Greetings everyone, I finally did it and purchased a 1951 Mercury. Some of you gave me some advice a while back not to buy a project but I did any ways. I felt this wouldn't take too much money to get on the road. I might be wrong I also sort of decided on a '51 instead of a '49 or '50 because my recently passed father was born in 1951. So, now I'm looking for a mechanic in the Southern Ontario region. The good: I was able to drive the vehicle and it started and stopped very well. Clean frame/chassis and great body (there are some visible repair spots) I'm told the 305 motor, TH350 transmission and power brakes are from a 1986 Chevy car and front clip and rear end is from a 1978 Firebird. Also the steering wheel and column are from a 1990 oldsmobile (Tilt shift). The bad: The power steering slowly got worse, I believe there is a power steering leak. The steering was loose enough I didn't want to drive fast. Needs exhaust work (looked a bit rusty) Speedometer and fuel gauge not working. Probably needs windshield wipers converted to electric. Needs side mirrors. Needs seat belts in front and in the back. A paint job would be nice, but my friends and I might try to tackle that one. Might be more stuff I forgot or missed. So there you have it. You can tell the situation I am in now. Perhaps, hopefully some of you guys can recommend a trusted mechanic with a good shop rate. I'm okay with shipping/towing if it's not too far from Toronto (I'm in Scarborough/GTA). There's no rush, I'm just looking for help now as I'd probably have the money to get this on the road by the middle or end of the summer season. Thanks for reading this and thanks in advance for any advice, tips or recommendations given. Cheers, Kevin H.
Fix the steering first. It’s new-ish, so rebuild and replacement parts should be available. Adapting the old speedo to the new trans may be a challenge. Fuel gauge may be easy if all of the parts are there. Get this little box: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Classic-Instruments-SN34-Fuel-Link-Interface,230181.html It matches any sender to any gauge. Connect your sender to it, your gauge to it. Follow the calibration directions. Done. Nice looking old Merc. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hello David Gersic! Thanks so much for the tips and advice It is very appreciated Take care! Cheers, Kevin H.
Check out Ontario Rodders Community web page. Lots of help on here. Also FB Ontario classic cars and parts pre 1990.
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