The Ford Barn

UKMercury · 02-20-2021, 07:55 AM

Hi Guys and Gals,

I’m in the UK and after 16 years of Mopar (48 Plymouth sedan) I’ve put a deposit to down on a 47 Mercury convertible.
Am I in the right place for help - It’s unlikely I’ll get to any meetings :-)

FortyNiner · 02-20-2021, 08:01 AM

Yes, you are in the proper place. There is a delousing process some may seek for non-Ford ownership, but that's a personal preference.

Tell us about the Merc.

UKMercury · 02-20-2021, 08:10 AM

I hope to pick it up in April, it’s in Scotland, I’m in England and we’re not allowed to cross borders under Covid restrictions.
It came into the UK in or around 2005, it had a ground up rebuild before it arrived. Sat in a museum and then a private collection. When they came to try and run it the oil had congealed and they promptly blew the engine. It was rebuilt, I am told with a French block and some nice hop ups.
I’ll post some photos soon.

Bored&Stroked · 02-20-2021, 08:15 AM

Welcome on board . . . sounds like you have a cool car (or will soon have). This is a great site for just about any kind of information related to early Fords - so you've come to the right place. Take some time to introduce yourself and post some pictures of your car when you get it. Take care and enjoy your new ride . . .

Ford Freak · 02-20-2021, 08:20 AM

You are in the right place . Welcome aboard ! - F F

47Monarch · 02-20-2021, 08:47 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Welcome to the barn

UKMercury · 02-20-2021, 09:00 AM

I’ve attached a couple of images of the engine.
If it is a French engine am I right in assuming it’s 4.2 litre?

corvette8n · 02-20-2021, 09:00 AM

Welcome to the Barn, congratulations on your purchase.
This book may help https://shop.efv8.org/collections/fo...book-softbound

Post pictures when you get the car.

UKMercury · 02-20-2021, 09:13 AM

Now I know I’m in the right place, a more formal introduction. My name is Garry and I live with my wife in the Midlands in the UK. I’m not retirement age but I’m getting perilously close 😳. I run my own (small) company Moulding polyurethane foam so I tend to be busy and my only real hobby is my car.
The pictures show my 48 Plymouth which I imported from South Africa in 2004.
I do all my own maintenance including an engine rebuild, the only other person whose been allowed to touch my Plymouth is the guy who line bored the king pins
Thank you for your welcome, I look forward to interacting with members although, as a complete Ford virgin, I’ll be asking more than I’ll be telling 😏

Zeke3 · 02-20-2021, 09:26 AM

Welcome to the Barn, looking at that engine, you are definitely in the right place. Your Plymouth is a nice looking car also, do you drive it often?

51504bat · 02-20-2021, 09:27 AM

Welcome aboard. If your new Ford is as nice as you're Mopar looks you've got a nice ride coming. I'm always amazed by what you guys in the UK (as well as the rest of Europe and really anywhere else non USA) have to go through to get cars and parts. Shipping, duties, fees, etc. make things difficult I'm sure. Looking forward to more photos when you get your new Ford.

KiWinUS · 02-20-2021, 09:48 AM

Welcome friend. Nice engine. You will get all the help you need here. Enjoy.

19Fordy · 02-20-2021, 09:54 AM

Welcome Garry.

You have two really nice cars. Enjoy every mile with a smile.

tubman · 02-20-2021, 09:57 AM

Welcome as well! That Plymouth sure looks nice, but I have feeling that you'll like the Mercury better.

Mart · 02-20-2021, 10:01 AM

Hello Garry, welcome to the barn. I'm in the midlands too, in Solihull so it will be nice to have someone closer to home on here.

The motor looks pretty dressed up. If you need any advice or help, the barn is a great resource. And like I say, I'm here in Solihull and can offer help and advice if you need it.

Mart.

UKMercury · 02-20-2021, 10:28 AM

Unfortunately I can’t keep both the Plymouth & the Mercury so it will be a whole new (Ford) world for me. The Plymouth has been a good car and I’ve not been afraid to go anywhere in it - it’s been all over the U.K.
In answer to 51504bat, parts can get a little expensive with shipping and duty but I think it’s worth paying, there is something about American cars you just don’t get with British cars - not just size but the American vehicles were built for a larger market and larger distances - it shows.
I think I will like the Mercury more. Plymouth was the bottom of the Chrysler range followed by Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler at the top. I think the Mercury is a DeSoto equivalent.
Unlikely that I’ll be able to view it until April. I originally said no to the car - the top didn’t work and the car didn’t have a heater. He’s having the top rebuilt (new pump and pistons) and fitting a heater so I don’t think I’ll be coming home without it. Can’t wait!

flatjack9 · 02-20-2021, 10:34 AM

Welcome here. Sounds like you've found yourself a very nice car.

deuce_roadster · 02-20-2021, 11:54 AM

Welcome, and you are already "attending a meeting"!

