1952-59 Ford Converting to Standard

Considering converting my 56 Fairlane to a standard when I rebuild a 312 for it soon. My car is a very nice unrestored car, but the Fordomatic is worn out. I really like driving standards and am debating if it is worth the trouble to swap out all the parts needed. I would want to make it appear original including the column shift. Anyone done this? Crazy idea?

 

My guess is you will need a standard column, extra pedal, Z bar and linkage. Plus a ******.

 

I think I have a extra z bar and clutch rod. You will also need the clutch bracket that bolts to the engine. New bushings are available for that. I'm not sure if the trans mount is different. Shouldn't be too hard of a conversion with the engine out. Well worth it in my opinion .

 

Pretty sure I have found a ****** Roothawg but will need to round everything else up for this swap. Z bar and clutch rod would be great if you want to part with them 56longroof.

 

I'll look and see if I can find them. I'll let you know soon.

 

You could do an upgrade and replace the Ford-O-Matic with a later AOD that way you could retain the column you now have and you would gain mileage with the overdrive for cruising https://www.transmissionadapters.com/ford_y_block.htm Here's a how-to with pictures http://gearstar.net/articles/y-block-aod-upgrade.16

 

Found the z bar. PM sent.

 

I've got a '55 and am looking at doing just the opposite. I'm looking for an automatic column and was just going to remove the clutch pedal. I have the Z bar and bracketry, except for the part on the block for the Z bar. Let me know if any of my left over stuff is of any need for your swap. I'm putting in a 351 Windsor with a C-6.

 

For the z bar, along with the bracket on the engine you'll need the bracket that bolts to the frame also. Then you'll have to dig thru 60+yrs of grease to find the bolt holes it mounts to on the frame. One other part is the clutch overcenter spring located under the dash and is connected to the clutch pedal. Purpose of this spring is to making the clutch pedal easier to push. Leave it out and your left leg will hate you after awhile. Find a shop manual and look at the clutch linkage under the dash to see how it's ***embled.

 

I have some leftover parts from my '59, the bracket that went to the 223 and the one on the frame. I can dig them out if you think they will help.

 

The 6 cylinder bracket is different than the y block bracket. I found that out during my engine swap. I had a hell of a time finding one. Wish I would have found more cause I'd bought all I found.

 

If you go with a later ****** (toploader) you will need the bellhousing bored out so the ****** slides on.Also you will need to shorten the main shaft pilot to keep it from bottoming out.

 

Looking at going with a 3 speed OD from a T-bird, so hopefully everything would bolt up.

 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/282268603953?_mwBanner=1
You will need this also.

 

Might be a good time to go to a hydraulic clutch.. A couple of T85's on eBay if you are still looking

 

A few of us are discussing using a hydraulic clutch over on 57fordsforever.com

 

Thanks again for all the information guys. As of right now, I have found a T85 from Roothawg that I will pick up soon, a z-bar from 56longroof, a flywheel from the buddy that gave me a 312 to rebuild, and a contact of a local guy that has lots of 55-56 cars and parts to get the remainder of the parts from. Getting excited to be shifting gears if I can just get a house sold and find time and money to work on my car this winter.

 

That's a pretty good buddy to give you a 312. I could use a couple friends like that.

 

Definitely. We were both on a reliability run a couple months ago that I help plan, and he saw my worn out 292 struggling to start when hot. He said something about how I needed to build a motor for my car and I said something about him making me a good deal on a 56 312 I knew he had. He told me to pick it up and I could have it.

 

This is his car. Thought you all might appreciate it and his trailer.

 

Nice car. Almost a twin to mine. I definitely need to find a camper for mine.

 

312 should have had a "B" intake Holley or AFB Carb that has a teapot Holley probably a 292 check the codes http://ford-y-block.com/technical.htm

 

Thanks Jeff. To be honest, I haven't checked codes yet. He had identified it as a 312 and it came out of a P code 56, but a 292 could make me a 312 as well since I have a 312 crank already.

 

Should have the "g" large valve heads also. As far as the Holley teapot carb,I'd run a modern Holley or Edelbrock unless your dead set on it looking stock. Also the 57 and later exhaust manifolds are the best flowing. As good as most headers for a y block.

 

312's have an aspirin sized dot on the perimeter of the crankshaft flange.

 

As far as carburetor, I will be continuing to run my 3 94's that are currently on my 292.

 

Very nice choice! Wish I'd kept mine. What intake is that?

 

Fellas, 56 312's did have Holley 4000's (teapots) from Ford. If it is a 57 312 it should have a "b" intake that will accept modern Holley's or Edelbrocks.

The only teapots used from Ford in 57 would have been the dual four's or the supercharged motors.

Ford confused things in 56 too when both 292's and 312's could have had the ECZ 6015C cast on the block. Check the main bearings, the rod caps for ECZ, or the aspirin dot on the crank flange...

 

The intake is an Edelbrock and doesn't have a number cast on it, so I am not sure which one it is. I bought it from a buddy for $125 and he also gave me 3 94 cores for it. So, I have a pretty low buck setup. Pretty sure I have as much in the progressive linkage as anything...

 

$125 for an Edelbrock 3x2 is a steal. They consistently sell on Ebay for around $3-400. Especially if it's a 573.