Building The Last Major Panels For The Chopped 1939 Mercury

[@jerryhablitzel3333]

You’re sneaking up on it. I envy your skills on the metal work. I wouldn’t even be able to come close to being able to tackle a custom roof chop like you’re doing. The shape is about as good as I’ve ever seen as far as it having the right flow to it. I’ve really enjoyed watching this project.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for the kind words. We appreciate your support!

[@user-kq7xt6cq8q]

With the New roof line its ging to be a very beautiful hotrod /lowrider. Great work.

[@Matthew-x9d]

You have taken your Ford to a whole new level of form…You have given it a wonderful streamline look. The sedan looks killer man. Love it.

[@rickkyriakopoulos1103]

I like it ... The less body filler the better !! It's all a learning process, it looks great !! Merry Christmas men 🎄

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@danontherun5685]

I don't understand this fear of body fillers. I've been working on a 32 that was first restored in late 60s with some bondo literally 1/2" thick on the banged up, rusted thin, poorly prepped front fenders and I still have to grind and heat it off. I try to keep it less than 1/8 thick but good fillers are dependable. Restorations are usually 100% filler covered no problem.

[@WoodyWorkshop-31A]

The "Crime Scene" Merc is looking really sharp with that chop. Loving this multipart series explaining how you're getting this job done. Merry Christmas Matt, Mike, Steve, Moon and your families.

[@jerrylong381]

It looks great Matt! Here's wishing everyone at Iron Trap Garage, and their families a Merry Christmas and a BITCHIN! New Year.😎

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks have a safe holiday’

[@philstevens8950]

Not only does the Merc roof look 200% better, but the explanation of how your making the panels fit are very helpful in understanding the process. I'll continue with my roadster body that needs no such work. The best to you all in 25!!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Glad you enjoyed the explanation!

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

merry christmas guys! thanks for all the entertainment .

[@IronTrapGarage]

Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

@@IronTrapGarage hey matt if you have time, please watch DOLLOFFS ANTIQUE GARAGE video posted today! a massive haul of early ford rust free cars and parts from colorado! io was stunned at the collection this collector had i know u would love to see this!

[@DominikQuesnel]

Love seeing these old cars put back on the road. I wish more people would do the work you guys do. making good progress, and I can't wait to see what happens next year

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you, we appreciate the support!

[@vermontguy7692]

Wow, that's a tough job! Looks WAY better than I thought it would. Nice going and Merry Christmas, Matt.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@JONMEREDITH]

DAMN!! That is really coming along super well! This video starts my Christmas holiday off great! Thanks guys, and have a fabulous Christmas too!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! Have safe holiday!

[@barryhickman6911]

What a complex, challenging, difficult and demanding jigsaw puzzle you are working with. However, it certainly appears that you have mastered it with excellent metal shaping talents. Matt, that Merc is looking so much better with all that you have done thus far. Really impressed man. Looking forward to the coming videos on it (BTW: Love that you have broken this process up to these mini videos) GREAT work, you are indeed, THE MAN!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Glad you’re enjoying the process!

[@del65johnson]

Its just looks soo way better than the stogie look of the original 39 Mercury coupe. You have made this car beautiful !!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! We appreciate that!

[@thecolorgreen7046]

Have a good holiday to Matt's, Mike's & Steve's families. Best In '25. 👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Happy Holidays to you and yours

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

Very intricate stuff. Gotta have the knowledge and the correct tools, for sure! Much eyeballing for a project like this.

[@IronTrapGarage]

It definitely takes both!

[@dennisthompson7707]

It's amazing what a lot of talent and the right tools can do. That car looks better every episode. Merry Christmas to your family and crew!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! We appreciate your support!

[@robertlabaw2037]

The entire time that I have been watching the various videos on this build, the song "Mercury Blues" by the Steve Miller Band has been playing in my head. Really would like to see a teardrop spotlight, side pipes, and blue ghost flames to take this car over the top...Happy Holidays to the entire Iron Trap Garage crew!

[@IronTrapGarage]

No ghosts flames or side pipes I’m afraid. Thanks for watching

[@baronvontaytoe]

I didn't have your vision for this project, thank you for breaking it up into sections the way you have. It's looking fantastic!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you, we appreciate your feedback!

[@petermilianes3771]

Great job Matt. It’s looking awesome. It’s gonna be an amazing custom when you’re done. Need to bring it to the Syracuse nationals. Love to see it in person.

