The column shift collar and linkage on my '50 Merc (3 speed OD) is toast. Instead of trying to repair the steering column slop and the linkage slop, what do you folks think of installing a floor shift? Who makes a kit for this car? I know years ago there was a Hurst Mystery Shifter available for my car. Thanks in advance for your input. Matt (Iowa, '50 Merc)
most floor shifts are not designed to work with OD, and the OD is right in the way of where the shifter mounts. So, good luck with that....it can be done, but it takes some effort.
There are some hard to find OD trans shifters. Rocco and Cheaters has 2 on my last visit He is on here as @Stang65 Also on FB as Rocco and Cheaters. He ships. I have a regular 3speed shifter modified to fit an OD I’ll try to find a pic
Homemade shifter mount I got when I bought an old OD trans raises up the shifter. The original owner modified the rods to clear the solenoid Needs the original shifter brace cut at the red line Shifts great on the floor of the shop
This link is to the Hot Rod Reverend blog. Not directly applied to you, but it shows the Hurst brackets for the shifter on an overdrive. It’s either got to go back, up, or out to clear the solenoid. Anthony’ is back and up. The Hurst bracket does both (best guess looking at it) but also moves out to clear the o/d cable operating lever. https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/2017/09/20/55-ford-restoration-blog-part-10 How that plays with your Merc with the seat, handle length etc. you’ll have to figure out. Yours may be a Borg Warner or a Ford transmission, but it almost certainly an R-10 overdrive. Sometimes you’ll end up with doghouse or a console to make it fit. Back in the mid 60’s I had a Mystery shifter with the o/d brackets. Hurst said it was a mystery how they made it so affordable. Some of us thought it was because it was a mystery which gear you were getting next.
I used a Mr. Gasket, universal 3 speed shifter on my hot rod and it works great. Cable to drive the overdrive on the dash
Gentlemen: Many thanks for this info! I'm in uncharted waters but I'm starting to see land in the distance!
My '49 had the same problem. I put a floor shift in. It takes a little fab work to get around the OD, but it's doable. I posted on here but can't find the thread now.
Here’s a NOS mystery shifter for a tri 5 OD you can see the bracket. Same dude had a couple for old fords last time I was there a month ago
I received a prompt reply from Rocco and Cheaters. He has an Ansen '49-'51 Ford OD shifter, but not Merc. I presume the Ford and Merc used different transmissions. If it makes anything easier, I'm prepared to remove my OD solenoid and linkage, at least temporarily, to get my car ready for our spring cruise. I have nothing but praise for Rocco and Cheaters very prompt reply. And for all the feedback from you good people. I'm open to any further comments, suggestions. Thanks to all! Matt
Here’s an old Barn post about the transmission differences. If the shift units mount back, off the overdrive to transmission bolts, you may be able to adapter the Ford shifter to the Mercury. Note the comments about the Ford transmission, Mercury, and BW T-86. But they’re all R-10 overdrives I believe. Someone here will hopefully chime in that has more knowledge than I do. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285026
The 49 ford and up trans is different. Merc kept the 48 down ford trans until somewhere mid 51 production run. I have both versions and can see what the major mounting difference would be.
This one has been in the classifieds a while. Solinoid is not there but you get an idea. Doesn’t look like it would take much to clear it
"Doesn’t look like it would take much to clear it" Last words spoken before any project spirals into a 3 day war.
UPDATE Just got a note from Brad (Rocco and Cheaters). After some more digging, he found a Mystery Shifter new in the box for my Merc! Of course I bought it. Better than getting a BB gun for Christmas! I'll keep you guys updated on this project and post some pics (when I figure out how to). And thanks to ALL who have responded, especially Anthony who refereed me to Rocco and Cheaters. Anthony, I should leave you something in my will!! The wife will get over it eventually. LMAO.
Did ya get the shifter? Just bought one. Box says 52 ford OD. The brackets fit my merc trans. Will probably have to modify shift levers
Shifter arrived promptly and wasn't a bad install. Had to tweak the tranny tunnel a bit, but someone years ago had cut a couple holes in it and later brazed patches over the holes in an apparent attempt to revert back to column shift. The column shifter was junk, so finding this NOS Hurst Mystery Shifter (instructions are from 1962) was better than winning the lotto. Now to add some pics. Thanks again to all. Matt
i'm about 90% done adapting a hurst indy to my '50 ford. have to bend the shift rods, plus, as you can see, shifter needs to be moved back and up to work.
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