I am kinda new at the interchanging of parts for the y blocks. I was wandering if the parts from the 272 - 312 can fit the 256, i.e. valve covers, headers, distributors, ect.



I am also wanting to add the power assist steering to my Merc, but I can't find the unit that came with the model year. Can someone tell me if a 1960 Thunderbird steering unit will fit without much modification. I want to keep the original look.



Thanks for the help.

Jeff Leydig
Stallions Auto Interiors
Stearns, Ky. USA

Jeff:

The parts you mention will interchange, but be sure to check the tooth count on the distributor gears.  Your '54 will probably have 13 teeth, all '55 and later have 14.  Also, you will need to change the oil pump and drive rod to '55 and later.  Do not bother with a '55 or '56 distributor, you need a '57 or later.

I'm not sure about the PS from the '60, but if it is the type that has a booster cylinder on the drag link, it is probably adaptable.  If it is self contained in the steering box, it can probably be done but would require a lot of work and would not look original.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Hi good on you for fixing up a 54 mercury most parts are interchangable I have a 54 mer 2dr ht  installed 57 intake  worked ok first carb was a holley 600cfm  way to big !! went to a 400 cfm holley ran great now i have a 573 intake with 3 dueces ford mod 94,s  want to install a wc t5 have all the good parts excep. trans and adaptor ,steering don,t know if it is interchangable but ford was like chev back then, if it had a y blk chances it would fit didn,t change to much till earley 60,s but it,s a lb of flesh every time you work on them it,s all been there done that and we are having a great time enjoy you won,t regrett it     and this isss a great place for info (trial by air  

I thank you for the info. This car belonged to my Dad and when he passed away I kept this great car. It is all stock but for the Holley 600cfm and the new disc brakes( I used 1975 Cougar spindles with a sleeve for the lower ball joint, the booster and master cyclinder are 70"s Ford truck.) This car only has 34,065 miles and handles so good. I want to add extras to it just to make it a very mild custom. I am going to keep it looking all original so it will look period for 1954. I did add an oiling system for the rockers.



This was Dad's so I will not change anything that he wouldn't change. I would like to add a 6 volt wiper motor so that I can drive it in the rain

Jeff Leydig
Stallions Auto Interiors
Stearns, Ky. USA

Jeff:

If you are using a later carb and the original distributor, you will notice a big difference in performance and mileage if you change to a '57 or later distributor.  The late carbs are not calibrated properly to control the original all vacuum distributor.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John, thanks for the advice. This winter I am going to do that. I am going to enjoy the ride and make another car show before I put her away for the season. If I could figure out how to laod pictures I would show you what I have.



Once again thank you any info .




Jeff Leydig
Stallions Auto Interiors
Stearns, Ky. USA

Jeff:

I forgot to mention, you will also need a '57 and later distributor cap and rotor when you change it.  The '54 stuff won't fit.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I will do that, thanks

Jeff Leydig
Stallions Auto Interiors
Stearns, Ky. USA

I want to thank everyone for their advice and info. I have traded some work for a 312 truck motor that I might swap into the Mercury. It is a fresh rebuild that only needs a distributor and carb added. I have the carb, now I am looking for the distributor.



Also, do they make a set of headers to fit the '54 Merc? It looks as if the "Rams Horn" might be tight.

Jeff Leydig
Stallions Auto Interiors
Stearns, Ky. USA

Jeff:

While that motor from a truck could well be a 312, be careful.  Ford never put one in a truck, but some did get switched by owners.  Rams horns won't fit a passenger car with the side engine mounts.  I think Red's Headers make headers to fit '54-'56 passenger cars.  There may be others.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"