I have made a few other threads, but I figured I would make an official build thread and focus on this one.
A couple weeks ago I bought a 1948 M-68. I got it home and into the garage and started working on it.
From my research, It appears to be a non-original engine since the heads are EAB's (correct me if I'm wrong).
The plan so far(probably going to change a few times) is to pull the engine/tranny/rear and put in a ford 9" from a 57-72 F100 and convert the front brakes to disc with the matching 5x5.5 bolt pattern. I am going to drop in either a 351 or a big block with a AOD or C6.
Here are a few pictures of the truck so far. Thank-you to everyone that has helped me so far!








Corey

 

Looks like you are off to a good start. I haven't heard back on the tailgate yet.

 

Make up your mind on the tranny BEFORE you get the rear end. You will want a ratio of around 3:70 for the AOD but closer to 3.00 for the C6...

 

My current tires are around 31.5". If I switch to a F100 rear with the 5 lug, can I plan on using a tire around the same size?
I think I'm going to stick with the 351 and the AOE. I have found a rear from a 65 mercury with posi. He was not sure what the rear ratio would be. What ratio did that truck come in?

I cleaned up the tranny today. I took it apart to check things out. Should all the gears inside be square, or should the corners be a bit rounded?

Corey

 

hi there corner27 I have the same truck to.I'm putting a 351w/aod 9 inch rear 3:70 in mine as well.Also putting a volar ifs out of a 79 lebarron in it to.you can check out my gallery. just finshed put new pins and bushings in the rework rear springs.

 

it's good to have a good doner car/truck to work with to

 

Do you have your drivetrain already? I wouldnt mind seeing some pictures of the mounts and that sort of thing.

I pulled the engine today and started removing the components. Would there be anyone out there that is in need of these components(carb, generator, fuel pump, etc), or are they not really worth anything?
When the engine was still in the truck, I could see a red liquid in one of the cylinders but was unsure what it was. When I pulled the head off I soon realized what it was. The cylinders were full of farm gas which is dyed red here. It splashed all over me and the floor.
Looking at the cylinder walls, so far they look to be in pretty decent condition. I also noticed it has a ford rebuild tag on it. It was bored out .040 at one point in time.
I also noticed that it says the engine is a C EAB A which is not original, correct?

I'm not sure if the engine is worth anything. I would like to pull it all apart to check it out, but if it's worth something to someone, I will just keep it all together and sell it.

Here are some pictures from today.






Corey

 

Those old engines were used up and ready for a rebuild after about 60-80,000 miles. It was pretty common to just replace it with a remanufactured engine, which is what has happened with your truck at some point in it's past. My Merc has a similar rebuilder tag, Authorized Ford Remanufactured engine from B.C. Motor Rebuilders Ltd., Vancouver BC.

I'll send you a PM about some of your parts. They don't like us to do open trading on the forum.

 

I've been away for a couple weeks so hopefully you're still watching this thread. Nice looking Merc Corey. I've got a flathead in my Merc that was also rebuilt at the Edmonton plant. I've got the EAB heads too. I talked to a guy that had a summer job at this rebuild plant. They did a lot of flatheads and other Ford motors. My number on the plate is engine number: 25265.
Looks like they poured that fluid in the cylinders to preserve them. Don't throw it away as guys are still looking for good flatheads because of the rat rods and old style street rods
Also like the engine paint colour. Mine had copper coloured heads and a gold on the rest. Keep up with the updates and good luck with your Merc.
Greg M-47

 

Good looking truck ! Please keep the engine and Trans. inside as I am sure there are those that will jump in and want them. It is my understanding that the Mercury engines had M cast in the heads.Nice to see this truck get the attention it deserves !

 

I continued taking the engine apart tonight. I took the other head off and cleaned up all the red liquid. I was suprised how good the cylinders look. Next I went to the oil pan to drain the oil. I pulled the plug and nothing came out. It was all caked up in the bottom of the pan. I figured I would just pull the pan and take a look.
I did not expect what I found. I assume it was from a rodent, but my question is how would it have gotten into the pan?
Good thing I was not planning on using this engine.

 

Danged mice get into everything!

 

Wow! I've never seen the bottom end of a motor so full. Maybe they crawled up through the exhaust?

Later, Bill

 

Up the draft tube, no doubt....

I'd be amazed if anything is salvageable from that engine; maybe the heads, but they aren't that precious even being EAB's. I can't believe they turned the rod journals 0.040", that is past the normal limit AFAIK.

 

Well after searching classifieds for weeks, I have decided on an engine. I have a buddy here in town that has a 76 351W and an AOD tranny that he's going to sell me for $100 each.
I was originally thinking of a mid-late 80's HO, but I will be reaplacing the intake, carb, and cam anyways, so there's no point in spending the extra money (4-500) upfront for the HO if I'm not keeping any of the "HO" parts.
Once we get it out of the doner vehicle, I will pull the heads and pan and take a look at the condition. If it's not worth rebuilding then I get my money back.
Any recomendations on engine parts? What will I need to replace to freshen the motor up? Aside from that I'll probably be getting a new intake, carb and cam.