You cleaned up the lines of the side window openings. This is going for the extra point and I didn't expect this. This is a brilliant move and makes the car look even better. It adds a modern touch to an "old school" chop. Wow, this car will stand out from the crowd of chopped Mercs!
Around 50yrs ago when I was a young teen, I remember my old man helped chop and channel his buddies 39 Merc. I remember they moved C pillar so far forward that it eliminated the side rear windows basically making a 3 window out of it. There was a lot of gas welding/brazing, lead filling and much beating of the hammers.
The execution of your vision for the project is nothing short of magical as it takes shape. The flow of the top to the body is a vast improvement over the original. It’s a lot of work but the results will easily justify the effort.
Having grown up in the 1950s, I have seen many of the rods you reference in the videos, as well as the chopped '39 Mercs. So when you announced that you were going to chop yours, I thought, "Good luck!" Seeing you extend the gutter rail for a slimmer "C" pillar profile is genius, and I look forward to seeing the finished product. You've clearly "Got this!"
Even at this early stage, we can see the roof profile looking amazing. That Cadillac 390 Mike showed us would give the car muscle to back up the looks. If it even fits.
The look you have achieved with these new cuts look so much better that what you had planned originally. I have always loved the vintage photos of the chopped cars but your design is just so much better than what "The masters" of customizing did back in the day! I think you have come up with a way better design and overall look! Looking at the vintage chopped cars, it seemed that there was little to no room to seat any rear seat passengers. I think your design will solve that problem completely! IMPRESSIVE Matt, you the man!!!! Your Merc is going to be the templet for all future shop jobs! CONGRATULATIONS!
Your roof chop has much better flow then most I have seen growing up, the Bailey brothers 50 Merc at Cobo Hall Autoroma 1962 was so smooth compaired to the others at the show, and yours is just the best earley chop I have ever seen, fine job Matt !
This just gets better & better , Matt ! I love that roof line , & stretching the side windows back further to about the original point adds to that flow . I really dig how you went about this , & it makes sense to me . Reusing the original pieces the way you did is something I would do . Less to fabricate , & easier on the budget . "Crap ! I cut that like a heathen ." Lol ! Live & learn ! You made 3 great choices with this move , less material to make up , you shrunk your blind spots to a minimum , & you matched the flow lines from what you had already established with the windshield chop , & leaning the rear window forward . This project really suits the beauty of the rest of the car . It is Super Cool to look at now . The original roof line did Not do that car justice . This one , Does ! I read the comments here too , & even some of your skeptics have agreed , this looks damn good ! Rock On , Matt . We love where you are going with this "modification" ! Sweet Ride , looks great , & I love the sound of that engine . Win-win . It's all coming together nicely .
I gotta say, almost every time I watch someone chopping a top on an old car, I come away thinking that it looked better before the chop. I like this look - very smooth, blending nicely, very sleek. Hoping to see more videos like this from you guys. Also, great selection of tunes. Kudos!
Extending the C-pillar looks good. I like the rear window treatment giving it a fastback vibe. What plans for the B-pillar? Straight? Forward angle? Curved? The character of the car is just screaming 50's!
It is now kind of late in the process, but I have seen some guys make a wood pattern, much as you did for the windshield, for the side window opening. Make the shape that is wanted. Put it into place and then drop the roof and adjust the sheetmetal to fit.
I was a little on the fence about roof chopping this car but it does look much better, not some crazy chop leaving a letterbox view windscreen but tastefully done
Detailed work takes time. The roof slope line is all about your vision and interpretation. Integrating and blending each section requires a keen eye. Pieces are dropping into place. Looking good.
Looking at that roof line reminds me of a 50 Merc a little bit. You are right about making it more like what it ''should have'' been.. and what it became with time. After WW2 everyone was thinking swoopy like a fighter plane.
@IronTrapGarage i know that you are just picking library music, but I find it highly refreshing that this hotrod channel doesn't always reach for the generic heavy music.
Hey Matt, you really made a huge improvement in the chop by going for the "flow". I'm really impressed! And you say you've never done one like this? Sure fooled us out here in UA-cam land!
Hi Matt. You are doing a great job. I just wondered whether these days it could save a lot of trial and error if you could mock it up in Photoshop (or similar) to get the look before you start cutting?
