Dave Martino’s 1950 Mercury Sled
Photos/Story: T-Bone, Model: Melissa Swizz and Panzer Shopdog – Click HERE to see a walk-around video on Blacktop TV!
We first saw the Martino Merc when Dave brought his newly purchased sled to the 401k Club’s Christmas Open Garage and Car Show.
He was looking for Dana to get a quote on a new paint job. The finish was cracking in a couple of areas. What was found was botched up metal work covered by literally inches thick of bondo. Master metal man Bernt Karlsson and the crew took the body down to expose it’s dirty secrets and then lead and smooth the car to a finish respective of such a historic vehicle.
And, it didn’t stop there. This is a dream car for Dave who is an avid enthusiast and collector. Soon orders came in to re-vamp the interior, upgrade the airbag suspension and go over the entire car to make it a safe road worthy vehicle.
They enlisted Ron Mangus to tackle the interior which features a light tan/off-white leather upholstery for the cab and the trunk.
The suspension was reworked and checked to repair any leaks in the air system. New dash wiring with digital gauges hidden behind a tinted panel and many other challenges were addressed throughout the vehicle. It debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show where it won second place for it’s Kustom Class.
Dave now enjoys the car with his family that includes a teenage daughter who is influenced by the cars while she rocks her electric guitar with her band. When not in the Merc the family enjoys their ‘58 Fairlane, ‘56 Chevy Wagon, ‘69 Chevelle and others.
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