I tried to do a search but didn't see anything exactly on point. I have a 49 mercury that has been sub-framed but i want to go back with an original frame. Are the 4 door 49-51 frames the same as the 2 door? Are 49's the same as 50's and 51's. Some internet research shows that the 2 and 4 door frames appear to be the same but other internet research says there may be some differences. I know there are plenty of Merc experts on the H.A.M.B. so please throw in your .02 cents. Also, there is a semi-local guy that has a stock, bare frame for sale. No suspension components, for $400 bucks. Seems a little high for a bare frame but they aren't exacly growing on trees either. Seem high to y'all?
49 & 50 are the same (118") don't really know the 51 but I would assume so. $400.00 don't seem too bad to me if it's in half decent shape.
According to my shop manual the only differences I can see is some of the body mount locations for a convertible. I'd buy it for $400, paid close to that for my bare frame. It was in good shape too.
Everyone has his reasons for going backwards but I'd have to ask why you want to revert back to a stock frame. Having driven a 51 Merc a lot of miles with a stock frame and suspension and a lot more with a subframe under it I would have to wonder if you will like the way it drives after the change. Your car, your choice but unless the subframe job was poorly done I wouldn't be wanting to change it for a stock suspension and steering. Don't cut the frame with the subframe up though as someone will probably pay enough for it that you can cover a fair portion of the swap until you get into the restoration prices for the Merc front end pieces.
Mr48chev, You hit the nail on the head. Badly installed clip. Just need a stock frame to start over. Not sure what route I'll end up going but what I've got is useless.
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