Technical Misc 49-51 Mercury questions & answers

Hey guys, I would like to know if a 50 Merc push button type door handle can be used on a 49 Merc?

The reason for me asking this is the not so strong door handle found on 49 models.
I would like to use a better solution (which I think the 50 door handle might be) that looks factory style though.
Any thoughts?

 

the door mechanism changed late in 1949. My recollection is the mechanism for the early 1949 is different than 1950. As a result I would be surprised if the two work together. You will need to take your door panels off and see which style you have.

 

The 49 has a latch type mechanism and the 50 has like a star wheel type. In either case you would need the striker to match.

 

Thanks @bottom feeder & @Slopok for the replies, maybe its better to stick with the stock 49 handles for now.

 

Another 49 question guys if you dont mind...

Whats the windshield wiper system like originally and how is the original wiper button supposed to work?

 

It's vacuum operated. Just pull out the knob.

 

If you don't like the 49 handles, 49 ford handles operate the same way but look a little more streamlined.. Anything other than the stock ones will take work to mount

 

Thanks for the help guys!

Solved my wiper problem by ordering a new electric wiper motor from www.newportwipers.com

I decided to use the stock 49 door handles but will try to make em a bit stronger.

How about a new question guys:
does anyone make a one piece side glass kit for unchopped 1949 Mercurys?

 

Yes you can change to the 50 style latch and handle. It just takes some surgery starting with doing a quality job of filling all 49 the holes. Then copy the pattern off a 50 door for both handle and latch. The door itself is the same stamping for 49 and 50. The difficult part is countersinking the screw holes for the latch. Back in the early 70's I mounted a 55 Chevy wiper motor to the stock wiper unit and hooked it right to the Stock wiper control cable. It still works today. Back then we didn't have all the aftermarket stuff.
The Wizzard

 

Rainy days here now so might as well hit the garage amd tear down the Merc dash and remove the original wiper motor and start installing the new newportwipers electric wiper motor.

 

The doors bend at the vent window division bar area. It can be done but looks bad in my opinion if you do not do work to the doors and make that area straight...as far as a glass kit not sure if there's one out there.

 

Wow thanks for that important bend-info @slddnmatt , I did NOT know about the bend at all.
I have seen one piece glass kits for many classic cars but not for the 49-51 Mercs, unfortunately.

Thanks again.

 

Your dash and interior look very nice. I think you would miss the vent windows if you were to eliminate them anyway. I know I would.

 

Does anyone happen to have a spare set of 1949 Mercury windshield wiper pads or any tips on where to buy pads?

Mercuryland had em in their catalog for sale but they are no longer in business
Example below.

 

Try Birdhaven Vintage Auto Supply..Phone number 515-674-3949.
Part # 8M-17541-AS Without windshield washers 8.95
Part # 8M-17541-BS With windshield washers 8.95
These are from a 2011 catalog, Hope this helps. Toll Free 866-302-3673

 

Big thanks @Slopok , I am located in Finland so I prefer typing emails instead of calling & trying to make myself understood in spoken english.
Trying to find a working email address for Birdhaven Vintage Auto Supply now.

 

I can't find email either. Here is a fax # 515-674-9028 if that helps. Birdhaven.
Mac's Antique Auto Parts has them part # 8M-17541-BPR 10.95 pair page190
2014 Catalog

 

Thanks again for the help @Slopok !

For now, I made 2 pads from an old bicycle innertube and it seems to be a good, working material.
Sharp cutter and all it took was about 10 mins.
By the way, the material that had been used on em before by the previous owner was ordinary black tape (picture 2), no wonder my feet got wet

 

I was going to suggest something of that nature but thought as l0ng as they are available that would be somewhat tacky. I have used pick up camper top foam in the past. Sticky on one side and thicker than inner tubes.

 

Yeah these can be changed one at a time if need be.
Looks like these turned out to be good, final waterproofing tests still to be done.

 

There wasn't much available for Mercs 32 years ago when I did my car.

 

DIY usually leaves you with a better feeling than just using of the shelf parts.

Btw, back when you have done your Merc, I have been just 13 years old, riding my moped.
And just gotten interested in US cars.

We had a bodyshop so I got to train & learn with my dad as much as I ever wanted.

 

Here´s the 49:

 

Wow that is one beautiful Merc. Its cool that you were able to work with and learn from your dad. Did you do the bodywork and paint? If so your dad taught you well.

 

Sorry, cant take credit for making this car beautiful, I bought this from US in 2014 and it was well done, better than expected. Now i´ll do my best to make it even better.
Bodywork is the thing I am naturally the most familiar with, we did not have a paintbooth so all the major paintwork was... outsourced.

 

It is very rare to see a Merc customized yet retain all the emblems and trim and even the original hub caps. Someone had some restraint. Very nicely done. You should be proud to own it no matter who built it. Still plenty for you to do to personalize to your own taste. Some mild pinstriping and skirts maybe?

 

Try Sacramento vintage ford, i believe its vintageford.com


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I've been seeing a lot of stuff for 49/51 Mercs on Flea-Pay. Original wiper tower gaskets were leather but I think both rubber and leather are reproduced now.

 

I get my stuff from C &G ford in Escondido.

 

A one piece windshield will ruin the classic look of your beautiful Merc.
DO NOT DO IT.