1939 Mercury Coupe Confession - A Build Is Coming - Ep. 3

Anyone who has followed this channel for a while knew deep down inside Matt was going to keep the 1939 Mercury Coupe. He tried his best to play it off, but his poker face isn't the best. While this project is going on the back burner Matt has already gone down the rabbit hole. Over the past week he has already started to gather parts and has plans for the project. Matt sits down and talks about the parts he has gathered, the direction of the project and the look he wants to go for. Thanks for watching and comment below with your thoughts on the plans for the Merc Coupe
Oh, Mike didn't even get a bruise.
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[@visfar101]

*gets stabbed with a tractor* "you good?" "I'm ok." Like a boss

[@BFKAnthony817]

Dude just walked it off. I don't know that I would have been able to!

[@dannywimberly7639]

When ar you going t do t Marc

[@jamesinkeys]

Please, don't chop the top! .. Beautiful roof line, is what make the Merc unique...Too much cutting, cuts the soul out of the car...Subbed, and always a thumbs up! : )

[@lobmin]

If you're gonna chop up any 39 Merc, it might as well be this rotted to hell mess...most ppl would call it a total loss anyways

[@billybbadmollyholly7927]

Chop, custom, she's just proud you saved her!!

[@jackobyuk]

i am not too enthused about a chop and channel, because these cars are rare. it will be cool as it is, in my opinion.

[@IronTrapGarage]

It couldn’t be left “as is” since it is so rough. I don’t like the awkward roof line on these stock. It’ll be done in a subtle manner I promise!

[@19reedCharles44]

I am glad you have decided to keep and build the Merc because you do such outstanding work... but, because these cars are so rare I am not too enthused about a chop and channel. Just my opinion. Always enjoy your videos.

[@IronTrapGarage]

These cars are kinda awkward with a stock appearance I think. If the car was cleaner I’d think twice but not resto Guy would take this on.

[@richardcline1337]

I fully agree. The chop and channel idea seems so crude compared to an already classic body style for this car.

[@nealpurdy1202]

Look if matt doesn't custom this rust bucket its future is parts or rat rod...... No one would restore it! Its just too far gone... Congrats matt on your new project! I hope mike is ok that looked bad.... If that tractor has a lower gear might be alittle safer if this happens again

[@paulquirk9041]

Mother nature has started the channel job. And I agree with Matt the lines on these cars are awkward. Would look good with a straight drop. Love fat fenders. You're giving me incentive to get back on my chopped 46 Merc coupe

[@19reedCharles44]

@@paulquirk9041 hey guys, I do trust Matt's judgment and skills. He has a real heart for tradition and craftsmanship. I especially appreciate his love of the flathead V8 and early OHV engines. Bottom line, it's his car, his project. I respect him... lots!

[@johnnyjohn6527]

you need to chek the bucket on the tractor now .make sure its ok

[@roberttaylor5999]

First off, I'm glad Mike is OK! That could have been a lot worse. I'm also happy to see another classic saved. As far gone as it is, I think a custom makes sense. I just wish that you could find a Ford motor for it, but at least you're saving it.

[@michaelthompson1110]

Nooooo Mattie! There’s enough early Fords and Mercs with brand x engines. That is rare Ford tin. Keep it all Ford please!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Early olds and caddy engines were king of the hill in the early days and the Caddy is such a perfect custom engine because they were so smooth. I dig caddy engines myself. Any early OHV engine is neat in an old custom or hot rod if done right.

[@jasonwheeler8996]

I've always wanted a car like this with a 302 under the hood.

