Thread: new guy from Texas...

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Hi all, new to this forum, but been a long time member of others..

I've messed around with cars a bit here and there (mostly late-model Camaros and Trans Ams), but I'm hoping to learn some things from this site.

Anyway, I just put a deposit on a '63 Merc Monterey Custom and barring any title issues I should be taking posession of it in the next month or so... I'm nervous about getting into such a large project but at the very least I guess I'll learn some things.

Here are some pics of the Merc which I'm paying $1500 for:

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/k...nkist/Mercury/

The car appears to have never been wrecked, and although its not running - doesn't appear like it will take much to get going. The interior is is excellent shape overall with only some small maintenance needing to be done (dash top, steering wheel)

My initial plans include going through the motor/trans to make sure its running right then replace all the door/trunk weatherstripping so it keeps out the elements. I'd like to get the feeling of driving it as it was designed.

After that I'd like to paint it some shade of black and although the chrome appears nice, it will likely look its age when its against new paint. I also want to drop it (bags?), tint it, and go with a modern wheel/tire setup. I want to add a few hidden electronic items (stereo with an MP3/Ipod doc and modern speakers behind factory grills).

I'm thinking dark, low and slow... but I'm open to thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

~ Richard

Welcome to CHR,
I like your idea for the car, and it looks good already! Goood luck with it. There are many people here that will answer your questions.

Pat

Welcome to CHR. Merc seems to be a solid car with a lot of potential. Want advice or help just ask. Actualy we also have an abundant reservoir of opinions too.

Welcome nice ride...Dennis

Welcome. Very nice ride. Looks in really nice shape. Should be a fun project. Got a 390 under the hood? I like what you have planned for the car too...

Yup, its got the 390...bone stock and approx 77k original miles. I'm thinking with a new battery and a little work it will probably be back under its own power. It probably would be a decent candidate for a full blown restoration, but that's not really my thing. I'm getting it for $1500 so one of the things I'm wondering is whether its a good deal. I know the owner didn't really want to sell it, but its one of those projects that he just never had the time or money for.

Oh, and I'd also like to know what soert of things I need to take into account if I decide I'd like a late-model engine and OD trans in the car. It would be nice to have a fuel injected setup so it would get better overall mileage.

The car looks to me to be worth well in excess of $1500. You scored!!
As far as the low, dark and slow part of it, I'm in with that.

If you do start thinking about a more modern powertrain for the car, buy a whole running car with the motor/trans you want and part it out. Use what you need and sell off the rest. That's the way I have done it for years and it really works out well. You don't have to chase down any other parts, you have all the wiring right there and when you're done, you get to recoup some of the money you paid for the donor. I have actually come out on the plus side a couple of times.

Nice Ol' Merc!

This is one of a few models that four doors actually looks "just fine" and it's sure a lot more fun to cruse in with another couple. The black and low theme is right on. Be careful with the tint to check with your local "Authority Having Jurisdiction", i.e., the cops, as there may be some restrictions on the front doors and windshield as to how dark you can go.

Killer stereo is essential to listen to Booker T and the MGs as well as some Buddy Holly!!

I concur with the above statement, re; new drive train. Get a totaled late model from a wrecking yard so you have all the pieces - not just engine and transmission, but the computer controls and all the emission parts that really are a part of the newer engines. It really doesn't take much to total a new car, usually if all the air bags deploy, so you can find one that the engine and associated components are still in great shape. I recently saw a late model F-150 advertised as drivable but totaled with 20K miles for $1,500.

With an updated drive train, you'll probably need to re-do the instruments but that's a boat load of fun and you can be real creative with Autometer or maybe Dakota Digital, eh?

She's a beaut! Have lots of fun and keep us informed as to your progress!

Regards,
Glenn

I'd normally say keep the 390 as I love the old vintage stuff. But it would be really cool to drop in a 4.6 DOHC modular engine and trans. As much as I like the FE engines the 4.6's are a really nice upgrade that won't break the bank. And there's more than enough room under the hood there. I really like the 4.6's and have been thinking about tinkering with one myself. And there are tons of new parts and kits with blowers or turbo's that are netting some big HP numbers.

'93 to '97 Mark VIII. All alloy 4.6 and overdrive 4-spd automatic. I've seen them in good running condition for $1500.

I posted a reply Fri, but its pending approval. All weekend long it hasn't posted.

Since it seems to be working now... lol

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

If I went with a Mark VIII donor, how much is a running 390 worth? I did a quick local search and found there had been a Mark VIII for sale for 1800 as recent as last month. Any particular years I should stay away from (cam changes, problems)?

thanks again guys!

Wow, does that car bring back some great memories. A buddy and I toured the country in (might be) that car. I really liked the trick roll down rear window. We had a homemade sign on that window that stated "Candy's dandy, but Liquor's quicker" and it really got attention west of the mississippy.
We had a great time and the Merc didn't give us any trouble at all and had plenty of interior room for 4. I'd say You got a steal on it.

Thanks for all the info/feedback guys.

p.s. I find it humorous that they edited the title of the thread removing the acronym, but in spaceman's title he has the same acronym there unedited. What's next, removing the acronym "BS" from use? hehe...

I bought the car and as of Saturday its in my driveway. I'm stil clearing the way to getting her moved into the garage.