to a 5 window cab that needs to be saved... might just be doing that and chopping it up.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey Eri! If my videos can help to make a roof chop easier, I'm a happy man. Also, lekka to see you know a new word😅

[@joeandmichelle7375]

Man that method of layout is lekka!! I love it!!

[@joumasepoes88]

Lekker build. Chopping a 47’ international k6 cab soon. I’m in America now but was born and raised north of the Limpopo in Rhodesia. Yep I’m a Rhodie lolol.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet! Back in the day we used to call the Rhodies the "when-we's". Now us old SAffers are the same 😂

[@joumasepoes88]

@@ratrodsafrica you know boet I ALMOST called myself a whenwe but wasn’t sure is a saffer would catch it lololol.

[@victorcardoso5797]

Hello from Canada I've recently discovered your channel I really like how you explain everything step by step excellent work 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hello Victor from Canada. Welcome to my shop! Thanks brother.

[@joaquinsablan5406]

Your doing dame good Job on the Chop my friend ! You and I have the same liked , on having the roof drop lower in the front , giving it the rake look style . Love it ! can't wait to see the finished look. Your making it easy for my next chop job on my truck. Thanks , my friend.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man! Glad if it can help

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Congrats Div!!!! Over 15k views on this video and on the way to 3k subs!!! Your killing it!!!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you bro. It's been a long haul and a lot of work but finally getting traction

[@tommyg7381]

Whenever cutting a pillar you should cùþ it at the top and bottòm corners. That way you wiĺl have the whole a pillar to slant back iñ for the chop

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

I'm a new guy that has subscribed and has been watching your video's. I normally watch rat rod Bob in America. I like your style man. I'm from Kentucky. My forest across the pond. 😆

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the sub! Welcome to my forest workshop.

[@chevmann1]

The dude is a genius.Very talented 😎👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro. Persistence is the important thing!

[@letsbefrank6269]

I’m gradually making my way at random through your videos, and it’s a pleasure to see someone enjoying what they are doing, almost like artistic talent really.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you brother!

[@62_C10]

Looks great Div! I'm digging the forward rake on the roof line too...

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Bob! Yes, little bit of rake makes a big difference.

[@DustyMacsGarage]

The chop and rake looks great!!! 🔥 🔥

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks buddy!

[@tezsullivan6048]

Wicked job on the Top Chop very cool roof slope👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@rallycatgarageharvey1135]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for sharing this great technique !😎👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man! Happy if it added a little value.😁

[@russellmarty4122]

Hi great job in doing and explaining. I just found your channel and can't stop watching. I really like the way you do things,very impressive.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Russel. And welcome!😀

[@mikewilliams2072]

I like the little arrows on the tape line to keep your cut on the right side of the tape line!

[@ratrodsafrica]

To make sure I don't screw up😅

[@peterswatton7400]

I always wondered how a roof was matched up again, now i know.

[@eddss123]

Thanks for the video. Just found your channel. I've been searching for a video explaining a chop top like this. Thank you. great work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man! Very happy if it can help. Also check out my previous video on planning a roof chop.

[@mustangboss1246]

Wow only found this Chanel now. Also from South Africa.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Howzit boet! Welcome 😁

[@sharndupreez1]

Whehey I'm famous! 🤣 Awesome, thanks for allowing me to come and play with you! Looking forward to come have a peak again.. I hear a roomer that the bonnet is going to be Epic! 🤫

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the help Sharn. Careful of rumours...😅

[@pauljohnson6828]

Looks phenomenal !!greetings from Omaha Nebraska, US. Love your Chanel!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Greetings back from Mossel Bay in SA!

[@dwayneburbridge3283]

Wow, I learned a ton just from this one video. Cool project! Bekka!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Happy to hear that! Pleasure and thanks Dwayne

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Very well done again and as always (video and work). WOW! Div initely more work than I imagined. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health.

[@elitearbor]

The way you've presented this process makes it much less daunting as a project idea. I may actually have to make a rat rod from a salvage vehicle, myself! I've always enjoyed the looks, but it never sat right with me to purchase an already built one.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Go for it!

[@geoffreymills9932]

That's coming together pretty nice, I only cringed once when you cut the windshield center bar in half,, I cut mine off the top so I could adjust the length and keep it one piece, I agree with your friend that it is the perfect amount, nice work 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Geoffrey. Not stressed about the center bar, I dont have the original piece that fits to it anyway. Will have to come up with another plan.

[@erneststevenson3872]

From an old chap in Orlando. Jy werk mooi, jy't dit minstens een keer voorheen gedoen. Hou moed.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dankie ou toppie! 😅

[@bulldogstrut1]

I really like how neat and clean your shop is. I have a serious problem with spiders leaving cobwebs everywhere in mine. It looks horrible. I'll have to figure a way to get rid of the spiders and their webs. Great video, by the way. I've never seen someone do a chop top job before. Very lakka.

