Cutting the top off

[Jantrix]

I'm going to do a 57 Fairlane topless and I was wondering what is the best way to cut the roof off without damaging the front windshield frame. A #11 or Zona saw seem a bit risky to me. Ideas?

[Wayne Buck]

I'm going to do a 57 Fairlane topless and I was wondering what is the best way to cut the roof off without damaging the front windshield frame. A #11 or Zona saw seem a bit risky to me. Ideas?

Maybe get it close with a thin cut-off wheel on a dremel (slowly and carefully as not to heat it up much) and finish it with sandpaper?

You wouldn't have to put any pressure on it that way.

dunno, just a thought...

[VW Dave]

I'd use the Dremel as well..much more control and less pressure applied(if you do it right).

[Robert81]

When I remove the top on an AMT 58 Belvedere I cut the top with a razor saw close to the vent windows, then used the back side of a #11 blade to slowly and carefully carve along the trim.

A little sloppy and not 100% accurate but it looks good. I tend to do things by hand rather than use a Machine, but you could use a rotary tool to do the rough work.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Robert81

[Modelmartin]

I would not use a dremel. I would use several layers of masking tape to mark where your cut will be and slowly draw the back of your #11 blade or a razor saw along it with very light pressure until it starts to make a groove and then slowly increase pressure on the blade. You could support the windshield frame with several layers of masking tape also. Just put a big piece across the opening in front and one in back and it won't be going anywhere. The biggest thing is patience and slowly working whatever your cutting tool of choice will be. good luck.

[Redrobin313]

[twitter][/twitter]

I would not use a dremel. I would use several layers of masking tape to mark where your cut will be and slowly draw the back of your #11 blade or a razor saw along it with very light pressure until it starts to make a groove and then slowly increase pressure on the blade. You could support the windshield frame with several layers of masking tape also. Just put a big piece across the opening in front and one in back and it won't be going anywhere. The biggest thing is patience and slowly working whatever your cutting tool of choice will be. good luck.

I

[Redrobin313]

I agree with modelmartin except I would a peice of foamcore board between the roof,maybe stuck on with masking tape, too make it less likly to bend when your cutting. Foamcore is easy to get at office supply stores,like staples for example,or picture a framing store would give you some, they have a lot of scrap, that usaly gets thrown out.

[MikeMc]

I will agree that a sharp razor saw will work the best

I will suggest a fine tooth Zona brand blade be used...without the handle!

Mr Metallic(Craig Stansfield) gave this tip to me. I love it...sharp and sure, short strokes and it will follow almost any line with ease.

My current 32 build was a major(7") chop..smooth cuts ...very little fitting to do