Features Kustoms blues? I need to see some kustoms....

I would say, this is as good as it's get. WOW !

 

@stanlow69 To the tune of Black Oak Arkansas: Jim Stanley to the rescue!
@Spex84 Thanks for posting that photo. I don't remember ever seeing photos of that Mercury. But especially because Lenny's Ford is one of my all time favorite kustoms. That car was bad ass.

 

I believe this Merc may have appeared as an in-primer build in the 'Reader's Rides' section of an Eighties-era magazine (perhaps Classic and Custom).
Besides the slim profile and high stance, the front wheel arches also had an unusual, angular shape. (Look closely.)
Jog any memories?

 

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The show pic looks like the center section of the grill is 56 Ford. Perhaps outer section/headlight covers are 57 Plymouth??? In Jim's pic, the grill is gone and a "moon" style tank is there.

 

It does look like a '56 Ford grill in the center. Hard to tell on the outers, I think they may be closer spaced than '57 Plymouth...

Also the 6-carb set-up is gone in the photo Jim posted.

 

I scanned the picture from Readers Rides from a magazine from the 70`s. Good memory MO.

 

A pic from the 80's?? More info on this car please. So cool. Love the bumper/grill combo. Does it have '58 Ford roof ribs?

 

Real interesting "opposing bars and scoops" on this one

 

Also unique (for an un-chopped car) is the canted B-pillar.
Titus' "Crimson Skull" is a legend; a depiction of the transitional, Heyday of customizing, when Ayala bodywork met Dean Jeffries brushwork at the Barris shop.
Though I'm generally not a big fan of striping on early-style customs. this is another case where the lines actually enhance the profile of the car; separating the subtle two-tone paint, and effectively standing in for the absence of side-trim.
The transition to flames (accentuating the port holes) is a defining element of the car, and perhaps my favorite feature.



Here's a shot without the "bars".