I have a '53 Customline two-door coupe and a '95 Mercury Grand Marquis. I'm considering taking the Customline body and putting it on the Marquis ch***is. I'm hoping this will allow me a cheaper way of getting 4-wheel disc brakes, a relatively modern V-8, modern suspension and steering, automatic trans, air conditioning, 12V electrical system, and cruise control. Is this a reasonable transfer to do? Will the body fit on that frame? I measured the wheelbases and they are the same (give or take a half-inch) from front to rear. Hmmm...I need to go back out sometime this week and measure the wheelbase width. I haven't ever done anything like this, but I'm not bad working with tools or my hands, and I'm not afraid to give it a go. One catch though, is that I can't weld (yet). I really really REALLY desperately want to learn, but haven't had a work schedule that will allow me to attend the community college welding cl***es here. However, I'm confident that I can do anything else I need to do (mechanical, painting, electrical, plumbing, etc). Thoughts/ideas? Here's a couple of pics of the Customline, and you can also see the Grand Marquis in the background.
Might want to measure the width, I think the Marquis is going to be too wide. Changing the body to another ch***is is a very, very, major undertaking. If you decide to do it, measure every thing at least four times and plan, plan, plan.
This idea is a looser...even if you had a fully equipped shop and a lifetime of skills...which you don't. The problem is that car people with practiced eyes can always spot a ch***is swap...even those done relatively well. How? They look different, act different and sit different. Different, never better. An even bigger factor is that you don't have the skills to pull this swap off. When it begins to put up a fight...which it will...you'll quit in frustration and s**** both the Mercury and the tidy little Ford. It happens over and over. This is a no-win idea. Everybody looses...you, the Mercury and the Ford. Be smart. Go traditional.
I've been thinking of this idea and I came up with the same conclusion, forget it! There are many alternatives to do this '53 that are much easier for the beginner. Wet your skills with some basic changes and as you learn, change the car to suit your skills.
I appreciate your honesty with this. Sounds like I'd be in over my head before I knew it. Glad I asked before jumping in. So, I guess I'll forgo the swap and maybe look at doing some transplants instead. I want to use the Marquis as much as possible to keep costs down though. I can find someone local to weld whatever I need welded until I can learn how to do it myself. I'm not building a showcar, but I would like something safe and dependable that looks nice and drives nice. Something I wouldn't be too worried about taking on a long cross-country trip. Also, I'm not in any kind of hurry to get this built. It doesn't have to be done this month or anything, but I'd kinda like to have it done within the next five years or so. Brakes: Can I use the 4-wheel power disc brakes and master cylinder from the Marquis and put them on the '53? Drivetrain: Will the Marquis engine and transmission mounts swap into the '53? If not, is there an aftermarket engine and/or transmission mount that I can get to swap the engine and ******? Not sure how long the driveshafts are, I'll have to measure them. Rear-end swap? I considered rebuilding the flathead V-8 that's in it, but everyone I talked with said I'd be better off pulling it and replacing it because it's not a very fast powerplant, it's prone to overheating, and they're also hard to start, especially with the 6V system. Cooling: With the bigger engine, I'll need a bigger radiator too. I may have to have something fab'd up to get the Marquis radiator to fit. Steering: How about stealing the power steering components? I would like to keep the original steering column and steering wheel though. Cruise control: The cruise controls on the Marquis are the push ****on type that flank the airbag on the steering wheel. I was thinking of finding a column that has the cruise on a lever and putting that on my column. I don't know if there are kits I can get to do this or not, but right now it's just an idea. Suspension: I'd like to lower the ride some, not a whole lot, but maybe two or three inches. The Marquis rides real smooth and I would like to use it's suspension if I can. Air Conditioning: How hard would it be to install the A/C from the Marquis into the Customline? Also, I'd like to take the body off and wire-wheel the frame (I don't have a sandblaster or a m***ive air-compressor) and seal it up with paint. This seems like it would also be a good time to do the ch***is mods mentioned above. The body itself has some cancer and needs a little work, including the rocker panels and floors. Should I repair that stuff before lifting the body off the frame? Would I be better off selling them both and buying something else?
If you want the '53.... like it was said..... start small and build up. No one makes parts to fit in the Marquis parts as bolt ons. Everything will have to be custom built and modified $$$$$$$$$$ ! How about selling both cars and buying a car that is near what you want? I've built cars for years and wouldn't tackle this project! Stay within your ability for now until you learn more.
