I have a top loader in my 54. The trans I used is from a 64 Falcon (fairly rare as most came with a T-10 as John said) and it clears the seat with no problems if the correct shifter handle (Hurst) is used. The handle supplied with the Hurst shifter does not work with the seat. This trans has the shifter located on the front part of the tailhousing. I believe that David Kee makes a repo of the tailhousing. He also has the correct Hurst shifter for the trans (something not listed in the Hurst catalog). I have bought some toploader parts from him besides the shifter and was satisfied with his service. His number is 1-877-276-8081 (kind of old number). www.davidkeetoploaders.com. If you want part numbers on the shifter and handle email me and I will see if i can dig up then up. One good thing about the Falcon toploader is that the mounting holes are the same as the YBlock bell.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The Falcons and Comets had the shifter moved the farthest forward but most of them had T-10 BW transmissions.

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

Thanks for the response.  If the 57 requires the short location I'm sure the 54 will for sure.

James

1962 Fairlane, 1954 Customline, 1949 IH Pickup

I dont know about a toploader in a 54, but I was advised if I wanted to put one in my 57, to look for a trans out of a 66 or 67 Fairlane. One that the shifter mounts closest to the case of the trans and not the end of the tailshaft.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

I am considering the Toploader swap when installing the 312 in my 1954 Customline.  Since I have a bench seat do I need to look for the Toploader with the short linkage shifter mount as used in the Galaxie, or the shifter on the end of the tailshaft as used in the Mustang?

Thanks,

James

1962 Fairlane, 1954 Customline, 1949 IH Pickup