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.
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.
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
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...
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. 👍🏾
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.
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.
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.
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 !
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 .
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
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 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
You have ---- IMPROVED ---- the looks of the '39 quite a bit ---- Looks really nice ----- Hope you all have a Merry Christmas ---- Rodney -------- Nice Job
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....
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.
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!
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.
Thanks for the kind words. We appreciate your support!
With the New roof line its ging to be a very beautiful hotrod /lowrider.
Great work.
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.
It looks great Matt!
Here's wishing everyone at Iron Trap Garage, and their families a Merry Christmas and a BITCHIN! New Year.😎
Thanks have a safe holiday’
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.
merry christmas guys! thanks for all the entertainment .
Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!
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!
Glad you’re enjoying the process!
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!!!
Glad you enjoyed the explanation!
Wow, that's a tough job! Looks WAY better than I thought it would. Nice going and Merry Christmas, Matt.
Thanks for watching!
I like it ... The less body filler the better !! It's all a learning process, it looks great !! Merry Christmas men 🎄
Thanks for watching!
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.
DAMN!! That is really coming along super well! This video starts my Christmas holiday off great! Thanks guys, and have a fabulous Christmas too!
Thanks! Have safe holiday!
Its just looks soo way better than the stogie look of the original 39 Mercury coupe. You have made this car beautiful !!
Thanks! We appreciate that!
Have a good holiday to Matt's, Mike's & Steve's families. Best In '25. 👍
Thank you! Happy Holidays to you and yours
Very intricate stuff. Gotta have the knowledge and the correct tools, for sure! Much eyeballing for a project like this.
It definitely takes both!
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!
Thank you, we appreciate your feedback!
Nailed it. It flows great in my humble opinion. Merry Christmas to the Irontrap crew.😊
Thanks! Glad you like it.
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.
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!
Thanks! We appreciate your support!
Looks beautiful, even its not done yet!
Merry Christmas to all you guys!
Thanks for watching!
Hey Matt,
You should be very proud of yourself. That 39 is amazing.👍
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.
Thank you very much!
Merry Christmas Matt, Mike, Steve, Moon and your families.
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?
The rear window doesn’t need any modification. It’s the correct size with the chip we did
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!
That flow is spot on. Thanks Matt for sharing your work. My appreciation for metalworking grows each time I watch one of these. 🔥
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!
No ghosts flames or side pipes I’m afraid. Thanks for watching
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...
Thanks for watching!
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
Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the build!
Beautiful work on the chop so far!
Car is looking great Matt nice job . Merry Christmas to you and yours
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too.
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.
Merry Christmas to all you guys and your families !!!! Best of luck in 2025
Artistry in motion it’s amazing how you get everything to flow. That’s gonna be one good looking ride.
Thank you!
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.
Thank you! Happy holidays to you and yours!
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!
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.
Thanks for watching!
Totally awesome. Love seeing all the steps taken to build a custom roofline. Keep the Merc vids coming!
It's so cool to see somebody that has a vision within that vision play out
Thank you!
Looking great! I'm impressed with your patience and desire to challenge yourself.
That is the look! A very nice Suttle change or adjustment. Marry Christmas!
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. 👍🏾
Thank you for the kind words and for watching!
Happy holidays, guys ❤
Thanks, happy holidays to you too!
Merry Christmas to everyone at iron trap. Happy holidays matt
❤ 🇦🇺
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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.
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.
Thank you! It takes a lifetime of doing this stuff to become close to a master!
Awesome job Matt the merc looks killer what a transformation.👍👍
You know you nailed it when it looks like it came that way from the factory.
Thank you!
This panel looks perfect. The flow down and around the corner works nice.
I think Henry and Edsel would approve this!
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.
Lovin the process....Merry Christmas Guys.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing work. The perfect Christmas gift to yourself. Have a great one!
Thanks, you too!
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 !
Merry Christmas, we appreciate the compliments and support!
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 .
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
Looking very nice Matt! Merry Christmas.
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too.
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
The metal will still move. Possibly less due to human error but not sure. Not something we’ve looked into
@@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
Wow! Merc’s looking SWEET! Nice job Matt.
You have ---- IMPROVED ---- the looks of the '39 quite a bit ---- Looks really nice ----- Hope you all have a Merry Christmas ---- Rodney -------- Nice Job
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....
Thank you so much!!
Matt … the 39 is looking great! You have the vision and skills of the old school customizers of the 40s and 50s.
Thank you, that’s a huge compliment!
Nice Work! Looking good! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bob
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.
Thanks for watching, and we hope you continue to enjoy the series!
This all is amazing to me. I never knew you could mold and form metal like that.
You're welcome! That's the beauty of metal!
Merry Christmas iron trap families. Great chop, design adjustment.
Merry Christmas to you as well!
And for all to you and families have a nice Christmas 😊.
This was some really nice work. Really fun to watch.
Merry Christmas, Thanks for all the videos and work.
Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the interesting and educational info you provide me!
Thanks, we appreciate you watching!
Kudos to Mike for his editing what is a very long process. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.
Thanks for watching!
Merry Christmas and thanks for another great year of inspiration.
Happy holidays!
at this rate matt itg is gonna need its own custom crest!
merry christmass, all!
Tks for the tutorial. Good stuff Maynard
The roof just looks better every episode 😊😊. Merry Christmas Iron Trap Garage!
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!
Looks fantastic. Frenched tail lights and shaved trunk handle next?
Yep after we fix the rust in the channels over the roof opening. Definitely shaving the trunk and still deciding on taillight options
Excellent work Matt! Thanks for this video. Merry Christmas to you, your family, all your friends, and Moondog!
Thanks, we appreciate your support, Merry Christmas!
Matt,watching from SW PA. Really enjoying this Merc project. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for watching!
Looks great! Love seeing the process.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for another , Brother !
You are doing a great job
Looks very good. Boss not happy. Improvements planned. Happy holidays.
Merc lookin good, Merry Christmas to you and your family and co-workers.
Gonna be real sweet when you get’er done Matt! You may not call yourself an ‘expert’ but you’re pretty damn close!! Happy holidays to all!
Thank you! Always learning and progressing!
Looks cool! Merry Christmas to you all at iron trap!
Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas to you too!
You're doing far better than mopar did with their altered roof late 60s cars with the original now rusted roofs left under the newer sheeting.
Nice work again, Matt
Thank you! Cheers!
Looks great 👍
Looking at the yellow tape it suggests to me a possible two tone paint job, but excellent work!
That thing is looking badass
Matt, phenomenal job!! I'm new to the planishing hammer & equipment, you know the results of each piece of equipment & how to use them.
Looks terrific, you must be delighted, you’ll never see any imperfections when the vinyl roof is fitted😂
Amazing work 👍
Thanks for sharing
Thank you! Cheers!
Matt happy holidays to you and family, also to Mike and Steve and their families the 39 merc is looking fantastic love love it
Thank you! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Looks great, Merry Christmas
Thanks, you too!
Man, it's really looking good. Enjoy the Holidays.
Thanks, you too!
merry christmas happy newyear to crew an familys great vid
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
Thanks, glad you like it!
that's a great flow ...
MERRY CHRISTMAS ITG!!!!!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Superb,MAGIC MAT,the body man.