What to check on a 46 Mercury

[Doctor's Ford]

Hello FordBarners. Some of you may remember me from a few years ago when I posted all the restoration process of my 33 Tudor. After a pause of nearly 4 years I am now ready for a “new” FOMOCO car and found a 46 four door Mercury within my reach and budget. I will check it this weekend and since I know little of this vintage wanted your advice on what to check to make sure is not modified or missing important parts. Please advice on both mechanical components and the cosmetic parts, trim and so on. I want a stock car, not modified or customized and being informed will be the best way to make sure I get the real deal. Please brainstorm a list I can bring with me when looking at the car. I know it had been repainted and body appears solid. I did not receive any pictures of the engine but have a few of the body and interior that will try to upload tonight when I get home. Thank you everyone! Manuel

[V8COOPMAN]

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Manuel.....Have you moved to the U. S. A. from Paraguay? If so, a huge WELCOME! Do you still own that beautiful '33? DD

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

.

Manuel.....Have you moved to the U. S. A. from Paraguay? If so, a huge WELCOME! Do you still own that beautiful '33? DD

Yeah, your memory is sharp ! considering Paraguay is not in my Avatar anymore. I am back in less tropical land in South Dakota. Still own the 33 model B which - in my biased opinion - is a car with such a beautiful design.

[Doctor's Ford]

These are the available pictures. Talked to seller today, a used car dealer, and he promised to send me photos of the engine tomorrow. Does it look stock and correct for a 46? Is this an original Mercury color? Wheels and covers? Notice there is a spot on the driver's side but no side mirror. It is weird that the restorer put a spot light but no mirror.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Doctor's Ford

These are the available pictures. Talked to seller today, a used car dealer, and he promised to send me photos of the engine tomorrow. Does it look stock and correct for a 46? Is this an original Mercury color? Wheels and covers? Notice there is a spot on the driver's side but no side mirror. It is weird that the restorer put a spot light but no mirror.

You won't have to be concerned with Babbitt Bearings with this one....

[fordor41]

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Not an expert on Merc's but looks pretty stock and complete. As for drivers side mirrors,
I've found them pretty much useless on 41'-48 FOMOCO's. they vibrate terrible and can't really see much. vent window obstructs the view. Passenger side forget it!!

[petehoovie]

Is it a local South Dakota car? If so, rust would be my biggest concern. Get it up in the air and inspect the undercarriage....

[FortyNiner]

The biggest issue is rust. Best to check the trunk floor - especially if it has the tool compartment feature, the running boards, and the rocker panels. The bumpers look better than new and may have had some work done on them. Interior looks correct and usable. The pictures look good.

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Is it a local South Dakota car? If so, rust would be my biggest concern. Get it up in the air and inspect the undercarriage....

I live in Western SD at the foot of the Black Hills. Climate here is very dry and minimal use of salt in the winter. Very different than Eastern South Dakota at the border with MN. Car is in northern Colorado, a few hours from me. Yes, I will certainly get under the car to check.

I was given this serial number: 24G21452. How can I use this number to identify the actual production year and model features? If you look at the grille on this car, it is a 47 (the frame of the grille is chromed rather than painted as it was in 46) but other trim and chrome pieces are correct for 46. I wonder if this is a grille from a later year placed during restoration?

Can this be a Canadian production? Don't know if there was such a thing, just asking.

[petehoovie]

I see the car at this site > https://www.classic.com/veh/1946-mer...21452-v4oJ2vp/

Excellent pictures here (including engine compartment)> https://www.mecum.com/lots/DN0719-37...ury-69m-sedan/

STATUS: $7,500 HIGH BID · Jul 12, 2019 - Was not marked as SOLD though....https://www.mecum.com/auctions/denver-2019/lots/

VIN: 24G21452

LOCATION: Denver, CO

This 1946 Mercury 69M Sedan was last listed at the Mecum Denver (2019) classic car auction on Jul 12, 2019
View more about this vehicle's history and comps below.

[swoopNZ]

Shouldn't the park lights be up in the catwalk ?

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by swoopNZ

Shouldn't the park lights be up in the catwalk ?

