Mercury 1949 - 51 custom & mild custom galerie

Une merveille ! Je suis juste moins emballée par le tableau de bord et ce volant... A part ça j'adore le look !

Le volant est à chier grave !!  

So-called "contemporary" customs have gone through many phases in the past two decades, from the "dipped" monochromatic look to the pastel-painted, tweed-interior fad to recent styles with big-inch billet wheels and airbag suspensions. While aspects of each trend linger, we're seeing more traditional influences in today's contemporary customs. Chrome bumpers are again in vogue, as are shiny grilles and polished side trim. Richer colors have made comebacks too, along with softer-looking interiors.

Ed and JoAnna Potestio's gorgeous '50 Mercury was arguably destined to straddle the line between modern and classic. Its inspiration was a chopped Merc Ed almost bought in 1951 while stationed in San Diego in the Navy. He had to wait until his 50th birthday to get his own '50 Merc as a gift from his son, Eddie, and it would be another two decades before the car took shape. By then, Eddie had established a more modern approach at his shop, Eddie's Rods & Customs, in Pueblo West, Colorado.

We're getting ahead of ourselves though. Ed's birthday Merc was really just a body shell resting on a modified chassis with a Nova subframe. For a subsequent birthday, Eddie had someone chop the top, but the sub par execution basically ruined it. Father and son were both so discouraged they let the car sit for years.


Eddie eventually worked up the courage to fix the top himself. There was just one problem: He'd never chopped a car, or even done any welding! Nevertheless, he bought a MIG welder, learned to use it, and went to work. Starting on a Friday evening, Eddie had the old top off and a new one tacked on by Sunday. He eliminated the B-pillars, shaved the driprails, and lowered the lid 3 1/2 inches in front and 4 inches in the rear. Completing the chop gave Eddie confidence to tackle more metalwork, like molding the grille shell, rounding the hood corners, and crafting full-length lakes pipe shrouds. He handed the car over to Chris Ramirez at Ramirez Rod & Custom, in Casper, Wyoming, for finish bodywork and additional mods like frenched headlights and flush-fit fender skirts. Chris also shot the stunning blue pearl paint, which D&S Paints created using PPG materials. The finish was complemented with tasteful pinstriping by Large, and bookended with modified stock bumpers-a narrowed one in front, and a rear unit fit with custom LED taillights.

"The look we were trying to achieve was a mix of old school (what dad wanted), and more modern (the way we usually build our cars)," Eddie says. "Rather than 15-inch wheels with Cad hubcaps, we opted for 17-inch Colorado Custom Segundos-which look like Cad caps-and 17-inch Diamondback Classic whitewalls. We used a '47 Kaiser grille bar with a [painted aluminum] backing. We feel [combinations] like this don't compromise the look of the car; it just makes it appeal to more people."

There were no compromises made underneath the Merc either. Eddie outfitted the Nova subframe with Air Ride Technologies air springs, while Bobby Padilla used Air Ride's four-link kit to suspend the Nova rearend. Master Power supplied disc brakes for all four corners, plus an under-floor master cylinder. All chassis components were powdercoated, painted, or otherwise thoroughly detailed, as was the 350ci Chevy V-8. Performance Associates rebuilt the engine, Eddie's friend Leo Suazo donated the vintage Edelbrock intake and three 2GC carbs, and Magnaflow supplied the stainless pipes and mufflers. An aluminum radiator from Air Mobile took care of cooling chores, while an electric push- button shifter from RetroTek was added to control the TH350 automatic.

Interiors are Eddie's specialty, and it shows. After lining the cabin with Cascade Audio sound deadening material, Eddie mounted bucket seats from Interior Supply & Services and built custom rear seats, side panels, and a floating console. He covered the soft parts with ivory leather, accenting it with gray suede and aluminum trim. Al's Creative Autosound took care of tunes using a Pioneer stereo and Kicker speakers, while a Painless wiring harness sparked things to life. Finally, the smooth, suede-covered dash was fitted with Auto Meter gauges, Hot Rod Air climate controls, a Flaming River tilt column, and a Colorado Custom wheel.

