Someone on Facebook recently said that '59 312 came with a T-Bird manifold so it could be true.


Lawrenceville, GA

John and Charlie.  You're both right.  I talked with a used parts vendor at a car show in September who told me that '58, '59, and '60 Mercs with the 312 engine have the same left hand exhaust manifold that the '56 and '57 'Birds use.  The reproductions are going for over $200 in the catalogs I've got!

This is the same fellow that several years ago told me that '55 and '56 Mercs with automatic OR 3 speed or 3 speed w/ overdrive transmissions have the same driveshaft yoke.  This is the best source for the early 16 spline T-85 transmission splines that I know that exists today!

Thanks for coming in on that info. My old brain had already forgotten.  Ugh!

Regards,
Charlie   


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

Hi Charlie
I did not receive your email!

Sandbarfarm@hotmail.com


Thanks, Jim

And the other thing to consider while obtaining the needed conversion parts is, have you checked out the conditions of the Merc engine & transmission?..
And other thoughts.- In the event the engine needs a rebuild- John Mummert in CA now markets a 292 to 312 internal conversion kit.. Or there's an Ad in Y-Block magazine recently for two 312 blocks in S.W. Ohio. the # is 513-868-3311. Leave a message if no answer..  


Paul

I'm curious (bad description) . Change that to wondering....

Is you intent just to re-power with a Y-BLOCK or attempt a close and/or dedicated restoration?

____________________________

Jim:
If you are not looking for a Concours restoration, here's another possibility for an oil pan.  Many years ago I wanted to put a Y Block in my channelled '33 Ford pickup street rod.  A new T-Bird pan was not an option for me then, so I took a front sump pan, cut the flange off about an inch below the gasket surface, reversed the flange, and welded the pieces back together, adding a small patch in the front corner where the parts didn't exactly match.  That gave me a shallow pan at the front to clear the truck crossmember.  I don't remember what I did for the oil pickup tube, but I probably modified the original front sump tube.  I had to re-drill a pickup tube hole in the reversed pan and weld up the original hole.  I do now have a Bird pan, but it is pretty rusty.  I ran that engine until I wore it out, then decided to put a flathead in the truck like the street rods of the '50s had.  I doubt I'll ever put the Y back in the truck, I'd have to rebuild it anyway.  The flathead still runs good, and the truck is presently undergoing a restoration.

Another possibility would be to take a truck pan and trim the front portion to clear the Bird crossmember and steering linkage and weld flat plate in for a new bottom.  Either of these modifications would reduce the oil capacity a little. 

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John
I’d be interested in the rusty Tbird oil pan as I’m trying to keep it a budget build. Email me at: sandbarfarm@hotmail.com
Charlie has very graciously sent some possible parts provider as well. Thanks much, Jim

Sandbarfarm31.  Below is a composite list of original 'Bird engine parts to re-purpose the '55 Merc engine you've acquired for use in your '56 'Bird.

NOTE: 
- 55 Merc passenger car engine is 6 volt starter, ignition coil, and generator
- some have suggested use of an alternator instead of a generator to eliminate need for the 'Bird components
- some have suggested use of a passenger car crankshaft damper to eliminate use of the 'Bird water pump spacer

Needed Parts:
- 'Bird or truck front timing chain cover (to accommodate use of a front engine mount)
- 'Bird water pump spacer for the timing chain cover 
- 'Bird only crankshaft vibration damper (learn info about used 'Bird dampers before going shopping)
- 'Bird timing pointer (Needed for 'bird damper.  Forgot to list this!  Thanks, Sandbird)
- 'Bird engine dipstick and dipstick tube
- 'Bird only rear sump oil pan and oil pump pickup assembly
- 12v starter and ignition coil
- 'Bird 12v generator OR modify a 12V passenger car generator using 'Bird front pulley and an alternate wiring connection on rear plate
- 'Bird generator bracketry
- 'Bird only thermostat housing
- 'Bird driver's side exhaust manifold  NOTE: indication that '59 & '60 Mercurys with the 312 have an exhaust manifold with different casting # that will fit 'Bird application!  Casting number is an EDB prefix
- 'Bird motor mounts (side engine mounts and stabilizer rods plus front motor mounting system assembly and components)
- 'Bird OR later passenger car or truck valley pan with rear opening for crankcase ventilation tube OR use of PVC set-up
- 'Bird or later passenger car valley pan draft tube
- a set of standard y-block rocker arm covers to replace the '55 Merc embossed lettering ones

Eventually may want to obtain . . .
- late '57 up y-block spin-on oil filter adapter
- '57 or up passenger car ignition distributor to replace the '55 Loadomatic distributor
- 'Bird air cleaner

Hope this helps, Jim!    


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

Wow Charlie this is exactly what I need! A concise list! I believe a nice fella is providing me a T bird oil pan ( will still need an oil pick up and a dip stick) and a front cover with motor mount. This is a great forum and I sure appreciate the help!!

Dipsticks are reproduced.

A pickup tube was available on eBay fairly recently but it was damaged / repaired / modified.  Here is the link.  It's not currently listed but you can contact the seller to see if it is available.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1957-Ford-Thunderbird-292-312-Y-Block-oil-sump-pick-up/332715188296?hash=item4d775ee048%3Ag%3AzQsAAOSwRWRbQ-PK&_pgn=1&_sacat=0&_nkw=y+block+oil&_from=R40&rt=nc

The pickup tube may be cheaper to make since it is a 'bird only part and will probably have the 'bird only price if you find a good one.  You could do that by cutting up other pickup tubes and welding pieces together to fit.


Lawrenceville, GA