History Period 1949 Mercury 2dr Coupe Hotrod - Interesting history

Just pulled this 1949 Mercury out of a garage here in North Oakland. Been in hiding for many years.
Not sure whether to keep it or sell it, looking for anyone who knows this Merc in either Southern or Northern California. Should be noted that I'm new to the hotrod world, this being the second hotrod I've owned and my first Mercury (my first was a 1938 Buick Century).

Here's what I know about it...

Car spent time in L.A. Was reported to have been used in a Hollywood movie (Hometown U.S.A. c.1979).

During that time, the Merc was owned by a well-known Northern California Local 81 President for a number of years, until he passed.

Period flame job appears to be in the style of Tommy the Greek (Oakland).

Louvered hood is well done (56 louvers).

Vintage tuck and roll (?) interior.

Hasn't run in many years, appears to have a Ford flathead and not the correct Mercury flathead with 4" stroke. 3spd on the tree.

Dummy sidepipes, and dummy Appleton style spotlights.

Doesn't appear to have ever been wrecked. Solid floors and trunk.

Definitely could use a set of wide white walls and fender skirts. Would love to put a Merc flathead in it.

I'd love to know this communities thoughts. Wish I got it for nothing but I paid, because well it's pretty cool.

 

That's just plain cool. Get it running and drive it as is.

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Cool old merc! Good luck finding the history.Get it running and drive it like I should be doing with mine.

 

That thing is Seriously bad ass! Lil' cleaning up, An Drive it..

 

Here We go with the "Forgotten and left to Rot " is cool thing again! Larry

 

That’s killer.

 

What's the story on how you came across it?

 

I don’t mind honest wear but that car deserves to be shiny


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Very nice find.
Drive it

 

I'm planning on getting it running and driving it. A friend purchased it as well as a few bikes from a widower. He had it tucked away since the mid 90's far as I can tell. A lot of Oakland history. It sat prior to his acquisition, it looks like it hasn't run since the 80's.

 

Cool ride!

 

Wish mine was still in that nice of shape. Be very careful bringing it back to life. Marvel Mystery Oil is your friend. Do Not Turn the motor over even by hand dry if you want any chance of it still running well if it was when parked. Also do not draw anything from the Gas Tank into the fuel system. Pull the plugs and put an ample amount of MMO down the cyl's and let it set a few days, then turn by hand if it will. Probably will if it was healthy when parked.

 

Get it running and drive as is. It will only be that cool once....


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Hey thanks for the advice! I’ll keep you updated.

 

Get ahold of Paramount Studios, they have a database of all the vehicles used in movies.
They will send you a letter indicating which movie(s) it was used as an actor.....or not.

 

Cool old custom.
Right out if the history books.
Don’t be so quick to put a Merc engine in it.
It probably was removed when the customizer bought it cheap and put a Ford in it.
No one really cares if that engine is original to the car. A lot of things have been changed to achieve that custom appeal. Good find.

 

Awesome ! I'm a 51 guy, but, that is nice. Flatty or 302 Ford.......I'd do a 276 Merc, Schieider cam.....o k, i'll shut up.

 

Good advice Petejoe. There is an old plaque on the cowl stating that the engine was modified by a shop down in Burbank, CA. The plaque appears to be from the 1960's.

 

Lookin for a set of tires today for the Merc. Any recommendations on a good whitewall? Don't plan on driving it far, just to the occasional show. Would anyone go with a 3" wide white? or smaller white wall? I appreciate any advice, I'm trying to get it right the first time. Bias-ply vs. Radial? Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday.

 

Just my advice but I would save the money for the tires and spend it on stuff to get it running,fix the fuel system,brake system before thinking of tires.

 

Clean it, leave it , let us nor cal guys have a chance to see it. Very cool find

 

You don’t see a custom with black on gold plates often, awesome

 

Only issue is that two of the tires don't hold air. I appreciate the good advice though!

 

I appreciate the advice Sir! I'll keep you updated.

 

Bias ply 15 x 7.10 Firestones with 3 1/4 white walls would be correct for your merc.

 

Very cool! Make it shine again.

 

You may not be aware that you can get a New direct stock replacement tank for your Merc. I've learned it's well spent money for cars that have sat for many years. Saves you multiple rides home on a Roll Back. Google Tanks Inc. Only $230.00 49M-G
Description:
1949-51 Mercury Alloy Coated Steel Fuel Tank
Quantity:

 

What no under hood photos ? Looks like a late 70's build with the Daytona 500 steering wheel.

 

Not much to look at underneath the hood but I'll just one tomorrow. Did take a picture of the plaque on the cowl and on the dashboard... Anyone familiar with Bud's Auto Service, Burbank or Maverick perhaps?

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Going to order one tonight!