We just starting to build this 40 merc. It will be a RK and not a TC. That being said we still plan to blend some old shool kool with alot of newer tech as we want this 40 merc to drive and perform as nice as possaible without losing all the old scool kool factor. I am going to box the stock frame and fab up some tubulare front A-arms & rear suspension parts. It will also have air suspension. Here's where we need a little imput from you on a few issues. For the rear end we have a few choices of what to use, The good ol 9" ford or something different like a winters quick change or what I would like to use a narrowed 1960 Old's rear end. For the motor we also have a few choices, A real healty big block chevy but it is not my choice. We also have a mildly built dual quad 409 avail that i like better than the bbc but my number one choice is a bored & stroked 500 caddy with plans to fab up a 6 x 2 intake. The 500 caddy is about 100lbs lighter than the other 2 motors and makes about the same hp as the 409 but will out tork both the chevy motors.
Now we're talking. I dig the 48-51 Merc's but this is more to my liking! If you put the Cadi in I want a ride!
Im well, not that unsprung weight is a huge factor in sleds, but the 9 inch will be lighter than the olds rearend I think.. But the olds would be cool just cuz it's not a 9".. The cad covered in carbs would be neat, but the 409 would be cool too.. Hmm.. Definitely not the BBC.
Restifikustom or Traditional Custom? Always good to see another 40 Merc coupe in the fold. I'd go with the 9 inch. The 500 inch Caddy sounds interesting. There's a lot of new stuff popping up for the 409's though.
Don't waste the money for a quickchange on a custom. It should be so low that you cannot see the axle from your hands and knees. Just my opinion......
The car should so low that no one sould ever see what kind of rear end you have in it, so go for the 9". Its simple, reliable and oarts are easily sourced. I also vote for the Caddy motor. Big cubes, lots of carbs and gobs of torque. How can you beat it.
yeah, boy is my face red.. I mean, I've lived, breathed and studied "TC's and RK's" since I was about 16 years old.. But what do I know? I call BS on RK TC. But seriously, please tell us your gonna run a hood on this thing regardless of what you power it with??
Oh yea it will have a hood for sure. Planning on pie sectioning it and streching it a litte thoe. So far most of you agree with me on the big caddy motor for this 40 merc. My customer is a big block chevy fan so please help me convince him the BBC is not the way to go on this build.
Ron Burgundy: Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's vagina. Veronica Corningstone: No, there's no way that's correct. Ron Burgundy: I'm sorry, I was trying to impress you. I don't know what it means. I'll be honest, I don't think anyone knows what it means anymore. Scholars maintain that the translation was lost hundreds of years ago. Veronica Corningstone: Doesn't it mean Saint Diego? Ron Burgundy: No. No. Veronica Corningstone: No, that's - that's what it means. Really. Ron Burgundy: Agree to disagree.
My understanding about quick change rear ends is they are used for quick change of gears. NOT for looking at and oohing and ahhing..
Go with the quickchange Rick. I put one under my 49 Cad. Even though no one will ever see it, if you've ever heard a quickchange run wide open with straight cut gears you'd understand. Some people love em some hate em but sometime's you have to step away from the Norm.
Old school and newer tech is never a good thing. I would assume that is this car, I feel sorry for it being turned into a street rod. Another one sadly headed down the wrong road. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369770&highlight=1940+merc
Yes i defenitly know all about stepping away from the norm. Thats how I make a living and it seems to be working. Your quick change looks real kool. Is that an AM parallel 4 link kit installed on your rear end ? Good to see you did not go with a triagelated 4 link with air ride. I have mixed fillings about what rear end will be the best for this build. My customer plans to drive this Merc alot and even run it at the drags. I think the quick change would be the better choice if he realy plans to run it at the drags alot but if it will be only one or two times I would like to see him run the Old's.
What are you guys the kustom police? Some his his stuff is a little out there, but I don't think any of it permits the need for a warning. If you're referring to it not being a "traditional" kustom, he didn't mention doing one thing that makes it a street rod. That being said, don't make it a street rod. Please.
l plan to do the side glass trim definitly a little different. For sure it will be a true hard top. Have not decided 100% on the style yet but do have a few ideas already. I am leaning towards this one so far. To heavly angel the front to rear glass seam forward but without the curve on the Matranga. Kind of hard to explaine but somthing like this \\
Hey Rick, Thats actually a Thorbecke Brothers Super Pivot link parallel kit. The Super Pivot will twist within itself so there is no binding like a traditional bushed link. I should be able to go rock climbing if it wasn't for the car being an 1 1/2 off the ground.
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