I posted this on the Y Blocks Forever site too and what I need is some input from those who have swapped out their ‘55,’56 Fordomatic/Mercomatic for a toploader 4 speed. In my case, I have a ‘55 Montclair Coupe with air cooled automatic that I am replacing with a RUG-AV toploader from a ‘70 Mustang 302/351. Being that the Mustangs all had bucket seats and the shifter is mounted on the extreme rear of the extension housing, I need to know if the shifter as it is currently located on the housing will interfere with the stock bench seat when it is installed and if so, what housing application would provide the most comfortable position for the shifter placement. Seems like I read somewhere that the Falcon toploader housing for cars with a bench seat is a good choice.for the ‘55 ‘56 Fords and Merc’s.
55 Merc Montclair Toploader
- Thread starter 55Merc
- Start date
Oldmics
BANNED
Take a look see at Toploader expert David Keys website.
The link below will take you to the tailshaft info that may be of help to figure
what your setback could be.
You could give him a call also.
I am sorta in the same boat putting the Falcon toploader into my T Bird
http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/tailhousingid.htm
Oldmics
The link below will take you to the tailshaft info that may be of help to figure
what your setback could be.
You could give him a call also.
I am sorta in the same boat putting the Falcon toploader into my T Bird
http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/tailhousingid.htm
Oldmics
rotorwrench
Well-known member
The early Falcons still had the T-10 with the narrow pattern. The shifter is a gate type that is bolted up to the side of the tail housing.
If it has overdrive it is likely an TREMEC T170 SMOD or SROD type. If not the it would just be a top loader 4-speed. If its an SROD it wouldn't be my first choice due to the loosness in the shifter mechanisms. The SMOD would be the regular top loader with the external shifter might be a better choice. Some of these are referred to as top loader imposters since they aren't quite the transmission as the older design.
If it has overdrive it is likely an TREMEC T170 SMOD or SROD type. If not the it would just be a top loader 4-speed. If its an SROD it wouldn't be my first choice due to the loosness in the shifter mechanisms. The SMOD would be the regular top loader with the external shifter might be a better choice. Some of these are referred to as top loader imposters since they aren't quite the transmission as the older design.
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If you’re installing a mid 60’s or so Falcon toploader from a small block in your bird then You probabably need the extension housing on my ******, it should locate the shifter at the right front corner of the drivers seat similar to the Mustang it came out of. Alternatively, I think I need the extension housing on your ******.
No, not BW T10 or the imposters, I’m referring to the true 4 speed Ford built HEL or RUG toploader, the only way to fly
paul2748
Well-known member
The early Falcons had both tran's as far as I know. I have a early Falcon toploader which has the old (Yblock) bolt pattern (not the top dual pattern that came later). Just ask David Kee as I bought a Hurst shifter from him that fit this trans. The Hurst book only listed the T-10, but Kee had the correct shifter for the Falcon toploader
KULTULZ
Well-known member
There you go-
HURST, once upon a time ...
, had separate components that could be bought/combined to actually make your own assembly to locate the stick where you wanted. David Kee might still have access or actually knows the correct kit to use for your specific application.If you notice, there are three basic F/4/S tailshaft housing lengths. You might want to stretch a tape to be sure your trans is long enough for a fifties car.
paul2748
Well-known member
there is a nice falcon tailshaft that will bolt to your trans here Bruce. a4278v@yahoo.com central N.J. location
KULTULZ
Well-known member
There were many design variations in the F/4/S that you need to be aware of. DAVID KEE's site shows most.