It's looking very good on the driver side I hope the passenger side will look good as well,my friend JJ(Fairmont wv)and myself(shinnston wv)enjoy your show,and we will catch ya on the next one.😊
Ive never been a fan of the roof adjusting crew or the Fender removalists it just seems a bit silly to me. That said your doing a really nice job of this 39 Merc. I like the 37 headlights and your fastback style roof looks very cool.
Your vision for the roofline is what Ford should have done. It is by far a better flow than the original that looked like an afterthought. Good job and I can't wait to see the finished product of your imagination.
Roof looks great. Probably added $30k (at least?) to the value of the car? (STOCK: $10K, PROFESSIONALLY CHOPPED: $40K?). Whatever the number, it’s definitely worth more.
Most chopped 40s cars look like they are chopped., yours is going to look like it should of been built this way. The flowing roof granted it is more difficult it is well worth the work.
Matt, what is your plan for the side windows ? Are you welding b pillars back in or making a hardtop out of it ? Very curious 🤔!! Great job so far !!!!
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You cleaned up the lines of the side window openings. This is going for the extra point and I didn't expect this. This is a brilliant move and makes the car look even better. It adds a modern touch to an "old school" chop. Wow, this car will stand out from the crowd of chopped Mercs!
Definitely. 👌
Thanks! We're trying to get the lines just right.
Around 50yrs ago when I was a young teen, I remember my old man helped chop and channel his buddies 39 Merc. I remember they moved C pillar so far forward that it eliminated the side rear windows basically making a 3 window out of it. There was a lot of gas welding/brazing, lead filling and much beating of the hammers.
Sounds like a wild project!
It looks so much better with the windows stretched, love this project.
Appreciate the feedback, we think so too!
I agree the new window opening flows much better! Sometimes we forget it's over 8 hours of work in a 26 minute video. Great work Matt!
you nailed the roof line!
Totally worth the extra effort, the side profile is killer now!
The execution of your vision for the project is nothing short of magical as it takes shape. The flow of the top to the body is a vast improvement over the original. It’s a lot of work but the results will easily justify the effort.
We really appreciate your enthusiasm for the project!
Having grown up in the 1950s, I have seen many of the rods you reference in the videos, as well as the chopped '39 Mercs. So when you announced that you were going to chop yours, I thought, "Good luck!" Seeing you extend the gutter rail for a slimmer "C" pillar profile is genius, and I look forward to seeing the finished product. You've clearly "Got this!"
Much appreciated
Just like Mike from Bello's Kustoms "we don't know what we are doing" but it turns out awesome! Chops are artwork paint your own picture!
Haha we just try to make it work!
Excellent work with that rear window and sail panel, Matt! Now the proportions are looking right!! I love it!
Thanks for watching, we appreciate the feedback!
Even at this early stage, we can see the roof profile looking amazing. That Cadillac 390 Mike showed us would give the car muscle to back up the looks. If it even fits.
The look you have achieved with these new cuts look so much better that what you had planned originally. I have always loved the vintage photos of the chopped cars but your design is just so much better than what "The masters" of customizing did back in the day! I think you have come up with a way better design and overall look! Looking at the vintage chopped cars, it seemed that there was little to no room to seat any rear seat passengers. I think your design will solve that problem completely! IMPRESSIVE Matt, you the man!!!! Your Merc is going to be the templet for all future shop jobs! CONGRATULATIONS!
Your roof chop has much better flow then most I have seen growing up, the Bailey brothers 50 Merc at Cobo Hall Autoroma 1962 was so smooth compaired to the others at the show, and yours is just the best earley chop I have ever seen, fine job Matt !
Thanks!
Quality work the car is looking hot.
Such a great job so far. Its not easy to get the right flow on the chop on these cars. This looks killer!
The roofline reminds me of a, first-gen AUDi TT, which I still think, has great curves. This Merc is bitichin’!
She's going from dowdy to HOWDY! Im diggin' it!