I'm with Geno on this one. Sell 'em both and find another with the major fabrication work already done. This approach is not as fool-proof as it might seem, as many partially-completed cars feature workmanship that borders on criminal. Knowledge and reliable advisors are your friends here if you are unsure of your own ability to judge good from bad. And... I'd go for a '54, '55 or '56 if I were you. These cars are much more adaptable to upgrades than are the '52 and '53 Ford cars, especially if later motors and power options such as power steering, power disc brakes, air conditioning and improved ride quality are important to you. The earlier cars ('52-'53), although they look very similar, are quite different underneath and more difficult to upgrade because almost nothing interchanges with later model cars. Please feel free to post here and ask questions if you decide to follow Geno's advice and look further for a more appropriate project candidate. I feel comfortable offering the other members' support as well as my own. Good luck!
I can't tell you all how much I REALLY appreciate your help! Okay, so last night I was talking with my wife about selling the two cars when my twelve year-old daughter chimed in. Apparently she really digs the '53 and said that she wants it if I don't. So, I guess I'll keep it. Not sure about the Marquis. "Be smart. Go traditional." "Wet your skills with some basic changes and as you learn, change the car to suit your skills." "Stay within your ability for now until you learn more." Heeding that advice, I'll try to keep it simple and just do what I can for now, which mostly means mechanical stuff. The build will also go in a different direction now, meaning that the car will probably be driven locally only and not any further than two or three hours from home. I consider myself mechanically inclined and a quick learner. I've rebuilt engines, steering, suspension, brakes, electric motors, and know a little bit about electrical systems. I'm not too bad with a paint gun and/or airbrush either. What I need to learn is body repair, fabrication, and welding. My wife is a seamstress, so I'm expecting her expertise in helping me with the interior when we get there. Going traditional makes me think about rebuilding and keeping the flathead V-8 again. Is this a good idea? I think it would be cool to have a flathead, but I'm concerned with all the negative comments I've been told about flathead performance and dependability. I'd like for this to be a "Hot Rod", but I'm not sure that the flathead can deliver similar performance and dependability of a modern overhead valve engine. If I do keep the flathead, are there mods to "supe it up"? Not necessarily just bolt-on stuff, but other mods like polishing, or whatever. Does anybody sell superchargers or turbochargers for flatheads? Swap meets maybe? I'm planning on switching the car to a 12V system; can I run the flathead with a 12V electrical system? Can I add A/C to it? Also, it looks like my work schedule will FINALLY allow me to take a welding cl*** at the local community college in the Fall of 2012. I can't afford to take the car to a body shop, so the bodywork will just have to wait another two years or so unless I make friends with somebody who also happens to be able to weld sheetmetal. All the welders I know only weld heavy/thick steel and stainless and do lots of fabrication stuff. I asked them about welding sheet and they all cringed and said "no way." I eventually want to have the car lowered, so they may be a future resource for me there. Oh to heck with it, how hard is it to teach yourself to weld sheetmetal? I've been waiting for years for the stars and planets to align so I can take a welding cl*** and I'm tired of waiting. I'm planning on building an airplane someday in addition to building cars, and I want to be able to weld aluminum as well as steel. Steel tube, plate steel, sheet metal, etc. Is TIG the best way to go? Maybe I'll just start reading about welding, pick a good machine and practice until I get it right. I'm not getting any younger by waiting.
As much as I have always had a warm spot in my heart for the flathead Fords,some of your goals are not practical with the flathead as parts prices for them are out of sight these days.You can get good bucks for a running flathead from those that want "tradition",I would also sell the Merc.Use the bucks to swap in a 302/5.0 and AOD trans 1985-93 you will find aftermarket parts in reason and fabbing up A/C won't be hard to do.Some suspension upgrades as well as brake upgrades are EZ using existing parts,you can do the Aerostar spring swap and improve ride and handling adding some good gas shocks as several members here can attest to and it is wallet friendly,your kingpin suspension if maintained and lubed will provide good service also.HAMB member glenn33 can hook you up with the Rebel Wire kit to rewire your ride when you go 12 volt for a reasonable price and excellent advice to back up His parts as near as your phone.If you would like to see a '53 with a 302 check "Pictures" up top and look for member Ms. Peanut's '53.
It's good to see you are heeding the advice on here and that of your daughter. As Jeff said, I would look for a 302 or a 351 Windsor with automatic. Have you read through all the threads in this group? There is a wealth of info here. Good Luck with your project. It looks like a solid car to start with.
