Vehicle description
This custom 1950 Mercury known as "The Rebel" was professionally chopped by Joe Bailon, the legendary customizer especially recognized for his Mercury builds. It is powered by a mid-1980s Lincoln fuel-injected 302ci V8 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This car began as a clean, 90,000-mile example and retains its all-steel body, including the original floor pans. Bailon performed a 2-inch roof chop with additional slant to the center posts for a sleeker appearance. This was reportedly Bailon's 39th and final Mercury top chop. Additional exterior modifications by Dan Weaver Hobbies include slightly slanted windshield and B-pillars, removable flush-mounted fender skirts, frenched headlights, taillights, turn signals, door handles and key locks, smoothed bumpers and a 9-piece 1953 DeSoto-tooth grille. The car also features 16-gauge stainless-steel 2x3-inch oblong side pipes with illuminated "Rebel" end caps. The laser straight body received four-stage urethane primer and then finished in dark brown German urethane paint with an airbrushed image of James Dean on the decklid. The front suspension employs a mid-1960s Chrysler torsion bar setup with A-arms and power rack & pinion steering. The rear houses a Ford 9-inch rear end with Dutchman axles and Posies leaf springs. Stopping is provided by power disc brakes. Additional equipment includes a 21-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank with in-tank pump, along with stainless brake and fuel lines. The engine breathes through a mandrel bent 2-inch stainless TIG-welded exhaust system with stainless mufflers. The engine bay is detailed with a custom-machined aluminum 14-inch air cleaner, as well as custom-fabricated ribbed valve covers, radiator cover and computer cover. "The Rebel" rides on custom-fabricated 15-inch wheels fitted with deep-dish 1956 Cadillac hubcaps mounted with Diamond Back whitewall radial tires. The custom Ivory interior is upholstered in roll-and-pleat marine-grade vinyl with power seats, power windows, Dakota Digital gauges set in the original dashboard, a custom see-through steering wheel, full-length CNC-formed center console, door panels with custom armrests and wood-grain window surrounds, German square-weave carpet and a stereo system using Alpine and Pioneer components. Roughly 1,500 labor hours went into the restoration over a 5-year period. This vehicle is a multiple award winner, including Goodguys Custom of the Year finalist and John D'Agostino Best Custom. It is accompanied by a letter from Joe Bailon certifying his work.