SCORE !! or....a Merc followed me home today !

[TagMan]

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting a nursing home with some other old car (antiquer) guys and one of the guys there that I seldom have seen, was telling us about an accident he recently had with his all original '50 Merc coupe. He bought the car from the widow of the original ownerin 1986 and only drove it once in a while. That car has lived within 20 miles of me (and at one time, within 3 miles of me) and I'd never seen it. Anyway, the current owner was really bummed about the accident and said he'd probably was going to sell it. I immediately told him I was interested and long story short, I bought it and brought it home today !!

The Good: It's a totally original, unrestored car - 72A 2-door. Original flattie has never been out of it (90k documented miles) and the interior is in great shape. Price was fantastic and there was a ton of NOS parts, most with original FoMoCo tags on them. I had a truck load of boxes with parts and sheet metal I brought home today and another truck load tomorrow. NOS front fenders, rear quarters, rocker panels, radiator, spare OD tranny, etc., etc. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The Bad: Every panel has rust damage from the ground up due to the road salt used around here, but with the extra parts it shouldn't be too difficult to get it in good shape. Or maybe I'll turn it - don't know right now. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

The Ugly: Although I never mentioned it, the ol' guy is under the impression I'm going to restore it to original. Asked me a couple of times if I'd come around and give him a ride in it after it's done. I kinda ignored the question by telling him it'd be at least a couple of years before I'd even start working on it, because I'm working on my '46 Chebby 1/2T hauler now. He doesn't know of my desire for hot rodding, since he's only seen my mostly stock '37 Chev. I feel like a rat, 'cause even though I made no promises, I know his heart will be broken if he hears it was customised. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Anyways, here's a couple of pics in my driveway, just after it was unloaded.....

http://home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/FrtPassQtr.jpg

http://home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/RearDvr.jpg

http://home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/Frt.jpg

[Tman]

I have a drivers side 1/4 panel lower that is shot and bent a bit with no rust? I was planning on listing in the classifieds. PM me if you are interested, I dont have pics yet.


Oops re-read and I think you got it already, cool score!

[AHotRod]

Sa.......weeeeeeeeeet!

[haring]

You got very lucky on that one.

Personally, I like Mercs when they are largely stock with subtle modifcations, and that's a great candidate for that kind of work. A subtle chop and low stance would be gorgeous.

[bufordtjustice]

Holy shit! You are a very lucky guy...but of course, you know that. I had a chance to buy a 50 merc right near me for 2 grand but it needed all new floors and rockers, etc... I still wish I had bought it while I had the chance...O well... Grats on your sweet purchase!!

Greg

[FEDER]

Tagman GREAT SCORE ! Mercs even look cool wrecked.
Oh and dont be easy on it, STOCK SUCKS!! --FEDER

[Tony]

Bob,
YOU SUCK!!! And i mean that in the nicest way. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You have, my all time favorite 'to be' custom of all time!
My dad had a '51 back in the day, mild custom 3/4 race flattie etc..
Hearing about that old car when i was younger planted the seed to eventually get one of my own...
When i realised i couldn't afford one, and still wanted a custom..well,
Thats where my '53 come's in..

Anyway, CONGRATS man..
It couldn't have gone to a better guy..unless i got it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

So, when ya gonna let me know when you wanna sell it????????

Tony.

[Dat Dirty Rat]

Tag- I'm glad you decided to get it,,hopefully our talk helped. It looks like a solid car and a great start to me..I saw that car in passing once and couldnt believe how good it looked..I'll stop by later this week and check it out in person..Plus, you & I already talked about some things and whatever way i can help..Just let me know...

Pakrat- I'm ahead you,,you got enough shit.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
But you do seem to always make out you lucky basturd! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
lyb

Dirty

[TagMan]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a drivers side 1/4 panel lower ....

[/ QUOTE ]

Tman: Thanks for the offer, but I got NOS quarters with the car! Once again proving that luck is better than skill !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PackRat32 & Dat Dirty Rat and the rest of you guys, thanks for appreciating my find. Couple of guys have stopped by and looked at it and I could tell by their mannerisms, that they think I'm nuts or high......no f'n vision !! This place called HAMB is realy awesome, not only in the technical help that's freely given, but also in the encouragement department. Or maybe we're all a little screwed up in the head !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Tom & Tony, stop by anytime - always cold beer on hand. Tom, I've been meaning to get over to see you and give you the sticker like I said I would. It's on the front seat of the Buick ready to go, so don't let me forget it (like I did "B-O-B"!). http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Dat Dirty Rat]

I've said it before,,,most of the people around here have no f@#$%in' clue!!....Shit, i'd get it runnin' throw some plates on it the way it is and drive around with a old school helmet on while yelling out the window 'Who else wants some'? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Congrats holmes...

[moondisc]

Nice score Tag!
If you need anything for it, the boneyard near me has a few Mercs in it.
The guys a prick to deal with, but he does have the parts.

[Tony]

[ QUOTE ]
Shit, i'd get it runnin' throw some plates on it the way it is and drive around with a old school helmet on while yelling out the window 'Who else wants some'?


[/ QUOTE ]

Dirty, thats funny as hell man!!
I'm laughing my ass off over here! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sad part is, i can see ya doing it..

Bob, thanks for the offer to come check it out.
When Dirty is on his day's off, maybe we'll come over.

Tony

[Dat Dirty Rat]

Bob, thanks for the offer to come check it out.
When Dirty is on his day's off, maybe we'll come over.

Hell yeah,,and i hope you have some of those cookies ready that i keep 'hearing' about http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Only jokin'....well?

[TagMan]

moondisc: Do you think the Mercs in the yard near you have any decent hoods? I was gonna try & straighten the one that was in the accident, but if I could pick up a decent one, it'd work for me ! Let me know, please and thanks for the info.

PackRat32 & Dat Dirty Rat: I'm heading for Carlisle Thursday & Friday and Hershey next Wednesday-Friday, but come on over any other time. Give me some advance notice and I'll whip the hired-help into shape to get fresh cookies made !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[moondisc]

Hoods, grills yes.
Anything below the beltline, no.
Plan a trip out here, and I'll take you up there.
When I want something the price goes up, as he thinks I'm getting rich off him.
You'll get a better deal if you deal direct with him,

[plmczy]

You are a lucky son of a gun 10 fold. Man I don't see any bad rust just accident damage. Keep us updated. later plmczy

[TagMan]

plmczy: Pictures lie ! There's plenty of rust all around the bottom. You can't drive a car in the salt of the northeast winters and expect a car designed to last two years, live for 54 years ! The Merc was on the road as a dailey driver until 1967 when the original owner died. It stayed parked in his garage with grease all over the body & bumpers, etc. (he used to coat it every fall to try & prevent rust) until the guy I bought it from got it in 1986.

moondisc: Thanks for the lead. I'll PM you after I get back from Hershey and try to set something up.

[plmczy]

Yeah.... thats true, these northeast winters are hard on tin especially up your way. Even for being a daily for 17 years it looks pretty decent. Maybe I'll see ya at Carlisle, I'll be wearing my HAMB shirt. later plmczy