Anteek29 · 02-20-2021, 11:57 AM

Oh, you are gonna have a blast!

50fordcoupeman · 02-20-2021, 02:17 PM

Yes welcome! The Ford Barn is a great read with all these experts on here (not me!)

flatford8 · 02-20-2021, 03:10 PM

Welcome to the ‘Barn. There’s a lot of “Mercury Guys” here...more pics when you can....Mark

lefty rodan · 02-20-2021, 04:18 PM

Welcome: Lots of folks here to help you with a great car. I have both a 49 and 50 Merc coupes "under construction". My ancestors were from the Western Midlands hamlet of Roden in Shropshire, not too far from you. They didn't drive Mercurys. Lefty Rodan

JSeery · 02-20-2021, 05:51 PM

I'll throw in my welcome as well.

McMimmcs · 02-20-2021, 06:40 PM

Welcome to the barn. Did you buy the new one without seeing it in person ?

GB SISSON · 02-20-2021, 09:07 PM

And another hearty welcome from the Upper Left Coast of the USA.

aussie merc · 02-21-2021, 12:35 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

all aboard the more the merrier lots of good people lots of information let the fun begin

UKMercury · 02-21-2021, 05:22 AM

Hi Zeke, yes, if the sun is shining the car is out. I look for any excuse to drive it and we even take it to the local supermarket. It's not concourse or anywhere near it so I don't have to worry too much about someone touching it.

UKMercury · 02-21-2021, 05:27 AM

McMimmcs, I'm a risk taker - I bought the Plymouth unseen although I did speak to the previous owners in South Africa. I was lucky, the body you see in the photos is as I bought it 16 years ago - I have not touched it. Rebuilt engine, brakes and suspension but I don;t do bodywork - I don't have the space or experience. I will view the Mercury before handing over the rest of the money but I can't see me saying no to it. It's been converted to 12V which is a big plus for me as I want to tow a large teardrop.

UKMercury · 02-21-2021, 05:33 AM

Once again thank you to everybody for the warm welcome. My knowledge of Ford is down to my first cars - MK1 Cortina, Escort, Mk3 Cortina and a Mk4 Cortina but I've never had a classic Ford. Initially I'll be lurking and asking lots of questions but, as I learn more I hope I can contribute to what looks like a friendly and informative Forum.

UKMercury · 02-21-2021, 05:48 AM

Lefty Rodin, Roden is in a nice part of the country near the town of Shrewsbury and and the Welsh borders.
I don't get to that part of the country often but who knows, I might make a trip to meet Mart in Solihull which is on the way for me.

mfirth · 02-21-2021, 07:53 AM

Welcome aboard. LOTS of GR8 folks with good info & experience. They helped me ALOT when redoing my 8BA. Nice looking engine !

LuckyFordGuy · 02-21-2021, 08:58 AM

Welcome nice place to look for information

cmbrucew · 02-21-2021, 09:13 AM

I will add my welcome as well. I have had four Mercurys, and a bunch of Fords, and three Lincolns.
Bruce

fortyonerag · 02-22-2021, 04:36 AM

G'day from Down Under!

V8COOPMAN · 02-22-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKMercury

Once again thank you to everybody for the warm welcome. My knowledge of Ford is down to my first cars - MK1 Cortina, Escort, Mk3 Cortina and a Mk4 Cortina but I've never had a classic Ford. Initially I'll be lurking and asking lots of questions but, as I learn more I hope I can contribute to what looks like a friendly and informative Forum.

And a warm welcome from a COLD Texas (finally beginning to thaw-out, though). As you can see, there are folks on this forum from all over the planet. And to give you an idea as to the audience on this wonderful old Ford forum, you are member Number 120,176. Glad to have you here. By the way, Mart in Solihull is quite the character...in a GOOD way! DD

Zeke3 · 02-22-2021, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

By the way, Mart in Solihull is quite the character...in a GOOD way! DD

And, I almost know the way back to his house, from watching all Mart's videos and taking video rides with him.

Shaun1162 · 02-22-2021, 05:51 PM

Welcome to the Fordbarn! Great looking Flathead too!

35cab · 02-22-2021, 06:05 PM

Welcome, this is a good place to be, the engine looks pretty spiffy!
Interesting that the car is in Scotland, I thought I knew of most of the flatheads in Scotland (I am in Edinburgh) this sounds like a rare one and is a new one to me.
Being in the midlands you are in good hands with Mart on your door step, a mine of practical and entertaining information (have a look at his You Tube "Marts Garage")
Good luck with the car.
Gordon.

Talkwrench · 02-22-2021, 06:39 PM

Welcome to the mad house.. Hope you get it soon..

