1956 Mercury Medalist

Thought I'd just post a few pics of my Merc now and some pics of the direction I want to go if everything works out in the comong weeks.

Now:


And an idea of the direction I want to go. Following is a '56 Merc 4 door hardtop, chopped 4 to 4 1/2 inches with numerous other modifications. I have '56 Packard Clipper taillights instead but I would like to have the rear quarters extended similar to this one.




I don't know if it will all fall in line like I want but now you have seen my vision. I've had this dream for about 16 years and this summer just getting that old hulk of mine around the block was a giant step that I tought wouldn't happen before I was pushing up daisies. It's really hard to keep a dream that long without the finances to support it but with the help of Junkyard Jeff I've at least realized part of the goal. Now step two, I hope!

that thing is cool. I like the skirts too.

Looks great Doug. It's nice that your dream is finally happening.

i like the chick.

JRiggs wrote:i like the chick.

Man, and old 49 calls ME a dirty old man. (or was that the other way around/)

I guess I am getting old......................I forgot which way it was

Blown49 wrote:I guess I am getting old......................I forgot which way it was

Well it just doesn't sound right to say Young 49. It doesn't have as good a ring to it.

I just got off the phone with the guy that want's to chop my Merc. He still wants to do it and has been thinking of a few ideas on what else to do it. He want's me to go over to Columbus in the next few weeks to set in the garage and kick around a few sketches of some of his thoughts. He said he's got a few other things going on and that it might not happen until about February of next year. Man, I'm pumped!! A chopped Merc in color! Been thinking lime green with possibly raspberry flames??? Call it Lime Fire?

Lime Fire that blows fire!! Now your talking.

I found some pics of my 56 Merc moredoor hardtop. It's pretty rough but we plan on running the wheels off of it this coming summer. Its still needs exhaust, the front end checked out, and some new wide white radials. I know that the traditionalists would use bias ply but I drive too much for that crap.

The delivery from sunny California This turned into quite a neighborhood event one Sunday morning.



This is when we got a good start on it:



With the powertrain already installed. It's a 302 CID with a C4 with a Maverick rearend. The front has Fatman dropped spindles and Posies springs in the rear with air shocks.






We drove it out of the garage on it's own power about 2 years ago. It had set waiting on parts and funds for about 10 years. I had this thing shipped from Calif. after my 56 wagon was totaled. It was in a junkyard out in the LA area when I got it. Once we finally got it to run we took it to Jeffs for some flooring and other fab work.



After the floor came the continental kit and of course the four 4" diameter tailpipes for a little bit of flamethrowing next summer. The tailpipes were extended to get the fire back away from the car and the trunk floor has been completely sealed with a fuel cell mounted in the trunk. Yes Rib, I know all about the importance of fire extingushers, but fire is your friend.


I'd like to paint it of course (bright lime grenn and yellow), but finances dictate that it will be flat black with wide whites and Cad hub caps.
_________________

At Indy........

In the Camground before I broke it............

Thought I'd share a few pictures of the progress Jeff and I have made on the transformation of my Merc. The body work was nill, the paint job was pretty good for painting in closed quarters in a very poorly lighted garage. It was so tight we had to open the door to paint the hood and front end.
Here is the left side and the rear

Another picture of the left side showing some of the bright and beautiful color that has already been applied. Pay no attention to the transmission leak on the floor. That's next spring's project.

Here is the right side ready for paint tonite. You can see that the trunk has already been painted. There was no way to paint it all at once so there will be a few paint lines where we stopped and started. Here too you can see the vibrant color that has been applied to the trunk area even though it is under a drop cloth to protect it from over spray.

Here you can see that the hood has yet to have to color applied but the one front fender has. I just wished I had some wide whites so I could come out in color with the right tires and my Caddie hub caps. I guess it's something we can all look forward to next spring for the Goodguys in Indy.

Well, I've been more than happy to share these colorful pictures of Jeff and my progress, I now have to get some sleep so I can put the thing back together in the morning so Madonna and I can head to Lima tomorrow afternoon. I may be taking tape off up there this weekend.
Hey Reb, it might be time for some flames!!
Done

Well I rolled the old Merc out into the sun this morning. I?ve been at it since about 7:00 this morning and have it all ready to load but this old heart patient is just about too pooped to finish, Been considering leaving first thing in the morning. That?ll give Madonna time to finish her home work and I can set around and get sore and stiff. Thought I might give the old girl a sponge bath after it cools down this evening. Man, if I just had Tim or Jim?s tires, I?d be setting pretty. Here are a few shots showing the beautiful color and deep reflections as it sets baking in the afternoon sun.

Here's Madonna's artsy fartsy shot


One from the front


Not a bad change for about $50 and that includes Jeff's chessburger at Hooter's last nite.