Had to Chime in with some Things I got from the Weesner Sale recently, Me having a shoebox I snatched these up quick. I would have to believe this drawing and mag article were based on the Bragg Shoebox... Not sure the dates that Bragg Finished the Shoebox.... Also here is a pic of my shoebox just because!!! That is Junior Conway & Myself! This was No Photo Shop Either.... Right place Right time!!
Hi All, Thanks for the kind words again. The first photo of the 41 hood shows holding up sag in the middle with a cherry picker so I can tack it level. Headlight rings are original 52 Merc shortened to better match contour of the fender. Bucket is spaced back accordingly. As you can see I am no artist but I do sketch first, most of the time. Hope to have tin finished on 41 by Santa Maria. I will have tin done on 4 cars by end of summer. I can give my hands a rest from the pounding and just work on paint and detail stuff. To paraphrase Willie Nelson I never thought I would last long enough to outlive my hands. Getting old is not for sissies!! Thanks again Rik, See Ya! Tinguy
paul your work is amazing! any updates on the '53 olds? i'm currently grafting '54 packard taillights on a '50 shoebox and hope it comes out a fraction as nice. thanks for sharing pictures. look foward to any updates. jerseymike
Years ago I Saw Paul's 51 ragtop with the 53 Merc side moldings. Liked them so much that I used them on my 49.
That's amazing !!! thanks Paul and Rik for sharing !!! can't wait to see more, and more, and more ....
I think Paul Bragg deserves a lifetime award for having the most taste in the custom world. And from what I remember... a super nice guy award while we are at it.
Custom Car Update time again... Paul send me some new photos of his 1941 Ford project. He had hoped to have all the metal work done for Santa Maria... but he thinks he will not have it completely done then... he still will be out with the car. so for everybody who is going.... enjoy looking over this beauty.
That's a type of modification that I think will go unnoticed to most people, but makes a huge difference in the overall look. I am really looking forward to see what it will look like at Santa Maria in just a few weeks.
Paul is just such a great guy... not only a fantastic body man with a perfect eye for custom cars. But always wanting to share the things he does... So that others can learn from his experience, and built great customs as well. Thank you Paul Bragg! Paul realized the photos he send before where nice, but did not really show the new hidden hinges to well. So here are 5 more to show them... Pauls words to go with them... "The photos I sent were not too clear. These may clarify. It is essential that replacement hinge bore exactly match bore line of and level and square with old hinge bore. If not hinge will bind and eventually break. That is the reason for the alignment rod shown."
i'll bet i've looked at this thread at least 50 times,,,i can't get enough of pauls work and great eye for design and style.... i'd go as far to say he is my favorite modern day customizer my favorite old timer was bob metz... two VERY talented guys!!
Hi Rik, Don't be too sure. I told Paul that my birthday is real soon and he doesn't need to shop for a present. I will take the coupe, if it is painted the correct color. Have a great day and we thank you once again for posting the photos!!!! Patticake
Hello Pat, Well at least it stays very close to home... well.. at home! And I guess (hope) he would still be allowed to drive it from time to time... after he's done with the dishes
His sectioned shoebox is one of my top 3 favorite kustoms....the 32 is just a perfect Hot Rod PERIOD...I've seen them in person was floored...It was funny cause he drove the shoebox while his wife took the 32...pretty kool!
In looking at some of the Paul Bragg Merc customs it appears he is using shoebox ford back windows. Anybody know. 50 Merc windows are kind of hard to come by. Nice customs, thanks for the pics.
Hi rangeman, Never used shoebox back glass on mercs. 50s mopars. Can't remember witch ones without checking records. Most small windows have too much arch side to side. I've only done these on 2 cars. Did 51s on 2 and rest have been 49 and50. Repop 50s are available. back openings are becoming tough to locate. Hope that helps. Carry on! Tinguy
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