The Ford Barn

55Merc · 12-13-2018, 09:47 PM

Converting my ‘55 Mercury from automatic to manual transmission. Looking for either the actual parts or some good clear photos of both the chassis side and engine side brackets for the clutch equalizer bar (Z bar). I will need a few measurements to fabricate the parts if someone can provide photos.
Thanks in advance.

Oldmics · 12-13-2018, 10:33 PM

Here is the parts list for the 56. I think 55 and 56 are pretty close.

Oldmics

miker98038 · 12-13-2018, 11:36 PM

That’s the proper diagram, at least in the bird’s they’re pretty much identical 55-56. But just out of curiosity, what transmission and shifting mechanism are you using?

55Merc · 12-14-2018, 06:36 AM

Yes, the Â‘55 is the same as Â‘56 and according to the parts diagram provided by old mercÂ’s, was used thru at least Â‘58. I didnÂ’t know the early birds were the same. Now, if I just had a 3D printer...

Going old school with the transmission and shifter since I already have it in stock...4 speed Ford toploader with Hurst shifter out of a Â‘70 Mustang.

Thanks for the replies.

scicala · 12-14-2018, 12:50 PM

When I was 18 I converted a '55 Merc. Montclair from a Mercomatic to a three speed manual, and later a T10 Borg Warner 4 speed. At that time I went to a junk yard and got all on the donor parts from a '55 Ford. Bellhousing with clutch fork, flywheel, clutch, transmission, engine and frame equalizer shaft brackets, equalizer shaft, clutch pedal and under dash hardware, ect. Everything worked without modifications. When I put in the 4 speed later, there was an issue with the trans mount not lining up. Pretty sure I needed a different length driveshaft too, which I found after searching a pile of them at the junk yard.

darrell · 12-14-2018, 01:24 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

i guess you know if your 4 speed is out of a small block you have to grind 3/8 of the imput shaft.

5851a · 12-14-2018, 06:36 PM

http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/ In the transmission ID listing is one for tailshafts and shifter location. Lots of interesting info.

scicala · 12-15-2018, 12:12 PM

The Borg Warner T-10 I used in my '55 Mercury 292 was from a '63 390 FE, and the length of the input shaft was correct as is. Didn't realize small block transmissions were longer. Good to know.

Sal

40cpe · 12-15-2018, 01:25 PM

i can't add anything constructive, but I think it is interesting that in the illustration in post #2 The ball is on the engine side equalizer bracket and the socket is in the equalizer. On my '55, the ball is on the equalizer shaft and the socket is in the engine side bracket.

12-13-2018, 09:47 PM	#1
55Merc Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 11	‘55 Mercury Clutch Converting my ‘55 Mercury from automatic to manual transmission. Looking for either the actual parts or some good clear photos of both the chassis side and engine side brackets for the clutch equalizer bar (Z bar). I will need a few measurements to fabricate the parts if someone can provide photos. Thanks in advance.

12-13-2018, 11:36 PM	#3
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,397	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch That’s the proper diagram, at least in the bird’s they’re pretty much identical 55-56. But just out of curiosity, what transmission and shifting mechanism are you using?

12-14-2018, 06:36 AM	#4
55Merc Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 11	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch Yes, the Â‘55 is the same as Â‘56 and according to the parts diagram provided by old mercÂ’s, was used thru at least Â‘58. I didnÂ’t know the early birds were the same. Now, if I just had a 3D printer... Going old school with the transmission and shifter since I already have it in stock...4 speed Ford toploader with Hurst shifter out of a Â‘70 Mustang. Thanks for the replies.

12-14-2018, 12:50 PM	#5
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,706	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch When I was 18 I converted a '55 Merc. Montclair from a Mercomatic to a three speed manual, and later a T10 Borg Warner 4 speed. At that time I went to a junk yard and got all on the donor parts from a '55 Ford. Bellhousing with clutch fork, flywheel, clutch, transmission, engine and frame equalizer shaft brackets, equalizer shaft, clutch pedal and under dash hardware, ect. Everything worked without modifications. When I put in the 4 speed later, there was an issue with the trans mount not lining up. Pretty sure I needed a different length driveshaft too, which I found after searching a pile of them at the junk yard.

12-14-2018, 01:24 PM	#6
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) i guess you know if your 4 speed is out of a small block you have to grind 3/8 of the imput shaft.

12-14-2018, 06:36 PM	#7
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,664	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/ In the transmission ID listing is one for tailshafts and shifter location. Lots of interesting info.

12-15-2018, 12:12 PM	#8
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,706	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch The Borg Warner T-10 I used in my '55 Mercury 292 was from a '63 390 FE, and the length of the input shaft was correct as is. Didn't realize small block transmissions were longer. Good to know. Sal

12-15-2018, 01:25 PM	#9
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: ‘55 Mercury Clutch i can't add anything constructive, but I think it is interesting that in the illustration in post #2 The ball is on the engine side equalizer bracket and the socket is in the equalizer. On my '55, the ball is on the equalizer shaft and the socket is in the engine side bracket.