Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted

THE DETAILS

BODY

- T&T Resin curbside kit from the 1990’s. Body was left removable to display the interior and engine

- Windshield and side glass areas were enlarged

- Windshield from Revell ’49 Merc and is V-butted like real car

- Rear window is vacuumed the formed piece that came with the T&T kit and was difficult to fit

- The vent windows and headlight lenses from Revell ’49 Merc

- Windshield wipers from Revell ’49 Merc Custom

- Spotlights from AMT ’49 Merc

- The resin teeth on the rear fender are chrome plastic pieces.

- Below the driver’s side vent window is a decal of the brass The Hawaiian badge that covered the holes for the removed side view mirror

2v2Hjecq5ximYT.jpg2v2HjecNMximYT.jpg

ROLLING CHASSIS

- Revell ’49 Merc Custom with engine compartment area removed

- Sombrero hubcaps with crests came with T&T kit. Rear wheels from AMT ’49 Ford

2v2aZTZU5ximYT.jpg

ENGINE

- Cadillac engine from Revell ’49 Merc Custom

- Converted back to standard transmission like the real car was. Transmission is from AMT ’49 Ford kit optional Cadillac engine

- Carburettors from Revell Tweedy Pie with scoops reversed

- Valve covers from AMT ’59 El Camino

- Oil filter from AMT ’49 Ford

2v2aZTZHMximYT.jpg

INTERIOR

- From Revell ’49 Merc Custom with upholstery modified to more closely resemble the real car with extra trim on the door panels, the pleated area on seats reshaped, the front seat split cut open.

- The ’51 dash is a super nice kit mastered by custom car historian and great car modeller Rik Hoving and cast by Replicas & Miniatures as are the armrests and door handles

- Pinstriping decal on glovebox from original done by Von Dutch

- Dash and shift knobs on real car were laminated plastic turned on a lathe by Bob Hirohata

- Rear package shelf from AMT ’49 Mercury covered with grooved Evergreen to simulate tuck & roll as is drivers side floor mat

- Clutch pedal added

- Steering wheel from Revell ’49 Merc modified with bullet centre

2v2aZTZB5ximYT.jpg2v2aZTe8rximYT.jpg

PAINT

- Mr.Color lacquer air brushed. Sea foam green is white tinted with green. Metallic green darkened with black

- Clear coated with Mr. Hobby Mr. Super Clear RV Cut Gloss from the spray can

 

I have to thank the person who mastered the body and parts for this model. All things considered; they did a great job duplicating the unique features of the Hirohata Merc which I would have found very difficult to do myself.

 

For more about the Hirohata merc check out the great video Hirohata Merc: Custom Legend - Full Documentary on Classic Cars - YouTube

 

Posted

Wow Phil, that is amazing! ? Imo, the Hirohata Merc is one of the greatest customs ever made and you nailed it!

This is a build that´s still aread of me. I have a Flintstone resin body for years now and some amt Mercs for parts waiting to get started... well, someday...

Posted
  On 6/21/2021 at 6:25 PM, Zippi said:

That is one slick looking Merc.  Love the green and black combo.  Nice work. 

Expand  

Thanks Bob - Actually what looks black is very dark green

  On 6/21/2021 at 6:33 PM, carbuilder1950 said:

This is such an Iconic car from the past, and you sure did it justice.

Thanks for all the hard work and sharing it with us ?.

Expand  

Thanks David

  On 6/21/2021 at 6:55 PM, JollySipper said:

That's really cool..... it looks just like it!

Expand  

Thanks TJ

  On 6/21/2021 at 6:56 PM, bigdrag1 said:

Great looking build !!

 

Expand  

Thanks John

  On 6/21/2021 at 7:12 PM, cobraman said:

Nicely done.

Expand  

Thanks Ray

  On 6/21/2021 at 8:29 PM, Koellefornia Kid said:

Wow Phil, that is amazing! ? Imo, the Hirohata Merc is one of the greatest customs ever made and you nailed it!

This is a build that´s still aread of me. I have a Flintstone resin body for years now and some amt Mercs for parts waiting to get started... well, someday...

Expand  

Thanks Oliver. I recommend you try to get a Revell Custom Merc kit for the chassis and interior. It took me over twenty years to get mine built so keep it on your to do list.

Posted

Well Done Phil!

Glad you got the finish you were after. Car looks great!

Look forward to seeing in person hopefully soon

Posted
  On 6/22/2021 at 3:28 PM, thatz4u said:

looks like the real one....

Expand  

Thanks Al That's what I was hoping for

  On 6/22/2021 at 3:45 PM, espo said:

Beautiful rendition of a very special Kustom. 

Expand  

Thanks David - The real thing is definitely a piece of history

  On 6/22/2021 at 4:54 PM, m3fan said:

Well Done Phil!

Glad you got the finish you were after. Car looks great!

Look forward to seeing in person hopefully soon

Expand  

Thanks Russ - I am really impressed with Mr. Color paints and Mr. Hobby products from the venerable Gunze Sangyo company.

Posted
  On 6/23/2021 at 12:27 AM, Brudda said:

Beautiful, very Beautiful 

Expand  

Thanks Bruce - glad you like it

  On 6/23/2021 at 2:18 AM, Bainford said:

Nailed it! It’s absolutely stunning. You sweated the details and it shows. A beautiful model of a beautiful car. 

Expand  

Thanks Trevor - I appreciate your compliments

Posted
  On 6/24/2021 at 11:16 AM, Tom99 said:

Nice!!

Expand  

Thanks Tom

  On 6/24/2021 at 11:53 AM, David G. said:

An absolutely beautiful rendition of probably the most classic of classic customs.

David G.

Expand  

Thanks David - I have heard the car is for sale. I hope it is purchased by a museum where it can be preserved for the future.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...