Completed in about a year, the Merc debuted at the 2005 SEMA Show. It went on to compete for the World's Most Beautiful Custom title at the 2006 Sacramento Autorama, was invited to the Fresno Autorama, and made a splash at the KKOA Leadsled Spectacular last summer.

"We were honored to have just about every customizing legend in the country stop by the car," Eddie says of the KKOA show. "All had kind words and seemed to really love the car. It was great for us just to be noticed by these builders, but then came the awards. We received the Grand Marshall Award, picked and given by Darryl Starbird. Then we were honored by winning Most Spectacular Leadsled, which was picked by a judging staff and given to us by George Barris. The best part was when he said it was one of the most beautiful Mercs he had ever seen!" That's mighty high praise for a very cool Merc.

Read more: http://www.customrodder.com/features/0703cr_1950_mercury_custom/viewall.html

hough it would be hard to prove, we're willing to wager that there are more chopped '49-51 Mercurys today than there ever were in the '50s. In fact, we're pretty sure chopped versions now outnumber those with stock lids, and sometimes wonder if any original examples survive.



A few Merc coupes must have avoided the chopping block, because Tom Kowalski's '51 was one of them until a couple years ago. From the history Tom has uncovered, it sounds like his Merc was destined for the knife several times. It just never got there. "Apparently the car was purchased new by a Korean war veteran with his Army separation pay," Tom says. "Marriage and family sidetracked his plans for the car, and it was eventually sold to a traveling salesman who hoped to one day customize it like the Barris-style cars of the time. Years passed and the car was sold in a divorce settlement.




"The Merc passed through a couple more owners until a Baptist minister acquired it from the estate of one of his congregation," Tom continues. "The minister advertised it for sale to pay for a new roof on the church. So that's how I got the car, for a re-roof on a Baptist church. I thought: This car has passed through so many owners, all with dreams for it that never materialized. Why not try to build it the way they would have if they could?"



Tom had more self-serving motives too--he's wanted a custom Merc since the '50s. "If you grew up in that era, you just had to get one eventually," Tom says. "For years I've been looking for an unmolested Merc from one end of the country to the other." Fuzzy dice and Fiesta hubcaps were the car's only non-stock parts when Tom got it. Not for long. Tom wasted little time carting the Merc from his Colorado home to Hot Rods by Dean in Phoenix. It was a bold shop selection and Tom says he spent a lot of time "explaining to people that a relatively new shop run by a 35-year-old kid could make a [traditional] project like this come to life." Seeing Dean's previous work gave Tom all the assurance he needed.



Another factor in Tom's favor was his own good taste and design sense. The modifications he requested included a host of classic treatments, starting with a tasteful top chop--2 inches in front, 3 in back, plus an additional inch in the crown--with leaned B-pillars and '50 rear glass. The headlights were frenched using '54 Merc rings, while the molded grille opening was filled with '53 DeSoto teeth. Rounded front and rear hood corners and a reshaped '53 DeSoto bumper completed the forward appearance.



Moving back, the signature Mercury "humps" were removed from the doors, leaving straight, graceful fadeaway fender lines. These were complemented with '53 Buick side trim capped with small rocker panel lights in handmade housings. Rounded door corners, molded quarter-panels, and flush-fit fender skirts smoothed things out further. The aft appearance was refined using frenched '54 Merc taillights and a bumper built from two '53 DeSoto units. That bumper, and all other brightwork, was plated at Finishing Touch in Chicago. When Dean's shop was done with the bodywork, Doug Jerger at Squeeg's Kustoms loaded his gun with custom-mixed PPG bone white and candy red hues to lay down the fantastic finish.



While sparks and paint were flying in Arizona, Earl Floyd Engines in Portland, Oregon, was freshening up the 276ci Merc Flathead with new bearings and rings. The little mill was topped with Offy heads, finned aluminum accessories, Fenton headers, and three Stromberg 97s on an Offy intake before being delivered to Dean's for paint and detailing. Earl also rebuilt the original three-speed overdrive transmission.

