Sounds pretty much like I remember when I did the T-5 back in 2007 or so. Except I could buy parts. I’d put a later 4 speed in mine, and had a metal “doghouse” to house the Hurst shifter.. That was replaced with a cover plate and a new hole when the T-5 came along. So I’m on my 3rd carpet. In those days you had to shorten the input shaft by 1/8” or so, otherwise it bottomed in the crank. I couldn’t find a shift handle that suited me, and finally welded one up off an old shifter that came with a parts car. I do really like the way it drives with the T-5.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I would say that what you are experiencing is the norm, rather than the exception, whenever you deviate from the original. Whether you're aiming for originality/building a restomod, it's also likely you'll be spending more than you'll ever recover. With few exceptions, I think the only people who profit from the experience are the parts sellers and professional builders who are being paid for what they do. Just don't go out a rob a bank to support your habit/hobby.

Sounds like old hot rodding to me. I’ve found that to be true for all most everything I now do. Unavailability is the big one since the virus or at least the excuse. When needing fasteners I look to many suppliers instead of the one or two I once used. I’m surprised John  doesn’t say more. I can’t even remember the last part that didn’t need some messaging before installation.goodluck. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

I have tried to find as much information about installing the T-5 in my '55 Thunderbird as possible.  I am very disappointed that no one tells you that you will have to cut out a new shifter location panel for the install.  It is impossible to install the T-5 with the shifter tower installed. It is also impossible to install the T-5 without removing the engine if you haven't cut the tunnel for the shifter to come up through.  The shifter tower is center of the transmission tunnel and will need a panel cut out for the shifter to come through the floor.  That is not in the instructions that came with my Mummert adapter for the T-5 in the Thunderbird.  This will reqire a new carpet for the car so that the shifter boot hole can be cut out in the proper place.  I have ordered the carpet without a hole for floor shift.  Parts have been backordered, slow or non-existent for things needed through O"Reilleys, Auto Zone, or Advance Auto.  You would think pressure plate bolts would be easy to find (Mr. G 911).  Thankfully Larry's Thunderbirds can get the front engine mount, steady rest bushings, etc., even though they are on back-order.  Something that initially seemed like a bolt in has turned into an undercarriage cleaning session as well.  This car will have more value in parts than the whole if things keep going like they are now.  Where do you stop?  Joe-JDC

JDC