Notta Hirohata

Mercury broke free of the “Moby Dick” styling cycle with its totally restyled 1952 lineup. This Monterey displays Mercury’s first 2-door hardtop body offering. But was it also mercury’s first curved windshield, rear-mounted fuel filler and “fighter jet” instrument pod? And who was Bob Hirohata? Watch and see.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Mags what's up mate? We miss you. Good Luck with whatever your going through. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@Glenn_123]

Hoping he will let us know what is going on at some point. Love the videos he does a fantastic job.

[@mikeadie7031]

I called Bernardston auto wrecking yesterday. The gent said that Steve is under the weather. He did say that Steve will be back but could not give a timeline.

[@Glenn_123]

@@mikeadie7031 Thank you very much for doing this! Appreciate the update... I am glad he is recovering.

[@michaellinner7772]

At this point no one knows when or even if he will be returning. The latest is that he is improving but slowly. Encephalitis isn't something that always has a simple diagnosis, and the prognosis is equally difficult to give an accurate timeline for recovery.

[@Glenn_123]

@@michaellinner7772 Thanks for commenting and your feedback.... yeah I had to Google the disease name. It does seem complicated ... Hoping for the best.

[@mikeadie7031]

@@michaellinner7772 I have considered that he may not return. It is Steve’s health that matters most. 🙏

[@aquateen77723]

Hope to see you back at work Steve

[@randyauer7303]

Another great video professor Steve Hope you're feeling better soon

[@steveib724]

Congratulations 🎊 Steve on that 100k hope you making progress in anyway man

[@ronstewart9792]

Such a shame that such a beautiful car had to end up like this.

[@jimstewart2457]

I don’t see a beautiful car at all.All I see is ford in its natural state. LOL!!!!!

[@jaysmith179]

I blame road salt.

[@corvairjim1]

​@@jimstewart2457 It's natural state? Massachusetts?

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

Ashes to Ashes dust to dust Massachusetts salt turns them to rust!😂

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@jimstewart2457kinda like a new GM 😊

[@peterantonopoulos2572]

Morning Steve...

[@CORVAIRWILD]

I'm heading to a Corvair show in 2 weeks in Shelburne Falls Mass. Nearby Bernardson Auto Wrecking deserves a visit

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

RRUUSSTT. 👍

[@marioncobaretti2280]

Say hi to Katie the dog and give her a hug for me

[@xfactorautomotive1496]

Say hi to my buddy Cal Clark!!

[@corvairjim1]

Say hello to all the Corvair guys (and gals) for me, too. I would love to get up there but we already have plans and besides, we just got back from a 2,200 mile road trip a couple of days ago! Some day I would love to tour Clark's Corvair Parts! (And if you're ever in Pennsylvania, the Corvair Ranch in Gettysburg is definitely worth a visit!)

[@davidjohnmiller4849]

Sam Barris was the craftsman , he was the builder of that ‘51 Merc and many others ... george has taken credit for everything , but he never built a thing !

[@davidjohnmiller4849]

James Dean’s Mercury was nosed&decked ... meaning the emblems and badges on the hood&trunk were “shaved” off ... but yes not chopped or any other typical custom work was done .

[@ScottDLR]

That would be a beautiful car restored. Hope all is well Steve.

[@googleusergp]

