We got this for my fiancé after selling her 56 Customline. Has a 312 v8, ps and ac. I’m hoping she’ll let me make it into a slightly mild custom for her . Not really going to go crazy on it. Probably lower the rear 2”. She likes the hood and trunk trim so there won’t be any nose and decking. Also Wide whites with different hubcaps, some pinstriping. We may repaint down the road. Would like to remove the upper door trim and keep the car one color or possibly a different color for the roof. Last pic is the Customline she sold back in March.
I think the '56 Merc was one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Loved them as a kid, always wanted one, but it never happened. My opinion, which isn't worth much, is that it would be insane to try to improve the original...
The 1956 Montclair is one of the nicest looking 50's cars; always wanted one. My folks bought a new 56 Monterey wagon. I can remember my mom driving the wheels off it. The 312 would push the wagon over 100 mph and mom did that quite a bit. You could tell when she got near 100 mph because the wipers would start to move up on the windshield.
My buddy's mom had a black one like that when we were in high school with yellow above the trim you are talking about taking off, it had black interior with yellow tuck & roll inserts, man that thing was beautiful.
Nice looking Merc! Congratulations! As to lowering the rear, I'll bet if you check you'll find someone has 'flipped' the rear shackles down, if you flip them back up as per OEM you'll get the 2"... All you need is a long prybar with the rear raised up enough off the ground. A lift is best.
If you did end up getting rid of that upper door trim, I'd be interested in buying it from you, just let me know.
Great 56 Montclair.. After you remove the window side stainless on the left side you will discover the crack in the paint which extends in to the body metal. Common on all 56 Fords and Mercs. This comes from slamming the door very prevalent as misfits happens over the years of use mostly on the left side. Ford guys buy the trim to cover their cracks on their Victorias. If your not willing to remove the interior and weld in a 6” x 18” metal brace arched to the body line stiffening this area don’t remove the trim. You have Monterey wheel covers now. The Montclairs have 4 added bars which are correct an cool. Check and see if the rear shackles are reversed. 50’s Ford/Mercs rears should have nicely settled 2” by now unless replaced. By the look of your rear wheel cover to the skirt line one the other has happened to this car. If you lower the rear please remember to adjust the headlights.
Hello, We have had a memorable history with old Mercury cars. A 56 Mercury two door hardtop was our neighbor’s personal car. Her husband had his own Chevy sedan. She did not drive it much, as she worked from home, 2 houses down our street. When the neighborhood girls we knew came over to this lady’s house for baby sitting or piano lessons, they always invited me over for some conversations. They were a little rambunctious and had this idea of going for a drive around the block in the Mercury sedan. They could not drive, so they wanted me to drive. No license, my mom a few doors down, the owner in the next room with the door closed and they still wanted me to take them for a drive around the block. HA! Jnaki To make a point, I took them for a ride and they had some wild ideas, where they got them, I did not know, but I did as they asked. In Drive, we were going down the street. Then one of the girls said to drop it into low gear. So, I did and the motor revved up and made some popping noises. Interesting information for some young girls. It was fun and now I sped up to do the same and the noise was louder. What young boys would not do for requests from young girls… at least they knew I could drive at age 12. Many years later, my wife and I were going to open up an account in a new bank. She instantly said she saw a nice looking, red, old car in the parking lot. It was easy to see in a field of black, white and grey cars as most cars are colored from the factory. Here is the sister Mercury sedan to your new purchase. It is now a local So Cal car, (have seen it in different locations and months later…) But, the plates had some original Florida plate scenes we have seen before. Have fun with your Mercury Sedan.
Looks good Scott, I’d do the wider whitewalls when your ready and that would be it for me for awhile , enjoy
Keep in mind that 56 mercurys have chopped tops compared to 55 models. Also, 56-64 mercuries are and will always be one most beautifull full size american cars ever made. Well, also 55-65 every big three manufacturers made they best looking cars ever. Just my opinion... You dont need to modify that merc any way, its perfect as is.
A friend of mine had one and asked if there was a way to make it have better takeoff. I said that we could adjust the transmission TV rod a tad tighter. So we tightened it up 1 turn, and presto, 1st gear start in drive. Only issue was it shifted out of 1st at 55mph. 2nd shifted at 90mph. But he out ran a CHP till he rolled it. Fun stuff!
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