The kit:
It gave me 2 engine choices: 255 cu. in. "Flathead" V-8 and a 440cu. in. V-8. I built up both anyway. First the 255cu. in. V-8. Painted it Ford Engine Red, opting to use Offenhauser cylinder heads, intake manifold, "Beehive" oil filter and dual Stromberg 97 carburators instead of bone stock cylinder heads, intake manifolds and carburator. The fan belt assembly had the alternator molded on. I didn't like the looks of it, so off it came and used a different alternator from my parts spares bin. Cylinder heads are painted aluminum and enhanced with black detail wash...
The 440 cu. in V-8... The carburators were molded on dual carb intake manifold. I didn't like it and it looked out of scale and too small. So, I grinded them down, used better carburators from a mule Monte Carlo kit I also added a pair of custom air filters. The kit's version were waaay to small, Those were also from same Monte Carlo mule kit as well. I basically repainted them a different shade of metallic silver and am happy with the results.
Top view'''
The hood. Looking at various custom '49 Mercury sedans, I found a lot of them have no molding on top of the hood, "MERCURY" as well as the emblem removed. So, I sanded down all those and am liking it so far,
Next, the side molding needs to be sanded down as well.
I opted to have the trunk glued shut because the hinges looks to be a real PITA to install. You have to install the interior tub in order to hold the other end of the hinge - see instruction guide image. Nope, not gonna happen...
but the blue.... oh Lordy... mmm mm! I chose Testors lacquer blue called Deja Blue. It’s the perfect dark shade I’m looking for.