Another repeat, and this is getting concerning as to what happened to Mr. Magnante. I'm wondering if reaching out to friends of his would work to know if they know what's up with him. As stated last time: Wish you would have showed the trim tag and other pertinent details on this one, as it would have been an interesting one to go through. The main assembly plant was in Wayne, MI which still operates today. Other locations were St. Louis (Hazelwood), MO which closed in 2006, Metuchen NJ (which closed in 2004), Pico Rivera, CA which closed in 1980, among other possibilities. Possible code 13A Lakewood Green exterior paint. Many times, and in later years, the "year" in the lens is the year it was first approved by the DOT for use. So, my 1979 and 1980 Trans Am side markers say "Guide DOT SAE 70" because the same light was used from 1970 to 1981. I had a coworker who was an old coot that used to say, "You know, I'm going to teach you something. The year stamped into the light, that's the year of the car". I said, "Now I'm going to debunk something you've been spewing for years. That's the first year it was approved for use by SAE. So, in my case, you're a decade off." He was stunned. LOL. As I noted, he wasn't the brightest light in the string---literally. I know of someone with a KITT Trans Am (I believe it was one of the cars used in the show) that was done up as original. This particular person knew and met George Barris several times. He was and still is a Pontiac fan. I met him at a car show many years ago when he was admiring my 1980 Trans Am. We got talking and he said, "I always wondered who owned this car". He gave me his business card and I kept it. (I think I still have it). Fast forward to years later and a friend of mine said that the owner of a local radio shop had an '81 Trans Am that he no longer needed. So my friend told me to call him and see if he wanted to sell any parts. I did and when I met up with him at the shop I realized who he was and that we had met all of those years earlier. Turns out, he let me part out the Trans Am and didn't want any money for the parts as he was done with the car. When I was under the hood taking off some parts, I found a note under the hood that said in effect, "Dear SOB, thanks for taking my baby away from its final resting spot. I hope you hit a pole with the parts you took off of it". Mind you, this person I knew bought the car from a local junkyard where it had been for some time. I brought the note into the shop and showed the owner. He said, "What are you going to do? Dude, that's bad karma right there..." (He's a Greek-American, very animated fellow). I said, "Write back, what else?" So I wrote back to the effect of: "Dear Mr. Former Owner: Well, if you took care of your "baby", it wouldn't be in the yard, and it wouldn't have been moved from its final resting spot. Plus, it's a 301 non-turbo and no one really cared about it, or you wouldn't have junked it. So, I'll take the parts, enjoy it and you'll like it. Signed me". With that, I put the note back, thanked the owner and went back one more time for some more parts before the car went back to that same junkyard. I still have the parts in storage and I have the build sheet for the car too. I believe it came from a dealer in South River, NJ. It was a 301 V8, non-turbo and had odd stickers on it, such as "Your College Sucks" in olde English writing (a spoof on the college decals that were often put in the back windows of many vehicles at the time), and "Protected by Smith and Wesson" decals. It was owned by an angry person. LOL. I did find a Kastar/A&E spark plug gap gauge under the rear seat which I still have. The left lever set is for the HVAC. I think the leftmost lever says "OFF-VENT-AIR" and the one next to it is for temperature and says "INCREASE" (aka cold to hot). The right side is for fan speed. I think the wipers were one of the lower knobs.

[@tomwesley7884]

"What's this say, 'wipers?'"

[@vet-7174]

He probably found some hot poontang 😅

[@charlesdalton985]

I’ve heard many people make the same claim on tail light years. It *can* be correct, particularly if it’s during a change in styling, but it’s far from accurate in many cases. ~ Chuck P.S. I’m quite worried about Mr Magnante as well. We can all keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Hope we get good news soon!

[@googleusergp]

@@charlesdalton985 It's an extremely poor way to date a vehicle. The VIN, cowl tag or other references are the mostly sure fire way (assuming nothing's been swapped over).

[@googleusergp]

@@tomwesley7884 He does the videos quickly so that's what happens sometimes.

[@johnkranyics281]

Good morning gang. I hope Steve is getting better. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@steveib724]

Steve mags get well brother 100 k coming soon I didn't see a lot of these soo thanks 👍

[@johnevans9751]

As per Collectible Automobile, that roof/window combination was initially called 'convertible hardtop'.

[@frugalterrier8124]

If the taillights were carried over, the date stamp would still show the date the taillights were introduced. There is a lot of Lincoln in the 52-54 Mercury styling. Great episode, thanks Steve!

[@Ron_Lockwood]

Be well, thanks for the content.❤

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

I’m gonna by me a mercury and Cruze it up and down this road!😂 Steve Miller Band!

