I can describe what I did to shorten my SHS USRA hopper. Before doing anything I scribed a line around the sides of the hopper 6" down using the top as a guide. Then using a razor saw I cut the top off, cutting just where it meets the sides. If you are careful it comes off in one peice. Once off, sand/file the cut side flat so that it goes back on even.
Then using scribed lines as a guide I shortened the car using a belt sander. If you don't have a belt sander it should not be hard to cut it down using the razor saw. Just leave a little bit of the scribed line. After cutting, flatten the top with a piece of sand paper and a flat surface. If you are making a GLa you will want to file the ribs down so that they taper at the top. I used a file and sand paper. Once done, reattach the top. I have some pictures in the photo section under the label: "GLa conversion". There is one of the top cut off and the ribs filed down. Keith T > I have been interested in backdating the USRA hopper too. How did you > approach removing the 6"? How much did you lower the frame? > > Tom P > Gainesville VA
