Looking for Merc frame swap pics-front...RAY???

[MercMan1951]

I'm trying to see how guys do the front end work when doing a whole frame swap on a Merc, specifically, shots of the core support to frame relation/ fenders/ radiator clearance, etc. I am trying to visualize where I'm heading. So far, I can tell that although the body is pretty much where I want it, the front end is a different story. I have concluded I'll need electric fans, which is OK, but as far as mounting something to hold the radiator and fenders in place, I am open to ideas. Got some?

[MercMan1951]

here is a pic...

[Fat Hack]

Hope I don't ruin ya with the reference here...but with a certain, umm..."Creative Vehicle" from my past, I was able to fab fender mounts out of metal stock and the radiator support was a modified stock one.

The Lincoln chassis you're using incorporated a cross-flow radiator mounted with rubber saddles below it and two "fingers" with rubber inserts bolted on up top. I'd look for a shorter cross-flow radiator and mont it in a piece of inverted C-channel below with a crossbar up top using the "fingers" similar to a stock system.

Either that, or locate an early cross-flow radiator from a first generation Camaro with mounting tabs and holes on the side tanks. Makes mounting in another vehicle a cinch! (Did that on a Pontiac I built for a neighbor years ago...worked out well!).

Give a shout if you need a hand...anytime, Bro! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[MercMan1951]

Thanks Hack...I have both the original Lincoln core support, and the old Merc one...I was planning to use the lincoln one (I still have the 302 radiator for that matter), and dipping the whole mess lower into the frame than stock to clear the feners/hood/etc...And I remember on my Chevelle...that the core support was more of a "hanger"; everything hung off it, except for the fenders...which bolted to the top of it. Combining all these ideas gave me a plan, but I am curious to see how Ray and others have done theirs...Tex Smith's book on "How to Build Custom Cars" lacked sufficient photos of this area, completed...I have always been puzzled by this, and now, after finally getting my body in place, I am even more so. Looks like I'll have to hack off SO MUCH of the frame that it makes me worry...or maybe I shouldn't...one way or another, I'll make it work. I came this far! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[lefturn]

I don't think i can be much heilp since you are working with a lincon frame , and i do my mercs on oldmobiles. I use the rad suport rubbers from the olds and fab a new crossmember. same as fender mounts, i make them from scratch to fit rubber mounted to the frame. i can use the standard fan on the olds swaps. I will look for pics of one of my cars at that stage and post it for you----good luck-----------ray

[MercMan1951]

Thanks Ray...your answer is actually what I was looking for, because I was thinking along those lines too. Pics are always a treat. Thanks!

BTW, how is that convert coming? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[MercMan1951]

bttt http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif