We're back at Wheeler's Speed Shop for the second month running to follow their buildup of a Merc woodie with a new, all-aluminum Ardun motor and modern 700-R4 trans. I'll reiterate what I said last issue in that this isn't so much a "how-to" but more of an overview of how the crew at Wheeler's overcame the packaging problems of squeezing the Ardun into the Merc's engine compartment. While the block is the same as the Flathead that the car was originally equipped with, those Ardun heads are extremely large, making this a very wide motor, despite its identical length to the stocker.
Add in the associated complications of fitting a new front chassis clip, independent suspension, steering, and new ABS electric brake system, and making all the components fit in the same small space required some intricate planning and fabrication. The end result is an extremely neat build, beautifully finished, and we're sure, not a little inexpensive, both in parts and labor, but then some things are just worth having, whatever the outlay!
I enjoyed watching the project come together, and picked up a number of tips for future use on my personal projects, as I'm sure you will too. Here's how the guys at Wheeler's Speed Shop wrapped up the install with brakes, oil pan, headers, and exhaust.
Here's where we left off last...
Here's where we left off last month: with all the heavy fabrication done, the Fatman clip tacked in place, along with the modified crossmember. Note all the inner and outer fenders and gravel pan are in place as are the bumper brackets and bumpers, to check for final fit before the Merc gets torn down for the last time.
The heater motor housing and...
The heater motor housing and air ducting required substantial re-working to clear the massive cylinder heads and retain a factory appearance. A large diameter elbow will be fabricated to join the two.
The stock brake pedal was...
The stock brake pedal was modified to pivot on this fabricated bracket in order to actuate the new master cylinder.
Once the clip was removed,...
Once the clip was removed, this small recess was let into the top of the crossmember to allow clearance for the lower universal joint on the steering column.
While the front clip was at...
While the front clip was at the powdercoaters, there were plenty of smaller jobs to be completed, not the least of which being this bracket to mount the master cylinder from ABS Power Brake. Note the residual valve also mounted to the bracket on stainless brake lines.
With everything final welded,...
With everything final welded, the Fatman Fabrications clip was removed from the chassis. While usually it would be welded permanently at this juncture, the Merc's chassis was powdercoated for the first build, so the clip was sent out for powdercoating prior to welding in place. Once welded, the areas around the joints will be blended with paint.