It’s a cold day in PA. I woke up and put on my iron trap hoodie and now I get to watch one of the most iconic hot rod/custom modifications. Chopping a top. I don’t see why people would be upset by this. Some cars were designed with a roof that is too tall. This is definitely one of them and it’s going to look killer when it’s done! Also these are the kind of detailed videos I like to see. There is a lot of skill involved in doing this type of chop. These guys are going to make this into a sweet ride.
Brings back the memories of my first chop on 40 COOP in '79. Sitting in the car with the roof tacked back on, my wife said my grin was as wide as the windshield. Go guys!
Clearly taking the time to prep the car and lay everything out make the process much smoother. At the end of the day, you saved the 39 from being lost to time and the mice damage was quite extensive. So, correcting the roof height was a good solution. Keep up the good work.
I can’t help but laugh Matt how you dance around topics that some people might hate and upset with that smirk on your face knowing that it will. Can’t wait to see it completed.
It is not a restored classics channel, but a resurrection of forgotten classics into customs. Better than rotting away or crushed. Mind you, i would have done this to the swamp Merc as it was not feasible to take it to original but rather, a blank canvas.
The chop (if nicely done) probably does more than anything to insure the long term survival of this car. I think there will come a time when almost nobody will be interested in a completely stock 1939 Mercury but there will always be a group with an eye towards customization, regardless of the generation or time.
I'm stoked about this! Way back when... when I started following you... you were doing more of this kind of work. And I LOVED learning from you. I still have been learning from you all along, but this kind of "crazy" custom work was what hooked me. Can't WAIT to see the whole process, and the finished product!!
Hey guys, I agree with what your doing, the roof was in bad shape you made an easy decision to chop it. Can't wait for the rest of the build to be done. Enjoyed the video....Ralph
I've been waiting to see you do a chop for years now, (at least I can't remember one, my memory is fading), will be great to see the whole process. Love as Always, Reading England.
I like where you are going with the roofline. I know that it would require a good bit more labor but, I would love to see you shape the center post like the curved one in the photo that you showed . It flows so nicely with the new roofline and body shape.
Really enjoy that you didn’t time lapse all the cuts. I think showing how tedious they are even with the correct tool for the job will save quite a few cars from being cut up and never getting back together. Building customs is not for people in a hurry lol
One of the few times we get to see Matt with a MIG welder in his hands. Good to see Matt, love the confidence to tackle a job like this, looking forward to the end result.
I was told by an owner of a 40 Merc that they used 38 Ford tops on the 39-40 Mercs. Rather than retool for the tops because they didnt know how the Mercs were going to sell. (Dont know if its true). Great work. It looks like you have a good plan.
That was a nice original Merc to start with. But dang, those things needed a chop right out of the factory. You're doing what it's always needed. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. 😎
Viewers..you must have in your mind how this is going to turn out when finished. Matt knows enough as to what he wants and how to do it. Have faith..job will turn out to be just find...stay tuned and give a thumb up on support. 😊
No you well not lose me over this chop ! Been watching our guy Bad Chad in Nova Scotia Canada chopping older vehicles! He's got a nice 34 Ford right know he's trying to get running! Not sure if he well keep it original.
When you first drug this home and said that you were going to chop it I thought "oh no, not a nice survivor like this". However, when I got a good look at the side profile I thought "man, that roof is way too high". It will look a lot better when that top comes down some. Built back when men wore tall hats. I'm really looking forward to this project and seeing just how much work (trouble) it is. And just so no one takes this the wrong way, I'm a true believer in "it's your car, do what you want with it".
It would be neat to turn this car into a hardtop. I can imagine how cool it would look. However getting the window regulators and windows to seat properly would be a challenge. It will be more straight forward to keep the door post as that presents less problems. I concur that building the car as an old custom is the way to go. It will look like an old Barris Custom and that is cool in my book. I'm hanging around as I enjoy watching projects like these unfold. You have encouraged me to watch this cars development with this modification.
