Yet another project! 50 Merc

[Panelwagon62]

Well i got the next few years of my life planned out haha or so i wish. Picked this car up a few weeks ago found it in the local paper. The gentleman i purchased the car from was in his 70's and was selling it because he just couldn't do it anymore. His father purchased the car when it was only a few years old and had been in their family ever since. His father passed away over 30 years ago and he tried to get the car back on the road then and got injured. The car still has the original flathead and three speed trans. He said it was rebuild a few years ago, kinda have a hard time believing that but i will know more once i get the motor apart. it does start up and i drove it down the road last weekend, what fun that was. The car does have rot in its normal spots which i expected but for spending all of its life in this area its not bad at all. it does need rockers, door bottoms, some floor work, nothing i haven't worked with before. I have a few other cars to finish before i start on it and believe me i cant wait. i have always wanted a 50' merc, i couldnt turn this one down.

 

[Dub]

Boy that takes me back.... Pop drive one when I was a kid.

 

[Panelwagon62]

there's nothing like the sound of a flathead.

 

[kerristallax]

Looks unmolested, what a great find!

 

[Bob Hollinshead]

That's a great find, there's not many left in that condition.

Here's some inspiration, this car was done by a local Legend Terry Hegman: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0701rc_terry_hegmans_1951_mercury/photo_01.html

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/mercury_custom_cars/51_mercury_custom_cars/terry_hegman_build/

 

[Chad.S]

Nice.. i like the finish it has now. lol

 

[chevman]

There is still a few rusty old original cars that can get the attention of everyone like this. Nice find.

 

[Panelwagon62]

That's a great find, there's not many left in that condition.

Here's some inspiration, this car was done by a local Legend Terry Hegman: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0701rc_terry_hegmans_1951_mercury/photo_01.html

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/mercury_custom_cars/51_mercury_custom_cars/terry_hegman_build/

That is one beautiful car, always liked a chopped merc.

 

[chevman]

That really is some great metal work, thanks for posting that Bob. Small changes like Terry mentioned really are better in my opinion, and the details.

 

[crashtech]

Love those cars, cut my teeth on them in Gene Winfield's shop back in the mid eighties.

 

[chevman]

83 years old and still working, but not in the office. It must be something in the paint fumes that keeps him going so strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&v=f4lhfu4u4UI&NR=1

 

[Senile Old Fart]

Love those cars, cut my teeth on them in Gene Winfield's shop back in the mid eighties.

You worked for or with Gene ?

Holy moly !

 

[El Toro]

Nice Car! maybe a frame/floor swap???

 

[Chad.S]

Cool vid.. amazing to still see him going at it!

 

[Panelwagon62]

83 years old and still working, but not in the office. It must be something in the paint fumes that keeps him going so strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&v=f4lhfu4u4UI&NR=1

I knew those paint fumes weren't as bad as they were saying!! Haha. That's an awesome video glad to see someone of his caliber is still going at it. Real inspiration that guy is.

I don't think I will be doing a floor swap as my frame is in excellent shape, the floor has a few rough spots but nothing that can't be fixed. I don't like when guys take these cars and put them over a "newer" gm style floor or anything of that nature.
I've seen some done that we're horrible and just ruined the car. Everyone has an opinion I guess.

 

[crashtech]

You worked for or with Gene ?

Holy moly !

Yeah, I think it was '85-'86 or so. I was just a green helper back then, but I did learn a lot there. Nice to see he is still kicking, I really didn't think he was long for this world, seeing him use the chop gun and spray guns with no mask! Glad to see him wearing one in the vid, hope it wasn't just for the cameras!

 

[Senile Old Fart]

IF you are going to rod it, here is a bit of inspiration...

 

[Panelwagon62]

That wasabi? Beautiful car!