Projects My first build- 51 Mercury project

This is it. Nothing fancy.

I just have the $400+ distributor lying on a shelf, and thought it might work better.

 

Here's one of the biggest problems I've found.

 

You better check wheel base measurements center to center side to side. You may have more problems with that sub frame than just ride height concerns. Larry

 

Ok after seeing that I have to agree with missysdad1. Cut it off and position it correctly. However the spacing difference on the front wheels might be able to get corrected during a wheel alignment. Do a lot of measuring and checking to see what is actually is wrong though before doing anything drastic.

 

acand you are done with no hacking on the car.
I don't know what the thing with the huge oversize tires is but to me those tires look way too big for a 51 Merc even though some of the "cool guys" seem to think that tires intended for a Caddillac hearse are the hot lick while they don't fit the wheel wells worth crap.(Damned laptop decided I needed bold script there). Here is my old 51 with 215/75x15 tires Much like Slopok has on his and you can see how they fit in the wheel well a lot better.

At other stages with the same size tires. 69 Camaro stub with one coil cut and block and worn out springs in the back.

 

Funny thing is Mercs came with 7.10x15 and he's got 6.70x15 on there now.

 

I'm with one bad 51. Take lots of measurements. See what's up. Looks like the sub frame may have been put on crooked. Not a deal breaker. Just a pain to fix.

 

Looks like suspension and steering will have to wait. I have a severe sounding engine noise i have to troubleshoot tomorrow first.
But I'll take better front end pics while I'm under there.

 

Did this today.

 

Uh Oh!

 

Did that fix the severe sounding engine noise?

Neal

 

Lmao.
Battery, cables, filter, and sanding/painting firewall done before discovering the noise.

 

Noise was water pump. Had a spare. Easy fix.

 

Turns out the bumper/tire spacing issue was just due to the bumper not being straight.

 

Here's new

Water pump
Alternator
Alternator bracket
Radiator hose
Water pump pulley
Main pulley

Also replaced thermostat with 180 while I had it apart.

 

Good for you, that's what I meant about checking everything before doing something drastic. You can never be to sure of what the previous owner did when something has been modified. I notice that you don't have a heater, I would think being in Texas a 160 thermostat would be more appropriate no? Glad to hear it was just a water pump and not any of the high performance accessories that you put on.

 

I installed the 180 based on what other builders/and mechanics in the area run on theirs. If it starts running too hot, I can always swap it.

I'm really lucky to have gotten so many cool parts in recent trades. Most everything I've put on has just been sitting on a shelf.

 

Got horns mounted where I wanted them.

 

I would also advise you to fill all those unused holes in the firewall to prevent fumes and unwanted heat to enter the passenger compartment.

 

Thank you.

 

As far as I got today.
Lots planned for tomorrow.

 

Nice Merc , good luck with the build .

 

Gonna try a new grill.

 

Clean moredoor, your off to a good start. Those GM clips are a little wider than stock, so you have watch for clearance issues when sitting a little low. Grilles are a big part of the look for a Merc. Do your homework on what you think looks good. I love the gaudiness of a stock 51.

 

i have lights!!!

 

This is what I'm dealing with.

 

Pulled everything after a small fire. This should be better.

 

Everything rewired and running smoothly.
Used Powerbraid instead of traditional split looms.