The Ford Barn

LEAZER48 · 07-27-2019, 12:13 PM

I have access to a rebuilt long block 53 merc flathead, I need to know what it takes to install it into a 48 Ford coupe before I take ownership?

tubman · 07-27-2019, 12:23 PM

1949-1950 Mercury or '48-'52 Pickup truck bellhousing and starter plate, a set of '48-'53 pickup water pumps, and a truck oil pan are the major mechanical parts. You may need some motor mount spacers and an electric fan. Other than that, it's just minor stuff that varies by installation.

B-O-B · 07-27-2019, 01:00 PM

Mechanical aptitude helps a bunch or some KOOL buddies that have it.

LEAZER48 · 07-27-2019, 10:53 PM

this is a Mercury engine going in a 48 ford coupe, do I change the water pumps to Ford, I have a pair of new Drake pumps for 59ab engine, also do I need an adapter between engine and trans?

tubman · 07-28-2019, 08:56 AM

As I remember, the earlier pumps will bolt on, but there is a water hole that has to be plugged and the 8BA block doesn't have the oil passages the earlier pumps needed. It's probably better to just go with the later truck pumps. The Mercury or truck bellhousing (and starter plate) I mentioned above is your transmission adapter. If you don't have one, I have either truck (cast iron) or Mercury (stamped steel) and the associated starter plates available.

19Fordy · 07-28-2019, 09:12 AM

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LEAZER48: If you do a SEARCH you will find plenty of info.

flatheadmurre · 07-28-2019, 09:42 AM

Don´t start bolting on the early style pumps...offset for belt is different and then you have to start changing pulleys and distributor etc..
Merc oilpan might work fine as is.

07-27-2019, 12:13 PM	#1
LEAZER48 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 77	late model flathead I have access to a rebuilt long block 53 merc flathead, I need to know what it takes to install it into a 48 Ford coupe before I take ownership?

07-27-2019, 12:23 PM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,316	Re: late model flathead 1949-1950 Mercury or '48-'52 Pickup truck bellhousing and starter plate, a set of '48-'53 pickup water pumps, and a truck oil pan are the major mechanical parts. You may need some motor mount spacers and an electric fan. Other than that, it's just minor stuff that varies by installation. Last edited by tubman; 07-28-2019 at 08:51 AM.

07-27-2019, 01:00 PM	#3
B-O-B Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft Mohave,Az Posts: 1,987	Re: late model flathead Mechanical aptitude helps a bunch or some KOOL buddies that have it.

07-27-2019, 10:53 PM	#4
LEAZER48 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 77	Re: late model flathead this is a Mercury engine going in a 48 ford coupe, do I change the water pumps to Ford, I have a pair of new Drake pumps for 59ab engine, also do I need an adapter between engine and trans?

07-28-2019, 08:56 AM	#5
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,316	Re: late model flathead As I remember, the earlier pumps will bolt on, but there is a water hole that has to be plugged and the 8BA block doesn't have the oil passages the earlier pumps needed. It's probably better to just go with the later truck pumps. The Mercury or truck bellhousing (and starter plate) I mentioned above is your transmission adapter. If you don't have one, I have either truck (cast iron) or Mercury (stamped steel) and the associated starter plates available.

07-28-2019, 09:12 AM	#6
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,942	Re: late model flathead Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) LEAZER48: If you do a SEARCH you will find plenty of info.

07-28-2019, 09:42 AM	#7
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: late model flathead Don´t start bolting on the early style pumps...offset for belt is different and then you have to start changing pulleys and distributor etc.. Merc oilpan might work fine as is.