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Old 02-25-2018, 01:17 PM   #1
lurk
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Default Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Hi guys,

New here. I just picked up a very original, low mile (32,900) '39 Mercury Sedan in original paint. It sat out for a few years up in Eureka, CA but before that it was 100% garage kept since new. It's gorgeous now, I can't imagine how nice it was before it sat out...

Anyway, I learned through some hand written notes left by the second owner that the car received an AACA Preservation Award at some point and was showed around the east coast in the 80's and 90's

I googled the original owner's name (John T. Fetherston) and discovered that he was somewhat prominent. The home he owned and retired in is currently a museum...pretty neat.

http://packwoodhousemuseum.com/about-us/

Anyway, I've contacted the museum looking for photos or info on the car and thought that maybe someone here had seen the car on the east coast at some point in it's life. Also, does the AACA keep records of the awards it gives out?

Really, I'm just trying to piece together some actual history on this awesome car. Any help appreciated.


Last edited by lurk; 02-25-2018 at 01:31 PM.
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Old 02-25-2018, 01:26 PM   #2
DavidG
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just bought...

Super!

Yes, the AACA does keep records of the awards it makes. You can contact their headquarters in Hershey, PA (Google AACA).
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Old 02-25-2018, 01:28 PM   #3
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just bought...

Too bad somebody would buy a car like that and then let it sit out. Good that you got it before it got any worse. Welcome to this forum. Lots of help here.
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Old 02-25-2018, 02:23 PM   #4
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

This is entirely peripheral to the thread and not a knock on this poster, but how in the hell was he able to post a picture this big when everybody else is having problems with size? Maybe it is very low resolution, but it looks pretty good to me!

Very nice looking car, BTW.
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Old 02-25-2018, 02:26 PM   #5
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Nice car!!!!..... welcome to the Barn!!!!......Mark
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Old 02-25-2018, 03:08 PM   #6
Clem Clement
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

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Congrats. I have a '40 Convert sedan.
How can I help you?
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Old 02-25-2018, 03:51 PM   #7
lurk
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clem Clement View Post
Congrats. I have a '40 Convert sedan.
How can I help you?
Well, other than the history of the car, I'm curious about the interchangeability of '39-'40 Ford parts with the Merc stuff. Seems parts labeled '39-40 Ford are common while '39-'40 Merc labeling is tough to find.

So, are there any significant differences between the mechanical, suspension, and braking systems between the Fords & Mercs?

Thanks,
Randy
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Old 02-25-2018, 04:53 PM   #8
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

I believe I saw some Merc hubcaps of ebay today. Engine parts, transmission, steering, shocks and brakes should easily interchange with Ford. The Torque tube and driveshaft is longer than a
Ford if I remember right.
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Old 02-26-2018, 07:54 AM   #9
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

@Lurk
(Note Avatar) Where the Mercury is hard to find parts for (in some instances) and Ford parts don't interchange is like seats, trim pieces, steering wheel, things of that nature. This is our three time Rouge winner, Oct 1938 production Merc!!!
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Old 02-26-2018, 03:19 PM   #10
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Nice car for sure! Welcome to the Ford Barn!!
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Old 02-27-2018, 06:25 AM   #11
mercman from oz
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...


You have a very nice car there. Great that you have saved it. Unless your 39 Mercury is a very early production model, these are the two Hubcaps that you should look for. The one on the left is the regular issue, while the one on the right is the Accessory Full Stainless Steel one. You will notice that the outer diameter is larger on the accessory hubcap than the standard one, however, the inside mounting rings are the same.
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Old 02-27-2018, 07:43 AM   #12
rockfla
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Also, Lurk, the camfer's (or indention strips) in the front and rear bumpers should be painted Red.
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Old 02-27-2018, 08:58 AM   #13
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

"... front and rear bumpers should be painted Red."

Isn't that "restoration" rather than preservation? It's a slippery slope!

(Beautiful car ... the tops.)
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Old 02-27-2018, 09:17 AM   #14
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Quote:
Originally Posted by tubman View Post
This is entirely peripheral to the thread and not a knock on this poster, but how in the hell was he able to post a picture this big when everybody else is having problems with size? Maybe it is very low resolution, but it looks pretty good to me!

Very nice looking car, BTW.
The Pic comes from a free hosting site called 'Tinypic' and has not been properly sized for this format.
A properly sized Pic can be posted from within Fordbarn such as this.



And from Tinypic would be like this--

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Old 02-27-2018, 11:44 AM   #15
Clem Clement
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Is there a Green book for Mercury's?
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Old 02-27-2018, 02:06 PM   #16
mfirth
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Love your Merc....only original once. How's the interior & stuff? Very nice, mike
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Old 03-02-2018, 12:11 AM   #17
lurk
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Default Re: Looking for info on this '39 Merc I just found...

Took the Merc out for a little cruise around the dilapidated Ft. Ord Army base after a pretty thorough mechanical inspection/tighten up.


Ran great and with the liberal addition of some Marvel Mystery oil, the old flathead stopped smoking.

I'll post interior shots as soon as it stops raining long enough for me to pull it out of the shop.
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