[@michaelthompson1110]

IronTrap Garage you’re right Matt, I ain’t gonna lie. The Cads and Olds quickly dispatched the Flatheads in the streets. Ford was behind after the war because Henry was really beginning to slip in the mid to late 40’s and FoMoCo as a whole this fell into disarray. Many of you probably know Henry II was plucked out of the Navy to run the company (mainly for wartime supplier purposes) and after the war they were in terrible shape. Henry II hired the “Whiz Kids” and were able to get both the business procedures corrected AND introduce the iconic ‘49 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln models. The Flathead soldiered on primarily for two reasons, first it was such a good engine that it could remain viable for a few more years. Second and more importantly there was simply not enough money to develop a new line of OHV’s at the same time they did the three new car lines. This set up one of the worst injustices in all of automobiledom. The iconic and cool Fords which in my opinion were on average the best looking cars in their price range were virtually all swapped with some sort of anything but a genuine Ford engine. (The heart of the vehicle) This is akin to if there was a tidal wave of Honda powered Harley Davidsons. I don’t think that would be thought of so fondly. I understand though tradition is tradition even if I think it’s wrong.

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

@@michaelthompson1110 That's a pretty good synopsis, and all true. But it doesn't go into Ford's first player in the OHV market, the short-lived Y block. That engine never really caught on with hot rodders for two reasons: it was late to the game in 1954, and it didn't have a strong aftermarket for performance parts like the GM engines and the Gen 1 Hemis. It ran pretty good, but was not up to the power levels of the other OHV engines, so you didn't see them used very often. Ford decided that they needed a smaller V8, and a bigger V8, so the FE and small block Windsor series replaced the mid-size Y block, and were both great engines - but coming too late for the custom and hot rod swapping craze of the mid to late '50s, so the other engines became more "traditional" in these cars.

[@williamworden3597]

The cadillac motor is perfect for this car Matt. It's about traditional as it comes. Can't believe anybody would replace it in a 40 Ford for a SBC (must have been a. ...shudder. ...street rodder ).

[@ethandixon1267]

I will say this if a car is already painstakingly restored you don't bother it but if it is like this one do what ever you want because regardless it is yours and you saved it!!

[@billybbadmollyholly7927]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and she's Gorgeous!! Bravo!!

[@MrJkeefer]

Damn Mike glad that bucket doesn’t have sharp blades on the end of it. That looked bad. Glad you’re ok.

[@FatManWalking18]

or teeth

[@Ecosse57]

a split second before the gut shot i was thinking 'man that doesn't look safe'. i am so psyched for this project and love the direction you seem to be taking with it.

[@RichieCat4223]

This build looks like at least 300 part video. Lol. As a side note I would have played ring around the eye with you taking the Caddy engine out of the pickup. Lol.

[@marcijunebug]

Richard Ferrara I’m working on a very crusty 58vw bus...I’m thinking 1000 videos and that’s just the rust repair😂😆

[@birdssurfshed]

Good on ya Matt! Worthy and worth it in the end.

[@mulkster39]

Great Decision Matt and props to the cleaning and keeping of this Merc! After the floor full of rat poop in my 51 shoebox, I abandoned it but you power-washed on! Looking forward to the videos going forward on this build!

[@tracywraley6892]

That is Great you found fenders for the Mercury that are so exceptional

[@IronTrapGarage]

Saves some work!

[@lasalleman]

Looks good. Wouldn't chop the top or do anything radical to the sheet metal.

[@bartikusskaguy]

I'm excited to see this build, it should be amazing.

[@paultidsy4019]

This Merc looked pretty roached anyway so why not have some fun with it. Go custom. You’re saving it from a certain fate anyway.

[@charlesrives9092]

I see LOTS of bodywork in your future. Keep on saving them!

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Dangerous tractor driver. Glad you are keeping the Merc and going to chop it. :

[@davidgourdie3691]

Billy Gibbons Cadzilla springs to mind.Bit rough on your gopher,think you owe him a pint and a steak.

[@hotrodZack1948]

Hell yeah man I’m excited to see this. Dude that stick shift caddy stuff is sttuuuppiiiddd rare!

[@carlraymondgrenier787]

the fact that you are restoring the mercury give me hope that the rust on my car that is way less sever is fixable like the vid man keep them comming

[@eugenethompson6644]

I absolutely love these junkyard builds. Can't wait for future videos

[@QuickSpeedShop]

Hell ya Matt! Perfect plan for the '39. I want to do a similar build with the '41 Merc coupe I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I'll be by at Hershey to grab a hat!