[@irav4u]

yes I like this "technical stuff. what comes to mind as a favorite is when you take some old, floppy body and stiffen it. The Schroll coupe and Sweetheart for instance. On Sweetheart you put a stiffener in the curve behind the seat and combined with securing the A pillars made it stronger than new. Fascinating...

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikebougher3731]

I'm pretty sure you have Gene's approval so far. Having helped chop a few cars and trucks I know this isn't an easy one to tackle. Merry Christmas to the Iron Trap crew and their families.

[@JohnLittle-ze7sp]

It`s really taking shape and looking real nice

[@oldbobsgarage8019]

I typically favor keeping older cars like this close to there original lines, but this "adjustment" looks fantastic! The flows great, reminds me of CadZZilla.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@James-e3s8u]

The lines are reminiscent of an old streamlined Buick looks amazing and it really does suit the look fantastic job happy Christmas and a great new year to all at Iron trap garage.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@1fknhpycmpr355]

Looks beautiful, even its not done yet! Merry Christmas to all you guys!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimandlinsnow7002]

Nailed it. It flows great in my humble opinion. Merry Christmas to the Irontrap crew.😊

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! Glad you like it.

[@JimBosGarage49]

I hate that can’t come and learn from you but I sure am glad that you are passing your knowledge along to that young man. Got to keep the hobby alive. I hope he soaks it up. Great job Matt. You are the type of person I could hang out with. Tell the young man that he may not know it but he has awesome teacher. 👍🏾

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching!

[@garyhughes9199]

WOW! Your vision and tenacity are accelerating your skill level. Watching you getting this stuff down is almost as fun as building my own hotrods. I want a Merc ! LOL

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the build!

[@donames6941]

Happy holidays, guys ❤

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, happy holidays to you too!

[@iantaylor1523]

Car is looking great Matt nice job . Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too.

[@randomyank7777]

The way you have done this , all makes sense . Each piece sets up the next piece . On side pieces , the 1st side is learning , the 2nd side using what was learned . I like the fact you have left them "loose" , & using what worked better on 1 side to enhance the other side better .The "look" is so good , it's actually subtle , to the point it's as if the car was built that way from the factory . You took 4.5" off @ the windshield , & it all looks normal . I like the crease transition at the body , & you can make it soft or sharp with filler . The overall flow is Stellar , I think you nailed it , in my humble opinion . The best part of this whole project is you've allowed yourself space & time for changes , & given those of us who want to know "how" you did it , to see exactly that . Merry Christmas to you & yours , Matt ! The same for the rest of the Iron Trap Garage Family !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Merry Christmas, we appreciate the compliments and support!

[@hughsmith7281]

Merry Christmas Matt, Mike, Steve, Moon and your families.

[@deanbrunner261]

Merry Christmas from Memphis Tennessee. I'm an old guy watching and remember those old shade tree guys built cars with just about all hand tools.. Some were not so good at what they did but kudos to them for at least attempting it. Thanks for the memory

[@carlseaver140]

Looking great! The completely metal roof chop actually looks the way the factory should have done it originally as it flows far better than the large upright lump Mercury fastened there. You already have impressive metal skills but I appreciate how you are not afraid to try this. That is what stops most people from attempting something like this because they are afraid of failing. Keep on being a role model for the rest of us as we wanna-bees enjoy your videos!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you, we appreciate the feedback and the encouragement!

[@keithyoung7640]

It's so cool to see somebody that has a vision within that vision play out

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@kalinagoedge2777]

What skills you have! They even get better all the time! Very inspiring work!

[@TrashcanGarage]

That flow is spot on. Thanks Matt for sharing your work. My appreciation for metalworking grows each time I watch one of these. 🔥

[@JayBird-xi2ws]

Merry Christmas to everyone at iron trap. Happy holidays matt ❤ 🇦🇺

[@IronTrapGarage]

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@johnalexander4356]

I really believe your work is constantly improving and desire to push yourself is showing. You always have demonstrated a lot of skill but your pushing to be a master.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! It takes a lifetime of doing this stuff to become close to a master!

[@billtaylor5853]

Amazing work. The perfect Christmas gift to yourself. Have a great one!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, you too!

[@ZeGermanHam]

Totally awesome. Love seeing all the steps taken to build a custom roofline. Keep the Merc vids coming!

[@johnnyroberts6291]

Hey Matt, You should be very proud of yourself. That 39 is amazing.👍

[@josephpalen7149]

A lot of work. Pretty impressive! Thinking out loud: using the original rear side window and drip rail, I wondered would it have been easier if the rear window had been modified to look/fit better?

