BlackSheep214 Posted July 24, 2020 Posted July 24, 2020 Got this on a trade with a fellow member here recently. Started some work on it the last couple weeks between my builds. The kit:
BlackSheep214 Posted July 24, 2020 Author Posted July 24, 2020 I was stoked that it is a 3 n 1 kit. You can build it 3 ways, Stock, Drag, or Custom. It gave me 2 engine choices: 255 cu. in. "Flathead" V-8 and a 440cu. in. V-8. I built up both anyway. First the 255cu. in. V-8. Painted it Ford Engine Red, opting to use Offenhauser cylinder heads, intake manifold, "Beehive" oil filter and dual Stromberg 97 carburators instead of bone stock cylinder heads, intake manifolds and carburator. The fan belt assembly had the alternator molded on. I didn't like the looks of it, so off it came and used a different alternator from my parts spares bin. Cylinder heads are painted aluminum and enhanced with black detail wash. The second engine is a 440 cu. in V-8... The carburators were molded on dual carb intake manifold. I didn't like it and it looked out of scale and too small. So, I grinded them down, used better carburators from a mule Monte Carlo kit I also added a pair of custom air filters. The kit's version were waaay to small, Those were also from same Monte Carlo mule kit as well. I basically repainted them a different shade of metallic silver and am happy with the results.
BlackSheep214 Posted July 24, 2020 Author Posted July 24, 2020 Next I did a bit of bodywork on the hood. Looking at various custom '49 Mercury sedans, I found a lot of them have no molding on top of the hood, the "MERCURY" as well as the emblem removed. So, I sanded down all those and am liking it so far. Next is to sand down the side trim moldings on the body.
BlackSheep214 Posted July 24, 2020 Author Posted July 24, 2020 I opted to have the trunk glued shut because the hinges looks to be a real PITA to install. You have to install the interior tub in order to hold the other end of the hinge - see instruction guide image. Nope, not gonna happen...
BlackSheep214 Posted July 24, 2020 Author Posted July 24, 2020 There were 3 rim choices... bone stock, Moonies and kit stock chrome. Didn't care for the kit stock chrome ones so I looked in my spares bin and found a set from the "55 Chevy with knockoff center spinners. Oh yeah... those are nice! The second choice are the bone stock ones I dressed them up. First I wanted to do sort of a black metallic look. So experimenting using Graphite Metallic, Black, German Silver, and the square bottle Silver, I get this. Yeah, that's looking sharp. Molotow chrome painted on by hand on outer rims. Going to hit the center nubs chrome later on tonight. They will be mounted on whitewall tires I happened to come across some time back.
doorsovdoon Posted July 24, 2020 Posted July 24, 2020 This is going to be a nice build. Good job on the engine, looks great!
Tom99 Posted July 25, 2020 Posted July 25, 2020 I'm looking forward to seeing more. Keep the pictures coming.
espo Posted July 25, 2020 Posted July 25, 2020 This was a very advanced kit when it was first released. While it is not as well done as the newer Revell release it still builds an excellent '49 Mercury. I used to rob the flathead parts from these kits for my other Ford projects. So what engine are you going to use ??
BlackSheep214 Posted July 26, 2020 Author Posted July 26, 2020 22 hours ago, espo said: This was a very advanced kit when it was first released. While it is not as well done as the newer Revell release it still builds an excellent '49 Mercury. I used to rob the flathead parts from these kits for my other Ford projects. So what engine are you going to use ?? Haven't decided yet.
BlackSheep214 Posted July 26, 2020 Author Posted July 26, 2020 (edited) The rims I have chosen are between these two. The one on the right are stock rims from the '55 Chevy Bel Air kit. Te one on the right are the bone stock rims from the Mercury kit. I made my own custom Metallic black color using Testors Graphite Metallic, German Silver, Black and small square bottle silver. The outer rim area are painted by hand using the chrome paint from the Molotow chrome pen. I'm leaning towards the the one on the right. Haven't made up my mind yet. Edited July 26, 2020 by BlackSheep214
BlackSheep214 Posted July 26, 2020 Author Posted July 26, 2020 (edited) These 2 were from the Mercury kit as well. Both are chrome parts. Not too crazy on the Mercury stock chrome rims on the right. Edited July 26, 2020 by BlackSheep214
Deuces ll Posted July 26, 2020 Posted July 26, 2020 The ones on the left vary in width.... Some kits that have those are wider than others..... Their pretty cool wheels!!!!....??
BlackSheep214 Posted July 27, 2020 Author Posted July 27, 2020 Side moldings sanded off - pics forhtcoming. A decision has been made on body color and rims.. Stopped by my local Hobby Lobby and checked out their paints (no new stock in kits though) and have decided to go with Deja Blue for this lead sled.. Moonies rims is a decision thanks to a suggestion from a member over at at another forum site I am a member of.
BlackSheep214 Posted July 27, 2020 Author Posted July 27, 2020 Side trim moldings sanded off and skirts installed!!
Sledsel Posted July 31, 2020 Posted July 31, 2020 On 7/24/2020 at 7:32 PM, BlackSheep214 said: I opted to have the trunk glued shut because the hinges looks to be a real PITA to install. You have to install the interior tub in order to hold the other end of the hinge - see instruction guide image. Nope, not gonna happen... This is one of my favorite kits. The body is about as close to accurate as it gets. Puts the chopped Revell to shame to. If you build another, cut the rear part of the interior out where the hinge goes, glue the hinge to the trunklid. After it dries, cut and insert a piece of round styrene tube in between the hinge pins (they will flex but be careful) Be sure it is snug. Taper the trunklid in position then glue the round tube to the bottom of the body. There you go, a good working decklid without the PITA, and the decklid can be removed for painting.
BlackSheep214 Posted August 1, 2020 Author Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) Mainor updates.. Primer slapped on a couple days ago and Deja Blue lacquer is on!! 3 light coats was all it needed. The hood, undercarriage and body were done. The hood under lamp light: Edited August 1, 2020 by BlackSheep214
BlackSheep214 Posted August 1, 2020 Author Posted August 1, 2020 The hood photo as well as the rest of the car body and undercarriage don't do justice under lamp light. Here she is under natural sunlight just a few minutes ago. You can see the true color of Deja Blue lacquer she has. Leaving her outdoors for a couple hours to dry and cure in sunlight. Oh yeah, she's gonna be a looker for sure...
BlackSheep214 Posted August 6, 2020 Author Posted August 6, 2020 A little update and a change... First, the chassis is complete but not without a glitch. The driveshaft was too short to connect with the tranny - 3/16th of an inch too short. Right away, I knew this was going to be an easy fix. I cannibalized a stock driveshaft from a '37 Chevy kit, attach to the engine, let dry and snipped off what I need to fit. Top photo, you can see where the cut and extension from driveshaft I used. From underneath, you won't see the cut. Bonus points for me.
BlackSheep214 Posted August 6, 2020 Author Posted August 6, 2020 The change I made is on the exhaust headers. I removed the ones I had started with and am going with these bad boys instead. They are from the '55 Chevy Bel Air kit. I've already test fitted them and they're going to work just fine. Side note... this kit had custom exhaust headers but wasn't too crazy about them.
BlackSheep214 Posted August 8, 2020 Author Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) New exhaust headers installed. Yeah, I'm liking it way better than ever. Edited August 8, 2020 by BlackSheep214
BlackSheep214 Posted August 8, 2020 Author Posted August 8, 2020 Next, the interior. I've been working on that for a week now. Pics forthcoming soon...
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