I am resurrecting my plan for swapping the Fordomatic in the 57 Bird to a T-5 manual using Mummerts conversion kit. Has anyone here done the full conversion from a Fordomatic to the T-5? One of the questions I have is using a hydraulic clutch instead of the stock clutch linkage. It seems it might simplify the Sanderson header clearance. I have collected the correct bell housing, clutch fork, linkage, brackets,etc. and a 57 Bird clutch/brake pedal assembly. Still need the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, TO bearing, etc. Also what shifter can be used? Thanks. 

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I finally figured how to get the Search Discussions to come up with the thread I started a year or so ago. Has anyone done this on a Tbird since?

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mark, I am preparing a T5/hydraulic clutch set up for my '55 Club Sedan and I installed a T5/ home improvised mechanical linkage in my '56 M100 (behind a 351C.  When I did the pickup I purchased all of the components at once.  The T5 came with a Mcleod Qwik Stik.  Pricy but very nice.  This shifter has a number of stick offsets available if needed.  I did mine straight up. I used a Hurst shift lever.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

I would be interested to read how it goes for you. I have been going through the instructions on Mummert's site for the Thunderbird T5 adapter installation. In my case the engine/trans will need to come out to do the conversion. The biggest chore I see is replacing the Fordomatic pedal assembly with the manual transmission (clutch and brake) pedal assembly and mounting a pushrod on the stock Tbird clutch pedal arm to match a firewall mounted clutch hydraulic master cylinder. Looks like I can get the correct year T5 and mount it, using Mummert's adapter, on the bellhousing I have then make a bracket, etc. for the slave cylinder ahead of time on the bench before I take the engine/trans out of the car.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mark
Speedpro56 has had a number of different trans in his 56 bird, don't know what he started with, maybe he will share some of his insite here.

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Thanks, Lyonroad sent me some photos and part numbers that will help also.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I did the full conversion from automatic to a T-5 in my 56 Victora. I however used stock clutch parts. Using a hydraulic clutch might actually give you more space around your exhaust, especially in a Bird! I wrote an article for Y-Block magazine showing the details if that helps? 

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Which issue was that? I would like to see it too.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

I have just acquired a '55 Thunderbird with 3 speed OD transmission, and I really would like to convert it to a 5 speed, also.  Is there a place on this forum where that conversion has been done with pictures, and a thorough explanation of the steps involved?  I am unfamiliar with the search function for this forum.  Joe-JDC

JDC

There is a bloke in Rosemead Calif. that does a cable clutch conversion for the T5, mostly for Mustangs,


South Australia