[@huntsman5226]

Good to see you are keeping it and putting it together

[@keynasiebert9173]

I hope Mike is OK! That looked like a hard hit!

[@keithhaycraft3765]

What surprised me was that after being hit in the comic cuts, Mike still stood in front of the tractor bucket. Not sure if he is brave or not too bright. Lol.

[@keynasiebert9173]

@@keithhaycraft3765 lol

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Lesson in not panicking and staying cool on both ends, well played bet He had nice bruise to show the Wife..

[@scotth9881]

This will be a fun one to watch. As rough as it is, it's a good choice to go custom. You're not cutting up a good one, and your using a car alot of people would not have saved. It's great to see your doing something with it. Also, am early style custom will fit right into your collection. It's a little something different for each car you build.

[@niceperson709]

Life often makes decisions for us and to be honest I am glad that you are going to be building this car because I love watching you bash the tin

[@MrStacy1974]

Sectioning the Merc' will save a lot of rust repair, good call.

[@kennethmason7159]

Looking forward to seeing this bill thanks for not destroying the old girl and putting her back thanks for what you're doing to both cars anyway looking forward to watching both bills

[@emmanuelyuda1766]

I'm a simple man. I saw a 1939 Mercury Coupe, I click subscribe.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Perfect!

[@Dave_Boyer]

Man...this is how it always goes. When I bought my Model A, I said I was done. But...I recently found a car that I didn’t think existed, it’s a special order car, pretty much the way I would have bought one new, and for some strange reason I’ve got all the parts it needs..so my trip to Hershey is going to be cancelled, and I’ll be going to Texas instead. I was really looking forward to going.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Bummer but congrats on the new car!

[@robbh.6505]

Coming to the party late, but wanted to add a comment re sectioning the body, along w/ the channel. (This car is the perfect candidate w/ the rotten bottom sections.) I recall a couple of 39-40 Fords that were sectioned and they look pretty good in the early custom theme. Same goes for the Caddy engine; very popular swap back then...

[@billbarker6818]

A chopped top , tail draggi'n 39 merc?, Awwww yea! Btw, both my hotrods scare off most of the chicks.

[@StLouisSled]

You referred to an early Barris build as inspiration for this build. I know the owner of the Johnny Zaro 1940 Mercury very well. That car was one of the cars featured in a 1949 edition of Hot Rod mag. It appears that a couple of the photos you showed were of that car. If you need any detailed photos or information on his car let me know and I'll get them for you. I can access this car just about anytime. Let me know how and I will give you my contact info. Thanks, Mike

[@IronTrapGarage]

Wow thank you! I’d love to see more detailed photos of the car overall especially around the base of the roof at the catwalk and the b pillars, etc. shoot us an email if it’s easier! [e-mail]

[@s.sestric9929]

@@IronTrapGarage I like the Nick Matranga Merc built by Sam Barris the best, but if you want to keep the B-pillars maybe look at the one Rudy Rodriguez built for Paul Hoffman. kustomrama.com/wiki/Paul_Hoffmann%27s_1940_Mercury

[@UberLummox]

@@s.sestric9929 Hell yeah. Sam knew what looked right. Slant them B pillars!!!!!

[@robertwayne2004]

Look nice have fun on your winter project Thanks for sharing a friend from Canada Rob ✌

[@danielboyd4618]

I've been watching other things, it's what I do skip around but my idea would leave you a bunch of boxes of parts. All you need to do is but a big sheet of aluminum a 392 hemi 1958 not scat pack a 671 blower get it put together and put the front end nosebleed high in the air what do you have, I'll tell you a badass gaser if you build it I'll drive it, it's race name can be "swamp merc"😎😎😎😎

[@nigelsandeman2642]

Cars brimming with character are forever worth saving

[@greenmountainsuriving]

I am so happy you are doin the Merc Matt a couple years back I had a 41 Merc grill that was N.O.S those old Merc's are classy ty from Vermont

[@juliangerardcascio1111]

The way Ford made it is BEST !! "Petty Too"!!

