Time to get going on my 63 Mercury Colony Park

I'll be putting the engine back in this week after replacing the bad camshaft and bottom end. I already have the underdash A/C ready to install and need advice on how best to affordably lower the suspension. I suspect that new lowered rear leafs and front coils should do the trick. Will early 60's Ford parts fit my Mercury. Some say yes while others I've asked are not sure. If anyone knows for certain I would appreciate any advice. After owning a few Chevy wagons I'm excited to play with my "new" FoMoCo wagon.

 

Wow, she's a Beauty!

 

Looks good

 

Nice looking Colony Park, for sure and I'll bet it runs as well as it looks with the work you've done to it.

 

Sharp car! Welcome btw.........

 

I really like your wagon and the colors. Get er down and it will be super.

 

You do know why the camshaft failed?

If the engine is stock a flat tappet (non-roller) cam will be damaged quickly from oil with not enough ZDDP. Either add ZDDP to the standard oil or use oil that contains enough ZDDP.

ZDDP is being reduced because over time it damages catalytic converters. ZDDP is in the oil in the first place to properly lubricate cams.

http://www.ttalk.info/Zddp.htm

 

What a beautiful wagon. If you just get that rear end down and level things out it will look fine but I wonder if anyone makes reverse spindles for
those big Fords, They ones I've seen for GMs are great because they are already set up for correct (nearly) camber and fit right in without the need
to shorten the coils or reposition major steering or suspension components. There may very well be differences in the Ford and Merc parts as sometimes Mercury got sturdier materials and fastening points as to 'up' the quality of the marquis. I know this was true of the cars built through the 50s but maybe
not so much by '62. I'm thinking I read where Merc and Edsel used higher quality components but I'd be willing to bet Ford parts will fit.
But what do I know,... I'd rely on the experts.

 

Well....I don't know about the parts swap, Mike....but, that sure is a great looking wagon!

 

Mercury made the best looking wagon of 'em all, that year.

 

Thanks to you all for all the compliments and comments. I bought this "driveway find" beauty from the previous owner who asked me for advice on how much to sell it for so I made her an offer to buy it "as-is" and we were both happy with the deal. I suspected the engine had a flat lobe on the cam and a bad lifter when I bought it and sure enough it ate up the crank and bearings too.

Tbirdsps - I suspect the previous owner did not properly break in the cam and possibly ran it low on oil as the rebuilt 390 had very few miles on it . I will take great care to make certain I do it correctly with the right lubrication. Point well taken.

Denny T - Great looking 55 Handyman "Bel Air"!!! I am attaching a photo of my old 55 210 Handyman with a similar paint scheme. I sold it last year and have really regretted it but have eased the pain with the recent acqusition of the 63 Merc.

Wagons Rule!!!

 

recently lowered my Merc and found it quite simple , new front coils set at desired height and reset leaves on rear (will post pic soon ) also new adjustable koni shocks all round this wonderfull wagon now drives like a dream . coust in aussie dollar 360 including installation.as for parts i have found most drive train/door mecs/lock interchangable with 1958 to 1963 ford vechiles in aussie or usa

 

Dennis your 60 Commuter looks awesome! That is exactly the stance I'm hoping to get for my 63 CP so it's off to the local spring shop right after the motor gets reinstalled this weekend. I also appreciate the feedback on interchanging Ford/Merc parts as it is what I suspected but could not get confirmed here in the US. You Aussies are great car guys!

 

Sweet wagon, love the color, and those wheels look great.