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

Hopefully Steve is back soon and all is well with him and shane

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Cold war motors just got a 51 Vicky going it was seized when they got it Scott's amazing check it out mags

[@nicolatesla768]

Cold War Motors is great. I enjoy the gritty, Real content.

[@cheharrison7107]

Scott and the Agents are awesome, no one does it like C.W.M. I don't hold much hope for team Vicky winning since team Studebaker cheating so much! 😂

[@nicolatesla768]

@@cheharrison7107 Can't wait to see the race. Could be a close one. Anything can go wrong at any moment, with those beater's haha!

[@plunkervillerr1529]

I always liked the 52--53, but couldn`t tell them apart, the 54 was a simple warm over.

[@richardwashburn9954]

In 1965 my Dad's "work car" was a '53 Mercury. Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, Power Seat and Power Windows. He probably sold it for $100. Wish I still had it.

[@alanblanes2876]

That would be a terrific one to resto mod.

[@davidp2888]

Miss you, Steve.

[@jasonbostrom2165]

I know where there’s a 51 mercury complete and stock. Owner is considering selling it.

[@Iowa599]

That "overdrive" really made it a 6-speed! What would the difference be between 2H & 3L?

[@terrydiemer5473]

Excellent job Steve again as usual

[@oldyellow8120]

Yesterday I didn't see any video at all from Steve. and that was really concerning. "Uh oh" I thought. "Is this the end of his channel?" "Has something really bad happened now?" Although I do understand that Steve's personal life is obviously personal, however his choice to become something of a public figure, and rely on our "likes, comments", and in some cases "patronage," also carries with it the responsibility of communicating with his fans and subscribers. Simply "goasting" all of us is disrespectful. None of us are intitled to any sort of intimate details of his health or possible other circumstances resulting in weeks of leftovers and now yesterday nothing being posted, but a simple statement from him or Shane would be very welcomed. It is becoming irritating to keep wondering what in the heck is going on. I don't need or want the stress of this added to my life. Those of us who routinely watch and enjoy your videos Steve, deserve more respect than to be simply goasted and left to wonder. My apologies if there is something awful that prevents you from doing so, but again - who knows? That's what goasting does - it makes people angry, worried and uncertain. Not what I like with my morning coffee.

[@GoldenGun-Florida]

Well said. I no longer watch the videos and I do not subscribe to the channel. Transparency, not trickery.

[@johnh3476]

You "don't need or want the stress"? Then stop obsessing about it, that's on you and your needs. Be an adult, accept the fact you probably won't ever hear anything. You knowing only serves you, not Steve. You can always unsub.

[@ReadTheBible8]

Ghosting

[@oldyellow8120]

@@johnh3476 I'm not "obsessing about it" as you say, I'm expressing my opinion. There's a difference. I'm being respectful, stating my thoughts, and my reasons, as well as offering apologies if there is something extraordinary that is preventing Steve from simply letting us know what the reason is for continuous leftovers. That's what "adults" do when they have an opinion. On the other hand, there is no reason for your adolescent attack towards me.

[@LyleMyers]

@@oldyellow8120 If you're not obsessing over it than I'd also ask, why is this causing YOU stress? And how is @johnh3467 stating his opinion to you an adolescent attack, but you letting a KZbin channel dictate your emotions and stating your opinion somehow more adult-like? By your own accord you are stressed, irritated, angry, worried and uncertain. Steve Mags isn't your boyfriend, you probably have never even met him. And even if he was, why are you putting you own insecurities on him instead of facing them yourself?

[@ZebsterP43]

A Mopar guy but I’ve always loved the lines of that car

[@steeliewheelies]

What a beaut. Seen any 64 montereys?

[@bad74maverick1]

The lever on the left is vent. The one Steve couldn't read says Temp below and Increase on the side for changing hot to cold. It operated the damper in the driver fender.

[@domecrack]

Did he say "carthritis?"

[@kmath50]

Cool video. My parents owned a 1950 Merc. With the overdrive, could it be switched in with any gear, or only in third gear?

