We've had the ford for about 7 yrs, car has alot of history behind it's pass. Car was featured in Kustom Iillustrated Magizine in 1959. I've never liked the color of it now, so this winter is going back to it's orginal color of black, which it was back in 1959. If you'ld like to know more information on the car E-Mail me, Ernie and Mike.
d@mn thats a wicked ride theres one out here by my house just sittin in a field dude wont part with it weed growin around it in a field with horses its a shame but urs is sweet i like it
I used to get into trouble playing with this grill...pushing in the chrome like I was dialing a phone! Or bringing my cat Mr. Moto into the car...suicide doors and playing in there...UH OH! :)
in 1979 i drove 1879 miles both ways to the first merc duece reunion in my 49 flat power of course jerry titus introduced me jim aka mr merc . about 15 years later i saw him & bailon at oakland roadster show he was showing his 50s build bailon merc the metal work was perfect but it was & is the uglyist merc ive seen that 6 inch heart inset in the trunk was just to much .frank de rosa's first 51 4 door chop was even worse these guys are good with a hammer but have no eye for taste .reminds me of the pharros merc if you opened the trunk 4" of back window glass sticking through the trunk .but de ros'a is still king of bad taste sorry but true
How many Hall of Fames are YOU in? Are you recognized so highly like my 82 year old father?...who by the way is STILL customizing and working at his age because he GENUINELY LOVES CARS...All sorts of models, shapes, colors, tastes..."rolling art" no matter what your taste is.
Oh wait...Do you have a tab with your name on Riks page? Maybe we can all check your customs and/or hot rods there....
Just curious......Not trying to call you out or anything but you talk like you have such great knowledge of builders and their techniques so you obviously know your stuff...right ya'll?.
To each his or her own...Beauty if definitely in the eye of the beholder....
You might want to re think your comments. I saw the car in May 09 and the restoration quality is completley off the hook. I give what I saw a 12 out of 10, there has been no expense spared in this restoration and the attention to detail is beyond description. It is going back to the same configuration as it was when it won the Oakland Roadster show. You might want to swing by and see it for yourself, she's a jaw dropper now.
The King of Mercs is definitely going to WOW everyone when it returns to the scene! I've seen the pics and the great attention to detail that is being put into it's re-build and restoration and I can't say enough positive things! The De Rosa Family 2009
This is one nice chop but one problem it looks like it won't have any side windows the way it has been chopped. Also do you have any pictures of the front widow install?
I like the chop a lot but wish i knew how much of a chop you did (front & back) also wish there was pictures of the rear window chop and the pillers and removing the glass. I'm going to chop my 51 chevy coupe in the spring and need all the info and pictures i can get. but all in all a very nice chop. can you send me more info and pictures. Denny
You have to thank Bob Nitti of New Jersey Central Auto Body for getting the major part of all the reconstruction work done on the aztec Barry Mazza's partner. The car was a total mess before Nitti got his hands on it and got it to Lead East in presentable condition. Thank You Bob for saving a piece of history
Somewhere back down the line, someone put a floor shift tranny it to replace the column shift that was standard for that model. I owned one as my first car. It was probably the least dependable car I ever owned. With the slighest abuse, the transmission would shell the teeth from the cluster gear and it would then run up on top of the main drive gear teeth and expand the axis to the point of breaking the transmission case. Truly the weakest link. I went through a half dozen trannies before I learned to treat them easy. I got most of my replacements from the wrecking yard and once put a floor shifter in, like is shown. Memories flood back..
I bought this car in 1983 and would really like to know if anyone has period color photos or hands-on knowledge of the car, so I can take it back accurately.
I always liked the nose on this car. I didn't know it still existed. I'm glad it does for sure. Although I didn't care for the original paint scheme, white isn't the answer either. These turtles look best in dark colors. the Wally welch is a good example. T.
This is the best instalation of a 51 desoto grille in a merc, for sure. Most guys mount the teeth to far forward and it takes away from the great merc shell. I know the fenders are extended, however the teeth are mounted further in than most. Kinda like when a person has buck teeth and then get braces. What a difference it makes.
Justin; If you touch this car, like attempt to restore to original, you will be making a big mistake! For sure. It's beautiful, so enjoy it and ride the tires off it. I'm happy you found it and wish you luck. Take care. T.
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