Hi all I've been reading and learning lots from this forum for several weeks. Reading Happy Hoppy's post about bringing the Merc home led me to introduce my son's and my 51 Mercury to the H.A.M.B. It was customized in the 50's and last licensed in 1963. It has been nosed, hood corners rounded, decked, electric doors, frenched headlights and taillights with a black and white naugahyde interior, well, what's left of it. It currently has a flathead and Merc O Matic, but we hope to change that to an Olds or Caddy in the future, so you can be sure we will have questions about the engine swap as well as questions about brake and suspension upgrades. Our plan is to get it running and stopping, leaving the paint and finish work as-is to show off the "patina" for this coming summer at least. Welllll, we are looking to chop the top in the spring..... The p***enger door is badly dented so if anyone can help me find a good p***enger coupe door I would appreciate it. This is a great forum and I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks Ol Blue PS We also have a 36 Ford pickup that's been in the family for 42 years, but that's another story.
Looks like you have a nice start on your project. Start looking around now for a 50 rear window and surround so that you'll be ready for your chop. I have a nice 50 p***enger door out in the storage garage...it has a sunken antenna in it but other than that it's a good door. Send me a PM if you're interested. Good luck with the project, always good to see a new sled on the HAMB...
Thanks for the welcome and the nice words. CharlieLed, I sent you a PM and I have a 50 back window surround with stainless, door tops and moldings so once I have a door I'll be ready for the chop. The car came from Montana and is really in better shape than the outside looks. The car was undercoated when new and now it's peeling off in large chunks revealing original factory paint in wheel wells and under floor plan too. Really amazing to a guy from Indiana where rust is a real enemy. I've gotten a little history about the car regarding the name of the person that customized it. Unfortunately he moved away in the early 60's. The person that did the interior has p***ed away many years ago. I'll post progress, but it will be a little slow this winter I'm afraid. Ol Blue
Welcome. I love 51's. The best year. Do***ent the chop. Keep the "patina" Here's mine at this years so cal hamb bbq. -stick
Bumpstick Great looking car!!! Could you elaborate about the chop on your car? How much at windshield, how much at door post and how much at the rear? It looks to have perfect porportions. Did you do it yourself? I don't think we have enough experience/guts to try it ourselves. Does your quarter window still open? I've spoken to a guy that sells smoked back windows and a smoked side window set, but I haven't decided on what we will do yet. What engine, brakes and suspension are you running? Thanks Ol Blue
Hey Ol Blue, Did the chop myself with help from friends. 4" in front 4.5" in back. Slant post (it's easier). Doors are the hardest part. Take your time. I say go for it! First time I ever chopped anything! No side gl*** yet and I have a 49' 3-piece going in the rear. I run a small block/turbo 350, stock suspesion with blocks and cut coils. It rides like a sherman tank. Bags one day If you're not using the flathead send me the crank Get it on the road soon. Good luck. -stick
Bumpstick Do you mean that you slanted the windshield posts? I'd like so see more pictures of the slant. Do you have any other pictures that you could send me?I have no welding equipment or skills in that regard. I've asked a friend and skilled bodyman about chopping and he didn't have any interest. Sorry but we plan on using the Merc engine either our 36 Ford pickup or in a 36 Ford 5 window coupe that I've located. I'd like to build an old Car to run at Bonneville but there is no cl*** for pickups as old as mine. Ol Blue
Lucky man to come by one of those. I agree the patina takes decades to achieve what a good paint job will totally destroy. But those cars all need to be shiny and as straight as an arrow. Take your time do a good job on her and it'll be worth close to 40-50 big ones before ya know it. welcome! Lets see the pickup sometime!
The Jalopy Journal
