'49 Merc epiphany

[Ryan S.]

I've got this stock '49 Merc that I built for a class project in high school....(15 years ago! wow) that I've got sitting in a box. I was thinking about just cleaning it up and calling it good, but then I found a Ford 429(?) SOHC that I had kept in the parts box and now, I'm thinking custom! I found some wheel/ tires that I like and it's off to the races. Here's the mock up...more to come in time! Amazingly, the motor fits and the hood will close.

Edited September 6, 2009 by Ryan S.

[Nick Winter]

I've got this stock '49 Merc that I built for a class project in high school....(15 years ago! wow) that I've got sitting in a box. I was thinking about just cleaning it up and calling it good, but then I found a Ford 429(?) SOHC that I had kept in the parts box and now, I'm thinking custom! I found some wheel/ tires that I like and it's off to the races. Here's the mock up...more to come in time! Amazingly, the motor fits and the hood will close.

I like the other set of wheels in the backround, thats a nice looking merc.

[Ryan S.]

I'm not entirely convinced on either wheel/ tire combo and have to do a little more digging. Here's the other set mocked up:

I had to prop it up so I envision the front even lower. The rims don't quite fit the tires right, but I like the low profile tire look so I mights just sand the rim down a touch for a better fit.

[Ryan S.]

Ok, I decided on these 'steelie' style wheels. The spokes I'm going to use on a '56 Nomad.

[Foxer]

Ok, I decided on these 'steelie' style wheels. The spokes I'm going to use on a '56 Nomad.

A smooth Merc needs clean and smooth ...

[Ryan S.]

Well, sometimes you get a vision and you just gotta roll with it. I've given the Merc my full attention right now and am making some progress slowly. I got the suspension worked out, lowered the front and am set up for the rear with the stance I want. I'm doing all body and undercarriage work right now. I'll probably get to the engine next week. Here's some pix:

I found a set of headlights from a 37 ford that I'm going to use so I have to modify the headlight openings for the tear drop shape.

I'm going to use parts of the back half of a stock car to keep parts from dragging. I might try to fashion some air bags for it.

So here's the 37 head light buckets. I had to shoot some primer to get a better feel for where to take the body.

I closed the trunk and have to fill the gap, I'm going to smooth the rear pan and maybe mold a bumper in.

And here's what she looks like right now. I can't wait to get back to work on her, but might have to wait until after the long weekend.

Thanks for looking all!