ClassicCar

The Butcher

Hello all,

I am a new member here and look forward to your help and input. I have purchased a 52 Merc Monterey basket project....all things present. It is as solid as can be, but one problem....someone replaced the original rear end with a Chevy leaf spring rear end.....damn stupid move on a car with no rot or rust anywhere underneath, but neither here nor there....what's done is done. Anyhow, it is not squared up in the least and seeing as thought the perch's are still present, I would like to relpace it with a proper model rear end. I am running a built 302 and need input on a rear end for this beauty...Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Jon B

I"m not a Mercury specialist and I'm not totally sure where you're headed on this, but I'll offer a suggestion. First, are you saying that you'd like to know where to get the original rear end?

Or are you saying that -- since you are modifying the engine -- you want a more modern but not necessarily original, rear end? (I'm afraid I don't know what a "built 302" is -- I'm assuming it's non standard for the '52 Mercury.)

If you're simply looking for an orginal rear end to put in the car you could look in Hemmings Motor News for parts, or (better yet) join a club devoted to Mercury's, where you'll doubtless find people who deal in all sorts of authentic used and rebuilt parts for your car.

The Butcher

Jon,

By "built 302" I meant it is a Ford 302 block bored 30 over with some other goodies, of course.....

I don't really think a stock rear end would handle the upgraded power I am going to put in it....I could be wrong, though. I would not object to it if I could change the gearing in the rear end to handle a higher horsepower motor like the one I have.

I come from a motorcycle background so this car gig is new to me, but something I have always wanted to do, I just want to do it right.

I tried to find a "Mercury specific" site or forum, but to no avail.....

any input is great and thanks......

Jon B

Here's one Mercury forum that seems to deal with older as well as newer Mercurys: http://www.mercuryclub.com/forums/ .

Here's the Ford and Mercury discussion group, at the Antique Automobile Club of America's website: http://forums.aaca.org/ubbthreads.php/forums/28/1/Ford_and_Mercury_1932_to_1953

Don't abandon this (Classiccar) website, because someone may come along with an answer to your question. However, expand your search to other websites.

Ol racer

FYI

You have one of the easist cars to switch rears.. Just measure your housing & wheel bolt center, and look at type of driveshaft flange needed. Then walk a Salvage Yard looking for a Ford 9" from a Granada, early Van, Bronco, etc. If cant locate a 9" The newer 1988 & up Ford 8.8 Rear Ends are strong too. Look in the Luxury or XL Models to find a Posi. Ford Rears are very strong stock and used in many race cars....You may find a rear that will bolt up to your spring perches; If not saw the perch off and reweld in position.

The Butcher

Thanks to all for the responses....I am debating getting a donor car to use not only the rear end, but a completed motor and tranny as well. I was thinking maybe a Police Interceptor setup for big power and handling.....any suggestions or thoughts on that route?

Thanks again in advance

Ol racer

I suggest staying with a small block (anything) weighing comparable to the flathead so not upset cars weight bias....

mrsbojigger

Hey Butcher (real name please),

Ol Racer is giving you sound advice.

1. The Ford rear ends that Ol Racer recommends are both strong and economical to buy.

2. Keep to a small block engine with a weight similar to what the original weighed. You can actually "google" information on engine weights and sizes.

3. Also, a '52 Mercury is just a "dolled up" Ford. The parts from a '52 Mercury and '52 Ford are all interchangeable which includes chassis parts and a lot of the sheet metal. This helps you since there are more parts out there circulating for the Fords since more of them were made and sold originally.

Peace,
Chaz

Cruiser

The Butcher,

Ol racer has the right idea a 8" or "9" Ford follow his advice. Don't use a stock '52 Merc rear the 8" to 9" will give you better section. Use a 3.00 for cruising or a 355.

CRUISER :cool:

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