installed a 303 olds in my 46 merc, the drivers side exhaust dumps right on the steering columm,i think I can make to clear using a couple of ujoints and a support bearing using my original columm,the second problem if I do that I will not be able to use my columm shifter as there will be no room for linkage,does anyone sell a floor shift conversion kits for original 46 ford/merc trans?..
Most guys just use a 37-39 ford trans case [it's a top-shifter] and load your good merc gears into it. Or buy a good 39 ford transmission.
The old Hurst motor mount kits included spacers to raise the engine about 1 1/2" to clear the steering box and column. By swapping exhaust manifolds side for side, enough clear- ance is usually obtained in most early Fords. (Some trimming of firewall may also be necessary to clear bell-housing) Hurst also made floor shifter conversions for use in the Ford 'X' frame, but these are getting difficult to find today.
This goes way back for me, but i used to turn the drivers manifold around backwords and run the pipe out over the frame and out of the fender well then under and back. This also give you more room for the steering,And linkage Thanks R&P BLOWER SERV.
that works on fords as I had one on a 40 coupe looks weird but it worked,mercs are a different ball game,steering box is 4" or 5 inches forward and columm is at a different angle,lots starter clearance and exhaust exit ,but the drivers side is right on columm,my friend is a welder fabricator and maybe he can come up with a fix, I have a 50 pu toploader but its open drive perhaps my merc parts will swap into that box,the merc box was rebuilt by previous owner and is like new inside...I want to thank every one had replyed,regards al
update...finally got the steering done,now to take care of the shift linkage,,i picked up a n.o.s. hurst shifter conversion made for the 40-48 ford/merc trans,,, fuel pump clears but had to put a small notch for the bail on the pump no big deal,,,the rest is basic stuff ,hope to get it yard driving before winter as im working out side,will keep you posted on my progress,,,
Looks good. Not having to deal with tube header leaks is a good thing. That pump bail; When I did my 40 swap, I had issues with a fitting in the way of the buscuit centerbolt, and a hamber said just reclock the pump lower part, by moving the bolt pattern one bolt away.
yes frank I rotated fuel pump one notch that gave me clearance for biscuit bolt,but that made the bowl bail touch the merc motor mount just had to make a small notch for that ,,,these merc frames pose more problems than fords for sure,i should be able to do dual exhausts with some tricky bends I hope, with the steering issue solved the rest is a piece of cake.lol...al
update..things are moving along installed edlebrock tri power manifold,started wiring,original gauges w/electronic voltage drop,made alternator mount,need to fab belt adjuster,1949/51 battery box mounted to firewall,not done need final bracing,i will be running a single carb for starters ,need to fab exhaust header pipes.hope to have it running and yard driving by fall..
installed nos hurst shifter car is now yard driving,need to make exhaust pipes connections,now I am working on sheetmetal and hopefully get the nose on before winter,need to get a car shelter for it also as there is no room in my garage ..
thanks fuxl it has been a challenge but its coming along,special thanks to tony from ross racing and a several others that supplied missing parts and helpful information...al
Just be forewarned that you better put Dzus fasteners on everything related to changing out that gearbox , I've been there before telling myself I'd take it easy but sooner or later --- !
You probably will have to bend the shift lever to the passenger side for leg clearance. I had a Hurst Mystery shifter in a 40 and the lever was against my leg. The work you have done is awesome !!
47ragtop thanks for the heads up on the lever, I will install the front seat and see where I stand with that...
Nice looking work,reminds me of the installation of a 58 283 in my 48 merc back in the day{1960} while is was in the USAF. Two things I'd like to remind you about.When we did the exhaust at the auto hobby shop we installed the slickest looking system from the manifolds back to the smitthys, patting ourselves on the back we lowered the car and went to push in the clutch, huh, Pipe in the way . the slick system looked like s-it when we finnaly got around the pedal. Also the close fit of the exhaust manifold near three needle bearing U-joints will spell disaster in a short while,engineer some kind of heat shield if you can. Good luck with the project and I'm following this one. Ralphie
ralph im wise to the exhaust pipe clutch issues if you look at first pic in post #6 you will see the pipe is below the frame this had a 1950 merc flathead in it when I got it , that motor is in my 41 coupe now. the joints aint that close as they appear in pic,,
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