Update.  Back went out again so slow in getting to work on the T-bird.  Installed the new starter, went with the high torque.  Relatively easy installation once I figured out how to get to the to bolt.  Works great.  Ran car up to full operating temperature several times, shut it off, and it restarted immediately with no cranking issues.  Very happy with how it works.

Alan, Thanks for the suggestions and the kind words.  Here are a few pictures.  The bird actually came to me from Tulsa, OK which I believe is where you're located.  Traded my fiberglass 32 Ford street rod for it.  I'm very happy with the car.

   

 

BTW, that's a great looking bird in your avatar, any chance we could see more pics of it?

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I have a high torque starter in my bird BUT I have to because it has an AOD trans. For my money and in your case I would have a rebuilt 6 volt starter put in there. The high torq will be upwards of 150 200 bucks? and I frankly don't think they do a "better" job of starting the engine. They are better for some models of ford because of weight or size to install and help with clearance.



As said before check cables connections and bushings and brushes and you should be good to go.



See if you can locate an Auto electric shop in your area to rebuild what you have first. just my 2 cents.



New drives are available and have to be installed properly but still, easy to follow directions.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Update.  Pulled the starter on Sunday.  Pulled battery cable, then removed the three mounting bolts, wouldn't move.  Like a dummy, I hadn't moved the dip stick mount to the side.  Moved it.  Thanks heavens I didn't have my head directly under the starter.  Reached to pull it free and the d*^n thing literally fell out and hit the floor.  That seemed way too easy.  I have the feeling installing the new one won't go as easily.

Anyone have any experience with the high torque starter Hill's Thunderbird Center sells?

Thanks!

Starters and drives are fairly easy to replace on the bird. Just three bolts.



Have to ask though, has your 55 has been converted to 12 v? If so I recommend you retain the 6 volt starter. It is heavily wound, can be repaired and will spin that yblock quick and safe.

Lots of guys think they have to switch to a 12 starter when converting. Nope. Just have it rebuilt.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Thanks to all for the ideas.  Injured my back so haven't been able to look too far into solving the roblem.  I does, however look like replacing the starter is in my near future.  Any unusual issues with these I should be aware of?  Have replaced several small block chevy (don't hate me for that) but never a Y-block.  From what I've been able to gather, it looks like the toughest issue may be moving the starter drive from the old starter to the new? 

It sounds like your starter motor s worn out. When the bearings wear out the armature is able to hit the field windings (poling) and will struggle to crank the engine. Worn brushes don't help either. It looks like you have the wonderful experience of changing a starter motor on your horizon.

Good luck!!

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

Thanks to all for the suggestions.  To clarify, the engine won't turn over when hot.  Starter makes a weak attempt and then nothing.  Have noticed a bit of a click and some buzzing if I keep the key in the 'Start' position.  I wear hearing aids so not very good at making sound judgements.  (I know that was a lousy pun).  I'll be working on the car starting Monday evening.  We live about 20 minutes from the Bristol Motor Speedway and have house guests for the weekend and I suspect I'll be stuck entertaining them instead of working on the bird. 

You might start your tune up with a new ballast resistor and coil. I had some very intermittent gremlins with starting. Was never sure which was the cause but after replacing them it went away.

Mike Rizzo

1963 F100 "Rudy"

Daniel Island, SC

Put the 6 volt starter back in. Had a 60 over 292 with Jahns 5/8 inch defector pistons that was slow to crank with a  12 volt starter. Used a 6 volt starter that lasted a long time.