Been tracking down the parts necessary for the trans conversion in my 55 Tbird. Got most of them through Gary Burnette ( real nice guy) but am still looking for a couple of items, also a question regarding the install for those that have done it.

How much (if any) modification was necessary the the X member under the car to accomidate a t-5 transmission ?

Also does anyone know where I might find a dust cover for the bottom of the stock bellhousing and the adjustment rod that goes between the clutch fork and the z bar ? Is that adjustment rod Tbird specific ?

Pete

The '49-'59 Ford Car Text Catalog shows the 'clutch pedal release rod' (I wouldn't call it that!) #7521 as being the same part number for passenger cars ['55-'58] and 'Birds ['55-'57]. The part description says, "7 3/4" long-3/8"-24 thread one end".



Hope this helps you in locating the right one!




NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I have seen the dust covers on Ebay from time to time. There may be one on there now. I don't know about the T-Bird chassis and the automatic trans cross member, but on my 56 car, we had to make a new trans mount which was about 2" further back from the original (standard) trans mount. Also couldn't use original driveshaft, but maybe you will get lucky with that

Rono.

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Not right now on Ebay that I could see. Also not worried about the trans rear mount but the X frame which is part of the actual car frame. I know with an AOD swap they usually need a little modification

That is helpful ,thanks. Gives me an idea of what to look for.

The "Blue Bible" is not 100% correct in this listing.

There are two different length rods.My books are not availiable to be since I am on vacation but the other rod is about an inch longer.

The rod length is also dependent upon the size of the throw out bearing.Both rods will work BUT you may need to lengthen the shorter rod with a coupling nut.

That rod really should be the easy part-finding out about the crossmember is a biggie. I also just went ahead and  fabbed a crossmember for my 4 speed trans.

Good luck,Oldmics

Pete:

A long time ago I read about an engine/trans swap into a little Bird.  The mount on the trans was farther back than the Bird one. so they took the removeable crossmmeber out of the Bird and cut a piece out of the center of it, welded it back together, redrilled the mount holes, and redrilled the holes in the frame to bolt the shortened crossmember back into the frame.  Maybe something like that would work in your case if the mount doesn't line up.  The shortened 'member could be raised or lowered in the frame to adjust the height of the trans.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Pete, Oldmics is right. I held out on you. The 'Blue Bible' does list another 'clutch pedal release rod'.



HOWEVER, it is listed for '54 and '55 passenger cars and the '55 'Bird only. Soooo.... apparently it was used for some '55 'Birds... -I suspect the early ones. Per the parts book description, it was 8 1/2 inches long. -There is no indication of what the rod diameter or thread was on this one.



Personally, I'd look for the one I mentioned previously. Oldmics info. regarding throw-out bearing differences is interesting.



Thanks for keeping me honest, Oldmics...

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Pete,



I have put together most of the parts for Mummert's 5spd conversion on the 57 Tbird. Still need to purchase Mummert's kit, clutch kit and the T5 trans. Not sure of what clutch rod I have but it is 8 3/4 inches long. I also have some extra clutch pedal parts. I had to stop the project due to medical treatments that have me on the couch most days. I expect to be through by the end of June so I will be very interested to see how your installation goes. I like the idea of removing the stock trans crossmember and fabricating another piece to take its place. Trying keep as much original as possible. Please keep posting your progress.



Thanks,

Mark

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mark, sorry to hear about your illness and I wish you a speedy recovery. I too will be buying Mummerts kit for my conversion.

I used his kit to put a t-5 in my 56 Merc and it worked great. He does nice work and his parts are high quality.

I will most likely put my bird on the lift and stare at the underside until I come up with the least invasive way to perform the conversion.

I will keep you posted but may not get started much before you. I am gathering parts right now as you have done already.