I have been looking for a project that is within my budget. I am not in a hurry (at all) to buy. However, I saw this car and wanted to get the thoughts of those who know a lot more than I do. It is a '52 Mercury, 2-Door Hardtop. The car is complete. Is it worth $1250? It has a flathead V8 (that turns) and a Mercomatic ******. The car also has a clear ***le. Any input you have would be extremely helpful. Regards.
if the motor turns that means you can get it running (most likely), it has a clear ***le, and its a two door hard top, if you feel up to the bodywork and mechanics to get her runnin i say go for it, it looks super solid
A lot depends on your age and funds along with skills. The MOST important question is do you really like the car? Buying to flip stuff is ok, but every hour spent makes the cost rise, so will it be your money pit or someone elses.
looks like a complete 2 door hardtop with a flathead and clear ***le for $1250.00 It would have already been parked in my driveway if it were me ...looks like good start for anyone with some mechanical skills
Is it a car that you REALLY want? If not you'll find yourself spending money and time on something that will give little satisfaction. If the engine runs that's a bonus, but if it doesn't you could be in for an expensive rebuild or and engine swap that could be over your head skill and $$$ wise. Also the transmission is not mainstream enough that if it's bad you either have to swap for a stick trans or an expensive rebuild, neither of which is going to be pleasant. If it's your first project it's always better to wait, look over the possibilities, and choose something that has a REAL potential of getting to a driving stage. Nothing is more discouraging than spending time and money on a car that never makes it out of the driveway. Frank
How's the interior...??? Gl*** looks good, but is it de-laminating...??? Is the p***enger's quarter crunched...??? Hard to find body parts for a '52 if it is...do you have the skills to pu*** back to drivable...??? Personally, $1250 is about $250 overpriced...I'd hand him 1000 cash and be prepared to walk away if he sez no... Mercs are cool, no doubt... R-
I would not touch it run like someone had a gun! Where is the car? and what is the adress and name and phone # of the person that owns it?
price don't look to bad depending on the condition of the floors and trunk. how bad is that quarter panel? the bigger question is are you prepared to completely dis***emble a car and put it back together again?
IMHO, the fact that you are asking is a bad sign. ***ess your strengths and weaknesses as far as how much of the work you will do. My buddy 'stole' a 50 Chevy suburban for short money and almost gave it away...my advice to him was "You gotta love it!" If not, let it go. You don't dig that car, if you did you'd be posting pics of the tow home and telling us the outline of what you're going to do to it.
If this is your first project or first car, what I always recommend is to get a car that is running or nearly running. Clean it up, tune it and drive it; and have fun. Over the years I've seen a lot of project cars that got torn apart and just sit; don't ask me how I know, but I've done this myself. If you get in over your head on a project, you might not ever get it completed. YMMV
It's one of my favorite body styles, aka "Dream car". That's my opinion/what's yours. It's true do you have a feeling you could get frustrated with the build but love the car enough to fight through and finish it anyway?!! Then buy the damn thing, or don't kid yourself.
If you don't want the car but are into flatheads buy it for under $1K. Get the motor running and pull it. If it is indeed a Merc. motor, a good, non-cracked running one is worth more than $1K. Keep the motor for a hot rod project. Or sell it for the flip. Don't make the same mistake I made. If the motors runs and doesn't smoke excessively, DO NOT take it apart no matter what the supposed flathead experts tell you. You can sell the body minus motor for about $400-$500 and you'll be ahead of the game in my book.
You need to be in love with it to take on a complete rebuild like this. I believe that a great number of cars like this are never completed by the person that took em apart. If you have to sell it because you're overwhelmed by it, expect about 25 to 35 cents on your dollar back. Believe me this is the voice of experience. Good Luck! If you decide not to buy it I, along with several others here will be glad to step in.
Don't start out with the sellers price but if you want it you better have what he's asking just in case! If the flatty is good, that's 2/3 of the cost/value of the Merc! I'd say you better jump on that bad boy!
I sincerely appreciate everyone's advice. I am not hear to kid anyone. My skills are "elementary" at best. I recently parted out a wrecked Z28 Camaro, so I have a running SBC w/ 700R4, drive shaft and positrac rearend. I would ideally like to find a late 40's to early 50's 2-Door to put it in. My goal is to have a cool, safe driver - not a show car. As far as the Mercury goes, I just spoke with the owner. His name is Joe and his phone number is 325.207.1893. The car is located in Snyder, TX. He said that the floor boards will need to be replaced. I asked about the damage to the quarter panel. He said that he would straighten it. He had plans to rebuild it, but decided to go a different route. He is extremley nice. I told him that I would p*** his name and number along to some folks and that he might be getting some calls on it. He said that he can provide additional pictures if needed. Also, if you would like to see the Craigslist Ad, you can go to: http://lubbock.craigslist.org/cto/1218944564.html. Again, thanks for the advice. I can see the end result, but I don't see me taking it there. I hope someone else jumps on it and brings her back to life. Regards.
Glad to see you've made a sensible decision based on the skills you have! For your budget you should be able to pick up a '60's vehicle that your running gear will go into with a lot less fabrication. Keep it simple for the first project, you'll learn a lot along the way, and be able to tackle a more ambitious project next time! Good luck
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