This just gets better & better , Matt ! I love that roof line , & stretching the side windows back further to about the original point adds to that flow . I really dig how you went about this , & it makes sense to me . Reusing the original pieces the way you did is something I would do . Less to fabricate , & easier on the budget . "Crap ! I cut that like a heathen ." Lol ! Live & learn ! You made 3 great choices with this move , less material to make up , you shrunk your blind spots to a minimum , & you matched the flow lines from what you had already established with the windshield chop , & leaning the rear window forward . This project really suits the beauty of the rest of the car . It is Super Cool to look at now . The original roof line did Not do that car justice . This one , Does ! I read the comments here too , & even some of your skeptics have agreed , this looks damn good ! Rock On , Matt . We love where you are going with this "modification" ! Sweet Ride , looks great , & I love the sound of that engine . Win-win . It's all coming together nicely .
Thanks for the kind words!
Looking beautiful
Greatly enjoying these videos of the 39 Merc. 😊
Thanks for watching!
yes this is a job well done 👍💪
Looks killer Matt!
Thank you!
Satisfying viewing. Cut, weld, bend, grind, "rinse & repeat" endlessly! Real skill building in action! Be proud of your work!
The C piller needs a small return radius at the bottom, no sharp intersection.
All 3 window corners need the same radius treatments.
Looking good!
I gotta say, almost every time I watch someone chopping a top on an old car, I come away thinking that it looked better before the chop. I like this look - very smooth, blending nicely, very sleek. Hoping to see more videos like this from you guys. Also, great selection of tunes. Kudos!
Thanks! We're happy with how the chop is coming out.
WOW! Matt,, I think you are building the best chop of a '39-'40 Merc ever!
Extending the C-pillar looks good. I like the rear window treatment giving it a fastback vibe. What plans for the B-pillar? Straight? Forward angle? Curved? The character of the car is just screaming 50's!
Still deciding honestly!
I like it more modern nice job
It is now kind of late in the process, but I have seen some guys make a wood pattern, much as you did for the windshield, for the side window opening. Make the shape that is wanted. Put it into place and then drop the roof and adjust the sheetmetal to fit.
I totally agree! We did the same for the front window but wanted to save time and just made a chipboard template here
Nailed it.😊
Loving your enthusiasm
Roof line looks great
I like it it's coming out awesome
Dude!!! Great tech video!! Thanks!! No laker pipes!!!lol!!✌️
great job matt.
I was a little on the fence about roof chopping this car but it does look much better, not some crazy chop leaving a letterbox view windscreen but tastefully done
Thanks!
Ya, the slope on that window is really flowing well, from my house
Looking fantastic can’t tell you how much I love the look of it as a two door hard top,hope you leave the B pillar out.
I’m considering it!
Very nice work Looking good
Progress. Keeping it strong as you work avoids a lot of pitfalls later.
I like the shop pillow.
The new flow of the roof towards the rear now seems to me somewhat like the lines of the '49 Mercury. Nice.
Looks boss !
Thanks! It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference!
Detailed work takes time. The roof slope line is all about your vision and interpretation. Integrating and blending each section requires a keen eye. Pieces are dropping into place. Looking good.
Thanks! We appreciate the feedback and support!
Great video, great look!
That made a huge difference!
Thank you!
Nice flow to the quarter window
Looking at that roof line reminds me of a 50 Merc a little bit. You are right about making it more like what it ''should have'' been.. and what it became with time. After WW2 everyone was thinking swoopy like a fighter plane.
Thanks!
Car is looking great. Great music in this episode. Tig welding with a Fela Kuti vibe!
Haha glad you dug the music!
@IronTrapGarage i know that you are just picking library music, but I find it highly refreshing that this hotrod channel doesn't always reach for the generic heavy music.
Great Talent there Matt. Looks Great so far.
Thanks for the kind words!
this merc is looking good, you're doing a great job. love these videos.
Hey Matt, you really made a huge improvement in the chop by going for the "flow". I'm really impressed! And you say you've never done one like this? Sure fooled us out here in UA-cam land!
I always cringe a little when I see a stock car get chopped up but this is getting great lines I enjoy watching the metal work
I don't mind them getting chopped, I don't like seeing them go to the crusher.
Hi Matt. You are doing a great job. I just wondered whether these days it could save a lot of trial and error if you could mock it up in Photoshop (or similar) to get the look before you start cutting?
That certainly is a common thing people do now a days
Didn't really like the extended quarter windows but then am used to these cars with the shorter windows. Keep it up in any case.