Yes!🤘after I saw the yellow tape in one of the or videos (day in the life maybe), I was hoping for a chop!! Lately the channel has been getting hot rods and speed equipment back on the road, which makes a super cool, but like to see the process of how these hot rods were made too and it’s better than just letting the rust take over. Cheers I’ll be watching!
I think this is cool. I have never chopped a car before. I am always looking around for some crap 30-40;s to practice on for the first chop car. I am always amazed at how laid back a shop is when they take the top off. Kind of a wild thing. Love it...I have to finish a few cars to chop one, but soon very soon.
That looked easy enough! 😏 Nice work. edit: your joke at the end got me. The roof on my 53 Packard 2dr ht literally bolts to the top of the windshield frame and sail panel. I want to chop it but it's going to require some re-engineering to make it right.
I was shocked when you tossed that sail panel! I’ve only watched Bad Chad chops, and he would save that for another project (maybe you did?). Did you say it’s your first chop?!? You laid it out and cut it with great confidence 👻. I’m mystified where you are going with this, can’t wait!
I think this is a great project you have taken on. To me, the 39-40 Merc tops look almost like an afterthought. I like the comparison to the Barris car you referred to. Anything near that, which I feel you are very capable of doing, will be extremely cool. This will be exciting to follow along!
As soon as the body was "relieved" of the roof the car started looking 100% better! Yeah, a Carson Top would be bitchin', but chop is the way to go (always loved the Matranga Merc)! Stock Merc roofs are ugly (eight head not a forehead!) and awkward and deserve a bit of "re-design!" Loving this build and looking forward to you walk us through your process! If you lost a couple subscribers don't worry, you're going to gain a bunch of new ones with this build series! Go Iron Trap, keep moving forward!
I reckon that straight up and down B pillar is what looks wrong, on these coupes. Anything you guys do to change that will be a vast improvement. Go for it!
To me a 39 Merc has always looked like a 39 Deluxe that had been left out in the sun too long & started to melt & the coupe roof was an afterthought on Friday afternoon. It's also the only model that has a one piece driveshaft & pinion that is 7ft long! What the hell were they thinking!
Fark yeah!!!! As we say, any man can put a car together but a real man can chop one up first. Might have to send my 41 coupe over for a "holiday" when the Merc is done. 😉😉
But you ruin cars so well! The 32 is exactly what would have been done 80 years ago and just cutting the lid off of this one helped it look a butt load better. I can't wait to watch the progress. It's going to be really cool!
For me the B pillar straight. Or better, the top slightly angled forward. And 3 small radiused return stainless rear side window trim moldings (no sharp intersection). "Chop, baby, chop".
Matt and Company, The work you'all are doing on the Mouse House Merc and the mousey goodness you keep finding is reminding me of the Myth Busters episode from way back when they put a couple of dead pigs in a car, in a conex, for months and then tried to bust the myth that one could not get the smell of a dead body out of a car good enough to still sell it. IIRC, the outcome was sort of yes, sort of no. They went to great lengths to clean the car, including gutting the interior, like you have here, and while they were able to sell the vehicle, they basically sold it for parts and the buyer did ask about the smell, but his intentions were to part out the car. Best of luck to you getting the mousey smell out. I'm confident you will.
ITG, as with any project of this difficulty, Matt has a plan! 4.5 inches, that's a lot! I'm considering chopping the top on my 31 Ford Coupe, don't know if I should finish the rest of the car first, or do it now?
This is awesome thanks Matt for taking us on this Chop Top Journey with you really awesome I've never done one I've seen a few done but this is awesome thanks a lot oh I was going to also say hey Mike how do you like being at the main shop all the time now or did you like it better over at the warehouse
Have never learned the "history" related to the Ford designs between 1937 and 1940 where, "in my opinion", some of them "take some getting used to" instead of being "perfect" right out of the box like everything between 1929 and 1936 ????? As you said in this video, the 40 Merc just doesn't "flow" like the 40 Ford Coupe. In particular, I have always hated that rear wheel opening on the Merc's. Had actually never realized the roof was a bit "bulbous" also. ;o( FWIW, of course !!!
Not that you don’t know, but if you don’t, there’s a dude named Mike Bellows Bellows customs he’d be a great resource to get in his ear about how to do all that
So glad to see you doing some extensive work like this! It's been a while.
