I'm looking for more pics of Lee Lucero's '51 Merc,especially profile pics.Just would like to see the lines and flow of the Dick Dean sliced roof.Dean took 4,5" out of the A-posts which seems to be absolutely right.The Merc is in Hop Up Vol. IV but unfortunately no profile pics.Really like the tapering roof line and the shape of the quarter windows which still swing out.Any input on this is appreciated and the Chrisman Digger is cool too !
There was a Dick Dean Merc that was in Custom Rodder, almost 10 years ago. Is that the car you are asking about? The Custom Rodder Merc had a fantastic chop because the rear window was not moved forward like most. The roof might even been lengthened for a great look.
Mike,I don't know the Custom Rodder article but as we can see from 51 Merc-CT's pic ( thanks for posting ! ) it's the same car although it looks a little bit "different" to me and I'm not talking about the hubcaps and the side trim.The top seems to be "boxier" in the rear but maybe it's just the pic.In my opinion it looks a lot nicer on the front 3/4 shots.I found another pic of the Merc in my files... Mike,how much did you take out of your A-posts and what is the height of the front,side and quarter windows (glass only) ? Super nice chop !
Frenz- that is a nice lookin chop- BTW...Dick is a legend..... It for sure can be chopped that amount without lengthening the roof at all...... Here is a 49 Im doing now with the stock un cut roof skin [length] /It is chopped 4" at frt and 5" at rear with window layed down in [almost] the stock location.....
Yep, that's the article and pic I was thinking of. Wow, 16 years ago? Time flies. Choprods, those large radii on the B-pillar are looking good. Frenz, I see what you mean. In those new pics, it looks like some metal has been taken out of the roof right above the drip rail. It does look thinner. On my car, I took out 3" vertical on the front, and 4 1/4" vertical in the back. I don't know what the window measurements are. I will measure them and get back to you.
the lines on those merc's are beautiful. Mike, your merc is very cool, great job. I have always like it....awesome.
choprods,looks really cool ! Would be nice to see a profile pic but guess that's hard to do in the packed garage,isn't it ? Yes,it seems to be two different cars.The top looks really thinner in the rear and that's a huge improvement.Shape of quarter window is also nicer.The article in Hop Up reads like the Merc was a recent build and not an "old" car so I think Lucero's Merc maybe was influenced by the one in Custom Rodder.What does the article say ? Any info like owners name etc. ? Mike,thanks for taking the time measuring your windows,that's appreciated and I look forward to hear back from you then !
I really like how it has more of a notch in the roof line rather than how some mercs have such a "fastback" style chop where the back window is almost flat.
The one with Lancer caps is Harry Mohoff's merc, the first chopped car I ever rode in, in '89 0r so. I had aready "chopped" my '50 but it wasn't driving yet. My dad was shooting it at the Lakewood drive-in for Street Rodder.
i have pics of that merc saved too. i think im gonna put stock chrome back on mine when i paint it black. i love that clean look!
Something noteworthy and commendable about both those cars is that, while they are obviously radical customs, it's all been done with modification to the stock proportions without changing any details (obviously I'm not counting the headlight or grille mods). By that I mean, no added scoops, no teeth, no DeSoto grille or Buick side trim -- They still look like '51 Merc coupes, but extensively and elegantly tweaked to improve their proportions. Subtle and masterful!
Seeing as TheFrenz posted the picture of my Merc., I decided to chop it to be more in keeping with the thread.
That's some nice photochoppin' ! Did you ever think of making it really happen ? I'm not saying your Merc needs a chop,it looks cool as is.Just curious. 50Fraud,I fully agree.
Found another pic,seems there are only front 3/4 shots of the Merc available...and I presume the rear window treatment is the "best" part on it,what a shame. Mike,I think your Merc would look phenomenal painted in a nice,dark glossy color.I really like it as is but that would make you a member of the Gentlemen Club.I found these pics of your '51 Merc in Paso on your cool site.The atmosphere on this pic is really cool.Great pic. And to keep this in-topic,another pic out of your Merc with another Dick Dean sliced Merc across the street... 51 MERC-CT,always great to see some old pics ! Thank you !
mike what are you using for wiper blades? i have wasted so much time cutting down thw smallest ones i can find, and they never work rite!
I found the shortest ones in the parts store catalogue and used them as is. The wiper arms are cut down though.
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