History Turnpike Cruiser/bubble Skirts on late 50's styled customs

Some people ask me why I did a certain thing on my car. And then they go on to say they really like the modification. They often look puzzled. But they still don`t understand how I came up with the idea or why I did it.

 

For sure. And sometimes people don't even realize you made a modification. That's how you know you really got it right.

 

My contribution

 

This has to be the worst custom l have ever seen. Lots of work but taste is all in the mouth. Sorry but there is no other way to say it.

Sent from my 9024W using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

What was the builder thinking?

Sent from my 9024W using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

This looks like something a kindergarten kid would draw in crayon.

 

Yep it’s gross alright..

 

Bubble skirts are out. Still undecided on cruiser skirts. I am planning on making a set of cardboard mock ups to see how it feels. Flush fit first.

 

He`s from Texas. I`ll be sure to tell him you said that the next time I see him and his 3 brothers.

 

22 years later her skirt better not be as short as it was before or she might get chapped lips

 

I just installed a set of baby cruiser skirts on my 1951 Ford. They are 48 inches long instead of the regular ones that are 60 inches long, that’s another option to look in to on your Ford. I think that they have a pretty good flow.

 

Greetings Everyone,
This Candy apple 50 Merc was built by my Father Mr. Robert Kirkpatrick in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the 60's. I even have plastic scale model of this car. Whomever posted these photos I thank you so very much! My father is 84 and not in the best health and I can't wait to show him the photos. If anyone knows how I can contact the current owner of this car please contact me at [email protected] or 330-639-9367. This car won many peoples choice awards and I still have a few of the trophy.

 

This Merc is on my top 5 favorite Customs of all time. Start a thread and talk about the car. Please. It is a famous custom that has a bit of history to it. More than most people know.

 

I second that request.

 

I’m a big fan of big skirts. Gonna hav ta read thru this.

 

Skirts done right are good. Skirts that are gaudy tack-ons that don't flow with the body lines or draw attention to themselves, not so much. Don't add things just to add things. Smooth. Clean lines.
Think 60s to (OT-70s) Cadillac or Towncar. Factory skirts are part of the car's appeal.

 

Turnpike Cruiser Skirts ....Yes
Bubble Skirts......No
A friend of mine built this Merk years back , the skirts were modified original 57 Turnpike cruiser skirts.

 

I never have been a fan of those oversized bubble skirts. In fact, I have never been a fan of skirts at all (unless we're talking about young women wearing micro mini skirts) but with that said, I have had a couple cars that had them. My '51 Olds had the factory skirts and a factory sun visor, both seemed to fit the car...

My '56 had Mercury Cruiser skirts on it when I got it. I ended up taking them off and I prefer the looks of it now...

 

But you sold them?

 

Yes, sold them last year. may have been the year before!

 

1957 Mercury Mermaid
Hello,

My brother and I read almost everything we could read about hot rods, custom cars and race cars of all types. We did not have to always buy those magazines. Our dad’s friend owned a neighborhood liquor store and when he went to get another newspaper, groceries and other stuff, the owner liked talking to our dad.

During those conversations, we were given the run of the magazine rack that covered the whole glass walled store. We started out with hot rod magazines then moved on to others when finished with the automotive world. Once in a while, we could not finish a story in a hot rod magazine, so our dad bought a couple of magazines for the two brothers.

We read about the record setting Mercury Mermaid in one of those early magazines. Our neighbor actually had one of those odd looking Mercury Sedans at the time. We thought is was rather ugly, but the sliding rear window was the coolest thing ever.

If the factory was going for the speed records, why did they not streamline the tire/wheel openings? Fender skirts should have improved the old streamlining effect.

If the full streamlined fender skirts were not allowed, at least the custom rear fenders should have been a part of the factory items allowed.


Some of the models adapted well to the add on rear fender skirts.
similar to a neighbor's sedan

Jnaki



I just could not pass up a small version of the Mercury Sedan with the funky rear window. My intentions were to do a full chop and all black paint with flames or scallops. But, while I was racing through ideas, I quickly painted on some fuchsia color as I knew they would be sanded off when ready to proceed.

Then I got the wild idea of small "heated" black plastic panels for some long rear skirts.

I had some Red plastic pieces and constructed some forms for rear fender skirts.

Eventually, the Red pieces will get sanded and a small trim added all around the full skirt.

 

I'll stick with what I got

 

You originally asked about 55 Fords with skirts. I saved this off the net awhile ago. I don't know whose it is, but I think it is sexy.

 

That one is nice. He used modified 50 Mercury skirts I believe. That's the same car as in post #71. A different view.

 

My uncle had a black 55 crown vic with the long cruiser skirts and it was beautiful. Lippy

 

I just read through your other tread, really nice car mama has there. I like the Pontiac trim she bought. I also saw pictures of that sexy red and white 55 over there.

 

I have an idea of bubble skirts and stude fins bouncing around in my head. If I tell enough people, it`ll force me to make them a reality.

 

Thanks. We were all hot and heavy on it and then mama lost both of her parents in a 3 year span. That sort of took the wind out of her sails for a bit. We will get back on it this summer I hope.