It’s a cold day in PA. I woke up and put on my iron trap hoodie and now I get to watch one of the most iconic hot rod/custom modifications. Chopping a top. I don’t see why people would be upset by this. Some cars were designed with a roof that is too tall. This is definitely one of them and it’s going to look killer when it’s done! Also these are the kind of detailed videos I like to see. There is a lot of skill involved in doing this type of chop. These guys are going to make this into a sweet ride.
I agree 100%. The roof line just doesn't blend well with the body and shows an odd profile.
A sweeter ride , & sleeker looking for sure .
It's nice seeing a big project again, can't wait to see how you put it back together. That's a beautiful car that I'm sure will turn out awesome.
Brings back the memories of my first chop on 40 COOP in '79. Sitting in the car with the roof tacked back on, my wife said my grin was as wide as the windshield. Go guys!
The crime scene deal is hilarious 😂 Steve strikes again 😎
Clearly taking the time to prep the car and lay everything out make the process much smoother. At the end of the day, you saved the 39 from being lost to time and the mice damage was quite extensive. So, correcting the roof height was a good solution. Keep up the good work.
It just blows me away what you guys tackle , with confidence . Keep up the great content.Like it or not shows every car still has life.
I can’t help but laugh Matt how you dance around topics that some people might hate and upset with that smirk on your face knowing that it will. Can’t wait to see it completed.
Mike Bellos customs does a great job on them lot of good guys out there you will be fine good show!
It is not a restored classics channel, but a resurrection of forgotten classics into customs. Better than rotting away or crushed. Mind you, i would have done this to the swamp Merc as it was not feasible to take it to original but rather, a blank canvas.
You should invest in a couple of welding blankets Matt,perfect to cover painted areas when grinding.
The chop (if nicely done) probably does more than anything to insure the long term survival of this car. I think there will come a time when almost nobody will be interested in a completely stock 1939 Mercury but there will always be a group with an eye towards customization, regardless of the generation or time.
Totally agree!
There is something to be desired in the original roof.
Your car, do it!!!
I'm stoked about this! Way back when... when I started following you... you were doing more of this kind of work. And I LOVED learning from you. I still have been learning from you all along, but this kind of "crazy" custom work was what hooked me.
Can't WAIT to see the whole process, and the finished product!!
Every car can be improved upon in its own way, can’t wait to watch the transformation.
Hey guys, I agree with what your doing, the roof was in bad shape you made an easy decision to chop it. Can't wait for the rest of the build to be done. Enjoyed the video....Ralph
No doubt this adds value to this car in my opinion looking forward to the next installment
Artistry! Totally right about the way they got the roof wrong on the Merc. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Ruined? No way.
I've been waiting to see you do a chop for years now, (at least I can't remember one, my memory is fading), will be great to see the whole process.
Love as Always, Reading England.
This is the kind of stuff I enjoy watching! True craftsmanship.
In the podcast, Mike said, "we always wear our safety glasses." His is made of elbow! Seriously, this car will look amazing.
I like where you are going with the roofline. I know that it would require a good bit more labor but, I would love to see you shape the center post like the curved one in the photo that you showed . It flows so nicely with the new roofline and body shape.
Really enjoy that you didn’t time lapse all the cuts. I think showing how tedious they are even with the correct tool for the job will save quite a few cars from being cut up and never getting back together. Building customs is not for people in a hurry lol
Long awaited adjustments!!! Going to be great!
Love it, Kustom all the way !
That's one way to take care of the mouse damage.
Thanks for taking us along for the transformation!...👍
After seeing this chop in person. All I can say is that it’s perfect.😊
One of the few times we get to see Matt with a MIG welder in his hands. Good to see Matt, love the confidence to tackle a job like this, looking forward to the end result.
Ain’t NO turning back now! This will be a fun series of vids to watch.
I was told by an owner of a 40 Merc that they used 38 Ford tops on the 39-40 Mercs. Rather than retool for the tops because they didnt know how the Mercs were going to sell. (Dont know if its true). Great work. It looks like you have a good plan.
