Chopping a 32 Ford grill

[andy12646]

What method and tools do you guys recommend to cut a 32 Ford grill and surround?  The surround seems easy enough because any joints can be filled in and sanded smooth but it seems the chrome grill could be difficult. Not only getting the seam not to show but also fit together with the modified surround. Also, keeping the cuts parallel. I've seen some chopped grills where it is difficult to see any splice where it was glued back together. I recently performed my first chop and channel job (about a 4" chop) on the Revelle 32 Ford 5-Window kit and so far so good. Thanks to plenty of reference material I found on this forum. And. again, your opinions and recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Fortunately, if I screw this up, I have the option to purchase a resin grill surround with a photo-etched grill pre-chopped.

[Tom Geiger]

You are correct that the shell can be sectioned and glued / putties / sanded to shape.
 

For the center part I try to take the plastic from the top or bottom to keep from having a seam. Once cut, I will carefully sand the edges down until it fits

[andy12646]

Great idea! Simple. I never thought of that! My mind was stuck on the idea that a section had to be cut from the mid section.

Edited March 21, 2020 by andy12646

[espo]

If all else fails there are some Resin chopped '32 Grill and grill Shells out there. I like the cut from the bottom method suggested.  

[Mark]

Too, I'd cut the grille first, then make the shell fit the grille.

[carrucha]

Cutting the grill from the bottom is a good idea.