49-51 Mercs

hey led-sledders,
i'm a newbie and...
i've got a couple of questions for about my 49 merc 4 dr. build...
i just drug it home before christmas with 37 original on it..and got the flathead running...i'm gonna drop a 350 in it....
1 what lengthe side pipes should i run?
2 should i run a short or long water pump on a chevy 350? and should i run those block hugger headers? will they be the best fit??
3 what type of steering wheel fits on the stock column? and will the stock column and box fit with a 350?


thanks for any help!
colorado elvis

 

well i can't really answer your questions because mine has a 68 nova frame clip. and i don't have lakes pipes. but someone here will be able to answer them for you when we get past all the whining about putting a chevy in it.

 

Swaping out steering wheels on the 49 is tough. It's the last year for taper and key in the wheel. 1950 up was splined. I have an aluminum adapter that goes to 3 bolt wheel like Grant style but that is just after market stuff. If you want to run the latter Ford/Merc wheels you need a 50/51 steering shaft. You can alwayse install a later column with a joint added at the steering box. If you decide to sell that stock 49 wheel I'd sure like first shot at it.
The Wizzard

 

1950 and 1951 are also tapered with a keyway '49 not last year.

 

yep.

 

If the flathead runs good and drives well leave it there. Side pipes no...lake pipes maybe.Clean it up and drive it. You may get more positive attention the way the car is now.

 

Boy do I stand corrected. I just looked at my 50 Merc Box and it too is Tappered and Keyed. I just finninshed my 51 Ford and it is splined as well as the 50 Ford box that came as parts with it. Guess I got confused. I'd still like to Own that 49 Wheel though.
The Wizzard

 

thanks for the info! i guees i'll leave the steering wheel alone for the time being..as i don't play on changing out the column this season..
i meant lake pipes....oops...

 

id run the short one if you MUST put a chevy in it, keeps everything closer to the block. and sanderson block huggers they give you the most room from what ive seen. your merc is very nice my wifes is the same way. its eventually getting totally redone with newer driveline but for now i just lowered it and put some whites on it nad try to use it & enjoy it for awhile before it get s tore apart.

 

your Merc looks perfect the way it is! leave it alone and drive the **** out of it. swapping everything out is a pain in the ***! I know because I went through it haha. I woud do body work first on yours.

 

Don't put lakepipes on it.

 

or a 350 in it...