Most of the car stayed true to '50s form, but a few chassis updates were made for safety and comfort. Dean's crew installed a Jamco ball joint conversion kit, disc brakes, and sway bar, along with custom upper control arms. The frame was C-notched before another Jamco sway bar and de-arched leaf springs were installed in back. Tru Design built custom front wheels to accept Cadillac hubcaps, and Diamondback Classic whitewall radials were used all around.Stitch master Lance Troupe was called upon to finish the Merc with period-style upholstery, and delivered by wrapping the stock front seat and custom rear in supple, cream-colored leather. Even the inside of the firewall got the rolled and pleated treatment, contrasting nicely with the body-color dash. An American Autowire harness sparked things to life.



After waiting a half-century to scratch his chopped Merc itch, Tom relished watching his candy-and-cream custom reach completion in just 18 months. "As a kid, the only way I could afford a car was to work on it myself," Tom says. "Now I'm lucky enough to have the car built the way it would have been, back in the day." He's well aware that the preservation efforts of the car's previous owners helped make this project possible. "If they were here to see it," Tom says, "I'd like to think they would be smiling."

Read more: http://www.customrodder.com/features/0701cr_1951_mercury_coupe/

Here is a rare 1950 Mercury. The car is in awesome condition, inside and out, has no rust spots. The 350 motor and 350 Automatic transmission run strong with no problems. Car has been garage kept since owned so the paint looks perfect with allot of detail like the flames in front and James Dean on back! Also has Air Ride technologies installed for a ultra smooth ride on the road. The Dolphin gages are all working and are like-new, also the upholstery and carpet look great with no holes or tears.

There's nothing like assuming the helm of a lights-out lead sled. Whether it's the fault of James Dean, Sam Barris or just stellar design, 49-51 Mercurys seem gifted with universal appeal that few classics possess. This world class Mercury Kustom is the recipient of a complete, frame-off restoration that combines unbelievable paint with epic metalwork, a potent Ford flathead and a clean custom interior. With a history of national awards, the car easily navigates the line between awesome weekend warrior and show-stopping crowd pleaser. And if you're the kind of buyer who's searching for a stunning, all-steel masterpiece that features a roster of top notch equipment, no hot rod offers more style for less money!

Initially completed in late 1996, 'Tradition' is the direct result of what happens when a seasoned gearhead has an uncompromised vision, major dedication and an army of very talented, very caring associates. The car's creator, famed tattoo artist and Beatnik Koolsville founder Brian Everett, wanted to debut a fresh sled that embodied the class and simplicity of a '50s hot rod build. In what seemed like divine coincidence, this solid coupe appeared in one of his neighbor's yards, and he quickly negotiated a sale price. It wasn't long before the car was headed to L'il John Harvey of L'il John's Kustom Studio in Las Lunas, New Mexico. And Everett announced plans to debut his creation at the 1997 Grand National Roadster Show. The project's work schedule was frantic, with everyone from Everett, his friends, his wife, L'il John Harvey's wife and even award-winning customizer Rick Dore putting hands on the build. But, thanks to a lot of passion and elbow grease, the Candy Red and Pearl White Kustom was locked, loaded and ready to go just in time for the 48th annual GNRS. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Mother Nature had the last laugh, unleashing a giant snow storm between Everett and the Pomona Fairplex. And, after the car claimed the Joe Bailon Candy Apple Award at the Sacramento Autorama, then placed First in Class at Blackie Gejeian's Fresno Autorama, it was officially mothballed in preparation for the 1998 Grand National Roadster Show.