Give the coupe to your daughter (to keep peace in the family), put it into storage and go find another project for yourself, one that has had the heavy work already done. From reading your various posts it's clear to me that you'd be quickly over your head when it comes to doing an engine swap, etc. It's not just a matter of not having the skills, it would appear that you also don't have the background or general knowledge to get the heavy work done in a cost-efficient way. Once again, I fear that your tidy little coupe would get torn apart and then die a slow death of neglect because you won't know how to pick or put the new parts in. If this is to be a comprehensive learning process or father/daughter project I might be willing to hedge my advice, but honestly I think I'd start with a less-aggressive rebuild project even so. A solid car with a late model engine, transmission and rear end already in place would make so much more sense for you. You might have to re-do some of it to bring it up to your standards, but still, having the heavy work completed would free your time and money to tackle the less difficult tasks such as wiring, brake upgrades, etc. as Jeff pointed out. If you are patient, Craig's List and even eBay can be a good source for partially completed cars. There are lots of them out there just looking for a new injection of time, enthusiasm and, of course, money. While you are looking you can build up your war che$t and get your tools and storage/shop area ready to receive the car when it's found. If you decide to plow ahead with the little coupe, keep in mind that we're all here to help you...but you'll have to do the actual work yourself. The least attractive responsibility of a group like ours is to help our members avoid the pitfalls some of us have already experienced. Biting off more than one can chew is a pretty common pitfall...
depending on what you feel you merc is worth , since you were willing to cut it up. could you if not sell it trade it for a decent running car with a 302/5.0 and aod. if its a t-bird you could use the swaybar off it . posibly the booster and master combo. maybe the power windows with a little adaption. measure the rear end . might be able to use it just by putting spring perch's on it and cutting off the batwings.
When I got my '53 a few years ago it came from Texas.... I got it cheap, had to pay the shipping to Oregon and then the work started. The previous owner got a good start on it and I jumped in and slowly upgraded it as I drove it. When driving it, I was clear what needed work and what to do about it. I took each "project" on one at a time planning not to have to re-do anything. After two years of "playing" with the '53 I now have a long distance driver that can go anywhere anytime. It's dependable with many eom parts that I have recorded the part numbers in a book just in case I need a replacements on the road. Keep your build simple for the new builder! As you are just getting into this, I suggest you approach your car in the same way. You will be happy and feel that you are connected to your car without it overwhelming you and then you give up leaving a "bad taste" that will effect your next car. Depending on the money you are willing to spend, there are many cars out there that would fit into your needs. A buddy of mine just bought a '53 Customline with a 302/aod and all new suspension parts and rebuilt drivetrain for $5,500! The car needs paint and upholstery and it would be perfect. That will be done in March. I built his dash cluster for him to match mine. Check out the picture albums of each of us to get ideas on what you have in store for yourself.
genos right, when i bought my 55 it already had a 302/aod in it . but it wasnt in there right. not a big deal. i drove it short distances up to 50 miles away. not a problem that way. but i knew my brakes needed serious atention. when i pulled the front wheels, i found out why. well it was a mess to be nice missing parts too. but i takled each project one at a time. even though the spindles and springs overlaped i still done them one at a time just to see what kinda change each one made so i knowed if i didnt like it what to change back. i gave 2600 for mine and it drove home. the body aint the best , but it aint the worst either. mines just a driver for me and i want it dependable. seems to be that. like many have said big projects make people quit, ive bought 2 that way. it also makes it hard to start on. ive had my 53 f100 for about 25 years. i was real into it when i brought it home all in peices. well its still that way now. my 48 is even more a project as the body is off the frame. i bought both those real cheap . my wife made me buy my 55 so id quit draging home big projects. it feels good for a car guy to drive around in a old car or truck, and not just tell people yea i got 2 im working on. i think the one that pushed her over the edge was a 40 plymouth truck i gave a 100 for. i got pics of it in my photobucket. there was no way i had enough time to takle that one , but i cant say no when it comes to a good deal on a oldy. dose you curent car run and drive? i dont think youve ever said that. if so do you like the car? is it what you realy want? that also side tracks alot of builds. i realy wasnt into the 55 when i bought it , but the more i drive it the more i like it. makes it easier for me to do things to it . if i dont like something its hard for me to get enthused about working on it. im that way at work too, bad habit of mine.
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