'49 Merc extreme custom

[Trans Am Erik]

I think that helped the lines a lot, The only thing I'd suggest is maybe rounding peak above the headlights just a little bit like the picture of the black merc you posted so it follows the curve of the hood a little better. Either way I like where this is going and I can't wait to see the end result!

I'm going with a set of New Beetle headlamps

[ybsluos]

Very nice work Erik. No idea why this is underlining lol! Reminds me a bit of Troy Trepanier's Sniper. Keep up the good work!-Mark

[Trans Am Erik]

Here's the Merc's engine 6.4 litre supercharged V-10 512hp 640ftlb of torque!

[BKcustoms]

No shortage of power there! This build gets better with every update.

[Trans Am Erik]

creating a peak down the rest of the nose of the car

[Trans Am Erik]

This past weekend I went to the Detroit Autorama. It was the 50th anniversary of the Riddler Award and there were some amazing cars on display, along with some great TV/movie cars. Besides being my Dad and I's 32nd trip to Autorama I got to talk briefly with Chip Foose! I knew that he appreciats seeing peoples drawings. I told him that I sketch in plastic and showed him pictures of the Merc. He said "WOW, that is a great looking model. I really like that design." That was HUGE for me.

[scalemodelworld]

As usual, I've only found this build a long way in. When I saw the first few pics, I didn't think I'd like the look of the whole car, but wanted to learn from seeing all the issues you dealt with. But seeing it progress and grow has won me over. I think it looks great and can't wait to see it finished.

For my 2 cents worth, I think that if the bottom of the body was straight, between the front and rear wheels, it could give it more of that classic Merc look. Not sure I'd be able to manage it myself, but having seen what you've been capable of on this build, I reckon you could pull it off if you wanted to.

[horsepower]

just a word of thought, check out Jada's die cast Ford Fusion you might be able to use some of that grille. Keep up the greaat work!

[OldTimer50707]

Another amazing build. The talent I've seen on this forum is mind-boggling and yours is right at the top.

[JM485]

Can't believe I just came across this. Looking awesome so far, I really like the concept you are going for.

[Trans Am Erik]

Thanks for the compliments guys. Troy, you may be on to something with the rocker panels. I'll have to do a couple tests. It's important that the new design doesn't lose the flavor of the Merc.

[Trans Am Erik]

A couple updates: I'll be reworking the rocker panels, cleaning up the nose, and I have a doner car for the suspension.

[Trans Am Erik]

Photoshops welcomed for ideas on the rocker panels. Also, here's the Vette I'll be getting the Merc's suspension from

[Stretch75]

Looking good...Really cool looking!

[DumpyDan]

Man this is looking great, can't wait to see this one finished.

[GerN]

I've been looking through this build again, and I'm wondering about the rear fender crease: consider making it parallel to the ground instead of tilting down toward the rear. I think this would appear to lift the rear a bit and give a more balanced look.

[Trans Am Erik]

It's the way the body is sitting on the wheels that's giving it a rake. In that pic it's just sitting on the wheels, there isn't a frame under there yet. The rake is making the rockers look weird too. They ARE straight. I put a straight edge on them last night.

[cschick]

amazing

[Trans Am Erik]

Here it is without the rake

[Skypower]

So Cooooool.

[GerN]

The side view at the bottom of page seven shows the crease above the rear tire pretty clearly. My thought is shiny paint will bring out the "droop" look this crease seems to me to give the back half of your car. On the other hand, it does echo the slant of the front fender. I really like this model, and I'm just trying to be helpful, not a pest.

[Trans Am Erik]

The side view at the bottom of page seven shows the crease above the rear tire pretty clearly. My thought is shiny paint will bring out the "droop" look this crease seems to me to give the back half of your car. On the other hand, it does echo the slant of the front fender. I really like this model, and I'm just trying to be helpful, not a pest.

I appreciate the help. I will take a look at it. The thing i have to see if it's an issue with thebody crease or an optical illusion in the photo due to the coke bottle shape of the car. Any suggestions on what to do about it?

[GerN]

You might try rubbing that area of the body with a paper towel. This will bring up some shine and help to tell if there is a problem. If so and the body behind the crease is thick enough, I'd try sanding it out on one side. Then I'd compare the two sides and decide whether simply removing it was an improvement, and whether or not to add a new crease parallel to the bottom of the body. If it helps, I've been working on a custom based on the AMT 1955 Corvette, and am trying to do something similar. This kit is terrible; I'm sorry I started working on it, but here I am. I need to reshape the lower back of the rear fenders which are not even close to correct. In my case, I've filled in Bondo behind the area to be removed because quite a bit must go. This is your model, so your opinion is really the only one that matters.

[bryan_m]

thats cool that you got to meet chip!

any updates on this one?

cheers

bryan

[DrKerry]

Ya know in the beginning I was like that ain't looking right, but looking at the progression you made throughout it really came around. That looks pretty darned awesome now. Can't wait to see more!!!!!!