[@Moparmaga-1]

Jesus Christ I had a mini panic when dum dum hit you with the bucket, that could have been really really bad

[@mowler8042]

HOLY JEEZE LOUISE you almost crushed a dude....glad he was not hurt this will be a fun build.

[@MrJoey1970]

i watched a video on KZbin about easy jacks junkyard in junction city Kansas and they had tons of old mercury's and fords there i know they will have a frame you want. if you go to this junk yard you will be in heaven.i know i would.

[@mikeslattery8715]

Myself I, really like the looks of the 1939 Better than the 1940. 💥😎☝️⚡☝️

[@Iconoclasher]

You're gonna replace all the sheet metal, engine, and the frame? That's kinda like restoring Lizzy Borden's axe. New head and a new handle, but.... "it's the same axe!" 😂

[@vincef9395]

Awesome, can't wait for the build on this one

[@santiagoelias6172]

Hell yeaaaah man!..i've been bouncn back and forth on your videos..watchn you and mike resserekt that rust bomb..finally decided to sub and get notified...that ride you guys pulled out the swamp is looking happier every video...cant wait to seethat caddy engine wedged into that frame...keep rockn!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for the sub! 🙏

[@carlwhite8225]

So Glad you are building that car, Love the channel.

[@ce7618]

I like the way you was brave when the bucket hit you. Your mate said you okay, then you rub your belly. Dam I would of said all the ffffs lol. I like what are going to do with the car Matt. All the best from uk

[@IronTrapGarage]

We’re used to doing stupid shit all the time haha.

[@jameshicks4944]

You were very fortunate this time with Mike and the old tractor,made me hurt just seeing it happen.

[@craigcaggiano431]

Another cool video ...

[@SeanPwnery]

If that Caddy engine doesn't pan out - how bout a Zephyr V12? :D

[@patmclean1951]

SeanPwnery sure those gotta be a common thing just lyin around :)

[@SeanPwnery]

@@patmclean1951 H&H Flatheads :D

[@Ken6151]

The "new" fenders can serve as a pattern for patching the original fenders to make them usable for putting some other Merc back on the road.

[@_Peremalfait]

0:59 That's gonna leave a mark.

[@oteroair]

I just started a project. 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak, going on a 2001 ZR S10 rolling chase :)

[@jerrylemky1882]

Looking forward to seeing more of the build

[@IronTrapGarage]

gotta get a few of the other projects wrapped up and its next!!

[@jeffthorpe8667]

You are a menace with that tractor

[@marcijunebug]

Wait a minute! Second “girl slam” in last two videos! 😂customs don’t pick up this girl...but rust does! Lol

[@jeffryheintz5738]

You should call it the Swamp Ghost.

[@veeeight1976]

Outstanding news.

[@MrJeep75]

Cool plan looking forward to seeing it

[@juliangerardcascio1111]

That will ruin the car ,keep it the way FORD made it !! Flat Head too !!!!

[@prettyvacant09]

Love this build

[@robertironside3166]

Some paint company sponsor Matt so he'll start finishing some of these to paint [aside from the Free T that is]. :-)) Slight chop... not too drastic. lol Slick paint job in the end :-))

[@ProjectRescues]

So glad you decided to build it! :)

[@vincentbasso4903]

When get it on road and do a video. Play Steve Miller's tune," I'm going to buy me a Mercury " Great vid Matt

[@georgestemple3310]

Sounds good can't wait

[@Pi-Photo]

Soo looking forward for this build!

[@maltmakers]

Keep the 39 Mercury B pillar!! It's going to be way cool!! Early customs are my favorate.

[@stephengordon8968]

Good call saving the mercury !

[@binderstem31]

Holy cow ! Glad your ok.

