OK Gents, well I got the new starter installed today with the help of a friend with a lift.  It was an interesting expereince indeed.  Thanks to all who gave me advice up front.  If I'd tried to change it in my driveway, it would have surely been a disaster.  On the lift with the suspension hanging and the RF wheel removed we thought we had it made but couldn't quite get the old Bendix to clear.  We did have to loosen up the engine mount which finally did the trick. 

Got the old starter dropped and the new one in pretty quickly after that.  The only issue on the re-install was that the top mount bolt was still a bear even with the smaller starter. 

The new AE starter is awesome.  Great fit, and flawless operation.  Between the quality of the build and the excellent customer service, I'd recommend it to anyone.  I'll have to get used to the new sound though, it definitely doesn't sound like an OEM Y-Block starter! 

Thanks again for the advice.

Best,    

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

OK, AE starter arrived today...Very small compared to the OEM starter; feels like about half the weight too.  That said, it looks bulletproof.  I'm very impressed with the construction.  Hope to get under the car on Wed PM to do the swap out. 

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

Jack the front and turn the wheels all the way to the   ?   ?  Can't remember but I believe it is to the right.  Remove the rt front tire.  Use enough extensions and a 1/2" socket to go over the starter and remove the top bolt.

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

Thanks for the insight guys.  The old wagon has manual steering so I'm hoping just a simple jacking of the front end will do the trick and give me enough clearance to remove the old starter. 

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

A.J.

I've got one in my '56 Customline too. They are lighter and much easier to get in and out than the stock starter motors. I do have a unique situation with my set-up because I have a rear mounted power R&P steering unit and the starter will not drop down past it so I have to seperate the header from the exhaust pipe on that side if I need to remove it.  Also, you do not need to use the rubber seal between the starter and bellhousing like the original starters used.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Mine works great, and sure is easier to work with than the 30 lb OEM units!

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Yes, the are a bolt in and go item. I have one in my 54 (12V, 312) and I love it. I put mine in while the engine was out so didn't have any removal issue.

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

Getting ready to start purchasing parts for my winter "to-do" list for the 55 Ranch Wagon.  One of the biggies is getting a lightweight gear reduction starter from Automotive Electric.  Can anyone give me any insight?  Car is already converted to 12 volts so that part's done.  If I understand correctly, the AE starters engage opposite of the OEM starters and only mount with 2 bolts.  So the big question...is it absolutely a bolt in and go project?  Also, I understand the stock starter is a bear to get out so I'm a little concerned there.  Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom.

Best,

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!