Graeme / New Zealand · 02-23-2021, 02:21 AM

Welcome from New Zealand at "arse (ass) end of the world."

GB

Robz51 · 02-23-2021, 09:31 AM

Welcome to the barn! There's no place on the web that can match the knowledge on the forum. Please post more pics when the merc arrives home!

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

Frank Miller · 02-24-2021, 09:40 AM

If you are not a member of the Early Ford V8 Club you should join. There is a helpful forum there but not as active as this. You do not need to join to participate in the forum. They do have chapters in Europe and it's a fun magazine to read.

Trad V8 · 02-25-2021, 05:02 AM

35cab is my cousin, and I too have flatheads. So like him it is a surprise to see such a nice looking engine in such a desirable car in our backyard and not know about it. As has been said you should contact the Early Ford (UK) RG127, they have a web site, and sign up. Having Mart on your doorstep will be a great help as well.

Cheers, Dougie

02-20-2021, 07:55 AM	#1
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Newbie but am I in the right place Hi Guys and Gals, I’m in the UK and after 16 years of Mopar (48 Plymouth sedan) I’ve put a deposit to down on a 47 Mercury convertible. Am I in the right place for help - It’s unlikely I’ll get to any meetings :-)

02-20-2021, 08:01 AM	#2
FortyNiner Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: u-rah-rah-Wisconsin Posts: 1,136	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Yes, you are in the proper place. There is a delousing process some may seek for non-Ford ownership, but that's a personal preference. Tell us about the Merc. __________________ 19 and 49 F1 - jes' like Henry II built 1946 Deluxe - as Henry built it

02-20-2021, 08:10 AM	#3
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place I hope to pick it up in April, it’s in Scotland, I’m in England and we’re not allowed to cross borders under Covid restrictions. It came into the UK in or around 2005, it had a ground up rebuild before it arrived. Sat in a museum and then a private collection. When they came to try and run it the oil had congealed and they promptly blew the engine. It was rebuilt, I am told with a French block and some nice hop ups. I’ll post some photos soon.

02-20-2021, 08:15 AM	#4
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,062	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome on board . . . sounds like you have a cool car (or will soon have). This is a great site for just about any kind of information related to early Fords - so you've come to the right place. Take some time to introduce yourself and post some pictures of your car when you get it. Take care and enjoy your new ride . . .

02-20-2021, 08:20 AM	#5
Ford Freak Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pittsford NY. USA Posts: 1,096	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place You are in the right place . Welcome aboard ! - F F __________________ 1952 Ford F1 1965 Ford Falcon Sprint 2007 Ford Mustang GT

02-20-2021, 08:47 AM	#6
47Monarch Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Sydney Nova Scotia Posts: 126	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Welcome to the barn

02-20-2021, 09:00 AM	#8
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 2,943	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the Barn, congratulations on your purchase. This book may help https://shop.efv8.org/collections/fo...book-softbound Post pictures when you get the car.

02-20-2021, 09:26 AM	#10
Zeke3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,405	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the Barn, looking at that engine, you are definitely in the right place. Your Plymouth is a nice looking car also, do you drive it often?

02-20-2021, 09:27 AM	#11
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,009	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome aboard. If your new Ford is as nice as you're Mopar looks you've got a nice ride coming. I'm always amazed by what you guys in the UK (as well as the rest of Europe and really anywhere else non USA) have to go through to get cars and parts. Shipping, duties, fees, etc. make things difficult I'm sure. Looking forward to more photos when you get your new Ford. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

02-20-2021, 09:48 AM	#12
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 2,954	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome friend. Nice engine. You will get all the help you need here. Enjoy.

02-20-2021, 09:54 AM	#13
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,919	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome Garry. You have two really nice cars. Enjoy every mile with a smile.

02-20-2021, 09:57 AM	#14
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,302	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome as well! That Plymouth sure looks nice, but I have feeling that you'll like the Mercury better.

02-20-2021, 10:01 AM	#15
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,743	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Hello Garry, welcome to the barn. I'm in the midlands too, in Solihull so it will be nice to have someone closer to home on here. The motor looks pretty dressed up. If you need any advice or help, the barn is a great resource. And like I say, I'm here in Solihull and can offer help and advice if you need it. Mart.

02-20-2021, 10:28 AM	#16
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Unfortunately I can’t keep both the Plymouth & the Mercury so it will be a whole new (Ford) world for me. The Plymouth has been a good car and I’ve not been afraid to go anywhere in it - it’s been all over the U.K. In answer to 51504bat, parts can get a little expensive with shipping and duty but I think it’s worth paying, there is something about American cars you just don’t get with British cars - not just size but the American vehicles were built for a larger market and larger distances - it shows. I think I will like the Mercury more. Plymouth was the bottom of the Chrysler range followed by Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler at the top. I think the Mercury is a DeSoto equivalent. Unlikely that I’ll be able to view it until April. I originally said no to the car - the top didn’t work and the car didn’t have a heater. He’s having the top rebuilt (new pump and pistons) and fitting a heater so I don’t think I’ll be coming home without it. Can’t wait!

