Hello, i have a manual shift 57 E code bird that is missing the bell crank that mounts on the rear of the intake manifold to join the carbs with the gas pedal linkage (looks like a elaborate mouse trap) my question is this a standard part and can i use the regular 57 bird part or is it a 'special pay thruogh the nose part' Either way if someone has one for sale and doesn't mind dealing with a Aussie i would be gratfull, regards tony b

Hi Tony,

Welcome to the Forum.

The part that you're looking for, is 'special' to the 'Bird.

I am forwarding your parts inquiry to someone who I think can help you out. He is not on our Forum.

Regards,


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

No Shortcuts,

Thanks for doing that if he has one it will be one less thing to tick off the list.

regards tony b

Hi Tony,

The throttle linkage for the 'E' code '57 'Bird between the firewall bell crank and the bell crank located between the carburetors is different depending on the transmission used.

The linkage for the automatic looks the most like a mousetrap because of the additional bell crank mounted on the intake manifold near the firewall. The linkage for the T-85 3 speed and the T-85 3 speed with overdrive is significantly simpler because there is no bell crank mounted on the intake manifold by the firewall.

For the 'E' 'Bird, the bell crank mounted on the firewall is unique. It is different from either the firewall bell crank used for 'D' code automatic transmission and that is also different from the firewall bell crank used for 'D' code 3 speed or 3 speed with overdrive transmissions.

A good source for pictures of these linkage set-ups is pages 344, 345, 346, and 347 of the 1949-1959 Ford Car Parts and Accessories Illustration Catalog.

IF the only part you're lacking is the rod between the firewall bell crank and the intake manifold center bell crank (part no. 9747), you are in great shape. The 3 speed connecting piece is simpler than the 3 speed overdrive piece which has a spring mechanism incorporated in it.

I'll email you tomorrow through your Forum account after I've heard back on my inquiry.

Regards,

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

noshortcuts,

Thanks for the info as my bird is a 3speed overdrive unit, what you are saying is that the bell crank is deleted?

All the resource books i have looked at for e codes have all shown the bell crank mounted on the intake manifold, in fact i have seen 3 different styles so when i took a look at mine and there isn't any such device i thought it has been messed around with!!

I will endeavor to take a photo of the linkage (it does have the rod with the built in spring that you mention) and post it here, perhaps its me but it just dont look like Ford would have built it that way.

Your advise is very much appreciated,

regards tony b

Correct, Tony. The mousetrap looking bell crank used on the driver's side rear corner of the intake manifold, nearest the battery and the firewall, is present only on '57 'Birds with the automatic transmission.

That bell crank is employed with the auto trans to actuate a kickdown rod to the transmission which forces the trans to downshift.

IF you wish, use the Forum email system and send me your snail mail address. I'll be glad to send you photocopies of the linkage pictures for the 'E' 'Bird with the three different throttle linkage configurations... auto. trans, T-85 three speed, T-85 three speed w/ overdrive. These pictures would be from the Ford parts book I previously mentioned.

IF you've got the overdrive transmission, the connection between the firewall bell crank and the bell crank located between the two carburetors on the 'Bird (because the carbs are mounted backwards, i.e. choke plates facing the rear of the car) is a straight rod with an encased spring in the middle of it. The length of the rod can be adjusted as there is a threaded section adjacent to the enclosed spring and a nut that can lock the length adjustment.

Wish I could upload a picture for you...

Hope this helps.

Regards,

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

noshortcuts.

I managed to load a photo of the linkage on the bird but deleted the text?

Your advise or others is most welcome.

REgards tony b

The firewall linkage appears to be correct.I would have to check the angle to make sure,but I think its right.

The linkage rod from the firewall to the carb bellcrank is correct for an overdrive equipted car.

The center carb bellcrank is incorrect.Appears to be some sort of home brew device.

Also incorrect is the short manifold hold down clamp.It should be the longer length like the front one is.

Rear carb is incorrect for an "E" code engine.

Would like to see a picture of the rest of the carbs linkage from the passengers side as well as a pic of the front carb.

Oldmics

The 49-59 Ford Car Parts manual is a treasure trove. Highly recommended. Here are the pages related to E-code Thunderbirds for 57.

Hmm, they were scaled down quite a bit when uploaded. Hope you can make out the details you need.


Jim - Erie Colorado, 1957 Country Sedan