[@IronTrapGarage]

The rear window doesn’t need any modification. It’s the correct size with the chip we did

[@lancemchatton9893]

I'm really enjoying watching your work on this. Great job attacking this and learning from it. I can appreciate all the hard work you're putting into it. It's looking great!

[@stephenbillmann9741]

Looking great! I'm impressed with your patience and desire to challenge yourself.

[@jamessoares516]

Artistry in motion it’s amazing how you get everything to flow. That’s gonna be one good looking ride.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@keithroute8906]

Very cool, nice style. Some cars were dull, utilitarian styled, customized they really are cool, different and gangster looking. Great job.

[@h5mind373]

You know you nailed it when it looks like it came that way from the factory.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@gandklyons102]

@irontrapgarage has been a real journey for me in understanding what it must have been like to modify, and customise cars back in the hey day to create something which represented a generation. Just the way ITG goes about caring, preserving and bringing back to life that which rodders & customisers did... I find fascinating. Thank you ITG ... for all that you do. I believe you have made a difference in so many ways.... ❤😊

[@joegarage6132]

Over the years I have picked up so many small tricks that I am trying to put in my cars. Like you i have 5 going at the same time. Some of them I have bought parts to help finish the cars. I look at your parts quite to see what I may need. I am not at the chopping a car phase but I appreciate how you tell what you are using and how you form that roof line. I thought that 39 looked great before you started but now I think it looks fantastic. So sleek and polished and you are not done, what a process. Thank you for sharing your tips...

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you, we appreciate the support and kind words!

[@murdoc6501]

Fantastic flow of the sail panels! Can't wait to see how you attack the b-pillars (vertical like the Zocchi Merc or angled?)! She's really coming together! Go Iron Trap, keep moving forward!

[@petehayward1732]

To Matt, Steve and Mike. Merry Christmas and a happy new year ( Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain Mhaise Duit ) from Ireland. Love your work and never miss a vid.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@motardmike]

Lovin the process....Merry Christmas Guys.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@bodarville2510]

I think Henry and Edsel would approve this!

[@geofo60]

Nice job Matt, the flow of the roof is perfect. Glad you've split the project up into a series of videos. Look forward to catching up with you all at Iron Trap on the next update. Until then, Merry Christmas to you all, have a great time. Regards from the UK .

[@IronTrapGarage]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@FluxCapacitor1985]

Beautiful work on the chop so far!

[@wayneheikkila9930]

That is the look! A very nice Suttle change or adjustment. Marry Christmas!

[@krisandelizabethringlee8438]

Wow: Artist, Visionary, Mastercraftsman, Teacher. Nicely done Matt! That Merc is 'SMOOOOOOOTH'.

[@tomfortson5147]

Hey Matt, I'm really impressed with your eye for design. The flow of the sail panels is just exquisite. And now, out in the sunlight, I see what you were just talking about with the cat walk section. I'm betting that you're going to be much happier after you fix it. Gotta say that the original look of the '39 didn't really grab me. Now, though, after you've worked your magic on the chop, I'm hoping that you're going to put together a "Before-And-After" video. I'm impressed.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for the kind words, we appreciate your feedback!

[@kayeninetwo3585]

It's Looking AWESOME! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

[@ocleaves5436]

Merry Christmas, Thanks for all the videos and work.

[@jimlyreman5869]

Looking forward to seeing it finished! Looks awesome!

[@allanrichards3752]

Hi Matt, first merry Xmas and happy new year to you, your family and your team. I am really loving these roof chop videos and I think you are really good at it. When I did my mechanical engineering apprenticeship I finished up in the sheet metal section as I found it less "mechanical" than sitting at a machine. You have to be able to visualize and feel the generation of the shapes you want, seeing where you want to stretch, shrink or form the metal, and there is a bit of artistry in that.

[@russelltrupia4479]

Awesome job Matt the merc looks killer what a transformation.👍👍

[@jimstephens9491]

This panel looks perfect. The flow down and around the corner works nice.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Glad you like it.

[@quig89GMC]

Amazing the difference and it flows so well. Fantastic job.

[@IronTrapGarage]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@VintageCruiser-i6u]

You have ---- IMPROVED ---- the looks of the '39 quite a bit ---- Looks really nice ----- Hope you all have a Merry Christmas ---- Rodney -------- Nice Job

[@mikecresho6546]

Merry Christmas to all you guys and your families !!!! Best of luck in 2025

[@robertcampbell5755]

Wow! Merc’s looking SWEET! Nice job Matt.