[@alanpaulick7815]

Very Lekka we now have our on Bad Chad in Africa. Thanks for sharing your video 📹

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 I'll take that as a compliment, thanks. Only problem is, I don't have a Jolene!

[@joebourque4860]

Great job. Like the way you made it and explaining is perfect. I enjoy your videos

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much Joe!

[@rescueinoldraggedy7407]

its going to be cool , be safe friend

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@t4lovers688]

Hi Mr rat rod what a work ov art 🎨 rusty but trusty

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you kindly

[@t4lovers688]

No worries bro if you have time look me up on KZbin

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Another great how to video.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks John!

[@TheRoelof1961]

It has a cool look to it..

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Roelof.

[@ishsiriram8286]

Yasis...Now you talking. This stuff is scary...had my eyes closed most of the time...lol. Well done Div. Anxiously waiting the next video. Thank you again for your explanation and simple approach.

[@ratrodsafrica]

No man! With a welder and a grinder anything can be glued back together!😂

[@pameladunn7346]

you may be disappointed when you put the doors on ,if you cut down the middle (center of the windshield to center of rear window - looks like you would only have to add 1/2 inch or so to line every thing up - just a thought 😃 good luck

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. We will see how the doors turn out

[@kensteffes6712]

Very nice work.

[@frankschwartz7405]

What do I think? I think you should leave the roof in one piece and pie cut the "A" pillars and bend them to meet. Much less welding (and warping) that way.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the input!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Excited for this one Div!!! Hope all is lekka!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey, howzit my friend! All is lekka thanks! And howzit is another truly South African word. A shortened version of "how is it".😁

[@donaldhalls2189]

In Australia those A pillars the inside pillar have to be welded as well, as the outside plie, all the best to you and your loved ones, Lekka

[@ratrodsafrica]

How would anyone know whether they had been welded or not?😅

[@donaldhalls2189]

@@ratrodsafrica if the car has been altered or recorded in a accident they have to go to the pits registration office 😆😅 all the best Lekka one

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@donaldhalls2189 but how can they see inside the pillar?

[@donaldhalls2189]

@@ratrodsafrica if they want they can make you x-ray it, there's a couple of stretched Ford limos, each year have to x-ray the front spindles, or prove there been changed, to keep it registered, Lekka

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@donaldhalls2189 that's serious shit! Thank God I live in Africa 😂

[@inhand07]

Looking lekka mate!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

No thank you sir, I do enjoy your show

[@hepburn118]

Lakka is used in Victoria Australia in mechanical trades as well. It is used in conjunction with elastic bands, a lakka band. No idea if it's spelled the same, it's just slang I learned when I working on fixing trains in Melbourne there before I went to work on mining trains.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Interesting! Must have a different meaning though, here it means cool, or great.

[@hepburn118]

@@ratrodsafrica I think it's just slang for elastic band and that's it. I already new the South African use of it, I lived and worked with many South African people in th United Kingdom 20 odd years ago.

[@jimcarlisle2309]

Great Videos!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@gunnarmalmstrom59]

This looks Nice, not building like you, but is restoring old Volvo PV. One PV 544 1960 and a PV 444 1952. So i am learning a lot of how to think. 🤗

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Gunnar. Good luck with your restorations!

[@danlabelle6210]

Love the vibe

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Dan

[@MakeItWork413]

We’ll done sir! Thanks for the lesson.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure Kyle. And thank you!

[@ericwilkes238]

Cool ride clyde

[@timhanson2080]

Thanks for the video. Very informative and helpful.👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man! Glad it was helpful👍

[@crhistianreitano]

Excelente video! Muy buen contenido tiene tu Canal. Abrazos desde Argentina 🇦🇷👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@dirtyburd71]

It's gonna be Great!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you.

[@scootergem]

Interesting episode. There seems to be a lot in a chop. I've always liked a channel more but I thought they were harder than a chop. Now I'm wondering if a channel might be easier after all. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the two. PS: I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work please.

[@ratrodsafrica]

I don't feel that channeling and chopping can really be compared, since they achieve different aesthetic objectives. But I think channeling are generally easier.

[@scootergem]

​@@ratrodsafrica thanks. i don't think that i'd ever attempt a chop, but now you've given me the courage (?) to maybe try to channel something. i love the front rake appearance on a car. i guess i'm an oddball; i really go for small cars, small but stout engines, especially if they are in the back. thanks again.

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

I like it, brother

[@sb18436572]

Nice job.. your easy to learn from

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@leeburke4060]

looks great

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@henrygibson1530]

It's looking good want take you long to figure it out and weld it up.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Henry

[@henrygibson1530]

@@ratrodsafrica you're welcome

[@turbofiat]

Looking good!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you James!

[@turbofiat]

@@ratrodsafrica are you planning on putting the bed on this truck? If so that should be interesting!

