It shows very well and has been given lots of love...I credit the former owner or owners for keeping it overall a vintage build despite a couple of newer additions already mentioned... Maybe you might consider some Photoshops of 2, 2.5, and 3" chops before you cut just to feel the vibes of each level...I suppose the seat will require mods to adjust for the lower lid...seeing the dealer sitting in there he was seemingly near brushing his head with the top...is it chopped already? That shift indicator gauge is neat... One thing that talks to me of need for change is the both Mirror/Spot bolts...I think a trim and Chrome Acorn nut to cover the thread is warranted... So many unique features...lots of antennas...from the age of My Favorite Martion... It actually reminds me of Hudson 48s Custom...and like he did, you are going to take it to another level...THAT is a feat that I'm sure will take some extreme planning and a Skilled Craftsman of Custom Metalwork... Another recent Undertaking is 50 Frauds Stellar Victoria going under the knife...but You fellas have been around the Scene and are well versed in what you are planning so what I'm trying to say is go for it!!...it's just a journey that follows the Traditional paths of a Custom... It's a little strange that there is very little background on this Merc...other than an 83 year old was it a woman perhaps a wife of?...but that certainly doesn't equate to any lesser than as it is a real nice machine...
Thanks Stogy thinking 3” chop down the road And the acorns idea is cool The front seats is power seats
First off, beautiful car. It's got the right, mild look to it. No styling mistakes anywhere, because it's a 49 Merc, so it started out great to begin with. Nice interior, nice paint, excellent choice of subtle body mods... I can totally get down with the idea of just going over the car and making sure everything is functioning properly, moving that weird battery placement, lowering the car a bit, and generally sorting it out so it's a good reliable driver that can be taken anywhere without fear or much consideration. It looks like you have a pretty good jump start there. My biggest concern would be cooling system. It has been my experience that most of the cars where a previous owner shoehorned some giant ass engine in tend to run hot. Which is an annoyance in NJ where we at least get cool weather, but I would imagine is a borderline dealbreaker in Texas. But I have to admit, I don't quite understand the notion of all of the body mods you've spelled out. Not that they wouldn't look great, they would. But I just can't comprehend them making sense for this car. I'd imagine you paid an appropriate price for a very nice, running and driving '49 Merc convertible. By the time you make all of the body mods you talked about (which will mean a full repaint), make the suspension mods, and get a full new interior, you'll have rebuilt 80% or more of the car. You might as well have started with a rolling shell and paid 1/4 of the price. This is a mistake I've made and I can speak from firsthand experience. If you're going to buy a finished car, buy a nice finished car, spend money up front and then don't touch it beyond basic maintenance. If you want custom car that is bespoke and the way you want it top to bottom, buy a junk roller for cheap and build from scratch. Your plan is the worst of both worlds; you're paying a premium for a running and driving car, but spending all of the same money, time and labor to build a car from scratch.
The first 6 I would be doing right away 1. Relocate the battery to trunk 2. Chrome valve covers and air cleaner 3. add lowering blocks rear 4. Chopped springs & dropped spindles in front 5. Different exhaust maybe cherry bombs or glass packs 6. Tires & hubcaps The rest would be years down road and I’ll let you know if there’s heatings problem Just put in a new battery and spark plugs vacuumed the car out Ordered a vintage air cleaner of eBay Because mustard old one coming into contact with throttle linkage New one
And the pant is far from perfect 5 outa 10 there’s chip, scratches ,dents in the chrome trim pieces etc
One other detail that I completely understand why is the Gas filler in the trunk...doesn't mean I like it...perhaps there's a hidden location that could be given thought to...maybe a fold away bumper guard...I see they barricaded it in a little box but man, any spilt fuel would surely linger...and hopefully the gas cap is not vented with a true vent elsewhere... As careful as we are accidents happen and spills are always a possibility... I see this on many Hotrods as well...I'm glad I have an external location... I remember when I had the Harley many times the Full Serve Attendants would generally hand me the nozzle for fear they might drop or splash while filling...I suppose this situation is quite similar...
Flatten out the convertible top bows. The rear needs to come down and call it good. . Notice the headlights. The early way to french them. 49 Lincoln taillights were popular in the early 80`s as well. All the cool cars had them back then.
Someone has to say it: Well if I had money I'd tell you what I'd do I go downtown buy a Mercury or two Crazy bout a Mercury Lord I'm crazy bout a Mercury I'm gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road
Might be there are scratches chipped paint and dent in the chrome all over maybe I’m too harsh As the old saying goes “mr. demille i'm NOT ready for my close-up”
I hear what you're saying. Your car sounds a lot like my Olds. The front has a few rock chips, there is a sag in the quarter where they tried to reshoot it. The paint has more texture than it should in spots, and there is some spidering of the paint on the roof because it's 30+ years old. But from 10 feet away the car looks basically perfect and going down the road it looks friggin awesome. Plus you're not afraid to drive it anywhere because you know it has a few imperfections and isn't too nice to enjoy. It's actually a great place to be
That why I got her she’s not historic I’m not afraid too drive her And I’m not tied adding and subtracting as I see fit don’t need too follow the formula like my other cars I used too own
Magazine worthy in my opinion...and you know what they say about under the hood... Austinrod love that last pic...with Bill's Ole Custom Roadster...money shot
I like All the pics...including the Outakes... Big Honkin Air Cleaner....For Sale Just a suggestion...how a bout a filter height Stainless mesh/screen or punched pattern riveted together wrapped around the filter area
Twas a very noisy night in the garage I'll bet, quite the peening job on the center......so it was just a decorative cover...I get that...disguising the newer mill...but adding a bit of Hotrod under the hood wasn't a not done thing that's for sure...and it does need a bit of cleaning up under there... Again you will give this gem a respectable upgrade...I have complete confidence in that...
The Jalopy Journal