[@charlesacker8552]

Great video, as always. I found most interesting the indication of the model year on the tail light lens. When I was a kid growing up in my father's auto parts store in the 60s, one of the tips (myths?) I was taught was that a foolproof way to identify the model year of a vehicle was to check the tail light lens. I can't recall if I ever used that "tip" but as I own two Studebakers from the 50s, I can say that it does not apply to them. Another "old wives tale" perhaps.

[@DanEBoyd]

No, I think you might be right, and a lot of cars have just had a tail light lens replaced.

[@ScarlettFire341]

Guide 69 is on my 69 442

[@corvairjim1]

​@@ScarlettFire341GM often changed the taillight design as a part of its annual styling changes. For example, it would be accurate for every full-size Chevrolet through 1976. Later on, and earlier on smaller Chevys, lenses carried over from year to year: 1966-69 Corvair, 1963-67 Corvette, 1966-67 and 1968-72 Chevy II/Nova, 1971-72 Chevelle, etc.

[@alexquick5491]

Had a 66 C10 and the lenses both said guide 60, so probably accurate if they changed designs year to year but possibly not if they retained the same lens for awhile

[@Fony_turgeson]

has anyone called bern ardstun autowrecking?

[@winsox28]

I was there today, they haven't seen him in weeks.

[@Fony_turgeson]

@@winsox28 wonder how he doing

[@winsox28]

@@Fony_turgeson A stop by his home is on the horizon......

[@santaclause2875]

Drove my '52 Ford Customline to high school during the late '60's. Amazing how much the Merc 'takes me back' to memories of my old Ford....so many shared components and body lines.

[@phillipsrundripbubblecompa9232]

Good morning

[@vw4x4]

I have a 51 MEC that's for sale, if anyone is interested.... you still need someone to run the camera properly.

[@Slimjim260]

What a great car. Excellent Steve. The Mercury’s were stunning in every way

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Merry Christmas Steve. We're all pulling for you. Hope to see you soon

[@madmike2624]

Steve is the absolute master at giving an automobile a voice, it is almost magical the art of Steve's craft!!!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I love those space age 1950s interior dashboard’s! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the video Steve 🙏get well soon!

[@Vics2CarGarage]

Great job as usual Steve. I had a 54 and thos was a great trip down memory lane. Get well soon.

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

the Sam Barris '49 Mercury still exists as well. totally restored to the way Sam Built it.

[@michaellinner7772]

Those cool little touches like the hidden keyway on the trunk or the futuristic instrumentation were fairly common back then. It's really a shame that such things are no longer available on new vehicles. My favorite was the horizontal ribbon speedometer. We love and miss you Steve. Your always in our prayers 🙏 ❤ 2:15 2:22

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

Agreed!

[@roosty6]

52-53, my favourite Mercs. Pretty sure the MRST stands for Mercury, stop and tail light. My 52 and 53 both have the same.

[@jonathangehman4005]

Get well Steve, breakfast isn't the same without you, brother

[@karltork6040]

Praying Steve recovers. Gravely ill in hospital.

[@brians9534]

Always enjoy your car reviews Steve, I know of many of these cars and enjoy specific model reviews along with the yearly changes. Thank you again!

[@Googleruinedyoutube1964]

Can't wait to have you back Steve. Get well soon!

[@edmonk4912]

I hope he does a review on that purple thing beside this car

[@arthurmccarron4379]

Dad had monarch. Two door. Sedan. 52. Thanks

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

~

[@MrSmokingfrog1]

Hurts to see that that Impala sitting next to it. 🤨

[@shotsrodder]

Super knowledgeable guy 👍😎

[@randyedwards3244]

Good morning Steve - 13 minuted up and I'm the 5th

[@jamesswapinski9190]

Love those early 50's Mercs. . particularly the Monterey, pity that one is too far gone.