That was a nice original Merc to start with. But dang, those things needed a chop right out of the factory. You're doing what it's always needed. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. 😎
Viewers..you must have in your mind how this is going to turn out when finished. Matt
knows enough as to what he wants and how to do it. Have faith..job will turn out to
be just find...stay tuned and give a thumb up on support. 😊
Cover the dashboard from all the sparks
No you well not lose me over this chop ! Been watching our guy Bad Chad in Nova Scotia Canada chopping older vehicles! He's got a nice 34 Ford right know he's trying to get running! Not sure if he well keep it original.
"Fully wrecked and ruined another car!" Lol! Sweet job!! You are doing amazing and beautiful work on these cars!
Looking forward to this project in a big way.
Great video Matt 👍 this is a great modification and great tips 😎
When you first drug this home and said that you were going to chop it I thought "oh no, not a nice survivor like this". However, when I got a good look at the side profile
I thought "man, that roof is way too high". It will look a lot better when that top comes down some. Built back when men wore tall hats. I'm really looking forward to this project
and seeing just how much work (trouble) it is.
And just so no one takes this the wrong way, I'm a true believer in "it's your car, do what you want with it".
Awsum job. Going to look really good when finished.👍
I knew this would be called the Mangled Merc!
Little brother to the Ruined Roadster!
Always great content!
It would be neat to turn this car into a hardtop. I can imagine how cool it would look. However getting the window regulators and windows to seat properly would be a challenge. It will be more straight forward to keep the door post as that presents less problems. I concur that building the car as an old custom is the way to go. It will look like an old Barris Custom and that is cool in my book. I'm hanging around as I enjoy watching projects like these unfold. You have encouraged me to watch this cars development with this modification.
@@LarryHeagren Just hope this radical hack doesn't turn into a Bad Chad unusable hack job.
Wow, huge project Matt!
Your art style is amazing, this car will be sweet!
Add chrome window channels like they did in the 50's, and make it a hardtop!!
Yes!🤘after I saw the yellow tape in one of the or videos (day in the life maybe), I was hoping for a chop!! Lately the channel has been getting hot rods and speed equipment back on the road, which makes a super cool, but like to see the process of how these hot rods were made too and it’s better than just letting the rust take over. Cheers I’ll be watching!
That will show those mice who is in charge!
I think this is cool. I have never chopped a car before. I am always looking around for some crap 30-40;s to practice on for the first chop car. I am always amazed at how laid back a shop is when they take the top off. Kind of a wild thing. Love it...I have to finish a few cars to chop one, but soon very soon.
You're a brave man Gungadin.
That looked easy enough! 😏 Nice work.
edit: your joke at the end got me. The roof on my 53 Packard 2dr ht literally bolts to the top of the windshield frame and sail panel. I want to chop it but it's going to require some re-engineering to make it right.
I love this build!! keep it up!
NEEDED TO BE DONE. ALL THE BEST WITH THAT
I was shocked when you tossed that sail panel! I’ve only watched Bad Chad chops, and he would save that for another project (maybe you did?). Did you say it’s your first chop?!? You laid it out and cut it with great confidence 👻. I’m mystified where you are going with this, can’t wait!
stressful and exciting at the same time ! glad to see the future of hot rodding is in good hands! us old timers watching approve this video!
Good one, Steve!
Punks hang on street corners. The Real tough Guys Build/Repair things.
Nuff said
Like Steve's sign on the tape.
Great job, thanks !
looks cool as a convertible lol i would be really nervous cutting up my car .looks like your committed now can' wait for next video
Good show. those cars look so cool choped.Keep on Cutting😎👍
I think this is a great project you have taken on. To me, the 39-40 Merc tops look almost like an afterthought. I like the comparison to the Barris car you referred to. Anything near that, which I feel you are very capable of doing, will be extremely cool. This will be exciting to follow along!
A lot of work but well worth it 🛠🛠👍🏼👍🏼
Oh no it’s ruined!
I love it! Can’t wait to see it come together!!!
...be careful..... Mike Bellos is a bad dude.... have fun, boys.....
That is going to be one cool looking Merc!!!
