49 Merc fuel line routing

M

Marv 49

Member
Years ago grandpa removed the old fuel line and ran a piece of rubber hose from the tank to the fuel pump. I would like to replace it with hard line before I get it out for the spring. I have an idea of the route it needs to take, but wondered if anyone has some pictures of how the line goes from the tank to the frame and where the hard line connects to the rubber line at the fuel pump. Also is the correct line size 3/8”?
 
I think there are photos of the firewall in the Lincoln Mercury Overhaul Manual. I'm more familiar with the 1951 cars but they should be similar fuel systems. The steel fuel line is protected in the left frame rail and runs up to the firewall. There should be a clamp that holds it near where the factory flex line attaches. I believe there are clips that secure the line to the frame rail. The rear brake line is also run along the left frame rail.

I'll have to do some research to see what I can find and get back for response unless someone else can help.
 
The Chassis parts catalog lists the fuel line as a 110" part with P/N 8M-9282-A for all models except the wagon for 1949 thru 1951. The clip to the firewall is P/N 8A-9296 so it is same as Ford models. The used hex head self tapping washer head screw P/N 31527-S7 listed as 14-10 X 1/2" long. They used 5 each P/N 7RA-14197-A clips to hold the fuel line to the frame rail so they are same as Ford pickups used. They are a friction fit clamp that has two small appendages that clip into holes in the frame rail. They used P/N 7HC-9288-A hose assembly in 9" length between the line on the firewall and the fuel pump connection. These were a braided cloth reinforced synthetic rubber coated line originally. I usually purchase the modern types that are more compatible with modern fuels and they fit both Ford and Mercury models. Illustrations of 14197 clips are on page 191 of the 1949 thru 1951 Mercury chassis parts catalog. I don't remember if the 8A-9296 is a half clamp or a full loop clamp. I'll have to look at one. I couldn't find an illustration.

I can't vouch to the quality of the part that 19Fordy mentioned for fit or function but a corrosion resistant steel line is not a bad idea. The originals were copper plated steel but the copper plate doesn't last well under the car. If it fits then the price is worth it. If the line needs to be tweeked to fit between the tank and frame rail then a tubing bender may be necessary. The front portion would need less bending than the rear and may be hand formable. C&G Ford parts has a 12 foot coil of line with compression fittings for both ends but I cant tell if its copper plated steel, cupro-nickel, or copper line. The kit is a more universal 1/4" line kit for multiple Ford vehicles in that time frame. Copper-Nickel is easy to form by hand and is DOT approved for use in fuel and brake lines. I use it and it's also easy to double flare without cracking it.

The line comes up at an angle from the frame and runs between the steering column and the throttle bellcrank. There should be a screw hole open on the firewall in that location where the line clip screws to the firewall. I only found one photo of it barely peeking out to see in the electrical section of the overhaul manual but a person can only see the connection of the flex line to the riggid line in that photo. A pre-made line should have the correct fittings for tank and flex line installed & properly flared for fit. I could find no other illustrations for the fuel tank and line installation. I have one of my 1951 cars here in SA and can look at it to answer other questions if need be.
 
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Wow, you guys have some amazing details! Thanks so much for sharing. The only thing I really need to find or figure out is how it goes from the frame to the tank. I have a good idea on how I will run it, but if I could make the bend look somewhat original that would be a bonus. Also, Rotorwrench mentioned 1/4” line in his post, is that the correct size of line?
 
The Mercury fuel tank is offset to the left side due to the spare wheel well on the right side. The line follows the frame contour till it comes over the axle then it has the joggle to fit the tank outlet.

I looked at my 51 today and it has a half clamp that screws to the firewall just inboard of the steering column cover plates. The clamp just lays over the line & held by the screw on the left of the line. The half clamp is about 3/4" wide and long enough to center the screw on the flat part. Google half clamp and you should come up with something that will work.
 
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