49 to 51 Mercs

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Don't know a lot about these cars but I was looking at some pics the other day and noticed some had single and others had 3 piece back lights....what gives here?

GB

[Alaska Jim]

I am pretty sure that '49 was the only one that had the 3 piece window, but I may be wrong. I am sure some one will correct me if I am. My '51 has a one piece rear window, and I am pretty sure the '50 was also a one piece. Also the '50 and '51 dash are the same, where the '49 is completely different. other differences are '51 tail lights are '51 only, and the grill is different. there are more , but I do not know all of the differences.

[51 MERC-CT]

Yes, '49 and some early (rare) '50's got 3 piece rear glass.
Recall that back in the day some owners added a couple of chrome strips to make a faux 3 piece glass on both the '50 and '51.

[Paul Bennett]

.

Noticeable Mercury difference '49 to '50 was rear window, parking lights and dashboard. Changes from '50 to '51 was grill and rear fenders.

Generally, fewer changes happen in last year of a series as the designers are busy with many changes involved with a new series.

2" Lower in 1949 - Whoa ... overall car height of Mercury both coupe and sedan in 1949 is 62.98". But in 1950 the height is 64.8". ?!?

Source: Mercury 49-51 workshop manual general description. Samo for Lincoln. But I'm personally skeptical about this.

[rotorwrench]

The 1949 had a lot of little differences as the design evolved to the 1950 models. 1951 had a lot of differences in the body but the drive train was about the same in the very early 1951 models. The transmission & associated items changed around February of 1951. I agree on the overall height of the cars between 1949 & 1951. There was almost no change in suspension. The Station Wagons had a higher roof so there may have been some confusion there at the time. The basic profile of the bodies from 1949 to 1951 didn't change all that much. The doors & front fenders can be interchanged as well as the hood & trunk lid between different years but the trim holes and a few other things are different. 1949 had the different door latching & handle assemblies so they aren't a good fit for the later 50 & 51 but they will fit the body opening.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

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Thanks for the info folks. I'm a sucker for knowledge on old flatheads. The early slab sided Mercs have attracted my interest lately.

GB