Sub-Framing
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 125
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From: Redvers SK. Canada
Sub-Framing
My brother and I are going to strip down our 62 Merc unibody shortbox and start the resto. We are going to sub frame it and lower it. We were thinking of a mustang 2 front end with a built 302 and hopefully a five speed. Either going fuel injection route, and if all else fails we will use a AOD transmission. The truck has a 3.89 gear rear diff in her. What kind of experience or ideas do you guys have on what type of subframing should be done? 
Does anyone know where you can get a new or rust free MERCURY tailgate. I've seen some but all are stamped Ford and that just wouldn't be right.
Does anyone know where you can get a new or rust free MERCURY tailgate. I've seen some but all are stamped Ford and that just wouldn't be right.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I'd defiantly would go EFI. Get the parts off a Mustang since the Crown Vic/Cougar/T-Bird intakes are too small for power. Also the fuel injection doesn't care if it's a 5spd or an AOD but I would run the 5spd computer since it has a slightly better timing curve.
For the subframe I'm not too much help since I like HD trucks.
I've only ever seen one 61-63 unibody tailgate and the bottom was totally rusted out. It might be still there but he may have buried it.
For the subframe I'm not too much help since I like HD trucks.
I've only ever seen one 61-63 unibody tailgate and the bottom was totally rusted out. It might be still there but he may have buried it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,423
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From: Colonsay Sk. Canada
Get in line for a affordable unibody tailgate. If you find a half decent ford one for a reasonable price take it. Just a warning, but ubtil ou find a Mercury tailgate a Ford one may half to do.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,099
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From: Yorkton Sask
lol...this is sad...i see sub-framing, and i'm about to welcome you to the hammer jockey/wood butcher group. sorry 
but good to hear that another classic is going under the knife for a resto...
but good to hear that another classic is going under the knife for a resto...
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 125
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From: Redvers SK. Canada
Ya no doubt! Gotta get rid of that leaf spring front end and manual steering. To make it a sweet, smooth driver we gotta get a nice suspension under it! I think it will look cool lowered too.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Yorkton Sask
give it a good rake...a little high in the rear end....i love that look. but it's not my truck...
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I had an 80 Mercury front clip put in, it`s alot of work and diffinately not for the inexperinced. I don`t know if I would go the same way again.
The frame swap maybe easier as it gets away from all the crucial work of front end aligning before cutting and welding. There maybe too many bends in the newer frame making it difficult to work with,
A MII kit might be a better way to go, a complete kit with all instructions and it seems a much simpler install.
I haven`t done a MII, I`m just going off some of FTE members comments.
The frame swap maybe easier as it gets away from all the crucial work of front end aligning before cutting and welding. There maybe too many bends in the newer frame making it difficult to work with,
A MII kit might be a better way to go, a complete kit with all instructions and it seems a much simpler install.
I haven`t done a MII, I`m just going off some of FTE members comments.
Last edited by Fomoko1; Apr 2, 2007 at 01:24 AM.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
I am tossing the ideas of subframing too. Keep us posted with what you end up doing. I know myself I dont hate the idea of throwing a different frame underneath of an older truck either.
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