Well, after dreaming of owning a custom Merc for nearly 30 years and keeping my eyes peeled for just the right one for the last several, I have finally scratched my itch. I've come close to buying a couple in the last year, but am in the process of building a new office, so priorities being what they are, I've had to p***, but still keep looking. This one came up and was too good a deal to p*** up, so now I find myself looking through those short windows everyday as my new daily ride. Here's what I know: The car was built about 12 years ago somewhere in Pennsylvania, but I do not know if it was built by a shop, an individual at home or a combination of the two. Looking at the construction photos that came with the car, I suspect it was a combo build. The guy I bought it from got it about 10 years ago at the Daytona Turkey Run. It has a Nova rear steer front clip with power steering and disk brakes. I'm told the engine is a 305 from an IROC Camaro with a Turbo 400 and some sort of overdrive. It's not looking or acting very overdrive-y to me and looks more like a regular Turbo 350 instead. Anyone recognize this car and know anything about who owned it before the previous owner or who built it? I'd love some more info and be able to answer some questions I have. The car is showing it's age, but it super solid. The hood flew open on the previous owner and has bent up some stuff, but is fixable without to much h***le. The Hagans gotta go, as does the 70's/80's front seat. Eventually, I will redo the whole thing as a Hirohata clone of sorts, as I have collected most of those parts over the years. But, for now, I'm driving the wheels off it, while changing a few details here and there (like lowering it down where it belongs and de-billetizing it ). And yes, the huge dice, dash magnets and pillow in the back seat are already gone. LOL.
Nice, mine has some 90's era aspects that I am removing. I kinda like your seats so if you sell them all try me.
It's going to be tough to make it Hirohataesque with those door pillars Looks great dude! I bet it's fun to drive. It will be stunning with a few minor tweaks. It sure has a lot of exhaust pipes
FYI that is not an IROC motor, unless they just threw a carb on there. IROC's came with TPI (puke) on them. The rest came with TBI. In high school I was a camaro nut, dont ask.. lol Otherwise nice base for the start. I can see one change I would definately make, find a new rear window, like an oval or something without the lower squared corner. I like your car and I am not bashing but if your going to change some stuff why not change a bunch and make it completely custom!! Can't wait to see more pics. I love these cars. Congrats also.
WHY turn it into a Hirohata clone (of sorts)...??? It's already been done to death (several times over...!!!)... Heard that old saying: "Either lead, follow or get the hell outta the way?" Why would you want to "follow"...??? R-
TPI 305 could run mid to high 14's back in the day, not a bad engine to start with and might be enough for a cruiser. I would not do a dead-on clone, I think a car inspired by a another car but with a different paint scheme is good. Mine is inspired by the Sam Barris Merc and a few others that will built prior to 1956. I'm avoiding post 1954 parts and the Buick side trim to keep it from looking like a mid 50's custom, but that's just me, I do like all the looks except the mid late 60's stuff (and of course the 90's stuff hehe).
Thanks guys! Jon, I have been following your build/rebuild and eagerly await the results. The "Buick" portholes are actually those chrome inserts for the oval slots in semi truck wheels. They gotta go....but of course, that will come when I'm ready to give up on the paint with the welding required. Gotgas, you are right on the posts. That is one of the things I studied on this car before buying it. The posts should come right out and be pretty close to the hardtop look I'll be after. PoPo, thanks for the info on the motor. I have not run any numbers, so don't really know what it is, or was...just only repeating what I was told. That's one of the reasons I would love to learn who built it so it would be easier to figure out what I really have here. So far as the back window, I run counter to most people on Merc chops and actually prefer the 51 back window. I don't like where they placed this one, though. When it was chopped, they slid the back window forward, shortening the quarter windows about 2 inches. When I tear into it and hardtop it, I will cut the rear window loose and slide it back a few inches and lengthen the quarter windows back to where I like them....not to mention putting the stainless back around all the windows. I have a parts car to help put back the missing things that have been removed from this one, so that is a big help. So far as why do a Hirohata-ish clone even though it has been done? Because I like it....ALOT! I love everything about it, the hardtop chop, the tail lights, grille, trim, color, interior, most everything. Sure there are several other ones around...but not in Conway. LOL. I have the Buick sidetrim, Lincoln tail lights, 51 Ford grille parts and some other odds and ends on hand. I'm sure I will change up some of it here and there, but pretty much it will be pretty much a clone. I can't afford the real one or one of the other clones (Jack Walker's specifically), even if it any of them were available...but really, if it was yours, would you sell it? LOL So, what's a regular guy to do? Build one.
