Matranga Merc

[Mark Gee]

Hey does anyone know what size wheels the Matranga Merc had? Thanks

 

[51 MERC-CT]

Probably one for the HAMB, but considering the Sombrero wheel covers, probably around 7.10-15 bias ply. tires with appropriate. wheels.

 

[Bored&Stroked]

Given the era, most likely 15" . . . and probably from the original car . . .

 

[51 MERC-CT]

Given the era, most likely 15" . . . and probably from the original car . . .

40 Mercs. were 16" and yes most likely 15" because of the 50's Cadillac 'Sombrero' wheel covers.

 

[VeryTangled]

My mama told me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.

Shaved door handles are sleek. I wonder how they worked back in the day without poppers/door solenoids?

 

[Abe Lugo]

note that there are 16" Sombreros that are Cadillac Made, for Commercial vehicles, same for Cadillac rims, you can get them in 16". For more info on this particular Custom, maybe try the Custom Car Chronicle site.

https://www.customcarchronicle.com/cc-builders/barris-kustom-shop/nick-matranga-mercury/

https://www.customcarchronicle.com/...tom-shop/that-illustrious-sanguine-1940-merc/

 

[flatford8]

My mama told me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.

Shaved door handles are sleek. I wonder how they worked back in the day without poppers/door solenoids?

Some type of cable or lever under the running board maybe??.....or they just left the window open or vent unlocked........Mark

 

[51 MERC-CT]

My mama told me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.

Shaved door handles are sleek. I wonder how they worked back in the day without poppers/door solenoids?

Some type of cable or lever under the running board maybe??.....or they just left the window open or vent unlocked........Mark

Fret no longer because what I/we used as door "poppers" back in the day were 1940's GM solenoids that GM used to engage the starter gear.

 

[glennpm]

I had one of those solenoids to open the trunk in my 40 and wondered where they came from.

 

[V8COOPMAN]

I had one of those solenoids to open the trunk in my 40 and wondered where they came from.

Every small block and big block Chevy I ever fooled with had one, and likely most of the GM engines of yesterday. They are rugged and dependable! DD

 

[holyhackjack]

Hows your Merc coming along Mark?

 

[JayChicago]

"what I/we used as door "poppers" back in the day were 1940's GM solenoids that GM used to engage the starter gear."

How were the solenoids activated? Push buttons (or keyed switches?) hidden in the wheel wells?

 

[51 MERC-CT]

"what I/we used as door "poppers" back in the day were 1940's GM solenoids that GM used to engage the starter gear."

How were the solenoids activated? Push buttons (or keyed switches?) hidden in the wheel wells?

A simple push button to ground the circuit.
The same as most old Ford solenoids are activated.

 

[miniceptor86]

A simple push button to ground the circuit.
The same as most old Ford solenoids are activated.

In what locations were the push buttons located?

 

[51 MERC-CT]

In what locations were the push buttons located?

Anywhere you wanted that was out of sight.
And it did not have to be push buttons.
For example, I do not use push buttons but strategically located magnetic switches that operate buy passing a magnet over their location.
Or I can use a remote to operate them and in case of an electrical failure I have a mechanical means for entry.