Projects Bought a Mercury on purpose

I noticed when doing the brakes on the Merc that it shared shoes and other parts with f100s. Plus most of this stuff fits lot is the same era rides. So we did this

added f100 self adjusters. Fits and works. But I need to either swap out the anchor pin (red arrow)or needs to be modified or change out.

we”ll get it handled

 

I have done that before and did 2 things to help the fit of the Spring. The retainer plate that keeps the Shoes on is quite thick. I took them over to my Belt Sander and removed about 20 % of the thickness. That can be some fun but got it done. I ended up using my Stud Gun and sticking 2 nails on each wing tip so I could get some pressure on the belt with it before they Flew away. Next was a Chain Saw round file and gently filed on the back side of the head of the dowel on just half of the back side where the spring makes contact. I think that was somewhere around 1975 and they are still doing the job. You just have to make sure when doing brakes to put the springs back on the same way so it drops behind the dowel head correctly.

 

Our auto tech instructor just visited, said he might have some shoe retainers that are thinner.
If not, we’ll thin the ones we have down.
Just needs a little for that spring to hook correctly.

 

I always closed the springs up after they were on. I liked to see a 180 degree bend, maybe a manifestation of my OCD...

 

Yep.
This ones barley hanging on. We’ll do that after we get the spring to seat properly

 

I used to see that on many a DIY brake job came in for us to fix. They usually came in with a box of loose brake pieces and of course had the shoes on backwards.

 

Finally got an OD early style trans

last major part I needed.

 

I know you're there to Teach and probably plan to hand wire in the O.D harness in but,, Sometimes it's okay to let the students it's good to buy prefab parts to help the small guys stay around for those that can't hand build. Did you know that Rhode Island Wiring makes a complete stand-alone O.D. harness with correct ends and color correct cloth wrapped wire? On top of that very cost effective at $175.oo. I wonder if they would give a brake to the School for a tax write off?

 

The car belongs to me. So I don’t accept any donations unless the donations are for the class and not parts for a personal build. A school funded build would be different. I purchase parts and pay taxes on em through a commercial account.
When building the bus, a groups donated $$ that allowed us to purchase things we normally couldn’t. Our automotive class got a nice engine test stand and we got metal fab equipment.
I funded the build for a submission in a rodent build off contest. The school reimbursed a lot of $$$ spent on the trip. Hotels, fuel and some food. Like a field trip. I don’t turn in miles for any shows I attend.
But the OD itself. I do have a complete reproduction OD wiring harness that was purchased for a Studebaker. Same r10 unit and possible very similar in wiring. Kinda thought about just toggle switching it.
I should have a couple 12v solenoids and I don’t think the governor cares.
But I haven’t heard of that set up you mentioned and I’ll check it out. Sounds cool.

Thanks for that info

 

The trans was interesting.
I was about to drive 5 hours one way to grab one from the classifieds.
I’ve got like 3 gm ones. But I’ve got everything to hook the merc trans to the 283. Using the Merc unit means a lot less fab work and moving things around. The gm one is 3/4 shorter. So moving the already built engine mounts back or splitting the difference with the rear end. Or toss the 3:92 merc rear for a 9 inch with 300ish gears and keep the no -od trans
A builder I know had this trans. I’ve been talking with him about selling it for over a year.
Sent him one last text just to make sure before I confirm heading out early to grab the other one. He said he’d let it go around 9:00 last night. The wife was happy she didn’t have to ride shotgun for 10-11 hours.

 

Look what I found

 

Got a chipped tooth or 2 on the cluster. Typical 1st /reverse non sync looking gear. The cluster and 1st/reverse look better in my no -OD trans.


I think I’ll clean it up and use it. looks like most of all the other 3 speeds I look it

 

Right On! I like the way you operate. Those kids and the School have a pretty good deal going on. I've been buying from R.I.W. for longer that I can remember. If you have never done it take the time to open their web site and go to Supplies section. That's where you get new vintage terminals, junctions cloth wrap with tracers and so much more. Their inventory is priceless when you need Old School electrical components.

 

I can remember back in the 60's opening a used replacement unit for a Look See and seeing much the same thing. My Dad was looking over my shoulder and said, You'll be fine as long as you come to a full stop before dropping in first. Make sure you get the chips out of there and put it in your car.