COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

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1939-1948 FORD/MERC Wheelbases, Torque TUBES, Front WISHBONES
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FORD Wheelbase Dimensions:


1939-1940...…..112"


1941-1948...…..114"
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MERCURY Wheelbase Dimensions:


1939-1940...…..116"


1941-1948...…..118"
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Some FORD vs MERCURY Facts:


1939 and 1940 Mercurys had their own unique BODIES.


1941-1948 Mercurys began sharing common BODIES with Ford cars.


Mercury Wheelbase dimensions ALWAYS exceeded Ford Wheelbase dimensions in any given model year by 4" during the 1939-1948 era.


Fords and Mercurys utilized FOUR different wheelbase dimensions throughout the 1939-1948 I-Beam and Torque Tube era....note above!


5"-Wide wheels were available for MERCURY at least in 1941.


The "ODDBALL" one-piece Mercury driveshaft/pinion lasted ONLY 1939 and 1940.


Ford and Mercury REAR axle assembly WIDTHS are the same for like model years, as suggested by axle shaft part number comparisons, Ford/Merc.




1939-1942 Ford & Mercury SERIAL Numbers were issued independently of one another, actually based on full-size V8 engine cubic inch ratings. One should remember that transmission/engine assemblies were initially stamped with a serial number when produced, then distributed to vehicle assembly facilities. Upon the assembly's installation into a new vehicle, the serial number stamped on the transmission was hand-stamped into the vehicle frame rail. Thus, a NEW Ford or Mercury was born.


1946-1948 Ford & Mercury engines became identical cubic inch-wise and in horsepower rating. Since the 1942 Mercury engine was of a larger 239 cu. in. displacement (Ford was 221 cu. in.), Mercury's numbering system began with a "99A-" prefix (Ford prefix was still "18-"). After the War in 1946, 239 cubic inches (a Mercury holdover) was standard in Fords and Mercurys. ALL engines then received the "99A-" serial number prefix. Thusly, during 1946-1948 production years, ALL Fords and Mercurys SHARE a COMMON prefix in their automobile serial numbers. You cannot distinguish between Ford or Mercury by serial number during 1946-1948 production.
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I-BEAM Axles:


1939-1941 Fords & Mercurys shared "78-3010-A" I-beam axles.


1942-1948 Fords & Mercurys shared "21A-3010" I-beam axles.
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Front WISHBONES:


Four different Wishbones were used on Fords & Mercs, 1939-1948


1939-1940 Ford......"78A-3405"


1941 Ford...………..…"11A-3405"


1942-1948 Ford......"21A-3405"
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1939-1940 Merc...…"99A-3405"


1941 Mercury...…...."11A-3405"


1942-1948 Merc...…"21A-3405"


NOTE: 1942-1948 Ford & Merc used SAME "21A-" Wishbone, but Mercury's 4"-longer wheelbase necessitated the use of a 4" wishbone ball adapter/extender which bolted into Merc frame....picture below!


http://redirect.viglink.com/?format=...rd%20Barn&txt=


I discovered one more interesting measurement comparison between a 1939 FORD and a 1939 MERC Wishbone. Note that '39 & '40 MERC use Wishbone "99A-3405". '39 and '40 FORD use Wishbone "78A-3405". rockflameasured between the center of his '39 MERC wishbone ball, straight forward to the center of his I-beam axle.....40-3/4". Kube measured between the center of a '39 FORD wishbone ball, straight forward to the center of his I-beam axle.....40-3/8". For some reason, MERC in 1939 decided they needed a "99A-" wishbone that placed the axle 3/8" farther forward than a "78A-" FORD wishbone would have.
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Torque TUBES:


1939-1940 FORD T-Tube.....69-15/16"


1941-1948 FORD T-Tube.....71-3/4" (approx.)


1939-1940 MERC T-Tube.....73-3/4" (approx.)


'39-'40 Mercury MERC T-Tube NOTE: rockfla had a difficult time measuring the exact length of his '39 Merc T-Tube as the forward end of the T-Tube is very confined above the crossmember, plus the T-Tube bell is obscured by the clamshell assembly. Nevertheless, '39-'40 Merc T-Tube is ALMOST 4" longer than Ford counterpart.


The '39-'40 T-Tubes ARE in fact, constructed with what appears to be a 14-15 inch sleeve in the center.....possibly a two-piece, fabricated tube. Reason unknown!
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Many other differences between Fords & Mercs left to verify. This compilation constitutes a concerted beginning.


1941-1948 MERCURY T-Tube dimensions are still unknown to this document.


MANY Thanks to: "rockfla", "JSeery", "rotorwrench", "Kube", "deuce_roadster", "Mac VanPelt Informational Website", and probably others I'm sure, in preparation of this compilation!


Dick D (DD)

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Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Great post, DD. Often wondered about the differences, particularly between my '39 and '47 Fords. Difference in handling between the two is very noticeable.

Thanks to you and your researching "compadres" for the statistics....much appreciated!!

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Thanks for the info, I almost bought a '41 Merc coupe, went back and forth for months, but owner couldn't get me good title information, it was eventually sold to someone out of state, I think it got street rodded.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

I know this was an older post - done with a lot of work, but one thing seems strange to me - maybe somebody knows the answer?

1) 1941 - 1948 Ford Wheelbase: 114"
2) 1941 - 1948 Mercury Wheelbase: 118"
3) 1941 - 1948 Ford and Mercury - shared common bodies.

It is #3 that has me confused as how can they share common bodies but have a 4" different wheelbase? - unless the wheels were in different locations in the wheel wells?

