H/gas, I/Gas and the CHOP TOP Era...What a great period...

[rick m]

Some of my greatest VW momories go back to my first attendance at a VW Event....Bug-In 5 to be exact. Who knew that I would eventually marry someone who actually attended TUSTIN HIGH when Rich Kimball was there and later even go from an enthusiast to promoting VW events, then back to the more fun aspect of being a hobbyist again.

Some of my greatest and fondest memories of the early days were all the chop tops being built and raced in H/Gas and I/Gas. I have always loved the look and swore someday I'd have an I/Gas looking chop on the street. While my current 66 Chop has more of a driver look to it, I am considering going to ERCOs to get my car closer to the I/gas look, also removing the bumpers and installing my aluminum T-Bars.  What do you guys think?

If you have some great chop top shots, post them. Also post how long those of you in the Cal Look Lounge have been into VWs?  Give us an idea of your tenure with the VW hobby, your fondest memories in the hobby and what you are doing today and post pics of your rides. 

What a great group to be part of.  Great to see the Kawells and some of the other early VW pioneers, club members or racers posting here too. Keep the fun alive! Glad the Cal Look Lounge is toned down and not into drama. What a fresh breath of air.

Rick Mortensen/VW Cal Look Enthusiast

Cover Car for Feb 1996 Cal Look Issue (Teal Green 1967 Bug)
Original Organizer of Arizona's First Bug-Run Events (1984)
Originator of the Phoenix Bug-O-Rama events (1985-2005)
One of the Original Berg Cruise Members/Organizers (1996/1997)

[Neil Davies]

Hi Rick,
Love the chop, but definately go for your plans of no bumpers and Ercos, or even Centerlines, and maybe a bit of pinstriping? How about some race inspired stickers along the bottom of the doors and up the rear quarters? Race number in the window?

Neil

[Donny B.]

I think it would look better with the T-bars, but I have never been a fan of the Ercos except for racing.  I know you are going for the look, but the car is too pretty for that.  Everyone says BRMs are over used and old news, but I would put some on and see how it looks.  That might not look but try it to see.  If you don't have a set sitting around you can always borrow mine.  I started out wanting BRMs and when I finally got them there was no looking back.  They are the only wheels for me.

[team97]

You might try the JGE Torker "American" copies, they look really good and would be period correct with t-bars, etc.

[louisb]

If I were going to do a true gasser style chop I think I would start with another car. Dechrome, chop, ali interior, DDS style rims (Or BRMS), etc. Look at KS's Flashback chop for some inspiration.

Keep that chop more street since it still has the trim, etc. (Nice curve on the shop btw.)

Oh, and finish that black car. 

--louis

[Mike Maize]

It is funny you posted this Rick because I have been giving serious thought to chopping my gasser style 67 street car next winter. I think your car would look killer gassered out.

[.]

You might try the JGE Torker "American" copies, they look really good and would be period correct with t-bars, etc.

How can "copies" be period correct ?
 

[rick m]

Richard,

If we were there and saw them in person, we are period correct.  I lived it!  Anything I can create would be period correct...if i go back to my roots.

Check out the attached oval chop I did in 1972.  It was before the CAL LOOK. It was what guys were doing with flared fenders and the rest. Some of us were there.

Rick Mortensen

[.]

Rick,
I meant how can copies (reproductions) of American Racing wheels be period correct ?
If they were produced way back when the originals were still being made, I guess that would be a gray area.
Originals yes !

[Fastbrit]

Check out the attached oval chop I did in 1972.  It was before the CAL LOOK.

Hi Rick. I believe that Greg Aronson built has car in 1969 and other club members followed suit (dechromed, lowered etc) within a year or so, defining Cal Look as a style some years before it received magazine recognition. Think your yellow chop looks great – is it the one that Dave Rosenstiel (sp) built?

[Jon]

Rick,
I meant how can copies (reproductions) of American Racing wheels be period correct ?
If they were produced way back when the originals were still being made, I guess that would be a gray area.
Originals yes !

I guess he talks of a period correct "look" ;-)

[Donny B.]

Think your yellow chop looks great – is it the one that Dave Rosenstiel (sp) built?

No, Rick bought that from someone in Redding.  Dave did sell his car, but it had an home made split window and chopped vent windows.  Dave is doing hot rod stuff now and has a 40 Ford and some old trucks.

[ALIEN]

oh... that chop top you did in 72.... where is it now?? realy cool...

that shop top you did 2 years before I was born... that thels me you done this for some years..  how cool is that

here is my car, built in the beginning of 2000, I tryed too do the gasser look...


Alien

[.]

Very cool Alien !

[rick m]

Alien,

You definitely captured the look of some of the early gas cars. NICE WORK!

Rick M