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@turbofiat yes, planning to build a bed down the line. I found VW Beetle fenders that I want to modify. Will see what I'm going to do for bed sides

[@turbofiat]

@@ratrodsafrica Can't wait to see the result. There was allot of geometry involved in chopping that top! Other than painting a few cars I've never done anything like what your doing. I have built three turbo systems and I've studied things for hours. What has to stay and what can easily relocated.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@turbofiat yes, chopping tops always involves some geometry. But once you understand the principles its not that hard. Dude, I cant even spell turbo, so you way ahead of me on that one!

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome !!!

[@dragontattooee]

Properly LEKKA Div, you make it look easy

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey Brian, thanks man. Love it that you learned a lekka new word! 😅

[@davidweidner1675]

Looking lekka Deft

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! And happy that you learnt a lekka new word😅

[@LauriEkman]

Very nice!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@TheFrameoff]

Very lekka , and like i have said before very well explained .. Build On

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. And happy that I got my instructions again: "Build on!😅

[@TheFrameoff]

@@ratrodsafrica LOL

[@DoonerF]

Time for some stitches my friend. Remember!, it’s a rat rod!!!! Lol!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dont worry Harold, them stiches will come!😂

[@joepacheco4038]

Enjoyed the video " But " isn't there always one with a suggestion that's after the fact. wouldn't it have been easier to use masking tape 2" - 3/4" - 1/2" ? Just a question an thought.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Sure, the tape could work if you have different sizes handy. Many ways to skin a cat!😅

[@johnnymac1580]

I’m thinking about getting a thinking chair 🤔what do you think 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thinking about a thinking chair is good thinking!

[@inhand07]

Question tho... If the aim is to have a patina finish, how do you go about blending in the modified sections? Because all the cuts are symmetrical around the cab won't the welding and grinding areas stand out like dogs balls?

[@ratrodsafrica]

One of these days I will be posting a video about "enhancing" and preserving the patina. Then you can see how it turned out!

[@johnnymac1580]

Not bad ⚡️

[@dannico58]

I think if I were doing that I would lay the windshield down a bit. starting with cutting the A-pillar where the radius starts at the top and the bottom so you endup with a longer piece than you need. then cut the angles needed to attach the A-pillar and Bob's your uncle

[@ratrodsafrica]

Many ways to skin a cat

[@mikewilliams2072]

I think 4 and 5 would look good for me but I am only 5 ft 9 inches tall !

[@ratrodsafrica]

All relative to comfort and ease of getting in and out. I wanted it practical before radical 😅

[@seanhammon6639]

Mooi Diffy! You're making work for yourself boet. 😜 What TPI on your metal reciprocating saw blade? At that speed I can't imagine them lasting very long 😢 Do you go through cutting discs like sponge cake when cutting sheet metal?

[@ratrodsafrica]

I'm an expert at making work for myself! Cant remember the TPI on that blade now, would need to go to the shop... Dude, I go through cutting discs like a kid goes through candy! I have shears and plasma, but still prefer discs for accurate cuts on sheet metal.

[@gravelfloorgarage720]

Great to see the same passion for Rust. Your cab is only 5% rust, check out my cab, nothing time can't fix.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dude! You got more guts than me! 😅

[@drainpluggarage]

Nice

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@incognito8p298]

I cut my car down the middle to widen it. Trying to figure out how to rebuild the structural sections.

[@hippynurd]

nice!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@mrolcarguy]

You can't get the angle from front to back Dead nuts on first shot every time. You dun good my friend...Ontario Canada is where I'm at.....

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Roy from Ontario!

[@MRTYREMULISHA]

👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@fueladdictiongarage7048]

👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the thumbs up!

[@darrendaniels2415]

Av u not herd, ther called saw zaws now lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, I think that is a US term.

[@tommcl8548]

👍👊

[@RoseBud-fk4qg]

Have you watched halfasskustoms KZbin He lives in Canada

[@ratrodsafrica]

I have seen some of his videos yes.

[@RichieCat4223]

I have a question for you. There are many how to hot rod video's and some have shop dogs. Do you have a dog or maybe an elephant or water buffalo ? Lol.

[@sharndupreez1]

Only a few snakes 😅

[@ratrodsafrica]

Guess I'm one of those who doesn't have a shop dog. We have 3 at home, but they prefer to hang with the wife. Dont blame them, she is much nicer than me 😄. I do have some shop mice though...and some monkeys that like to jump on the roof from overhanging trees

[@davidwall1045]

LAKKA

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother

[@danielbuckner2167]

These trucks don't look good as far as proportions when chopped but people still do it out of tradition.

[@garyrhoades1455]

LEKKA…..'

[@bulldogstrut1]

I have a theory regarding the found stone. I suggest the person assembling the rear window was an asshole who intentionally dropped the stone down the crack to introduce a very annoying rattle that would be impossible to locate, and in turn drive the owner crazy listening to it.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Must have been on a Monday!

[@t4lovers688]

I'm on KZbin not ad good as you give me a look t4 lovers .I'm a t4 transporter vw nut

[@ratrodsafrica]

Will check it out👍

[@t4lovers688]

What you think English man living in Scotland big fan ov South Africa 🇿🇦 seen the troubles you had there on TV shame but the cars you your working on is art