[@timl9cas5696]

Maverick, interesting ride

[@oldblueshhrchannel1847]

Thanks Steve, Get well soon!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

👍👍👍👍

[@BillCesavice]

Such great styling

[@CORVAIRWILD]

1st hardtop view

[@SleepyUncleSam]

51 Mercury had a curved wrap around rear window

[@kyproset]

enjoy your car reviews

[@chrislovett9711]

Prayers for you Steve ❤

[@wayneoakley1832]

That's a cool car

[@orange50]

Another great video

[@Fore-Four-Dee-Too]

Get well soon Steve!

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

Awesome cars, and video

[@ricksaint2000]

Thank you Steve

[@davestark2015]

Keep getting better 💪

[@stevehenderson2571]

Get well soon Steve.

[@marshall176]

Great video

[@mymoparstoo]

Get well Steve!

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hi Steve, nice video, nice car! The speedometer housing on the you profiled is made of pot metal, not magnesium. Please reply. Dave...

[@marshall176]

Great vid

[@BlownDart68]

Excellent

[@countrymorgan2942]

5:55 trunk release?

[@richwalling6694]

I had a friend in the 60's that put a 56 Bucik 322 into his 52 Merc convertable.

[@tomlappin9657]

Wonder if she's too far gone to restore ?,.. if so you would think the parts would be good to pull ..great styling back in our day

[@warringtonfaust1088]

Through the 50's and 60's, many cars had date codes on the taillight.

[@explosiveboi6692]

I could make this into a daily driver in 5 hours

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

Yeah just buff it out!😂

[@explosiveboi6692]

@@jeffreycarleton1535 maybe some new tires and it’s good to go

[@kc0lif]

you was a ghost wow.

[@Jupitermustangmike]

My dad was the/ Speed Demon34/ v8 Merkz ruled into late 50s

[@radiodeletedude]

😎

[@thebrain7065]

"Cobra"! Lol 50 Merc.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 👀☕️☕️🍩 !

[@tomwesley7884]

Morning

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Morning Tom , 👀☕️👍😎 ! FYI I lived in New England about 13 years I found most folk do not share what is going ! Looks like Steve is the same ! ! Have a good day !

[@nathanjoseph4284]

Good morning!

[@debbiebermudez5890]

@@nathanjoseph4284 Mr. B. Here ! 👀☕️☕️🍩👍😎. Enjoy your day !

[@mechanic72]

1952 merc

[@deancooledge7895]

OM617

[@Jupitermustangmike]

Chinese chicken

[@deanstevenson6527]

🥝✔️

[@747fixr]

Is this a new one or rerun?

[@pl5624]

A rerun I believe.

[@kenttalsma7906]

Kinda like NOS parts. Never used, outdated but in stock. For being end of summer the vegetation is not thick enough. I'm a regular viewer and don't recall seeing this. Anybody else see it? If not this leads me to believe that they filmed a bunch of episodes in advance.

[@pl5624]

@@kenttalsma7906 I believe I remember all the james dean references before....

[@chrisscearce]

Hi, it's a reload. I told the story of my 55 Merc with a 410 with 3-2s and 4 speed. Yes, I cut a hole in the floor...lol. Painted yellow and called her Tweetie. She was burned up alongside a full custom 49 Merc and a dear friend of mine. Have a blessed day everyone 🤙🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼

[@kenttalsma7906]

@@chrisscearce are you saying your friend perished in the same fire? That's awful! Then to close with your signature closing borders on oxymoronic. I'm sorry Chris, it's dark humor.

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

Nice vehicle for the time if you like a Fix Or Repair Daily.

[@nikolaimarcusandersen165]

4 inches in the front and 7 in the rear sounds like a good time

[@davemckolanis4683]

Corrections: Some 1949 Mercury's Had 3-Piece Rear Windows, But Of A Much Smaller Non Wrap Around Size. Tailfins For Mercury Began Sprouting On The 1951 Models, And 52 Was The First Year For "SWING" Pedals Instead Of Being Through The Floor, For Easier Master Cylinder Access On The Firewall. Barris Was The First BUTCHER For That Classic 49 To 51 Mercury Style That America Fell In Love With. Having Plenty Of Them Still Around Today That Are WAY OVERPRICED And NOT Selling. A Very Tragic Mistake Indeed...