Customs Merc chop progress with compiled project pics

Coming along nicely. I haven't seen those mufflers since I was a kid.
And that was a long time ago! !

 

Not sure if the mufflers will improve a 265 performance.

 

Got the exhaust cutout installed on the rear driver side k-member and got the hanger installed for the muffler.
This stuff came off the original frame for the merc. So the muffler is hanging is I can bend up the other tail pipe.

 

Got to finish tweaking the tail pipes to get them in the right spot.
And I got holes cut in the bumper for the exhaust tips. Found this car on kustomrama.com that was done in 1953. Philip Sauers merc has round tips thru the bumper.



So mine will too.

 

One tip in.

 

Second tip in.

 

Nice work, the Pontiac won't be that complicated...

 

Tail pipes are in.

 

looking good Ryan!

 

Mercs ready to come off the lift tomorrow. Now to fire up the engine!!!

 

I like the exhaust through the bumper.

 

Mercs back out, next I got to remove the front clip to fix the bent frame horn and get the motor running!!!

 

So if anyone was wondering about a replacement master cylinder for the merc that will bolt on, well I found one. Dorman m2796 for a 66 jeep. 1 inch bore and mounts thru the side.
New master along with the Mercs master cylinder
And bolted on the car with spacers for the automatic pedal.
And the automatic brace.


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End up getting the new gas pedal hooked up so that works. Found my overdrive cable so I'm going to see if I can make it work for the choke. Slowly getting some of the little things done....


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Anyone out there have a pair of Appleton 552s they don't need? Got to locate a set. The merc is looking alittle naked with out them.[emoji6]


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I'm sure you know this, but I see them come up on eBay pretty regular. That's where I got both my sets.

 

Yeah, i was looking on there. They are expensive![emoji15] Did you find your hirohata rear view mirror? I'm going to a junk yard in the middle of September that has a few 54-56 Cadillacs.


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Sure enough, they are not cheap. I can encourage you in this though....I have looked at lots and lots and lots of 552's and 112's on "nice" customs and lots of historical ones, and very few have I ever seen that were "brand new" perfect chrome with no pit or scratches. So, what most folks consider "driver" quality is plenty good enough....no sense paying top dollar for perfect ones.

Yes, I did finally find a Caddy mirror. I have a dream though of cutting and shortening it a little though so it's higher up on the windshield and not taking up so much of the field of view. Not sure how I can do that to pot metal though and get it to stick back together well and be able to be rechromed.

 

Nice work on the updates.
FYI; regarding the exhaust tips-the Phil Saures Merc was found and owned by HAMB member 51 mercules.

 

I got the correct spacers for the master cylinder. So those are installed.


To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

The exhaust is finally done! Got a hole though he frame and driver side head pipe is in. Next to fire her up!
And got these coming...


To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

Is there anybody out there that would have a extra set of the L999 and L997 or L990 and L991 mounting brackets for the appletons?


To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

I got lucky and one of the brackets that came with the set of spots I got was the 997. I ended up getting a 999 from Bob Birch at Accessory Land. He might have another one left. Super great guy and very helpful, give him a shout.

 

I searched the online and can't find accessory land?[emoji20]


To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

Bob at accessory land has the L-999 that are NOS. Give him a call 563-556-5482

 

Beat me to the punch with the number. [emoji846]

 

Here is what I got, a pair of rechromed 112's. One light has most of the marking gone but the other is good. Has sealed beams in them but the wiring is gone so they need some work.



To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

Nice! Dunno what to suggest about the stampings. Maybe an engraver? Most folks would never notice, though.

 

Yeah I'm not to worried about it. But they sure look good. Can't wait to get them mounted!


To chop,or not to chop. That is the question.

 

Looking good Ryan[emoji106][emoji106]


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