Kool!!! Looks like we will have another Merc making its debute at the SK500 next year. It is going to be fun to watch the changes that you have planned. Stance is everything!! Sorry I couldn't help myself..... Kongrats on the find. Happy Trails, Mick
Oh, I like that dash magnet, I'd go great with my gold chain and lawn chair! Nice score, that thing's got potential..
Hey Dave, I met this kat from Colorado in Salina. He joined the HAMB when he got home he goes by "FUZZMERC" He owns a bad looking Merc that has a taste of Hirohata style. Checkout pictures below.... Happy Trails, Mick
Good for you man, enjoy and have some fun, I remember the feeling after looking and wanting a 55 Chevy sense I was a teenager and finally getting it.........All the things and the ideas that I wanted to do and changes that I wanted to make. And the slow process of transforming that car into my Idea and my dream..... It was great at the time AND I still have that same feeling every time I get in it to drive IT today................ Its great that you've got your dream car,now you deserve to enjoy getting it...........
I too love the hirohata car. I say go for it! I know you have studied enough mercs to come to this decision. I hope you share the build with us.
Yea, the seats are a little modern. They do look pretty good though with the tuck n roll inserts and the color matching piping. If you get a chance, can you tell me who makes that tire you have? In the future I'm thinking those might be a good alternative to more expensive wide whites. How do those tires ride? Congrats, that is a nice Merc. BTW, has your hood been v-cut? (tapers down to the front)
Thanks for the Photoshop Mickey! As soon as I get some longer u-bolts, the lowering blocks that were in the trunk will be going back in. I was under it today at the oil change place and noticed it's got some Posie's Super Slider type rear leafs in it, but they are nearly flat with no curve to them at all. Once the blocks are back in, I will be real close to the bump stops, so a c-notch will be in order, I think. Guess I'll drop those triple lakes pipes right away, too. Thanks for the inspiration! I saw Fuzzmerc's car in the Salina coverage. Good to know he's on here. I'll have to pm him for some info on his car for sure. Showrod, you know I have been looking at them for a long time....one of the first I studied as a kid was your car. Mike, the tires say Dimension IV, All Season. No other brand than that. They are 215/75 15's.
Drdave, Thanks for the tire info. Here is a recent thread on doing the old style C notch. The type that you don't have to cut up any of the trunk sheet metal to do the C notch. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293619&highlight=period+correct+notch (scroll down to post #14)
wow this is getting to the point where we need HAMB II: '49-51 mercs' hahaha, good looking car and i've wondered what a '55 olds grille would like in a merc' and now i know. ENjOY
Since you're going to re-cut and change the profile, this is probably irrelevant but why is that R.H. fender skirt hiked up in the back? The top of the skirt should be parallel to the joint line between the lower and upper quarter panel.
The car has those fibergl*** reproduction skirts on it. This set doesn't fit so hot and is lacking any sort of rubber gasket on the lip, so they have floated all over the fender and scuffed up the paint pretty good. I'll have to start keeping my eyes open for a decent set of original steel ones. Thanks for the tip on how they should fit....I'll be sure to wiggle them into line tomorrow.
Exactly what i was thinking. fatter white walls, remove the lake pipes, and set her on the ground. It would look like a different car ! Nice ride ! Congrats !
To answer the original question, I for sure recognize the car. It belongs to one of my best friends. I've even driven it, rides like a dream, lots of power. Also surprising how good the visibility is even with the chop. The only problem is the constant stream of traffic through the parking lot of drdave's orthodontist office from people who spot it from the road and have to swing through to take a closer look. They are gonna have to start charging a toll!
LOL. You crack me up! You sorta didn't understand ALL of the original question....anyone recognize it from BEFORE I owned it. But, I guess you really did understand and just like being you....which is why we get along so well. LOL. Thanks bud!
hummm! i didn't know mercs came in 4x4.,just kiddin that car is really nice,i little closer to the ground will look ***s!,so thatmerc is like cortisone10(or some **** like that) it stopped the itch ha!
Looks like you done good Dave did not realize you had been looking for one!!! So that means that you have shipped the other ride up here to me correct? Since now you definitely won't have time for her.
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