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I'm replacing the Fordomatic in my 55 Tbird with a C4 transmission. I know that the C4 and 57 Tbird speedometer cable and driven gear are the same, unlike those used in 55-56. I know there is precious little space to work in, so I will be installing the cable in the C4 transmission before the engine & transmission are installed. Here's my question: If I use the C4 speedometer cable & driven gear and install them while the engine and transmission are out of the car, will I need to use a cable angle drive as was used in 55-56?
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When I went to a C4 in my 56 Bird, I installed the engine and trans before installing the speedo cable. Because of the lack of room, I used an angle drive. In my opinion, there is not enough room to even use the cable installed directly into the trans as the bend w/b to sharp, but if it would fit it may rub on the tunnel. Possibly, it may work.
Because of the way the angle drive is made, I had to get a custom cable . The cable end for the angle drive had the same type of connector as the end for the speedo.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ
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paul2748 (7/1/2026)
When I went to a C4 in my 56 Bird, I installed the engine and trans before installing the speedo cable. Because of the lack of room, I used an angle drive. In my opinion, there is not enough room to even use the cable installed directly into the trans as the bend w/b to sharp, but if it would fit it may rub on the tunnel. Possibly, it may work. Because of the way the angle drive is made, I had to get a custom cable . The cable end for the angle drive had the same type of connector as the end for the speedo. Did you use the original Fordomatic angle drive & driven gear? Source for custom cable? Thanks.
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No I did not use the stock (56) original angle drive because the trans end is completely different than a C4. I don't know if the 57 used an angle drive. 57 had the later trans end. Maybe something to look into. 55blacktie (7/1/2026)
Did you use the original Fordomatic angle drive & driven gear? Source for custom cable? Thanks.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ
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There was a discussion about this four years ago.(Tremec T-5 Install in Thunderbird). dbird installed a C4 in his 55 Bird, using a first-generation Falcon speedometer cable (same as early Mustang & 57 Tbird). No angle-drive or hole-cutting required to make it work.
Time flies, but memories fade.
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Never having worked with a T5, I don't know if it is thinner than a C4. It may work w/o an angle drive but it is really tight in the tunnel and I didn't want to bend the cable that much. 55blacktie (7/4/2026)
There was a discussion about this four years ago.(Tremec T-5 Install in Thunderbird). dbird installed a C4 in his 55 Bird, using a first-generation Falcon speedometer cable (same as early Mustang & 57 Tbird). No angle-drive or hole-cutting required to make it work. Time flies, but memories fade.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ
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paul2748 (7/4/2026)
Never having worked with a T5, I don't know if it is thinner than a C4. You have to read Dbird comment for 55 Tbird with C4 transmission, not just the title subject. 55blacktie (7/4/2026)
There was a discussion about this four years ago.(Tremec T-5 Install in Thunderbird). dbird installed a C4 in his 55 Bird, using a first-generation Falcon speedometer cable (same as early Mustang & 57 Tbird). No angle-drive or hole-cutting required to make it work. Time flies, but memories fade.
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