Opinion wanted regarding painting 1947 Merc. Convert.

[Displayman]

Curious,
I am restoring a 1947 Canadian Mercury.
Getting close to starting paint prep.
Should I leave the 2 front fenders on the Merc. for painting, or
leave them off?
Sounds like a dumb question, but I know there are people who have had experiences with both options, good and bad.


Thanks,

Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

[rockfla]

Off

[Vic Piano]

When ever I have had a "fat fender" vehicle painted, I've always removed the front clip, hood, rear fenders and trunk lid.

[TStiles]

Were that beautiful Mercury mine, I'd disassemble, taking LOTS of photos along the way. Because, at my age, the photos are always handy during reassembly. Most of the horror stories I've heard come from those who are too cavalier about documenting how it came apart so when reassembly time comes, so do the problems....

[rotorwrench]

Driver cars could be painted in assembled state to save time as long as there aren't rust or mounting issues (cracks, squeaks, worn or missing welt, etc.) that need attention. For full restoration, the parts need to be painted separately. It depends on what results you want.

[jagnweiner]

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I would vote for both front and rear off the car. Then put new fender welting on for re-assembly.

Meanwhile, as a fellow '47 Merc owner, perhaps someday I could make the 2 hr drive over to Hampshire to see your restoration?

[51 MERC-CT]

Back in the 1950's, when I repainted my '47 Merc. conv., it was painted while completely assembled. That was standard practice.
My current '51 Merc. was done dis-assembled.
Do it which ever way that you feel will give you the result that you will be satisfied with. You don't have to satisfy me or anyone else.

[waterboychuck]

I just finished painting my 46. The front clip is off the car and the rear fenders are hanging there. Before painting the exterior of the car I did all the inside, under the hood and trunk, inside the door jams and doors. That way I could paint the car with the door closed. It worked for me and I would do the same thing again.

[Displayman]

Stop by anytime.
Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

[Displayman]

Thanks for all the advice.

Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

[Bill]

You mention that you are painting a 1947 Canadian Merc convertible. Is that car on the 114" frame. Can't ever recall ever seeing one on the short frame. Have seen one wagon on the 114" frame. Anyone know the production numbers for that model? Bill

[Displayman]

This Canadian Mercury is a 118" not the 114".

Bob

[GreenMonster48]

Originally Posted by waterboychuck

I just finished painting my 46. The front clip is off the car and the rear fenders are hanging there. Before painting the exterior of the car I did all the inside, under the hood and trunk, inside the door jams and doors. That way I could paint the car with the door closed. It worked for me and I would do the same thing again.

Gorgeous! What kind of paint did you use?

[trainguy]

I prefer to remove the fenders for body work and prime coating. I paint the underside and where the fenders bolt on to the chassis,also painting the born where the fender attach. Depending if the welding gets painted,I either loosely bolt the fenders or install the welt and finish fasten the fenders then I paint the body and fenders at the same time. Using this method you avoid the color or texture mismatch you may get if you paint everything separately plus you avoid the damage to the fresh paint during assembly.

[jagnweiner]

Originally Posted by Displayman

Stop by anytime.
Bob-Hampshire, Illinois

Thanks, Bob. I'll definitely try to connect sometime on in the next few months. And once yours is back on the road we can meet somewhere in the middle for a small '47 Merc convertible convention.