Anybody know the answers to #3?

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

I believe rotorwrench or coopman had some pics awhile back. iirc difference is in front of cowl.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Longer hood and front fenders.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Dale....You ain't confused! The difference in lengths is accommodated by lengthening the front fenders as well as the hood. From what I've been able to conclude, it appears (to me) that this 4" lengthening for the Mercs mostly takes place (front to rear) in the area of the frame, beginning right in line with the REAR of the WHEEL OPENING. The flat fender panel on the MERC is longer (front to rear) between the REAR OF wheel opening and the RUNNING BOARD that on the FORD. I believe that the steering BOX itself is mounted JUST FORWARD of this 4" extension area on the Merc frame rails. That's why a Merc steering column is longer than a like-year Ford column. Notice in the pictures BELOW that the distance is noticeably greater on the Merc than on the Ford between the REAR OF WHEEL OPENING and REAR OF FENDER.


NOTE:

It should be noted here that farther up in this thread, my notes show:

1939 and 1940 Mercurys had their own unique BODIES.


1941-1948 Mercurys began sharing common BODIES with Ford cars.



1939 Ford & Merc Fender Length Differences, BELOW

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1612324905


Notice the Difference in Hood Lengths, ALSO!


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1612326080


If you really want to see something that'll make you scratch your head, look at this later Merc frame BELOW. Note particularly the "FORWARD-EXTENDER Bracket" that is bolted in place (on wishbone) to locate the wishbone BALL forward. Also note the bolt-on front engine mount "REARWARD EXTENDERS". Remember, the front axle/crossmember has moved 4" forward, yet the engine still sits next to the firewall.

Coop

http://redirect.viglink.com/?format=...rd%20Barn&txt=


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Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Thanks COOP, so while the 41-48 body (firewall back) is the same, it is the front fenders, hood and some mounting stuff (wishbone extender, motor mounts, etc) - that were used to accommodate the longer front-end of the Merc.

What you're showing in the pics is a 39 Merc . . . is this "firewall forward" situation the same in the 41 - 48 Mercs as compared to Fords? Longer fenders, longer hoods, etc?

I have a 40 Merc coupe - so this stuff interests me!

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

It took an act of congress for Edsel to convince his dad that they needed to lengthen the original Mercury design. Using as many Ford related parts was the only way he could talk him into it. Bob Gregorie mentioned this in his book. Both men felt that the longer they could make the car design the more proportional it would appear. Ford cars are shorter than most other manufacturers cars of the era and it made it difficult for them to make them look pleasing but they damn sure found a way.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Here is a '40 Merc in a lighter color. Makes it easy to see that LONG front fender section in front of that running board. Apparently the same madness all the way thru 1948.

Coop


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1665874135

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Coop, can you find and post comparative '39-'40 Ford & Merc sedan photos looking head-on? This is the view that isn't usually seen in photos, and points up the very pregnant appearance of the Merc.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

The '39 and '40 Mercs used a different body than the than the '39-'40 Fords, The Merc has a wider body. It's wider by about 4". The frame is also different.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Dale.... If you missed my EDIT up in post #8, note:

1939 and 1940 Mercurys had their own unique BODIES.


1941-1948 Mercurys began sharing common BODIES with Ford cars.


Coop

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Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

ALAN....For YOU, I can find and post ALMOST anything. But in this case, I don't see much evidence of any expectant BABY MERCS!

Coop


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1665948179


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1665948179

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Coop, that’s not what I expected to see. Great pics, but maybe not quite the angle to show the baby bump. Looking down the profile, you can see how the Mercury is wider than the Ford.

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Hey Coop and Crew - thanks for the information. I was looking at my 40 Merc coupe today - pondering its future. While there is a lot that I like about the car (especially the front end), the rear of the top I still think is butt ugly. If only they'd made it like the Zephyr . . . it would have been wonderful.

The rear of the top would have looked so much better if it swept back like a 40 Ford. There is a definite reason that most 40 Merc customs features a serious top-chop and a complete reworking of the rear of the top and how it flows into the trunk. I don't know if the Merc top was designed for more back-seat headroom or what . . . but it is definitely the part of the body that is NOT appealing (well at least to me). The rest I like.

When I get to this project, I'm sure I'll work with my expert metal man to redo the top - just the way it is for me to like the car. When you see a custom Merc like the infamous Matranga version, it sure does change the look - in a very pleasing departure from stock.

Attachment 501461

Hmmm . . . when to get started on THAT project! LOL

B&S

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

V8Coopman
Just HOW similar are you saying that the 41-48 Fords and Merc's use the same/similar bodies?? From my experience, we tried to use a front seat from a 46 Ford Coupe in our 46/47 Mercury and it "wasn't" right. I "believe" it was too narrow!!! Its been a long time ago so memory could be "slightly" foggy!!


BORED&STROKED
We have a 39 Merc Coupe and couldn't agree more about the rear of the top on them. I think it had to do with using the convertible bodies to make them, quick and easy instead of designing a "stand alone" body!! I think the 39 Merc is a WAY prettier than the 40 Merc front end. OF course I feel the same with Ford's too!!!

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

BELOW, I just randomly picked '42 Ford & Merc Tudor Sedans. Sure do APPEAR to be same BODY SHELL to me, but what do I know? LONG fender & hood on the Merc.

Coop

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1666024806


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1666024806

Re: COMPARISONS...1939-1948 Ford/Mercury Running Gear
 

Maybe its me, but just looking at the two, the rear window shapes look slightly different as well as the "sail area" of the rear part of the roof and roof line in this area. MAYBE its color and shading difference???