'49 Merc

[Slotto]

From the Eyeballin' thread comes the '49 Merc

I am not going to be using these wheels. This was just an experiment.
My thought was to maybe chop the top.

Immediately after cutting off the top I started thinking What the hell am I doing?!? I am definitely in uncharted water here!

At this point I almost bagged the whole thing.

Then I started to think what if I moved the rear window to the front... Not to bad. This look gives off a 50's vibe.

But I really wanted the low down in the back chop top look more.

Next I added a piece in the middle. Starting to feel a better about the project.

Then I used the cut off window frames from the doors to form the rear side window opening. I think it's a little too far back. I think if I end the opening at the pencil line, it would work better.

Stay Tuned...

[Stephen82kck]

I agree stop at pencil marking. Looks good great concept you have going. Dont give up 

[cobraman]

Look like its starting to come together.

[Sledsel]

Wow.... Want to see where this is going... I never had to cut a Merc like that to chop it.....

[Slotto]

Thanks Guys

I adjusted the sail panels and am eyeballing this grille. Obviously I'll cut it to fit.

Stay Tuned...

[espo]

I like your Grill choice. Are you going to try and match it up with the stock parking Lamp moldings ?? I see you flipped the front Bumper also, it gives it another interesting styling element.  

[Slotto]

Thanks David. I'm thinking I'll completely drop the idea of a front bumper. Just kinda roll it around bare. I'm gonna try and cut the grille to fit the opening.

Added some mud last night

Then I took it off today

Then I added a little more.
Gotta hit it and quit it. I've never done anything this drastic before, so bare with me. I'm learning as I go.

Stay Tuned...

[Jim Smitty]

Looking good so far

[espo]

I wasn't sure where you were going with the roof, but now it looks like a Hardtop, that they didn't have then, or you could even go for a four door Hardtop. The front Roll Pan instead of a Bumper would be in keeping with the Custom theme here.

[Slotto]

I have two of these bodies/ Here's the before profile

Here's the after profile. Subtle but makes all the difference in the world. I wanted to make it look like it's moving while it's standing still. Almost ready for primer.

So far I've cut open the doors, removed the window frames from the doors, shaved the door handles and locks, shaved all the trim, rain gutters and emblems, rolled the rear panel, shaved the wipers and lowered the back half of the roof and used the discarded window frames as the basis for the back windows.

Stay Tuned...

[Slotto]

I managed to get the hood to tilt forward

And got the bottom down

Stay Tuned...

[Slotto]

I got the front down and I found an appropriate grille...

Just waiting for a warm day so I can psssshhhhhhht
Stay tuned...

[Slotto]

After much back and forth, I decided to add in the skirts. They are meant to be mounted to the outside of the fender. This didn't go along with my plans so I cut them to fit inside the wheel opening and still retain that cool reveal at the bottom of the skirt.

Stay Tuned...

[High octane]

Wow, that's some drastic work you're doing on that Merc, and I really like the suicide doors and front tilt hood also.

[Slotto]

I might be resurrecting this old build. I picked up some new putty the other day. It's really creamy. Just what I need to slap in this roof. It has a slight dip the entire width that needs to be filled.

[espo]

Wow, it's back. Forgotten all about this build. Look forward to seeing what you try next on this. 

[customline]

21 hours ago, Slotto said:

I might be resurrecting this old build. I picked up some new putty the other day. It's really creamy. Just what I need to slap in this roof. It has a slight dip the entire width that needs to be filled.

It's good to dig into those stalled projects and see them in a new light. ?.  Have you considered using Bondo professional glazing putty (the two part type) ? It really speeds up the filling process and it doesn't shrink. Seems like just the thing for this job.

[Slotto]

I hate doing body work. That's the main reason this one stalled. This putty isn't as great as I thought. It's kinda rubbery if you sand too rough and it does shrink when it sets up. I will most likely get some bondo. Thanks for the tip

Edited December 8, 2022 by Slotto

[customline]

1 hour ago, Slotto said:

I hate doing body work. That's the main reason this one stalled. This putty isn't as great as I thought. It's kinda rubbery if you sand too rough and it does shrink when it sets up. I will most likely get some bondo. Thanks for the tip

There are other brands that are as good or better but the Bondo stuff has worked fine for me. I learned about it on this forum several years ago. Never went back. The hobby stuff is OK for very minor filling but not chopping tops. I will also use the thick CA with a kicker for bodywork where strength is needed and cover with the Bondo.   I use Mr. Surfacer for the really small stuff.

I Didn't mean to turn your thread into a tutorial but some of that odd-colored filler you are using got me stirred up. Sorry. ?

 

 

S

[Slotto]

Taking a break on the filler. It's so frustrating take it off, put more on...its a vicious cycle.

Finally got around to the door hinges

and I'll be adding the trunk hinge today.

[customline]

What would be the scenario for changing a flat on the rear if this was a 1:1 ?  The skirts would appear to seriously inhibit that operation. Hydraulics? 

 

[Zippi]

I really like these 49 Merc's.  Looking good so far.

[slusher]

Really nice work, enjoying watching!

[KWT]

I never have liked these type of cars, but Steve, you're making me want to build one.

[Slotto]

Thanks Jeremy. When I was a kid I dreamed of owning one and cruise around listening only to Fats Domino