Fast Forward to January 1998 when, en route to the 49th annual GNRS, Everett found himself staring at a totaled Suburban, equally mangled trailer and substantially creased 'Tradition'. On the way to its big debut, something had gone awry with the Mercury's hauler, causing it to barrel roll down the highway and, once again, dash his hopes of headlining the Grand National. Now more determined than ever, Brian declared his intent to take the car to a third Grand National Roadster Show, and invited L'il John Harvey to his house for dinner and a discussion of the beloved Merc's rebirth. Both agreed that the recent mishap presented a unique opportunity to create something a bit different; and this diamond dusted, Candy Tangerine over Maroon and Silver Kustom became their ultimate resolution. Today, the car's striking House Of Kolor body still owns the show, wherever it goes. And overall, 'Tradition' stands as a timeless and exceptionally executed tribute to skilled customization and classic American hot rodding!

The styling of Mercury's second generation Eight was successful in both ending the monotony of warmed-over pre-war designs and differentiating the brand from its comparable Ford cousin: a trick that spelled BIG sales success. Those newfound sales made the car immensely popular with customizers, and in 1949 the first lead sled, built by Sam Barris, pioneered what would become hot rodding's definitive '50s custom. At the front of this seamed coupe, a wraparound bumper hangs a '52 Kaiser guard below frenched Lucas headlights, a custom, hand-fabricated grille, and a nosed, rounded and louvered hood. Behind that hood, flush, chrome-trimmed glass rides inside capped wipers, traditional spotlights and a chopped and filled roof. At the sides of that roof, a shaved profile floats '55 Pontiac stainless between a frenched antenna and flush-fit fender skirts. And behind those skirts, a second wraparound bumper centers a second Kaiser guard between small exhaust pipes, frenched tail lights, and a decked and rounded trunk.

As Ford's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic and custom car community. And, in keeping with tradition, this awesome Merc is powered by a modified, 221 cubic inch flathead which, in factory guise, twists 6.20 to 1 compression into roughly 85 horsepower. At the top of the sturdy iron mill, a trio of air cleaners funnel wind through a trio of Ford carburetors to a polished Offenhauser 3-pot. At the sides of that intake, aluminum Offenhauser heads seat 48 studs around red, stainless-sleeved Standard Motor Products plug wires. Below those heads, a Candy Maroon block centers a traditional points distributor between cast Fenton headers. Charge comes courtesy of pliable V-belts, which exchange an old school generator for a fresh chrome alternator. And cooling is provided by a custom U.S. Radiator, which is fitted with a big electric pusher fan, corrugated top hoses and traditional, albeit polished tanks. As with any expertly built Kustom, the car's Pearl White engine bay is fully sorted and ready to go. And the clean block looks right at home between a flamed hood, a gold Mercury badge and bright chrome hardware.

Take a look under this all-steel custom and you'll find a traditional Ford skeleton that, despite its road-ready mechanicals, displays very few signs of wear. While its body was off being refinished, this Mercury's old school bones were treated to an equally impressive, tri-tone makeover. At the front of those bones, a factory suspension makes excellent use of chopped coil springs and a Saginaw steering rack. At the back of those bones, a second factory suspension mixes KYB Gas-A-Just shocks with Unkl Al's Low Glide springs. At the center of that chassis, a stalwart Ford 3-speed spins a beefy Dana 60 around big, 4.27 gears. At the sides of that awesome driveline, the aforementioned headers roll spent gases through fresh stainless pipes and small, glasspack-style mufflers. At the corners of that exhaust system, traditional drum brakes provide solid, predictable stops. On the outside of those drums, custom smoothies spin 215/75R15 wide whitewall Cokers around a combination of chrome and painted surfaces. And naturally, pliable hoses, clean lines and a familiar stainless fuel tank complement the Pearl floor's form with fully sorted function.

