Technical Technical differences between Ford Shoeboxes and '53-'54 Mercs

Hi everyone, especially Mercury Men.

I've been thinking about buying a '53-'54 Mercury Monterey. As I know, 1953's are with Ford Flatheads, 3-speed manual or Merc-O-Matic, and 1954 was made with the then-new Ford Y-block and this Merc-O-Matic.

But how much are there similarities in frames, suspension, etc., when compared to base-line Fords? Seems that is difficult to find parts for '53-'54 Mercuries. But for example, you can buy complete new frames with ISD for the 1953 shoebox. The big question is will Ford upgrade parts fit to Mercs?

 

"Shoebox" Fords are 1949-51. Ford changed body style in 1952, but the chassis was very similar thru 53. Chassis front end changed in 1954 with ball joint suspension. I believe the Ford and Mercury chassis was very similar for each respective year.

 

A Mercury is a Ford with lock washers!

 

^^^^^^ kinda like a GMC Pickup vs a Chevrolet.

 

Are the wheelbase the same for same year Ford and Merc?

 

Generally not. The Mercs are usually longer.

 

I installed a 1954 Mercury front bumper on a 1950 Ford. It bolts up and the curve of the bumper end matches the curve of the 50 Ford fender lip

 

Truly separate division's in the 50's. I owned 49-51 Ford's and 54 Lincoln Premier, noticed nothing interchangeable chassis and brake wise, Mercury may have more interchangeable parts, get a Hollanders Interchange manual for exact info.

 

You're right, Merc's wheelbase is 118'' and the 1954 Ford Crestline, for example, has 115'' wheelbase.

 

Hollander's interchange manual? Plz tell me more.

 

Not only did Ford change to the Y block in 1954 but the front suspension went from king pins to ball joints same with Mercury

 

1945?

 

Do you mean 1954?

 

thanks guess I didn't proof read.

 

For a while, I thought I don't know anything about old Mercs...

 

If you are in Canada, the 1954 cars run flatheads.

 

About 600 lbs.

 

Hollanders Interchange manual, used by junkyards , pre internet, for parts swapping, they are for sale, eBay, Hemming 's, etc. Check around the net for availability. Might be of use to you. Actually any older print manual is probably a good purchase, there's a ton available now, but I can see were in the near future this stuff will just be old books and get pitched. I heard that Haynes is done printing their stuff, internet only, from now on, that's the future.