Not sure of anything, lol. The older I get, the less I know! It was Ray Vega's interior I had pictures of (duh!). (I lost a nice collection of photos in an apartment fire in 1976, so it's been awhile. I had 20-25 large photos of the tooled interior, part of close to a 1000 photos I had at the time, along with a few hundred negatives, all purchased at an auction in Palo Alto a few years before. I used to make large prints of them at the San Jose State University graphics photo lab. Whoever shot/collected the photos originally was a big fan of Valley Customs, too. And the older I get, the more I know. The keying of the Summers car is a new one that just adds to the legend. Thanks for sharing. I am so glad it's in good hands, and can't wait... really.
I think it was Donn Lowe who told me the steps, wife driving, damage story. And he also told me some other stories about the wife... I had not heard she actually keyed the car, to get Jimmy to repaint it in a different color... Good to know what really happened. I think the car looked great in metallic green... but it was even better in ruby maroon, with the tan Carson Top.!!! Any more of those old stories to tell about the car... or Jimmy!
Now that is a really sad story... 1000 photos and a few hundred negatives of beautiful customs lost. sad!
Any new news? Pictures? I am such a fan of mercs ! I am going to own one some day, only a chopped coupe. I hope to hear more stories. Also, the name Dick Page, isnt he a long time hotrodder? Maybe has a deuce sedan? blown? anyway, keep us posted!
That's Donn Lowe in the image (can't miss that beard...) I had thought he either did some work or was scheduled to do some work to the car and the project stalled for some reason. I remember him telling me about the massive amount of lead in the rear. That car deserves to come to life again...
Yes that is Donn Lowe. He took the photos that TRJ used in their one page article a few years ago. Dick Page and a few friends are performing the restoration. I know Donn would love to do it... but I think Dick who owned the car for all these years wants to take his time and do all the work in his own garage by him and his friends.
Hi Eric Dick Page here thanks for the interest in the summers merc. some info for you. Donn just came to see the car. I built cars for 50 years [ see my profile aka rainguy] The project was slowed because Im in a wheelchair [cancer in my spine] So far Im working on it alone but I have many friends to call on when needed. The rear does NOT have massive lead. Its the hood but that is being removed now.See progress on RIKS site or here. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INTEREST Dick.
Rik to be clear Spencer did NOT say the merc was damaged EVER. Im sorry if Donn misunderstod me. Spence and I were in the LA ROADSTER club toghter and he told me many tails. He did NOT say jimmys wife keyed the car. He told me she hated the ruby color and she scratched it promting the change to green.
RIK Donn must have misunderstod me SPENCER and I were in the LAR club and he told many stories. He did NOT say the car was damaged EVER...
Sorry but Im dumber than a box of rocks about confusers I just saw the quote message in reply? option box Ill get better.
Rainguy.(aka Dick Page) Hello from Dale Seaholm! Dick, I am so happy that you are making an effort to get the Summers car back in shape. I hope you are feeling ok. You know that you have a lot of friends that will help you with that car. It deserves to be restored to it's original form. I saw the post about the wheelcovers. I have a complete set of those. Do you have what you need? God I hope you can get this car done. This would be your crowning achievment my friend. Dick, I sincerely hope you are feeling alright. Feel free to PM me for my phone number. Have you talked to my Dad lately?
Hello Dick, I have removed the info on the damage form this thread, so the info will be accurate for the future to come. I'm glad you made sure this is incorrect information. And yes I did hear that from Donn many years ago. Perhaps a few stories where mixed up that day. Thank you, and have fun with the restoration, and please keep us posted. There are a LOT of fans of this car.
A lot of really nice old customs coming out of the wood work and being restored. This is another one on the list.
Thanks Dale...Wheel covers are almost done Harry Shaffert is making the flipper bars today..We will put a set on Denny Halls chopped 41 ford also [see Riks site]... Gary Shieble brought over a few merc pieces today. He still has the 40 merc we worked on in 61! Im OK for now Ill call Terry tomorow Dick
Love the pic. you use of Doug Rices 39 at B-Ville I have a home made video of Dougs B.day party with slides and storys I will try to copy to CD if you are jnterested email me your address at dickpage32@gmail.com
Yes Dick, Please contact my pop. I am sure he would be happy to help you round up some needed parts for this car. So Harry is making the bars for the caps? I could use a set of rims for these caps I have if you have them. You can pm me if ya feel like it. I would love to talk to you and catch up like in the old days. Are you going to post pictures of your progress? This forum is a great motivator. I can't wait till you finish it and it sits next to Don Richardson's car. Now that would be a great photo shhot for Rodder's Journal. Glad your here Dick.--Dale
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