I had a long weekend and so actually got most of the “gotta do” things done.  This resulted in time to go parts hunting at the old car junkyard. 

Parts hunting is interesting because you don’t need a license and the bag limit depends on the size of the truck that you brought with you.  I have been known to take the Miata when going to the junkyard, thus limiting the amount of “gotta have it” stuff that follows me home.

I was specifically looking for trim pieces for the ’63 Mercury dash that I am intending to install in the truck.  I got the instrument cluster a year ago at the big Denver swap meet.  It has some serious wow factor.  I like it because of the ‘50s art deco look with lots of chrome.  It also has a lot of “shape”.

 It didn’t take me long to figure out that modifying my truck dash wasn’t going to be a practical exercise.  Speaking of practical, widening the truck has resulted in it appearing that the Mercury dash will fit without serious modification. 

I momentarily thought about making a dash that would house the instrument cluster.  Then I found a guy on ebay that had a dash for only $10.  The shipping was three times what the dash cost but that is what happens in e commerce. 

The new dash fit my instrument cluster but had no other parts included, so the hunt commenced.  I found an ashtray, glove box and trim in Idaho.  Not wanting to repeat the shipping fiasco I figured that checking out the local old car junkyard was a good idea.

The local old car junkyard had not one but two ’64 Mercurys.  It turns out that the ’63 and ’64 dashes were the same, at least as far as I can tell.  I got a chrome trim piece, the ashtray and the glove box.  I am really considering going back and getting the rest of the trim including the clock, radio and heater controls.  I’m waffeling a bit on it, I kinda like the look but I don’t want to have too much Mercury.  What do you think?

I also wanted to get a couple of ratted out front fenders to use for patch panels.  I think that the guy running the junkyard is starting to feel sorry for my insanity because he sold me a pair of fenders for $10.  They were both pretty bent but I am only looking for the lower back piece of each fender.

I’m feeling pretty good at this point because I’ve escaped the junkyard for a paltry $47.  This is making me happy as I’m cruising down the highway. 

Quickly down the highway. 

Quick enough to attract the attention of Johnny law.

This is how to make your parts expensive. 

Drive safely now, ya hear?

Norm

Tags: 1951 GMC

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