'64 Merc who knows how it'll end up

[dino246gt]

Going through my junk boxes I found this chopped '64 Merc body.

I've bought a few junk boxes over the years, can't remember who did this one, but it's at least 15 years ago.

I thought the C pillar looked too "fat" so I enlarged the rear quarter windows to thin it out.

Then I added styrene strip to the top of the rear window as it seemed to be too high, and opened it up a bit lower.

So this is all I've done so far, still deciding what to do with it.

I'll make it up as I go and keep you posted!

[TopherMcGinnis]

Good looking start!

[johnyrotten]

Chop look great,  just the right amount. How custom are you planning on taking it? 

[dino246gt]

3 hours ago, johnyrotten said:

Chop look great,  just the right amount. How custom are you planning on taking it? 

Not sure, BUT I did start making a Mobius Comet chassis fit, that's not a body on frame, but a unibody!

[dino246gt]

Okay, so I could've used the AMT Starliner floor pan and frame, but I've done that, and it's perfect or those old AMT early 60s Fords and Mercs, but I like to try new things!

SO............ I pulled out the Mobius '65 Comet and I know it's nowhere near correct for a big '64 Merc, but hey, it's a custom, so why not!

First I had to line up the rear wheel openings and start adding styrene from there.

I cut the Mobius gas tank out so I could move it further back, otherwise it just looks like I added length, which I did but also extended the rear of the subframe.

With some carefull fitting, and putty, I think I've got it to fit right!

 

[johnyrotten]

 I like where you're going with this. Very nice work on the chassis.

[dino246gt]

Now that rear end, well the leaf springs still fit the modified chassis pan, but it's too narrow, and sits way too high!

So............ I cut the rear end from the springs, slicing on each side of each leaf. That way is easier to remove the left over axle bits from the springs.

I added 5/32 styrene tube, but I fitted aluminum tubing with a solid metal rod through for added strength, none of that is showing.

I made spacers from styrene stock on it's side so that both were the same height.

Once it was all glued back together and primed and sprayed black, it gave me the ride height and width that I wanted for the big cruiser!

Edited December 11, 2024 by dino246gt

[dino246gt]

Here's how the Mobius front looked before I started hacking away at it!

I've removed everything except the basic rails, and I filled those in.... and smoothed them out.

I'm thinking of keeping the 289 4-speed, but with my own exhaust and intake.

 

Edited December 11, 2024 by dino246gt

[LennyB]

So a uni-body Merc, now that’s something different. I’ll be keeping tabs to see where this goes as this is one of my favorite body styles.  

[slusher]

Real nice chassis work!

[ybsluos]

4 hours ago, slusher said:

Real nice chassis work!

Agreed!

[dino246gt]

I bought a Revell Enzo kit for parts, mostly built up but plenty of usable stuff, $2!

It was molded in large pieces but I cut and separated the upper and lower A-arms.

 

[dino246gt]

The disc brakes had the caliper facing up???

After I separated them, I saw why. Half round mounting points only allowed one position for them.

I added half round styrene to the spindles and drilled out the rotor centers so that I could position the caliper facing forward.

 

[dino246gt]

After figuring out where I wanted the front wheels to sit, I drilled and pinned those A arms.

I mounted the lower ones then made pieces to mount the upper ones, leaving a space for the tie rod to pass through.

Now that tie rod isn't going to work as is, from the kit, so I cut and drilled, then added bent steel rod to clear the engine's lower pulley.

The width, although not very realistic, is what I want, and it's still poseable!

[dino246gt]

I got these cool coil overs, 2 pair, so I'll use them up front and out back.

First I made some tiny angled lower mounts to go on the lower A arms.

This is approximately how it'll look.

I made upper mounts but they'll need to be painted before I can install them.

I need to pick a color!

[johnyrotten]

This just keeps getting better. Nice work on the front end. We know it'll handle now.

[dino246gt]

Thanks Johnyrotten!

Now I've decided that the 289 4-speed just isn't enough!

I'm working on a 351 Windsor with a Tremac 6-speed manual, that ought to be better!

It'll have 4 Webers on it also, cross ram style!

[BK9300]

I agree about the front end work - looks like it could be an aftermarket front clip add-on - great work!

[NOBLNG]

I know how it’ll end up….FABULOUS!😎 Terrific work so far Dennis.👍

[Jim Dodson]

Dennis, I am always impressed with your engineering skills. Fantastic work!

[johnyrotten]

4 hours ago, dino246gt said:

Thanks Johnyrotten!

Now I've decided that the 289 4-speed just isn't enough!

I'm working on a 351 Windsor with a Tremac 6-speed manual, that ought to be better!

It'll have 4 Webers on it also, cross ram style!

That's gonna be perfect. It's just the right amount old school and custom.  

[slusher]

Looking great Dennis!

[TopherMcGinnis]

[Steve H]

Awesome work as usual Dennis! That’s a lot of work in the front suspension… well done.

[NerdmanB]

Dennis you are very good at this scratch building. I will be following see what new things I can learn.