[@53chevsled]

Awesome awesome awesome, so glad to see that you’re going to do an early style custom with the Merc , ouch Mike’s taken a gut shot for the team lol hope he’s alright, keep up the cool content guys and cheers from down under Tasmania/ Australia 😎👍👍🇦🇺

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigpencap]

Mike is a badass!

[@jimhall9624]

I bet Mike is feeling pain today- it's always the day after the pain kicks in !

[@robis40]

I wanted you to put a Ford engine in it but I will accept a Cadillac engine. As long as it's not a Chevrolet.

[@ryankukkuk2913]

It's all good moving stuff around... But build that thing already!

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s in line. Need to finish other things first.

[@ryankukkuk2913]

@@IronTrapGarage yes I get you there.. I have been dieing to finish my 1974 mustang II... But living expenses and clients cars get in the way. Busy staring my own company at the moment.. Getting a job in south Africa is no easy task anymore BEE regulations and now the Corona virus.. Im acualy verry interested in getting work in the USA. Do you need a spray painter? I also do fibreglass fabrication, electrical and mechanical to..

[@michaelmacdonald9252]

Dude that could have been way worse with the tractor, supper lucky. just watching it gave me a sinking feeling for a second.

[@Hagbergscorner]

This is really good news! 🍻

[@MrJeep75]

The April swap meet in Portland Oregon always got alot of stuff

[@MrAminhidayatulloh]

be carefully.....safety first,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@jasongecik9059]

I'm looking forward to this Mercury . You guys got me inspired, I've got a 49 Plymouth I need to start on.. keep it up.🥰

[@gjmoore5757]

Great idea. So many cool cars. Looking forward to seeing Merc being customized.

[@mattmoilanen3813]

I know how you get your mind set on a path for a car Matt but it would be just tits to build a Bonneville car out of that old girl. With the flowing lines, a section and chop it seems the shape was made for it. That and the Caddy engine would make it such a period correct "Hot Rod".

[@ervingoertzen7233]

Oh that was safe , never ever be in front of equipment, on the side ALWAYS!

[@frankno2plus1]

There was never any doubt you were going to keep it. and you know it.......................................LOL.

[@guillermonieri4203]

Good going!

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Great video, Guys!

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

Have to call you Haz-Mat after that tractor scene!

[@Mercmad]

I was wondering about the Merc, the body work is not too bad ,judging by the views I can see in the vids. 😎😎

[@rustyredemptions]

OK with the Caddy for the build, but I would like to see if the flathead would run before you pull it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

This car has been sitting in a swamp since the 60s. I’ll put money on the Flathead being locked up

[@rustyredemptions]

@@IronTrapGarage probably. But didn't it have oil in it? I bet a little Marvel in the plug holes would loosen it. I've unlocked several over the years like that.

[@patiencep2667]

Matt, hi I’m Gene from Oregon. I was wondering what has happened to this build. I love watching your channel. Please don’t leave me hanging.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We’ll be tearing into it some this summer. Being gathering parts for it until we get some other projects done first

[@freddiebates5539]

I think you made a good score with the parts and engine.

[@WACRE44]

I like the Mercury

[@tompalcie6284]

Check out the Cleveland oh craigslist. There was a 39- 40 merc frame on there awhile ago. It was up there for a bit. Might still be there.

[@jaysenballantine5489]

yes yes yes woohoo cant wait for the kustom build

[@vicmabus1532]

Ha! I knew you'd keep it!

[@markk3652]

Lucky there wasn't a mike ass sized dent into the pickup roof, as well as a crushed tailgate! Glad it only looked bad. Start hoarding scrap steel and miles of mig wire for that mercury. I can't imagine the metalwork, and rare part hunting in your future. Get that 39 ford done first tho, eager to see you see it thru.

[@dimadee]

What about doing something crazy like a small 1" chop but keep the screen full size? Not sure if it would work, but it could be nuts? Love your comment....Customs are for picking up girls and hot rods are for keeping them away. Ha Ha Ha

[@racer6583]

I knew you would keep it those 39 merc's are hard to find, and most that are for sale their a arm a leg and your child and grand child to purchase.