I just got hold of a Lincoln Versailles. The body is trash but all of the mechanicals are there. I'm sure everything is worn out and will need rebuilding. I am aware that some things like the brakes will work on my 55 ford car but what else? I'll have to pull what I can off asap and send the rest to the junk yard so any help is greatly appreciated!
That should be a 9" rear in there. That's what I got mine out of. I was told the E-brake is a pain, so add an aftermarket, or anything else.
The rear end should be a disc brake equipped 9" that is 58 1/2" wide. The rear end will bolt in to '65-'70 Mustangs. The disc brake parts are a little pricey, but still available.
REAR END - They work great in a lot of Hot Rods, Mustangs, Mopar A-bodies, Chevy IIs and they are disc brakes!
Watch "Your Notifications" on the upper right, I sent you an invitation to join the '52-56 Ford Group,please do an intro when you get there,you will find plenty of parts swapping info there in the group.You will be surprised how much of that Versailles will work in your '55,I think you made a real good find!
Did'nt I read somewhere of a E brack kit that bolts to center of the rear end some how so you don't have mess with brake drum stuff ?
I am using the rear end in my 27 coupe, it is a 9" I just cut off the disc brake brackets and put on 11 inch drum brakes...........PINCHER
I used the rearend from a Versailles on a 39 Ford Standard Coupe that I built back in the late 80's - early 90's. The rearend is narrow and a perfect fit for most fat-fender Fords and I'm sure a lot of other cars. The emergency brake parts were extremely difficult to find back then and I can't think that it would be any easier twenty years later. Nine inch rearends will take the punishment from a pretty stout engine. There are e-brake kits that mount on the snout of the rearend that would eliminate the search for parts. I don't know if any of the front suspension would be useable on your car but the Versailles rearends have always been desireable and $$, so if nothing else sell it and buy what makes you happy
I have had two of them over the years, sold both the rear ends easily. One brought $350 and the other $375. I used that money to get a $50 one ,use two short axles,and completely rebuild it with bearings and seals and brakes (disc brakes don't impress me). The brackets on the emergency brake are on the u-bolt bracket. Try real hard to save the brackets and e-brake stuff.
I saw someone showing one of these at a car show last weekend. So, I would browse eBay on the off chance anything is worth picking - I'm sure there is NO reproduction market for these cars, so good used bits - trim, interior stuff, etc - may have some value. I'd expect this being a Lincoln to have a tilt column, those are usually worth saving, and lots of other little bits like switches and power stuff that can be good swap meet fodder if nothing else.
Aside from the rear end, the motor should be worth keeping as well, depending on year and options, either a 302 or 351W
the rear is a popular swap for sure, I put one in a 66 mustang I used to own....mainly because it was "all the rage" at the time. Looking back it was kind of pointless. It had 2.47 gears, had to swap those out. Rotors needed to be replaced, calipers needed to be replaced, those were kind of pricey. Plus the thing weighed way more than a regular 9". Not putting the versailles down, if you have one it's fine to use, but personally I don't see the reason in hunting for one since it doesn't really have any advantage. The 351W and pan fill C4 are always to good to have around. The front spindles/discs can be used in falcons/mustangs if you get the ball joint adapter. The wheels make good rollers, front power seat may be useful.
not sure about the shoe box but I had a 78 or 79 Versailes that my grandpa gave me and I turned down 1000 dollar offers from several mustang guys supossedly the brakes the rear end the front suspension, engine, transmission, drive shaft, the whole nine yards is all bolt on for 60's Mustangs. So what ever you do don't junk it out. Find a good OT forum and sell that **** to fund your build! Sorry if this was already covered but I haven't read the entire post!
I have a Versailles 9" in my 36 Nash. I built a pinion-mounted ebrake using snowmobile parts, but kits are available. I also used the hydroboost master cylinder which is SWEET! With the rear end, Granada rotors up front, hydrobooster and proportioning valve, I have a factory matched sytem. The braking and brake feel is awesome.
Thanks everyone! I hope to have the car home in a few days to get a better look. It does have the 351 and "supposedly" the limited slip. Apparently it was optioned out pretty well. The guy says the motor etc. was fine, the body just went south on him and was too much to fix.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o> I was wondering if the column and brake booster could be used. Sounds like they might be.<o></o>
i did not know this car. so i google to find out.. i know more about this rear end than i care to know ow. haha.. its nothing special.. trends http://shadetreemechanic.activeboar...the-lincoln-versailles-granada-disc-brake-re/ chris.
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