Great to see a well thought out process that isn't rushed. It's looking awesome. Happy Holidays!
Thanks! We're happy with the progress too.
Keep it up. i think it will look great when you're done, Best of luck to you and the gang. God Bless
The flow looks great, definitely feels like it needs a curved pillar to go with the flow of the roof now rather than a straight one
lookin cool
This is the most interesting project I’ve seen on YT!
Thank You!
It’s starting to look like a 40 Ford except for the B pillar that I know of. To bad my dad is gone he would have loved what your doing
Good call. I think its going to be a beautiful car when you're done.
I think so too!
Cool! It looks good, at first a thought you were crazy but there is method to your madness! Keep up the good work!
Appreciate the support, it’s coming together nicely!
It's looking very good on the driver side I hope the passenger side will look good as well,my friend JJ(Fairmont wv)and myself(shinnston wv)enjoy your show,and we will catch ya on the next one.😊
man your instinct about handling the 'c' pillar is right on.
Thank you!
Nice Work. Looking Good.
#STAYSAFE
#PHILLYPHILLY 🇺🇸
I have never had a problem with telling you of my disapproval of some of your choices, this is a double thumbs up. The best looking 39 Coupe ever.
Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!
The issue is often that the cars as new were never accurately put together, so the discrepancy you see has always been there
Wise decision with the C pillars. Roof flowing so much better, a nice and smooth transition. Can't wait for the next installment. 🔥😎
Thanks! We're pretty stoked on how it's coming out!
The Merc is looking good.. I know I'm half way across the country but I can make room in my shop if you run out of space to park your cars!!!
Haha thanks!
Amazing!
Thanks!
The Mercury is looking pretty okay.
Thanks!
you can really see where the 2nd gen chopped Mercs evolved from here. Go for the no post Matranga Windows ~ You can Do It !
Thanks! We're trying to get the flow right for sure.
I like the new roof line much better than stock. It is Zephyr-esque.
Thank you! That’s the goal for sure
You have done a really nice job. I like the new roof line and it should of been that way from Ford.
Thanks! We're loving how it's turning out.
Slick 😎
Any thoughts on a Carson top?
Not on this one
you never fail to intrigue me
back in the acetylene & hack saw days ... gotta wonder how much lead went in a sled ?
Loving the chop. Def the right move on the c pillar. Going that route also might allow the glass to be reused. Just curious
Good content video.....thanks.
Whoo hoo first view. Morning guys.
Ive never been a fan of the roof adjusting crew or the Fender removalists it just seems a bit silly to me. That said your doing a really nice job of this 39 Merc. I like the 37 headlights and your fastback style roof looks very cool.
Your vision for the roofline is what Ford should have done. It is by far a better flow than the original that looked like an afterthought. Good job and I can't wait to see the finished product of your imagination.
Appreciate it! Glad you like the direction we're going.
You've got Pagoda City Coupe, Sweetheart Roadster, etc. Since Steve declared the Merc. a crime scene you should call this one the Criminal Coupe.
Not a judgement by any means, but there were a lot of guys who'd eliminate the gutters all together
I agree. I’ve actually been in the fence about doing that still when I fix the gutter rust
very kool
Soundtrack from the Streets of San Fran...
looking good1 thank you1
Thanks, glad you like it!
That was a tough call. I don't know what I would've done.
You really turned that good looking car into a great looking vehicle. You need to erase that “crime scene” tape into “elegance spoken here”!
Roof looks great. Probably added $30k (at least?) to the value of the car? (STOCK: $10K, PROFESSIONALLY CHOPPED: $40K?). Whatever the number, it’s definitely worth more.
Agree!
Will this be getting the old time "spark plug in the exhaust pipe" treatment for some flaming exhaust?
Most chopped 40s cars look like they are chopped., yours is going to look like it should of been built this way. The flowing roof granted it is more difficult it is well worth the work.
Are you going to tilt the B pillars?😊
Matt, what is your plan for the side windows ? Are you welding b pillars back in or making a hardtop out of it ? Very curious 🤔!! Great job so far !!!!
Not sure yet!
So now you and. Bad Chad have become alternate universes of each other
😃😃😃
It's like chopping the top on a egg😂
Haha true!
👌🏼
👍👍