[@raymondschmitt1133]

Roofline looks awesome great job!!

[@Ryan67rs]

Looking very nice Matt! Merry Christmas.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too.

[@petercavanaugh6510]

Awesome job Matt!

[@Michael-wq8qu]

Merry Christmas and thanks for another great year of inspiration.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Happy holidays!

[@JonFJ1200]

Tks for the tutorial. Good stuff Maynard

[@damienhammond6449]

The roof just looks better every episode 😊😊. Merry Christmas Iron Trap Garage!

[@johnkranz4004]

Very nice work Matt

[@peterparlane3035]

Superb,MAGIC MAT,the body man.

[@OpieDogie]

I not a huge roof top fan but this car I think will look better than stock!! Well done, Sir!! MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@thomasst.martin3308]

Kudos to Mike for his editing what is a very long process. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheCrackerBox]

Thanks for another , Brother !

[@jeffbayer1287]

This was some really nice work. Really fun to watch.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@TomNorris-d3x]

Matt … the 39 is looking great! You have the vision and skills of the old school customizers of the 40s and 50s.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you, that’s a huge compliment!

[@williamb2642]

That thing is looking badass

[@daviddawson9185]

You are doing a great job

[@nickmeoli6903]

Looks great! Love seeing the process.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks so much!

[@theonebrewster]

Merry Christmas to the ITG crew........The look is shaping up, oh so nice........ the transformation is incredible, it was a nice car before and now it takes you back in time.....straight from the little books of the day.......Matt your a talented metal worker, keep pushing yourself....

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much!!

[@daleking8529]

Wow what a tremendous amount of work! You are doing an outstanding job and sounds like you are learning a lot in the process! Got to wonder how many chops that Winfield English wheel has done! Merry Christmas to all you guys at Iron Trap!

[@garagedweller7159]

Matt,watching from SW PA. Really enjoying this Merc project. Merry Christmas.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonyaxeman4381]

Doing great Matt .

[@user-kq7xt6cq8q]

And for all to you and families have a nice Christmas 😊.

[@TimothyKepner]

Your explanations are fantastic and I've learned a lot. But my question is if you used a Lazer welder would it be faster as the metal won't move around as much because of the heat . Thanks for taking the time to explain what and how and why of what you are doing. Merry Christmas to all and the best of the new year

[@IronTrapGarage]

The metal will still move. Possibly less due to human error but not sure. Not something we’ve looked into

[@TimothyKepner]

@@IronTrapGarage I have watched a couple of other videos and the welds were tighter and finer but the big thing they stated was the metal stayed a lot cooler. But thank you for the reply and a very Merry Christmas to you and the whole crew. Thanks again

[@jhwk1970]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the interesting and educational info you provide me!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, we appreciate you watching!

[@billyporter2195]

Looks terrific, you must be delighted, you’ll never see any imperfections when the vinyl roof is fitted😂

[@LarryHeagren]

The style line crease does need to curve and I can see that the straight line does distract from the eye. Other than that the rest flows beautifully together and the genius was building it in sections to fit your tools. once you do the minor tweaks (which involve much work), You will have an assembly that looks like it was stamped on a custom die. Those who have not followed this series will be left to wonder how you have achieved such a beautiful result. Getting all the curves correct is very difficult and you have mastered this one. It makes the car look so much better. I could sit on that stool with you and admire the shape you have wrought. This car is indeed killer as many have noted. I look forward to each episode. Thanks again for doing this series.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching, and we hope you continue to enjoy the series!

[@NealDavid-t7k]

Merry Christmas Matt. You do some fun and cool stuff on your channel. Keep it up. 🎉

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Merc lookin good, Merry Christmas to you and your family and co-workers.

[@study650]

This all is amazing to me. I never knew you could mold and form metal like that.

[@IronTrapGarage]

You're welcome! That's the beauty of metal!

[@ZigZagMarquis]

Excellent work Matt! Thanks for this video. Merry Christmas to you, your family, all your friends, and Moondog!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks, we appreciate your support, Merry Christmas!

[@BrunoWiebelt]

that's a great flow ...

[@bobwilliams1535]

Nice Work! Looking good! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bob

[@5798Mike]

Amazing work 👍 Thanks for sharing

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!