Dave Dotson, 76, of Elida, customized this 1950 Mercury Coupe, turning it into a car like no other.
Jim Krumel | For The Lima News Copper Etching
ELIDA – Dave Dotson has what he calls “a fully customized car.”
Twenty-eight years ago he purchased a 1950 Mercury Coupe and immediately started ripping it apart from top to bottom, front to rear, and driver side to passenger side.
What the 76-year-old Elida man now has is a vehicle like no other.
“It’s my lead sled,” says Dotson, referring to a term used by car enthusiasts to describe extensively modified vehicles from the 1949 to 1951 model years.
“Lead sleds are built for style, not speed.” said Dotson.
Among the modifications he’s done is to remove and replace the top, change the direction for opening the passenger side doors, and replace the outside mirrors. He’s also added power steering and power brakes.
The car was repainted “prowler purple” by Roger Hardesty of H&H Auto Body and Glass in Lima. Dotson likes the “ghost flame” on the hood.
“It helps set the car off,” he said.
Dotson has done the rest of the work on the car, enjoying some help from his 18-year-old grandson, Chase.
“I let him drive the car to the Elida prom,” said Dotson. “It’s been special time working together on the car.”
The Lima News publishes photographs of vintage cars, 20 years or older, free of charge in Real Wheels. It is easy to get your car featured:
• Mail: Real Wheels, Newsroom, The Lima News; 205 W. Market St., Suite #100A; Lima, OH 45801.
• Include: Photograph of your car; year of car, make and model; how many years you have owned the vehicle; car’s history; best memory of car; your name, address and telephone number (the phone number will not be published).
If you have further questions, contact The Lima News newsroom at 419-222-6397 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
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