The pros at Scottsdale's Unique Upholstery fitted this Kustom's classic tuck 'n roll interior which, as 'Tradition' has already proven, is versatile enough to mesh with almost any upgrade. Pleated Pearl seats, which are both soft and supportive, ride on clean gray carpet that's protected by pleated, "Tradition" branded floor mats. In front of those seats, a Pearl dash anchors classic Stewart Warner gauges behind a small mirror, a standard traffic light viewer, two-tone bullet knobs and a vintage High Fidelity radio. At the sides of that dash, custom door panels hang correct hardware in front of body-matched emblems, Pearl frames and bright stainless accents that mimic the '55 Pontiac trim found on the outside of the car's body. Above those panels, a custom headliner flows to an intricately detailed package tray. In front of the driver, a '68 AMC steering column spins a '59 Oldsmobile wheel around a long B&M shifter and killer beatnik shift knob. And behind the passengers, a paneled and carpeted trunk hides a small fuel filler opposite a full-size spare.


Naturally, this incredible build drew the attention of more than just diehard car show groupies. Here's a chronological list of the coupe's major accomplishments:

Recipient of the Joe Bailon Candy Apple Award at the 1997 Sacramento Autorama
Recipient of First in Class at Blackie Gejeian's 1997 Fresno Autorama
Featured in the January 1998 edition of Custom Rodder Magazine
Featured in the February 1998 edition of American Rodder Magazine
Featured in the March 1999 edition of American Rodder Magazine
Chosen as one of Rod & Custom Magazine's 100 Best Rods & Customs for 1999
Featured in the January 2001 edition of Rod & Custom Magazine
In addition to those magazine features, this Merc's sale includes a small stack of restoration photos.
This razor-sharp sled is one of the coolest cruisers on the planet! And at only $79,900, it isn't just a fully restored classic that's attainable for a fraction of its build cost; it's a unique hot rod that sets itself apart from a virtual sea of chopped, diced, smothered and covered street rods. If you're ready to own the very definition of American cool, don't miss out on this incredible Mercury Kustom!

La ya du sacré boulot .....on ne joue pas dans la meme cour ; pas grand chose à redire , peut etre les feux arriere et un interieur un peu trop
monochrome . Mais la je chipote:D 

Cette Mercury c'est une oeuvre d'art

J'ai jamais été fan des volant chevy impala 59-60 dans les merc.... c'est pas adapté pour moi... pas le style quoi....

Ouep, mais c'est un beau volant kamême ...   

mais oui ma poule.... sont superbes ces volants ...mais dans une merc49-50, ca passe moyen pour moi, pas l'époque quoi ....

1949 Mercury Custom 4" custom chop. Recently won best of show by public's choice out of 750 vehicles. I was asked to list the vehicle due to the passing of the owner for the family. The car just appraised at $65,000.    The Mercury has the following custom modifications:
 
 406 small block Chevy- 300 HP              59 Cadillac taillights and parking lights
 600 Holley Carb                                     Corvette grill extra teeth
 Polished intake manifold                        Front disc brakes
 350 Turbo transmission new 2011          Ford 9" rear end (300 gears non posi)
 Power steering F150 box
 Etched glass
 Vintage A/C
 Under carriage neon

1951 fully custom Mercury Coupe
Complete frame off restoration
Frame was powder coated


440 mopar engine installed by Wild West Rod Shop
Automatic transmission was rebuilt
Aluminum heads



New wiring harness
Paint and body done by Jim Malone at Wild West Rod Shop
Italian leather interior done by Lupe Sandoval


Chrome plating by Louis Check
Air ride suspension kit by Air Ride Technologies
Front and rear suspension  is adjustable by 9"


Dakota Digital  Series 3 Gauge System
Exhaust was Jet Hotted  by JET-HOT high Performance Coatings
New white wall tires
A/C

"The Rose" is the 50th anniversary memorial tribute for the first chopped Mercury that Sam Barris completed and was recognized for on the cover of the December, 1951 Motor Trend magazine. "The Rose" is a 1951 Mercury in the original style of John's father, Sam Barris, using the advanced materials and technology of today. Sam was one of the founding fathers of the custom car industry and a consummate craftsman and innovator of custom cars in the 1950s. The concept of "The Rose" was to stay on the cutting edge of technology, while keeping the traditional Barris styling.

elle sont toute sympa