My 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser - a work in progress

After 32 years untouched under a car cover in my garage, the beast awoke June 5, 2021. I started it for the first time since 1989 and took it out for a short drive. Much to my surprise and relief, it runs great and drives like a dream.
I purchased this Mercury from the original owner in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1982. I drove it often until 1988 when it was damaged by a drunk driver in a rear-end collision. I removed all the chrome and stainless steel bright trim, and drove it to a body shop where the damage was repaired and the car was masterfully repainted.
In the 1980s-90s, I added more classic cars to my collection and was occupied with those projects. This Turnpike Cruiser was moved to the back of my garage, covered and ignored for 32 years until February 2021. I realized I would either need to sell it unfinished in pieces, and hand the huge re-assembly project over to a new owner. Or...finish the project myself. When I removed the car cover and looked at the Mercury for the first time in 32 years, I was astonished to see what a gem I have! With retirement at hand, I realized this would be the perfect project to keep me busy.
An engine that hasn’t started for many years needs preparation before turning the key. Old gasoline is the enemy of any engine and must be completely removed and properly disposed of. Every component of the fuel system was replaced or restored. The carburetor was troublesome in the 1980’s so I knew it needed an expert restoration. I didn’t expect it to take 4 months, but while the carburetor was being restored I began the tedious process of reinstalling the bright metal trim. The 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser is literally slathered with bright metal accents, secured to the body with hundreds of fasteners. I’m about halfway through reassembly as of June 5, 2021. The newly restored Carter WCFB carburetor looks new and functions perfectly, no adjustments needed. Everything else in the engine compartment functions properly but looks awful. My specialty is restoring classic car engine compartments to like new function and appearance, and this Mercury will get my attention over the next few months.
I couldn’t be more relieved and thrilled. Much work remains to be done, hopefully finished mid-2022.

[@garymckee8857]

Back in the day when you opened the hood and there was an engine not a bunch of plastic and aluminum.

[@mrmaniac3]

It looks to be in good shape for something that's been rear ended, no doubt due to restoration work. Hope to see it again with the trim installed.

[@dirtyak7954]

Hey bud you got any spare water pumps you’d be willing too sell I am restoring a 1957 mercury turnpike cruise with the 6.0 368 in it

[@Volterrific]

Sorry I don't have a spare. I had my water pump rebuilt by Salgado Automotive Rebuilders in Los Angeles. Another good rebuilder is Egge Machine in Los Angeles. Another is Arthur Gould Rebuilders in Holden, Mass. Find their info with google. Your old water pump can be rebuilt as good as new.

[@markaustin4370]

So.... tell what's up That was boring

[@Volterrific]

If it was boring why did you watch it? The project isn’t boring to me.