Hey all, I am currently just getting into the metal work of my 1950 Merc. I had a question regarding the rear window channel. I know it's a long shot but does anyone reproduce the channel itself, or does anyone know of junk yards that specialize in 50's era cars? I was thinking if I could find a wrecked 4-door that I could cut the channel out and use it in my project. Any help is appreciated, thank you so much.
Rear window channel? Is your Merc a 4 door? They sell new rigid channel for the vertical vent window piece. Not sure what your looking for exactly....
No, the rear windshield. Behind the rear seat. It's a two door, but I'm assuming the 4 door is the same? No?
I'm assuming you are talking about where the rubber goes? I assume yours is rusted out and you are looking for someone who makes a piece you can weld it to fix the rust? I don't think anyone makes that.
Cretin that's exactly it. Didn't look that bad until I took glass and rubber out and blasted it. Now it looks like Swiss cheese. Idk how to fix it other then cutting it out and replacing. slddnmatt, fabing one is just well beyond my skill level unfortunately. I'm a little concerned if it is even possible after getting car back from blasters, felt like they gave me back a folgers can with ashes lol
Do yall know if the glass,and thus the framework, on the sedan is the same as the 2 door? Seems that'd be easier to find. My glass is good, and id assume there should be cars that've had the glass robbed but not the frame.
Give fabricating the window opening a shot, you just might surprise yourself at what you are able to accomplish. if you can get your hands on a sheet metal brake and a shrinker stretcher. Bend a short length of cold rolled steel sheet into a 1" x 1" 90* angle. Run the angle through shrinker or stretcher dies unto you match the contour of the window frame. Trim to fit. It's not crazy difficult. Just work in small pieces at a time and it won't be overwhelming. Tack weld in place then work another section. Get help if necessary. I don't have any amazing fabrication skills and was in the same situation as you with my styleline. I was able to get it done. Check out my build thread, I documented the process in hopes it could help someone in my shoes. Good luck!
Welcome to the hamb .I noticed you are a new member. ...Is this ur first project? Give us an intro...as far as the channel goes,try to fab a replacement piece,fairly simple to do in the realm of customizing.With that said,if you need a new rear window frame,you will find it here.if you need guidence,you've got some already. ...enjoy ur project..
Yes, sorry all. ...I've JUST gotten into a 50 merc project. ..very very beginning. Have the car, and an ls2/trans for it. Nothing else. Not awesome at metal fab,although by the time I get done with the car I may be lol. It's rough, but my two favorite cars of all time are 66/67 GTO,which I have, and a 50 merc lead sled. They aren't making mercs anymore so I figured I may as well buy while I can. Going to chop it of course. Can't decide at this point to use original frame, or find an Olds to put on, but that's way in the future anyway lol. Live in Dothan Alabama, and I'll be asking about ten million questions I'm sure. Thanks for any and all help in advance!
That's a lot of work! Just start with one spot and focus on that otherwise it becomes overwhelming. I just did this on my rear window I'm just a hack. Sheet metal is cheap, give it a shot!
Devin is right on the money, do smaller more bite size pieces rather than a great big chunk all at once. Pretty much everything I see is standard hot rod metal work, pretty basic patch panels. For the rear window, however I would start shopping for a decent surround, they really aren't super hard to find. I got mine from a random HAMBer for 100 bucks. Your Merc is actually in pretty decent shape, hang around, ask questions and get out in the shop and you will be fine. Here is mine when I drug it home. It was a rusty piece of shit. All done.
Find a window opening and graft in the new one. Give Chris at shoebox central a call, he probably has one. If you need floors and rockers, I fab that stuff for Mercs.
I think the original sheetmetal was 19 gauge but its pretty hard to find (at least for me it is). I've been using 18 gauge cold rolled sheet.
Ok. ..going to go get a cheap shrinker stretcher and play with it but it only does up to 18ga. So that'll work out good. Flamedabone has given me hope, cuz damn that car was rough! But it's a bad ride now, damn!
Steve, If fab work is beyond your skills, after seeing those pictures I'd say you need to learn quick or get help.
Your shrinker will last a long time, mine has done lots & lots of shrinking. on 18ga. Like Devin said, original metal is 19, I also use 18.
Love the chop on that slddnmatt! And mike51merc, I said I thought fabing a new window channel was out of my ability, not fabing in general.
Ok. Personally if I can't fix something with wrenches and screwdrivers I'm lost. I didn't mean to disrespect your skills and still don't want to, but that car needs serious professional help. I can't help but think if that window presents a problem to you, what about all the rest?
Ok guys, here's another question, I've heard and seen ppl use an Olds 98 frame and floor boards to set car on, anyone know what years work?
The Jalopy Journal
