Slick 60's

Just found this nifty site and am very happy to find it. The first vehicle I ever own was a 61 unicab and am fortunate to still have it. Needs some restoration, and I should be starting on it soon. The thing is it has had some work done by previous owner. The entire front end rearend and engine are from an 84 or 86 marquis. Everything down to the power windows, seats, cruise control, even smog control. I am having a hard time deciding if I should start all over or upgrade and modernize. I love the fuel injection so I know that is staying, but do I keep the IFS from the merc? What about the 302, I don't know if it is the police interceptor or not. I am sure I will be asking lots of questions and hopefully someone will have at least suggestions. Thanks

Welcome!

Some pics would be sweet.

Howdy Red
You should be able to get lots of good advice here on anything from mild to wild modifications to these old trucks.

what ford4jack said and also Welcome aboard Red.

FBp

Welcome to the Slicks

Welcome aboard!

I'd say that if those swaps are already done, I'd leave it. Just fine-tune the whole arrangement...I'd chuck the emission stuff too.
Plenty of folks do those IFS swaps intentionally to make a more hiway friendly truck...and to get it lower, so it sounds like someone has already done the hard work for you.

Welcome!

The Crown Vic/Marquis frame swap is an excellent way to lower a uni and get disc brakes and power steering. I've looked into it myself a time or two, as I have an '87 Grand Marquis taking up space at the moment. Some other members have done it as well. Let's see some pics! I think I'd keep it as is, provided it's done well.

As far as I know, police-package Crown Vics of that vintage were equipped with 351's, not 302's. Some of the chassis upgrades included stiffer springs, bigger rear brakes, and larger-diameter sway bars. I'm not sure all of that was available in a Merc though.

If your motor is the same one that came with the Merc, then it's likely the low-output 150-horse version. In that case you might want to look into a cam and a set of heads to wake it up.

Really glad to have you. Now, where are you located. You'll probably find someone near you and that is part of the fun of this group.
U@ss in Houston

Welcome, this is a wealth of info here....


mark

thanks for the welcome and im in the midwest lincoln ne, go Huskers