| jyakel | -- 07-16-2015 @ 5:01 AM |
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Gentlemen, I am looking to buy a '50 or '51 Ford. I spotted one on Hemmings Classic Cars that looks nice but need your advice. The current owner states he put a Mercury flathead V8 engine and standard column 3 speed with OD tranny in the Ford. He claims it runs great, no issues. The engine looks period correct to me but I am asking for your learned advice. So my 1st question is this; any advantage/disadvantage to having a Mercury engine instead of the Ford? would they bolt up differently to the tranny or bell housing? If I needed VanPelt Company some day to rebuild the tranny or OD would they say, 'Sorry, that's a Mercury tranny, we only do Fords...' 2nd question; how does the OD work? I see in the photos that there is a handle on the dash by the emergency brake, and the handle is in the 'out' position. So how does the OD system engage and disengage? Final question; this 50 Ford is a 4 door. Do 4 door cars hold their value? Are they the 'poor cousin' of 2 doors, convertibles, and/or Crestliners? Is there a price guide anywhere that could help me assess the fair price of a nicely restored 50 Ford 4 door with a Merc engine and OD tranny? Any help will be greatly appreciated. John This message was edited by jyakel on 7-16-15 @ 5:03 AM
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| jyakel | -- 07-16-2015 @ 5:06 AM |
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Here is a picture of the 50 Ford 4 door. Nice looking car. John
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-16-2015 @ 6:49 AM |
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John, The Mercury engine should have a 4" crankshaft instead of the 3 3/4" in a Ford engine. The Mercury engine should have anywhere from 12 to 25 hp increase over the Ford, depending on the year of the engine. You should have no problem with service of the Mercury components - that is, anyone who will work on the flathead Ford and tranny will work on the Mercury. The overdrive consists of several mechanical and electrical components. When working properly and with that handle pushed "in", the operation is basically automatic. When you reach a speed over about 26mph, you simply let up slightly on the accelerator and the overdrive kicks in, allowing reduced engine RPMs. That's the simplified version. If you need more, there are reference books available that have comprehensive information. Ken
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| TomO | -- 07-16-2015 @ 7:08 AM |
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John, Old car value depends upon demand. The demand for a 4 door sedan has remained pretty constant over the years. It is lower than the other body styles, but it has the advantage of being able to transport your family or friends with easy access to the seating. More important than value is will you enjoy the car? Owning a collector car is a hobby, not an investment that you can expect x amount of return on your capital. You will spend money over the years to maintain the car and may and up selling it for what you paid for it or less. You could also make a small profit over what you paid for it. There are several price guides available. Haggerty Insurance has an online guide and Old Cars Weekly also publishes a Price Guide. Most libraries carry it or have access to it via share programs. Tom
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| jyakel | -- 07-16-2015 @ 4:50 PM |
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Ken and Tom, Thank you for your replies. Your advice is well taken. One last question for you. If I purchased a '50 or '51 Ford without an OD tranny could I swap out the 3 speed tranny for a 3 speed with OD? Or would the swap entail welding in new anchor points or need a different length drive shaft etc, etc. How major of a project would it be to swap a standard tranny for a OD tranny? John
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-16-2015 @ 8:20 PM |
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John, You would need to be careful which tranny you purchase. 51 Ford trans is different from 49-50. Mercury trans is quite different from Ford in 49 to early 51. Late 51 Mercury trans is same as 51 Ford. To install, you would also need to purchase a governor, (possibly a lockout switch), relay, kickdown switch, solenoid, control cable, and wiring harness. Some of these items are quite pricey. Ken
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| jyakel | -- 07-17-2015 @ 4:58 AM |
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Ken, Thank you. There is a lot to learn here. More research is needed on my part to avoid buying some expensive parts that simply won't fit. John
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