02-20-2021, 10:34 AM	#17
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,524	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome here. Sounds like you've found yourself a very nice car.

02-20-2021, 11:54 AM	#18
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,799	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome, and you are already "attending a meeting"!

02-20-2021, 11:57 AM	#19
Anteek29 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 985	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Oh, you are gonna have a blast! __________________ Alan 1929 Special Coupe 1941 Pick-Up 1955 Victoria

02-20-2021, 02:17 PM	#20
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 865	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Yes welcome! The Ford Barn is a great read with all these experts on here (not me!)

02-20-2021, 03:10 PM	#21
flatford8 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lyman,ME. Posts: 2,623	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the ‘Barn. There’s a lot of “Mercury Guys” here...more pics when you can....Mark __________________ I'm thinkin' about crankin' My ragged ol' truck up and haulin' myself into town. Billy Joe Shaver

02-20-2021, 04:18 PM	#22
lefty rodan Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 31	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome: Lots of folks here to help you with a great car. I have both a 49 and 50 Merc coupes "under construction". My ancestors were from the Western Midlands hamlet of Roden in Shropshire, not too far from you. They didn't drive Mercurys. Lefty Rodan

02-20-2021, 05:51 PM	#23
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place I'll throw in my welcome as well.

02-20-2021, 06:40 PM	#24
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the barn. Did you buy the new one without seeing it in person ?

02-20-2021, 09:07 PM	#25
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,913	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place And another hearty welcome from the Upper Left Coast of the USA. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

02-21-2021, 12:35 AM	#26
aussie merc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: sydney australia Posts: 1,029	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) all aboard the more the merrier lots of good people lots of information let the fun begin

02-21-2021, 05:22 AM	#27
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Hi Zeke, yes, if the sun is shining the car is out. I look for any excuse to drive it and we even take it to the local supermarket. It's not concourse or anywhere near it so I don't have to worry too much about someone touching it.

02-21-2021, 05:27 AM	#28
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place McMimmcs, I'm a risk taker - I bought the Plymouth unseen although I did speak to the previous owners in South Africa. I was lucky, the body you see in the photos is as I bought it 16 years ago - I have not touched it. Rebuilt engine, brakes and suspension but I don;t do bodywork - I don't have the space or experience. I will view the Mercury before handing over the rest of the money but I can't see me saying no to it. It's been converted to 12V which is a big plus for me as I want to tow a large teardrop.

02-21-2021, 05:33 AM	#29
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Once again thank you to everybody for the warm welcome. My knowledge of Ford is down to my first cars - MK1 Cortina, Escort, Mk3 Cortina and a Mk4 Cortina but I've never had a classic Ford. Initially I'll be lurking and asking lots of questions but, as I learn more I hope I can contribute to what looks like a friendly and informative Forum.

02-21-2021, 05:48 AM	#30
UKMercury Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Northamptonshire in the UK Posts: 14	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Lefty Rodin, Roden is in a nice part of the country near the town of Shrewsbury and and the Welsh borders. I don't get to that part of the country often but who knows, I might make a trip to meet Mart in Solihull which is on the way for me.

02-21-2021, 07:53 AM	#31
mfirth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ohio Posts: 986	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome aboard. LOTS of GR8 folks with good info & experience. They helped me ALOT when redoing my 8BA. Nice looking engine !

02-21-2021, 08:58 AM	#32
LuckyFordGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MN. Posts: 325	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome nice place to look for information

02-21-2021, 09:13 AM	#33
cmbrucew Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: North of sandy ago, CA. Posts: 2,064	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place I will add my welcome as well. I have had four Mercurys, and a bunch of Fords, and three Lincolns. Bruce __________________ Works good Lasts long time

02-22-2021, 04:36 AM	#34
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 540	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place G'day from Down Under!

02-22-2021, 05:51 PM	#37
Shaun1162 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Wilmot, NH Posts: 10	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the Fordbarn! Great looking Flathead too!

02-22-2021, 06:05 PM	#38
35cab Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 125	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome, this is a good place to be, the engine looks pretty spiffy! Interesting that the car is in Scotland, I thought I knew of most of the flatheads in Scotland (I am in Edinburgh) this sounds like a rare one and is a new one to me. Being in the midlands you are in good hands with Mart on your door step, a mine of practical and entertaining information (have a look at his You Tube "Marts Garage") Good luck with the car. Gordon.

02-22-2021, 06:39 PM	#39
Talkwrench Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,687	Re: Newbie but am I in the right place Welcome to the mad house.. Hope you get it soon.. __________________ *"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"*