Fordomatic to T-5 conversion 57 Tbird


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By MarkMontereyBay - 14 Years Ago
Just mulling this over for a possible future project. What parts beyond Mummert's Tbird conversion kit would I need to complete this change over? In particular, flywheel, block plate, bellhousing, clutch/brake pedals and linkage. Also are any floor pan or frame modifications needed? Is a Lokar pedal assembly usable and simpler to install? Can a clutch cable be used instead of the Ford linkage? Thanks.
By paul2748 - 14 Years Ago
MarkMontereyBay (9/23/2011)
Just mulling this over for a possible future project. What parts beyond Mummert's Tbird conversion kit would I need to complete this change over? In particular, flywheel, block plate, bellhousing, clutch/brake pedals and linkage. Also are any floor pan or frame modifications needed? Is a Lokar pedal assembly usable and simpler to install? Can a clutch cable be used instead of the Ford linkage? Thanks.




Just find a donor TBird for the clutch linkage (including pedal) and any 55-57 Ford for flywheel (Make sure it's the diameter you want), bellhousing (no block plate). You are going to have to cut a hole in the floor for the shifter. I don't think there are any frame mods if your using all factory parts - maybe some one here can answer that.



For the Tbird parts you will have to contact the guys who sell used parts - probably not cheap.



Regarding the brake pedal, you will have to get a standard shift brake pedal (sold repro). Clutch pedal is also
By MarkMontereyBay - 14 Years Ago
I was looking at a parts blow-up of the stuff needed to put a stock clutch pedal and linkage together. Makes my head hurt. Some of the small parts are available but the used bigger parts needed are scarce. Doesn't look like a viable plan now.
By Joe 5bird7 - 14 Years Ago
Many years ago I changed my automatic 57 bird to standard shift, but was able to find a complete donor tbird with everything I needed, including the transmission.  That made it fairly easy to do.  Today with the scarcity of parts and the high prices when you can find them, it may not be viable unless you have plenty of money.  It is, however, real nice being able to run through the gears and then settle into overdrive.
By slumlord444 - 14 Years Ago
'54 to '56 Ford passenger car clutch linkage will work if you use a piece of approximately 3' channel iron to space the frame side of the equalizer bar up from the frame. All the rest of the parts will work. Did this on my '57 Bird when I first converted it in '65. Eventualy found the right parts but it worked fine. The bracket on the equalizer that mounts to the frame is taller on the Bird. Simple mechanical fabrication. Helps if you can look at and take measruement from a T-Bird part.