I want to add disc brakes to my '56 Monterey. I found a kit for my '56 but the disc comes with a 4.5" bolt circle, which is standard Ford. I can do the 4.5" bolt circle and just grab some 15" Ford rims. The problem if I do that is the need to carry two spares...one for the front 4 1/2 bolt circle and one for the 5 on 5 Mercury rear end. Will a Ford axle with the 4 1/2"bolt circle be a simple axle swap or are we talking finding a complete Ford rear end...and would that be a direct fit to replace the Mercury rear end?

 

Maybe the easiest way out is to have the front rotors re-drilled for the 5X5 bolt pattern.

What kit are you considering?

 

It's a kit from a company called Performance Online. The kit is a bolt on, uses GM calipers to allow for 14" wheels and up. The rotors fit the original Mercury spindles and appear similar to the standard Mercury brake drum. Your idea has merit, and I must call the company to see if redrilling the rotors is an option. I considered just redrilling the Mercury's axles to a 4 1/2 bolt circle as well. I'm finding some of Mercury's efforts may have seemed like a good idea in 1956 but it's wreaking havoc with my efforts to upgrade in 2024. FYI...I'm not all about factory stock. Numbers matching means nothing to me. To be honest when I first got the car Speedway Motors offered a kit for 200 bucks that would allow me to drop a small block Chevy into a 1955-1956 Ford or Mercury. I do have some SBC valve covers that is stamped with the Ford oval. But the car is so nice and rust free everywhere that I didn't do it.