Super big balls !!!
Great can`t wait to see the rest
I like where the car is headed on the chop
You put a lot of thought into this project. I liked the Merc the way it was, however I still want to see the finished product.
The project ive been waiting on cant wait to see the progess
As soon as the body was "relieved" of the roof the car started looking 100% better! Yeah, a Carson Top would be bitchin', but chop is the way to go (always loved the Matranga Merc)! Stock Merc roofs are ugly (eight head not a forehead!) and awkward and deserve a bit of "re-design!" Loving this build and looking forward to you walk us through your process! If you lost a couple subscribers don't worry, you're going to gain a bunch of new ones with this build series! Go Iron Trap, keep moving forward!
I agree ! With all of that !
I reckon that straight up and down B pillar is what looks wrong, on these coupes. Anything you guys do to change that
will be a vast improvement. Go for it!
To me a 39 Merc has always looked like a 39 Deluxe that had been left out in the sun too long & started to melt & the coupe roof was an afterthought on Friday afternoon. It's also the only model that has a one piece driveshaft & pinion that is 7ft long! What the hell were they thinking!
thanks guys1
Fark yeah!!!! As we say, any man can put a car together but a real man can chop one up first.
Might have to send my 41 coupe over for a "holiday" when the Merc is done. 😉😉
Been waiting for this
Nice one Matt!
Sad to see the top come off a nice savior. With all the rust repair . It wouldn't be a savior anymore. Looking forward to seeing the progress.
But you ruin cars so well! The 32 is exactly what would have been done 80 years ago and just cutting the lid off of this one helped it look a butt load better. I can't wait to watch the progress. It's going to be really cool!
thats what that car needed
For me the B pillar straight. Or better, the top slightly angled forward.
And 3 small radiused return stainless rear side window trim moldings (no sharp intersection).
"Chop, baby, chop".
Matt and Company, The work you'all are doing on the Mouse House Merc and the mousey goodness you keep finding is reminding me of the Myth Busters episode from way back when they put a couple of dead pigs in a car, in a conex, for months and then tried to bust the myth that one could not get the smell of a dead body out of a car good enough to still sell it. IIRC, the outcome was sort of yes, sort of no. They went to great lengths to clean the car, including gutting the interior, like you have here, and while they were able to sell the vehicle, they basically sold it for parts and the buyer did ask about the smell, but his intentions were to part out the car. Best of luck to you getting the mousey smell out. I'm confident you will.
Looking good with your first chop
I love Ingersoll Rand
Going to look cool, the way a merc. Should.
Great work guys!!
ITG, as with any project of this difficulty, Matt has a plan!
4.5 inches, that's a lot! I'm considering chopping the top on my 31 Ford Coupe, don't know if I should finish the rest of the car first, or do it now?
See the modified concept look you are aiming for. Mark, chop, fit.
Thank God good move
I would be terrified of making that very first cut😂
im in for the finish cool vid
Should you gift wrap the dashboard ? Tire pressure, you don't want to work on a crooked car
Very Nice Start
This is awesome thanks Matt for taking us on this Chop Top Journey with you really awesome I've never done one I've seen a few done but this is awesome thanks a lot oh I was going to also say hey Mike how do you like being at the main shop all the time now or did you like it better over at the warehouse
Nice convertible you guys have there 😂🎉
Have never learned the "history" related to the Ford designs between 1937 and 1940 where, "in my opinion", some of them "take some getting used to" instead of being "perfect" right out of the box like everything between 1929 and 1936 ?????
As you said in this video, the 40 Merc just doesn't "flow" like the 40 Ford Coupe. In particular, I have always hated that rear wheel opening on the Merc's. Had actually never realized the roof was a bit "bulbous" also. ;o( FWIW, of course !!!
Been waiting year for you to do a custom!
One saving grace is that the roof and some structure was rotted.
Been waiting to see you do a chop!
Not that you don’t know, but if you don’t, there’s a dude named Mike Bellows Bellows customs he’d be a great resource to get in his ear about how to do all that
Bellos custom
You broke the eggs. Now you'll make the omelette.
Cool beans I like it