I was going through my favorite web sites looking for pictures of the Merc. After spending an hour on Riksters site. I gave up my search. In the next couple of weeks we will be grafting the top portion of a '51 Merc fender to the existing front clip. I want to leave the hood and the nose alone because it is unique. The nose of the Merc will be longer than the headlight bezels. Going through my library I found an article in Custom Rodder of Livingstons Merc. It had an extended nose that was kool. Anyone have any better pictures of the front end? I hope that you don't get tired of seeing them but below is the before and after pictures. (The pictures do not show the '54 Merc headlight bezels.) Happy Trails, Mick
this merc? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=148191 I see what you mean, I'd mount those new fender pieces so the headlight bezels are at least even with the front most peak in your hood. Maybe even more, that will make the car longer, look longer. That would be a unique look that you're getting for free just by how you mount your fender pieces.
I know... it should be there since its built by one of my favourite builders Paul Bragg. I have seen sever photo's of it here on the HAMB in other post... and I think I will have some on my HD at work (home right now) Perhaps I can post them tomorrow... and while I'am at it I might create a new folder for it on my site... I ment to do that for a long time... just never found the time for it. Here is another one by Paul Bragg... also an extended nose on a 51 Merc.
Hey Mike, That is a good idea matching up the peak in the hood. I'm trying to keep the front end from looking to heavy. Franks Merc looks like it sticks out quit a bit so that made me feel a little bit more comfortable with my decesion. I want the front fender to have a swooping line. So we are going to angle cut the front fender to give it a more custom touch. Sorry, kinda hard to explain but it my mind I think it will look kool. I cannot wait to get started. I believe it will a bigger improvement than Pam Anderson first boob job. I know I'm a Kustom Pervert!!!! Thanks Rikster for the pics. Everytime I'm on your site and get distracted and before you know it ....I forget what I'm looking for but I had a blast. Thanks for the help. Happy Trails, Mick
I like Mike's idea of pulling the headlight/fender peices forward before grafting them in. That would give it the look of the Studebaker fenders on the Buster Litton & Weisner's shoebox which I think is a great look. BUT with that extended nose that the Merc already has, it might - like you say - make the front look too heavy like it overhangs too far past the front wheels. So what about basically pulling the whole entire front-clip rearward before grafting in the new fender tops? You are already going to be doing major surgery to the fenders, so sectioning out a bit during that process would be relatively painless and then it would be a matter of sectioning across the hood side-to-side (or trimming from the back of it) to be able to pull the front back some. In addition to lessening the front overhang, it would also yield the benefit of bringing the front bumper back so that the ends of the bumper line up with the front of the wheel wells which I think would look dandy. I know - easier said than done, but as long as your cutting the fenders.... Just a thought.
This image may help clarify where I am suggesting sectioning the front clip to pull it back some before grafting in the Merc fender tops.
Thanks for the confirmation cleatus. Buster Litton & Weisner's shoebox is one of the cars that I've been studying to get an idea what the Merc was going to look like. The reason for the over hang if for clearance for the Radiator support and my front steer issue. The Merc sets on a late model cougar chassis. In the near future I'll be changing out the front fender wells because when the car was originally built they made them way to small. I want to be able to run a taller tire for a more traditional look. Right know I'm as low as I can be in the front. If I was to lower the car 2" in the front, it would hide some of the heavy. Attached you will see what my goal is with the front fender. I love how Mercury Charlie's front end swoops forward. My goal is to make the Merc the way that I want it and I'll run it in primer for years so I can get it right. Thanks guys for the help. Happy Trails, Mick
i like cletus's idea. also, mabe you could put the 51 fenders on the car and mount your grill section between them pulling it back at the same time.
HHHUUUMMMMMMMMMM???????? You know that might work, I'll need to go home and check it out. I did a quick photchop on your section idea and the front end dosn't look so heavy and it would be a better foundation for the'51 fenders, but I'm afraid I'll still have issues with the front steer. Thanks again. Happy Trails, Mick
By the way, I REALLY like the grill/extended nose/hood combo on that car. Once you get the headlights rearanged I think you'll really have something great there - especially if you have them dip down & out a bit like Mercury Charlie's.
If you would like to send me your E-mail address I would forward it to Frank. Nothing like getting the word from the horse's mouth. Mike
Frank`s Merc -story is in Primer Magazine issue#13 . Four pages, eight pictures! Platu Chief editor of Primer Magazine Finland www.platuart.com In States you can buy your copy of Primer Mag from Luke! www.kustomsillustrated.com
Hey Rikster, thanks for the the additional pictures of the build. Livingston's Merc played an important part in my front improvements. I appreciate all of the advice and pics. WAAHHOOO!!! Goodbye 240Z headlight buckets! I just noticed your new site. I love your work and thrilled that you have those Kolorized pictures available to sell. I'll be forwarding your site to my friends. They have been waiting to get a copy of the prints. I'll be sending you my order. Happy Trails, Mick
Rik, as always - thanks for the update with the photos. I'm just stunned by your knowledge of an essentially American pastime. John, aka "oldandkrusty"
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