Customs The Kirkegaard Merc, 1939 early style custom

Probably to keep kids like me from kicking the feelers as you walk by so you can hear them BOOOIIIINNNNGGGG back and forth.

Now back to Sledge's great thread.

 

Hi Kevan and Tim !
Dynamite design , really looking forward to see this in all angles . The 1/2" sloped rear window makes t flow nicely with the top skin . I saw a -39 LaSalle coupe acouple of years ago for sale and discoverd possibly the inspiration from where custom shops started to remove the runningboards , Im a fan of the runningboards but its a clear part of early customs that there were removed on several customs to futher clean up and smoothen off the body , Riks fave -36 5W there is even the three trims added to mimic the LaSalle design . I dont know the background behind the LaSalle design , it seems it was available both with and without running boards .
thanks for posting the updates , this is a real nailbiter !
Wolf

 

im usally prefer runningboards ,but both ways look good on right car and for this one i say go without theme

 

Hi Wolf
I happy you like the work being done
There is details where we have not decided yet, including the runningboards and other details
Nice to have you here
I once read that it was a free option on the Lasalle, runningboards or not
Rik did so many good proposals, that it was hard to determine which way to go
Looking forward to come over again next summer

 

cool pic, thanks for sharing- haven't seen one with the addition of the side grilles before, definitely modeled after a LaSalle!

 

I think the running board option on LaSalles is correct; I once had some prewar Buick catalogs that listed the same choice.

 

Man thats cool Wolf! I never knew it was an option. It's funny how many ideas customizers got from factory cars and vice versa. I always thought it was a Coachcraft thing.

 

Been working on the drivers side the last few days and finally got the C pillar set and the sail panel tacked in.

 

Totally bad ass!!

 

That really is turning out to be an exceptionally nice Merc top.

 

Wow,this should be a factory Merc roof...great proportions and love the fresh concept..very refreshin
beautiful job Kev,as usual
Tim ,im sure this will be growing on you BIG TIME ..this will be unique

 

Thanks Sledge

What a chop, spot on

This is going to be the journey of my life, cannot wait to drive this beauty

Old Henry would have been proud of Edsel

 

I think we have the same feeling in our hearts, thanks to Kevan

Are you backing out of our A-Bombers/SantaMaria agreement ;-))

Think it will be too much for me to come over twice next year

 

The non running boards on luxury cars, like Cadillac, was a step against a more sporty appearance. I think the the more sporty designed LaSalle was first with this in 1939 and then followed by Cadillac in 1940 as standard.

For the more conservative buyer you could actually get running boards on Cadillac even in 1941 at no additional cost.

Many of the styling ideas on the early kustoms was picked up from the more high end cars, like Lincoln and Cadillac.

I really enjoy this build!

 

Thanks J.B. i know you are happy to see the way this goes ;-))

The 41 cadillac runningboards are too wide, so they almost look like they are aftermarket, so on a 41 cadillac i would prefer the car without the option

And i am really looking forward to see your Cadillac next year at a-Bombers it is a fantastic car, and allready looking good

Thanks for showing J.B.

 

A sincere thanks to you guys that are keeping this style of early custom alive. The car looks great, amazing work Kevan.

 

First I have to do some work on my -40 Merc, so it's ready for the line-up...

And Tim, it's not a Cadillac.... it's a LaSalle...


Kevan, love every minute watching your work!

 

Beautiful work !!! The back window reminds me of a 39-40 Hollywood Graham.

 

Theo, the Caddy caps are 38

 

Looks absolutely perfect.

 

Yes Sledge, and they are hard to find in a good shape used, i have noticed
But Mcvey's have them new ... 4-6 weeks delivery

They are 16 " and chrome

They where 1937-38 Cadillac accessories and they were options, at 4 $ each

Still looking for 2 good ones

 

Man that is pretty!... Very nice work!

 

Looks fantastic Kevan... great work on the flow of the top. And I'm really glad Tim decided to go with the stainless around the top and not have it molded in with the rest of the body. That will help with the factory custom look of the car.

 

Wow! (A more adequate adjective escapes me right now). It's always cool to see a fresh approach to an old theme. I really like the "factory custom" take on this build. Are you considering shaving the handles? If so, you might consider the use of Lincoln push-buttons which could fall into the overall theme... mimicking the Caddy caps on the skirts.

Great build guys!

Dave

 

so beautifull brings a tear too my eye ! that is one cool car

 

Excellent! Would love to see it parked next to Rulon McGregor's '39 convert.


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I agree with Rik, I never really thought that that piece of trim would find a place on a custom 39/40 merc (the joke was, that's the first thing that gets pulled off ) but it really works with the factory custom idea! Between the frame covers in lieu of running boards and the caddy caps, this car is really going to stand out from the rest!

 

(Excellent! Would love to see it parked next to Rulon McGregor's '39 convert.)


This is McGregor`s 39:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=700689

It would be an honour, perfect looking car with a long history

Really wish i could see the car one day

 

Nice chop

 

Amazing man!!