Good times today, glad I finally met you Trev. You've done some really nice work. Looking forward to next time.
Started the non exciting work of replacing the entire package tray in the merc. In the initial chop, the sliced through the middle of it from end to end and only re welded the center section. Also the hinge mounts weren't braced and were out by over an inch when we tried to mount the trunk hinges back into the car. It also wasn't shortened so it sloped towards the back. Needless to say this wasn't gonna cut it so we cut it out. I got a replacement tray from the merc owners collection of 4 door parts cars. I blasted it then started the modifications to make it work. I had to section it and cap where the hinge mounts were set back to line up properly. Ran outta argon so couldn't finish it. Next time.
Got my bottle filled today and was able to wrap up the package tray modifications. Fits great and retained the factory look for the most part other than the recessed hinge pockets. Belt line area is next and then should be wrapping this chop up soon after.
Looks really good Trev.You have done an amazing rescue. Following this with great intrest since I´m about to start on a 50 Merc soon .
Started the belt line surgery today. Cut out all the old metal and started fitting the donor sections I pulled out of a four door parts car. Pieces need to be re shaped and run through the shrinker a bit.
Bunch of progress today on the merc. The top trunk gap was way off so spent the morning getting the gap right before I went ahead with fitting the drivers side belt line panel. Got it all tacked in and also started re shaping the passenger side to sit right.
Every time I check in on it this just gets better and better. Along with the great eye for getting the look right the attention to the little unseen details that turn a cool custom into a spectacular custom.
Your first chop! Nice work, even if you been doing the for years, very clean lines. A mixture of art and funtion, and that is rare!!
Thanks man, really appreciate it! Thanks. This is my second chop, first by myself. I chopped my 53 with my friend Jay. Really stoked on the way this car is starting to look
You think by your third chop, you'll know what you're doing ? Unbelievable man. I can't even talent-ly chop into a soup can, at my thousandth try already. Beautiful, just beautiful.
Worked on getting the passenger side belt line tacked in and everything hammered and ready to weld. Ross came over to check out the progress and we rolled the car outside for a look at the end of today. Super happy with the new belt line.
Don't know if you had anything to do with it but I like the way the tailpipes come outa the bumperettes.
Wow Trev. Came out perfect and you have all the reasons to feel happy. Do you have any idea of how much the chop is? Looks quite heavy in the pics.
I did not install or do the initial work on the kaiser over ride. However I will be smoothing and metal finishing it for chrome later after the chop. Thanks ken. As I didn't do the original chop I am unsure how much it has been chopped. Once I get to chopping the garnish moldings I should have a better idea of how much was taken out. I'll let you know. Chop is as heavy as I would ever go on a merc.
Today was filled with lots of welding and a bunch of hammering. Got the belt line completely welded and ready to be dressed and finished. Close to 16 feet of TIG welding in the belt line.
Been following along, to say your work is outstanding hardly seems adequate, maybe auto art would be better. There so many sheet metal masters here on the HAMB, thanks to all of them for taking the time to document and share!
Looking good Trev. I think you left the garage door unlocked again, Ross isn't going to go home if you keep doing that. He's just like me
Finished the belt line yesterday. Roof is almost finished. Need to adjust the radius'd door tops as I'm not happy with the flow into the quarter windows then onto garnish moldings.
The Jalopy Journal
