Fordomatic

When I inherited my 55 Tbird/w Fordomatic, it would miss when stepping on it, and the transmission wouldn't downshift. I then discovered that the original 55 distributor had been replaced with a 57 Tbird distributor. However, the 55 Holley 4000 "Teapot" carburetor had not been replaced, nor had it been modified to work with 57-up distributors that have both vacuum & centrifugal advance.

There are adapter kits available that will allow you to install pretty much any transmission you want. The easiest transplant probably is a C4, using Flat-O Products adapter kit (that's what I have). If you retain the original Loadomatic shifter, you will not be able to manually shift the transmission to Low, but it will start in low when in Drive and automatically downshift to low, depending on rpm/speed. Send a PM, if you would like more detailed information.

P.S. You're not likely to reach "Gene" (Flat-O Products) by email; it's better to call.
 
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KULTULZ, Not sure that question was directed at me but assuming it was...I replaced the distributor with a rebuilt on off Ebay for a later 292 truck, as recommended on this site. It is a single diaphragm, single vacuum hose unit. As far as I can see the intake manifold is probably original, as it is a small square intake with an adaptor for the Edelbrock 600 CFM carb.

No interest at all in having a restored garage queen, it's a driver and you may remember from a previous thread that I really miss my 'RatBird' that had a junkyard Chebby in it.

Thanks for the info on the Flat-O-Matic. If I was going to spend that much on it, I would be looking for a good 302/AOD. I have bid on a few hot rod Birds, but so far all are out of my budget.


EDIT: This next paragraph is supposed to be the second one. Don't know how I screwed THAT up.

If I started in manual LOW, it started out just fine, but trying in DRIVE it immediately went into third gear after just a few feet, which is why it lugged all the time. That was recently corrected as written above.
 
Rick,

If the C4 conversion is too costly, I would acquire a 1955 WORKSHOP MANUAL and try to adjust the TV linkage correctly.

Most likely, whoever did the EDEL upgrade did not understand how the F/M TV linkage works (as judged by his not using a DUAL ADV DIST with the EDEL upgrade).

I wonder how much of the original linkages he removed or modified?

The F/M can be rebuilt fairly cheaply but it has to have the linkages correct to survive. It will burn.
 
Does the C-4 trans have a cable or a linkage for the kickdown function. That throttle valve rod linkage seems to pose problems getting every thing right some times. I know it has been a hurdle for me before. Always nice to know what my options may be in the future.
 
FORD went to a vacuum modulator valve in the 1961 model year that got rid of the TV LINKAGE, other than the later AOD.

They used a kick down rod/linkage for passing.
 
KULTULZ said:
FORD went to a vacuum modulator valve in the 1961 model year that got rid of the TV LINKAGE, other than the later AOD.

They used a kick down rod/linkage for passing.
Click to expand...

If that be the case, why do I see Holley carbs with ford capable in the adverttisement?
 
Ford went back to the TV control with the later AOD transmissions so that is why you see cable adjust set ups for conversions. A lot of older cars can be converted to the AOD. The TV control works well for fuel injected engines as well as carbureted ones. It takes the computer out of the system unless the later AODE transmission is considered.

The "capable" moniker may refer to the vacuum modulator connection. Reproduction models may be Load-O-Matic capable since that system of distributor/carburetor spark control was used from 1947 (pickups) through 1956.
 
Gene F said:
If that be the case, why do I see Holley carbs with ford capable in the adverttisement?
Click to expand...

Usually, when you see FORD CAPABLE (AT), it means it has or is available the kick-down lever on the carb throttle linkage (modulator valve equipped trans - not TV controlled).

If you mount an aftermarket carb (or later model FORD carb) on a TV application, your have to adapt the accelerator linkage to work with the TV linkage. The TV linkage is adjusted to spec first and then the carb is operated off the TV linkage.

I think that is what you are referring to.
 
Yes, the C4/C5 uses a vacuum modulator valve; there are several different valves, and they have limited adjustment.

My wife's cousin's husband drove his 65 Mustang for years without the kickdown. It upshifted fine, but it had to be manually downshifted. Last year, he installed a Lokar downshift cable; I purchased the same, which I intend to use in my 55 Tbird. The cables come in several lengths, but you'll probably need to cut it to the exact length that you need.
 
Ford did use the kickdown rod and lever on most of their transmissions used from 1961 up until things went electric or cable controled. GM used cable control on the T350 then electric control with a gas pedal switch for the T400 transmissions. Mopar used a complicated series of rods & bellcranks on Torqueflites for kick down with some acceptions.
 
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