Good point. I searched more and I think this is a Canadian model, the so called Mercury 114 (for the 114" wheelbase as oppossed to the 118" of US model).It is a Ford with a Mercury Grille, but different from the US version in the following:

1) Park lights are rounded and under headlight (Canadian)
Park lights rectangular and higher closer to the center (US)
2) Center of Grille has the head of the Roman God Mercury (Canadian)
Center of Grille has the word Eight in vertical line (US)
3) Trim on side of front fender does not reach headlights (Canadian)
Trim on the side of fenders gets to the headlights (US)

These differences can be appreciated comparing these 2 photos (red US and maroon Canada). Granted, the God head and the word Eight are not very visible but I could see them clearly in other sets of photos

[deuce lover]

Welcome back Manuel ! Nice car. Did you bring your '33 to SD?

[Doctor's Ford]

Knowing that is Canadian, can anyone help decoding the serial number 24G21452? Not even sure if is a correct number but need to give a try.

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Welcome back Manuel ! Nice car. Did you bring your '33 to SD?

Thank you! Had to leave it in South America but in good hands. A daughter who likes old cars is taking care of the 33, fires the engine once per week and takes it for a short spin once a month. Has been doing it for 2 years and the model B engine keeps running great without even a drop of oil leak.

[jimTN]

If the Merc steers well, stops well, holds fair oil pressure 30 Plus at rpm, drives a short distance at 60mph without heating, you have a fine car. Most of them came with a 3:54 gear in the rear so it will cruise well and get good gas mileage.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by FortyNiner

The biggest issue is rust. Best to check the trunk floor - especially if it has the tool compartment feature, the running boards, and the rocker panels. The bumpers look better than new and may have had some work done on them. Interior looks correct and usable. The pictures look good.

above is the major areas of concern on the 46-48's, the rockers you really need to get it on a lift to truly inspect them, all along where the running board bolts to the car and area that faces the frame!!! The tool tray area is an easy look from both inside the trunk and from under the back, another area to look is the very front of the rocker section right where the bottom inside of the front fenders meet the body, this is where road grime tented to settle and build up thus holding moister and eventual rust!!! From there, as others have mentioned good oil pressure, running good with no over heating, stops good......Good looking Merc and GOOD Luck.

[sawzall]

the 114 wheelbase means that some parts cross to ford, and you either like the grill or dont. I prefer the larger mercury grille over this, but thats simply a personal attraction..
I have both a fullsize merc and a 46 ford project. yet its interesting that until I studied both of the last two pictures you posted, I thought that the bumpers on 114 merc and the larger were identical. From photos, and considering it futher It appears that the 114 merc might have a bumper Narrower than the larger merc. Personally I havent interacted with a 114 merc so my experience is limited..

I dont want to comment on mechanicals.. as I am largely a hotrodder, but honestly if the rockers are solid, and the trunk floor is solid these cars are hard to beat. it will be a different ride than your previous car, and should feel more solid. acceleration and handling are not on par with today, but not what a model a or T would be.

I don't THINK it should have a tool tray, as I think somewhere in mid 1947 ford did away with that, If you look at it, Id love to see if it does have the tool tray.. fwiw.. having it is not a benefit to me, as my 40 ford (with tooltray) only serves to catch junk I should leave at home anyhow..

Overall, it looks solid, other than the mechanical systems check.. the achilleas heel of these cars really is the rocker box.. so look at that close.. as for the lack of mirror, and the added spotlight the best plan on these cars is really door edge accessory mounted mirrors as the cowl mirrors are useless. as such, it doesn't surprise me that the car doesn't currently have exterior mirrors.

[1931 flamingo]

From the pics it's a nice looking Merc. JMO
Paul in CT

[Doctor's Ford]

Can anybody decode these numbers on the firewall? Just sent to me by the seller. Do they confirm is Canadian?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Doctor's Ford

Can anybody decode these numbers on the firewall? Just sent to me by the seller. Do they confirm is Canadian?

[Doctor's Ford]

The number stamped on the body is better seen in my computer.
It is 24G 21452. Is not the ID plate which I show in a separate picture. Meaning??

[Doctor's Ford]

The ID plate is partially covered by an electrical component (fuses?). These are the numbers and letters that are visible, arranged in 4 separate lines:

ENGINE - 6D-2437 (the rest is covered, not visible)
TRIM - M-165 (the rest is covered, not visible)
PAINT - M - 39 (the rest is covered, not visible)
CODE - 12 (the rest is covered, not visible)

It is very weird that the ID plate is partially covered. You would think that is not where you want to attach some parts to.

