Last updated on November 5, 2021
Today’s car is a 1951 Mercury Lead Sled owned by Jay Cochea. I saw this car at the Westchester (CA) Elks Club Car Show. The term “Lead Sled” generally refers to an early-1950s Ford, Mercury or Lincoln but has expanded to include other cars as well. In the name, “lead” refers to the old day’s use of lead filler in custom car construction before the days of stable plastic filler (Bondo), and “sled” refers to the lowering of the vehicle. To be considered a “Lead Sled” the vehicle must have most, if not all, of the following modifications. It must be chopped, channeled, sectioned, shaved, de-badged, de-chrome, “Frenched” lights, fender skirts, cool paint, and drip rail removal.
Let’s go down the lead sled modifications checklist: Chopped? – yes, I would say around 4″. Channeled or sectioned? – no, Shaved, de-badged and de-chrome? – yes. “Frenched” lights – yes. Fender skirts? – yes. Cool paint? – oh yes. Drip rail removal? – yes. Other modifications are recessed antennas, 1958 Chevy Bel-Air roof vent, lake pipes, faux spot lights, a 1953 Desoto grille and 1949 Mercury front bumper. New Vintage dashboard gages, tilt steering column with a 1957 Chevy steering wheel.
When Jay filled out his car show window form, under special features he wrote “to many”!!! I agree with the “to many” comment. This is a great Lead Sled that is eye catching. Great for Cars & Coffee, Car Shows, and Friday night cruising. Thanks for riding along. Frank
