Customs Wheel Cover Suggestions - ‘53 Merc Custom

I’ve just about got this ‘53 Merc build wrapped up. But have yet to get some wheel covers for it.



I’m a huge fan of black wheels and whitewalls. But not on a custom like this. Thought about spider caps and rings but don’t think that’s quite…flashy…enough for this car. It’s got more gold flake than California in 1848…





So looking for something fairly “loud” that fits the 60’s theme going on. ‘57 Caddy caps came to mind first.



But they’re on so many cars and man have they gotten pricey!

Keeping that time period in mind a friend suggested ‘57 Plymouth caps.



I like the looks quite a bit but think they’re a little too mild for this car. Not a fan of Lancers or Fiesta caps. Too cookie cutter.

What else is out there that you all think would look good?

 

Are those 15” wheels? I agree the black wheels need covers and spiders and trim rings aren’t gonna cut it..Plymouth cones were popular in this area on Kustoms I remember as a kid..55 Buick with a center cone, lincoln premier, 54 Ford with a bullet, lancers, hit the swap meets..usually lots of caps and unless they are Olds spinners or Caddy, they can be had pretty cheap

 

I like these on @Spooky Edsel but not sure what they’re off. Would be nice if they could tie in with the flaked roof.

 

Yep, 15” wheels. Ooooh I forgot about 55 Buick. Used to have several sets of those and like them quite a bit. Whatever goes on there definitely needs a bullet I think.

 

Nice. Yes, I’m thinking tying in the metal flake may be the way to go.

 

Lincoln Premier. Simple yet sophisticated...

 

My choice would be the 57 Plymouth covers.

 

Those look like '54-'55 Merc w/ a spinner located over the Merc emblem in the center.

 

That’s a good spot. I was trying to think of ones that came with a spinner.

 

Plymouth covers with gold flake, would flash them up and look kool

 

I put 51 Lincoln wheel covers on my Chevy, they could be an option for your Merc?

 

I don't think much of any additional flash is needed. The avocado main color says "understated", while the roof and dash provide all the flash that's needed IMHO.

I think using just spider centers would look great. Adding full chrome wheel covers might be too much, and you'd lose the visual contrast between the whitewalls and black wheels.

 

53/54 Merc caps are really nice themselves. Why not run factory units ?

 

'57 Plymouth are 14"

 

1960 Buick.

 

Strangely enough, I also like the original covers for your car which is what my son used on his Edsel. However, not sure the center color would work well with the colors on your car.

 

The great thing about running caps is that you can have several sets and swap out.
I love the 57 Cad and had them on my Merc but they have gotten way too expensive. The Lincoln Premier have gotten collector expensive lately. 55 Buick caps look great on a lot of cars.
Those Pontiac caps that JJK showed look great but I am pretty sure only fit on same year (era) Pontiac wheels. I snagged some 50 Pontiac Sombreros from a rust bucket that my bud cut up and that is how they work.
57 Buick caps are similar to the 57 Cad they don't take a bullet as well though. I bought a set at a swap meet to try on my 48 and putting the bullet on isn't working for me.

 

That’s what I was thinking

 

And chrome those bumpers...

 

Don't worry about the Plymouth being 14's, just pop rivet them to some 15" chrome trim rings and your all set....or use the 60 Buick caps & flake them where they are black now....

 

56 Merc with the optional 4 bar. NOT Dodge lancer. I have lots of them if you need some. Very flashey. I added the truck center dust cover.

 

59 Dodge Lancers!

 

I vote for the Caddy caps the 55 and 56 Fairlaine caps might look cool also.

 

57/58 Lancer caps look good on any Kustom !
By the way, great looking Merc you have there.

 

The stock '52-'53 Merc wheel covers are pretty cool. I'd stick with those, or the next version ('54-'55), the ones you showed (w/ the spinners left off). They lend themselves to adding color to the centers to compliment the car. Paint those centers the same flake as the roof & you're done. My other suggestion would be to run '54-'55 Caddy caps. They are cool, and they can still be bought for a reasonable price. Wheel cover upgrades were usually made for 2 reasons: 1- to make your older car look newer. That's why the next gen Merc covers make sense (and they are good looking - I'm running them on my '49 Merc). 2 - To make your car look like a more expensive model. That's why the Caddy covers were so popular. Your car, your choice. Just my $.02.

 

If you do skirts, you only need a pair of caps…

 

And don't forget, you can run 2 different sets....one on each side, till you decide which you like best.

 

Morty's chopped yellow Merc above sets the bar. Study it, can't go wrong with caps like his. You've got a great start. I know it'll take a second mortgage but get those bumpers chromed. Merc customs done right can't be beat.