Well, after much complaining about no pics, I will post what I have of my latest purchase. Spent way more than anything I ever purchased (I will not and do not buy new cars) I bought this 49 Merc at a good price and drove it from southern Florida to Northern Ohio. Just a short 22 hour drive. Bit of a pain because the previous owner did something wrong installing the electric pump and pick up in the tank. I ran out of fuel once and luckily rolled into the gas station. I pumped 12 gallons in it and could see the fuel in the neck so it was full for sure. Well, it has a stock tank and holds 19 gallons so the pick up is not on the bottom, no wonder I ran out at 1/4 tank! She is a 49 with a nice chop on it, electric doors, original frame and suspension (clipped and re framed cars were deal breakers for my search) has a SBC 700R combo that is coming out this winter. I am a Ford guy and this is a Merc and she will get a blue oval under the hood. Plans are for a non hamb friendly 351C/AOD combo because I plan to put miles on this car. What good is it if I cannot drive it. A lot of trim and parts were stolen from the previous owner during his build, so I will be searching out pieces and correcting things like the solid mounted rear quarter windows and solid vents gl***. I will post updates on this thread as I go. There will not be much this summer because I plan to enjoy it, but those parking lights will go VERY SOON.
Good lookin ride. Any changes other than drivetrain swap? Keeping the semi gloss paint if going shiny - eventually ?
Thanks, as I do work I am just touching up the Hot Rod black, but she will eventually go shiny, but that is way down the list. Other changes will include a 9" because the car still has the stock rear end. I may go with disc front brakes, but the power ***isted drums seem to stop good. I need the trim for the rear window. It is actually 3 pieces ****ed because the dividers were a**** the things stolen. Same with the windshield. The rear seat does not seem correct, so I will be swapping to a 67 Thunderbird rear wrap around.
Great car looks to be prime always good to have them together makes it easier to design what you want though dabbing could be trickier but that's the fun of the adventure . Your choice of 351 is wise I believe your going to like its power over the SBC for that car . Suggestion so you can see the possibilities for a 351 check out Ford Racing Boss 460 its based on the 351 it will give you ideas as to how you can turn yours to your liking and how far your wallet can go . A friend just bought one of these crated and its all go . He still learning how to steer it away from telephone poles lol . Enjoy this ride and keep your foot in it
I have been a 351 Cleveland guy for a long time. Back in HS my 1970 Ranchero with a 351C and a 500 Holley 2 barrel would just show the tail lights to all my SBC buddys. I know they have potential, but this will be have a basic stock 2V engine with a mild cam an 650 4 barrel. BTW, I still own that Ranchero
Yes, me too! P***ed on one when I was 17 cuz it stalled on me twice while on a test drive. When I found this one at a reasonable price I just pulled the trigger!
Ironically I was contacted by someone with a Cleveland in a '51 using a front sump pan. Gonna get some info on my upcoming swap I hope!!!
The Jalopy Journal
