So I bought this sedan about a year ago with intensions of making a full custom out of it. I've always liked the 40 sedans so when this one came up for a good price I jumped on it! I always wondered how one would look customized so after seeing Riks photoshop image of a 39 it made me want one even more. I had evey intension on building this car But after about 6 months something else came along that I had to buy so I sold the Merc to my long time friend Vic Jimenez. Vic owns several 40 mercs but was really happy to get a 2 door sedan because they are quite rare. The car is being built by Vic with my help. Vic is on the road quite a bit so the custom process on this car will probably take a while. Here is what We've done so far. This is actually a very strait and rust free car. Here is Vic getting ready to get to work!
First we started with lowering the car. We cut and straitened the rear crossmember to get it down. Here it is with a skirt and flipper hubcap installed
Here is Vic cutting off the drip rails and getting ready to chop the top First he cut the door tops off then cut out the B Pillar on both side. Then the top was measured out for a 3" chop in front and 4" in the rear. Here is the roof cut and first try back on the car Next we lined up and tacked up the A pillers then started working on the door tops and B pillars This is where we left off. Now waiting for Vic to come back so we can continue!
Here's a another picture with the B pillar back in. We nicknamed her "Fat Girl" after the Fats Navarro song which kept coming on the stereo as we were working on it. hahaha
Looking forward to this. I have a '41 Ford Tudor and think these bodies could be very cool done the right way, please keep sharing. The name just feels so right for it, all in a good way of course.
Very cool indeed! Not to get too side tracked but what is the story on the what appears to be a '36 3-window that I am seeing?
Nice work Kevan!! Ever since Rik's photoshop of a sedan customized I have wanted to see one done. I can't wait to follow this project.
Here's some HAMB ancient history, when I was in another garage at another house in another state! I've promised myself to do more this year. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181956 Like I said , I started years ago. Although I have done some things like convert a 40 column to work an auto, made a column drop incorporating a shift gate, made buckets etc for the 41 Stude tails, other detail things. But I really want to finish the chassis and more body this year.
Hey Mike Kilger any chance you could send me my refund for the 32 K-Member I paid you for over 2 years ago that you never shipped and won't reply to my phone calls or emails ???
Rik has done several versions of his dream Merc that I'm aware of Kevan. Is the one above closest to where your headed? It's only a personal thing but I find the gravel guards a little outta sorts as they are. I'm wonderin how they'd look if they had ribs in to pick up on the grille and rocker strips
Looking Good Kevan. How difficult is it locating skirts for the 40 Merc's? Is there an aftermarket alternative for them? Fryguy
The Jalopy Journal
