Just bought a 53 Merc... bagged, 3 linked and frenched... and Im new here

Hello -

So, Im brand new to the old car world. Ive had and built a couple choppers (A sporty and a shovelhead), but this is my first old car. Its a 53 Mercury Monterey... and she's sweet! I bought her bagged on all 4's, 3 linked, frenched headlights, new'ish interior, and good running 302.




But of course, she needs some work, which is why I joined jalopy journal. First off, she's got a heck of a clank/thud coming from the rear end when driving. Im pretty sure its a busted wheel bearing... but possibly a broken axle? We'll see soon enough.

Also, its been my understanding air bags are supposed to be a sweet ride. This is NOT the case. Shes ROUGH! Any ideas what I could do to soften it up?

Anyways, looking forward to tearing into her and hopefully getting help from you guys on the site.

Thanks,

Allen
(NewGuy)

 

Welcome from the IE. Nice looking car.
I had bags on the front of my 56 F100 but took them off because I didn't like the ride, went back to coils.
Check out the 52-59 Ford group, we have members with Mercs too.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=332

 

There can be any number of things causing a rough ride with bags. It could be the size of the bags, bracket setup, may need an expansion tank, etc... Its hard to say without checking it out closer. Got any pics of the suspension? Welcome!

 

Hello and Welcome from Twain Harte, California, USA