{"product_id":"how-to-chop-tops-sheet-metal-shaping-2-book-set","title":"How to Chop Tops \u0026 Sheet Metal Shaping 2 Book Set","description":"\u003ch1\u003eHow to Chop Tops: A Pictorial Guide to Hot Rodding’s Most Popular Modification\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the art and precision behind one of the most iconic modifications in hot rodding—chopping tops. \u003cstrong\u003eHow to Chop Tops\u003c\/strong\u003e by renowned hot rod expert Tony Thacker takes you through the history, techniques, and craftsmanship required to transform any classic car into a sleek, aerodynamic masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInitially performed to reduce aerodynamic drag during high-speed racing, chopping tops soon became a staple in hot rod culture. This modification isn't just about speed anymore—it's about making a bold visual statement. The process, however, is more complex than it appears, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure that everything, from the A-pillars to the rake of the glass, fits perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis detailed guide features step-by-step instructions with over 675 color photos, breaking down top chops performed on a range of models, from Ford Model As and Ts to 1930s coupes and Shoeboxes. Whether you're an enthusiast looking to try your hand at chopping or simply want to marvel at the craftsmanship, this book is a must-have for any hot rodder’s library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirst New Book in 15 Years:\u003c\/strong\u003e The latest comprehensive guide to chopping tops in the last decade and a half, featuring modern techniques and styles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep-by-Step Tutorials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Detailed instructions covering some of the most popular models in hot rodding, including Ford Model A, Model T, and Shoeboxes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Contributions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Learn from industry experts like Rick Lefever, the Kennedy Brothers, and Bobby Walden. These masters provide insider tips and tricks to get the job done right.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for Hobbyists and Professionals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whether you want to tackle a chop yourself or are considering hiring a professional, this guide provides the knowledge you need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll-Color Edition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Packed with 675 color photos, making it visually engaging and easy to follow along as you learn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Thacker has been an integral part of hot rodding culture, setting speed records at the salt flats and working with the iconic So-Cal Speed Shop. After his time with the NHRA Museum, he opened the World of Speed in Portland, Oregon, a testament to his passion for motorsports. Although retired from the day-to-day, Tony continues to contribute to the field through his writing and consulting work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tony Thacker\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 978-1-61325-605-3\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperback\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.5 x 11 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 176\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrations:\u003c\/strong\u003e 675 color photos and charts\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShip Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e $36.95\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e SA508\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast Shipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ships within 1-2 business days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrusted Seller:\u003c\/strong\u003e Over 10,000 positive reviews.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSatisfaction Guaranteed:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30-day returns for a full refund if you’re not satisfied.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSheet Metal Shaping\u003c\/i\u003e demystifies this seemingly black art with information on tools and basic skills and 14 customizable projects, fully illustrated with step-by-step color photography.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Whether you want to create custom or replacement parts or build an entire automobile body, this metalworking course for gearheads from \u003cb\u003eaward-winning automotive-restoration author and professor Ed Barr\u003c\/b\u003e will take you as far as your interests reach.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e First, you’ll learn how to \u003cb\u003eassemble your ideal toolkit\u003c\/b\u003e, as well as how to \u003cb\u003ebuild a power hammer and an English wheel\u003c\/b\u003e. In the process, Barr will help you make informed choices based on available space and budget. Once you’re all set up, he addresses the \u003cb\u003econcepts of shape and form\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The projects are presented in a way that you can \u003cb\u003eeasily apply them to your own vehicles\u003c\/b\u003e, whatever they may be. Barr also takes the time to show how the projects\u003cb\u003e can be accomplished with different available tools\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As you go, you’ll gain the skills and confidence for tackling the \u003cb\u003eincreasingly complex cases\u003c\/b\u003e presented. Work your way up to \u003cb\u003ebuilding a fender\u003c\/b\u003e utilizing the wheeling machine you built earlier; then move on to building a \u003cb\u003eModel T speedster body\u003c\/b\u003e and an \u003cb\u003eIndy car\u003c\/b\u003e, and later a challenging \u003cb\u003e’​34 Plymouth fender\u003c\/b\u003e. The book even includes \u003cb\u003ecommon goofs\u003c\/b\u003e and how to avoid and, if necessary, correct them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Written in an \u003cb\u003eengaging and approachable style\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSheet Metal Shaping\u003c\/i\u003e serves equally well as a useful supplement to Barr’s previous \u003ci\u003eProfessional Sheet Metal Fabrication \u003c\/i\u003eor as a must-have standalone volume for any fabricator’s library.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The \u003cb\u003eMotorbooks Workshop series\u003c\/b\u003e covers the topics that engage and interest gearheads. Written by authorities in the subject matter and illustrated with color photography, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate source for how-to know-how.","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49463259332888,"sku":"KIT9781613256053\/9780760365748","price":57.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97816132560539780760365748.jpg?v=1772252257","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/bs\/products\/how-to-chop-tops-sheet-metal-shaping-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}