I have not seen the word ENGINE in an ID plate before.

I am sure some of you can tell the meaning of these codes!

[oldford2]

Did 46 Mercs have 8BA,s? Round front parking lights? How long has the speedometer been stuck at 100 mph?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Doctor's Ford

The ID plate is partially covered by an electrical component (fuses?).
It is very weird that the ID plate is partially covered. You would think that is not where you want to attach some parts to.

I'm thinking that this "electrical component" you refer to is a relay for the aftermarket accessory spot light the car is equipped with. Amateurish installation...

[Als48]

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I think I saw an overdrive handle on the lower left of the dash. Must have overdrive. That is a very good feature.

Al Hook

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Nice car I like these "baby Mercs" out of Canada, something a bit different, a ford in "sunday best".

GB

[Doctor's Ford]

[QUOTE=Doctor's Ford;1966392]The ID plate is partially covered by an electrical component (fuses?). These are the numbers and letters that are visible, arranged in 4 separate lines:

ENGINE - 6D-2437 (the rest is covered, not visible)
TRIM - M-165 (the rest is covered, not visible)
PAINT - M - 39 (the rest is covered, not visible)
CODE - 12 (the rest is covered, not visible)


This is what I could identify so far:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fo-thread.html

I have confirmed that Canadian Ford/Mercury did place this type of ID plate.

ENGINE - 6D-2437:

6 = 1946;
D = type of engine and transmission, 239 cu displacrement. Other source states D = 114" wheelbase

2437 is the engine sequence number for that plant

PAINT - M 3989 is Ford/Mercury marroon

http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcod...&model=Mercury

I can not find any information of the meaning of the TRIM and CODE lines are in the ID plate.

To me this is sufficient information to believe this car is mostly original.

[Charlie Stephens]

Check the serial number on the frame and be sure it matches the title.


Charlie Stephens

[B-O-B]

That hood gap looks like it needs an alignment to me. Passenger side fender top has a dip in it.

[Doctor's Ford]

Originally Posted by B-O-B

That hood gap looks like it needs an alignment to me. Passenger side fender top has a dip in it.

Good catch. I missed the fender dip but I saw the hood gap and asked for one more picture which confirms this problem. The seller knows nothing about the car, is a used car dealer. I learned that car was at an auction a year ago in Denver and highest bid was 7500 and did not sell. Some red flags I suppose.

Started examining the procedure for alignment of the hood and read previous posts by Kube for the 1940s and if this 46 is similar, it is a big deal that I won't be able to handle. May be that is why despite a fair restoration the hood was not fixed.

[big job]

Very nice don't worry about the hood my head don't fit my neck either and I'm a 1946
and another rust thing is the pre 1949 '48 & back' has a way better survival rust rate
than 1949 and up which were all boxed up. rocker panels dogs legs fenders all have been
all bondo'd up by now.

[corvette8n]

https://shop.efv8.org/collections/fo...book-softbound

This book should help answer some of your questions. I came close to buying a ‘41 Mercury that was Mayfair Maroon, but paperwork was questionable so I passed, I like that color of the ‘48.

[swoopNZ]

There are some reasonably priced USA 46-48 Mercury coupes out there.
They have a rear seat like the sedans but are more desirable.
That's what I would be looking for.
Sedans are fine but the coupes have the edge on looks. IMHO.
Your money - your choice.

[DavidG]

Welcome back, Manuel. I hope that the Mercury works out for you and I pleased to learn that you still have your '33 four.


David

[rayfour]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

You won't have to be concerned with Babbitt Bearings with this one....

I have the exact same car, stock. This looks good from what I can see. If you need pictures from me for comparison purposes email me at [email protected]

[fsacht]

You have a Canadian Ford/Mercury 114"wheelbase. The dash plastic is correct and in very nice shape. Those pieces are in my judgement the parts that are hard to find in good shape. Post your question on the Early Ford V8 Club web site. Flatheads are their subject and there are still some old timers who can help you. The site has a Mercury forum but you'll get good information from the forum, both Ford and Mercury. Nice car there.

[baceves]

beautiful car. Interior and Exterior looks just like my 47 ford. great family car.