SP Rides: So Rare, So Fine
By Michael Kitchens
Name: Rocky Dias
Age: 64
Occupation: Painting contractor
Hobbies: Motorcycles, cars
Year/Make/Model: 1949 Mercury Coupe
Color: Tangerine Orange with Platinum Pearl
Engine: Big Block 427 Crate engine, MSD distributor, custom louvre inner fenders, custom radiator shroud, 200-amp alternator
Exterior: Chopped 5-inches, French headlights and taillights, Escalade third brake light, dummy spots, polished chrome grill, dual antenna mod
Interior: Custom by Al’s Upholstery, Progressive Sounds Audio System, custom center console, Autometer gauges
Drivetrain and Suspension: 400 Turbo Trans, Ford 9-inch rear end, 4-link, Air Technologies bag suspension
Wheels/Tires/Brakes: 15-inch wheels, Delta Majestic tires P205/70R15s, disc brakes
In describing how his 1949 Mercury Coupe came to be, owner Rocky Dias has a simple explanation: “I don’t know what to do, but I know what I want.” Rocky is a big time fan of the Mercury (he owns three of these vehicles), but this coupe, which was built piece by piece by son Roc, represents his first custom job.
It also is quite honestly one of the most epic vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of photographing for StreetPulse.
This was actually Roc’s first full-on build, and thus is often referred to as his “guinea pig.” It took two trips in the back of Rocky’s truck to transport the Mercury to the Dias’ home; we’re talking no doors, no hood, and no fenders — a total basketcase project. As mentioned previously, Rocky knew exactly what he wanted as he has an entire door at home covered in photographs and magazine spreads of Mercuries that were used for reference in this build.
First up was cutting the frame and merging a 1979 Nova front clip that could support a big block built by Snyders Machine Works. An interesting fact is that Rocky obtained this monster by swapping his painting expertise for the 427-crate engine that was then given the full Monty in dress-up bits and shiny pieces. The engine bay is simply immaculate, unique and features a polished mirror plate firewall to amplify the look. Mated to a 400 Turbo transmission, the ride also features a Ford 9-inch rear end and 4-link in the back.
After engine installation, the frame was then c-sectioned to fit the Air Technologies airbag suspension that is capable of dropping this sweet ride practically to its polished side pipes.
This car is visually stunning! The ride was chopped by 5 inches and then layered in an incredible paintjob consisting of Tangerine Orange layered with Platinum Pearl by Mort Daniels. Jimmy Kealoha of Who’s Your Daddy then applied the exquisite pinstriping and flames. The exterior is chock-full of shiny bits and pieces such as the polished dummy spots and fantastic front grill polished by Rocky. Both the front and rear lights have been frenched and the third brake light has been recessed as well.
The interior also feels enormous with a massive amount of details that make it hard to take in all at once. Al’s Auto Upholstery took it to another level and the ride now features a smooth as vanilla custom interior with black carpet. The dash is painted with a clear-coat black and is full of eye-candy.
This car turns heads; it’s a complete showstopper as folks from every generation stop to admire and inquire into its make and construction. It harkens back to heydays of Elvis Presley, James Dean, American Graffiti, Cobra and their ilk. It’s simply famous, but Rocky is adamant that “Roc built this car. I just own it.” This father and son combo is simply so rare and so fine, all at the same time.
