Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel

[GTE427]

Came across this article to use the newer style lever type starter with the original 153 tooth flywheel. John Vermeersch of Michigan Total Performance has a solution, a Bendix drive that allows the interface between the two.
This appears to be a game changer.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/easy-fix-avoid-1958-1964-big-block-ford-starter-failure/

[jopizz]

Ken,

Thanks for the article. That should help anyone who needs a new starter or bendix but either can't locate the older style or wants to save a little money. I'll see if Ray can add this to the TRL.

John

[GTE427]

John,

Great. Do you know if the newer starters are compatible with the 430 engines?

[jopizz]

430's use the same starter as 352's so there's no reason why the newer starter shouldn't bolt up as well. I know Lincoln 430's use the later starter.

John

[YellowRose]

Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel

Done! Added to TRL under Starters, and to the Advertisements Forum under Total Performance Parts Co.

[Tbird1044]

That's a great article and great find to what appears to be an easy upgrade. Thank you.
Nyles

[jopizz]

Not only is it a cheaper alternative but the new style starters are much easier to install.

John

[p38fighter]

1959 convertible

So can we make it even easier by posting part numbers for the later starter? I love the fix!!!

[jopizz]

Unfortunately there are dozens of different part numbers as multiple companies manufacture or remanufacture that starter. It was used from the early 60's up to the late 70's in Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. The easiest thing to do is to look up a starter for a 1965 Thunderbird. That will give you the correct one.

John

[del]

Has anyone had any luck contacting this company about the recommended bendix part C5A-11350-TP? Thought this might be a good addition to my emergency kit, along with fan belts, brake light switch...

I tried but haven't had any success. Got on their voice mail this afternoon, no call back yet. Tried the Facebook link that Ray posted in the Advertisers forum but that wouldn't open for me. Tried their ebay page but the part isn't listed. Tried a general google search on the part# but only came up with orig HotRod article. Any other ideas appreciated.

[YellowRose]

Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel

Hi Del, when I called John, I also had to leave a voice message to him. He called me back around this time or a bit later that day. I had caught him out, apparently. We had a good conversation. Hopefully, you will hear back from him soon.

[simplyconnected]

Elaine and John Vermeersch are good friends of mine. John also runs the Galaxie Club of Michigan. (I have one.) John is also very alive on the FE Forum.

This part number (C5A-11350-TP) is concocted, evidenced by the 'Total Performance' suffix which is John's company. The gear is not a Ford part but something that was adapted from original parts and are now selling for $24.95.

The article serves two purposes:

• It announces the new part and it's intended use,
• It shows how a 'store-bought' starter motor must be adapted using the new gear.

Since both the OEM and John's new Bendix gears are both 9-tooth, I'm guessing he simply cut one down and cleaned up the teeth. I will call John's cell phone tomorrow and get more particulars. What specific questions would you like answered?

The Bulldozer starter LOOKS the same as FE motors but the terminal post is moved because the exhaust manifold hits it. For this reason, I doubt the 'new' starter motor will fit a MEL 430. This starter has a big solenoid sticking out the side. Look at the pictures in John's article where both motors are sitting side-by-side and determine if the solenoid would interfere with your 430. - Dave

[jopizz]

The Bulldozer starter LOOKS the same as FE motors but the terminal post is moved because the exhaust manifold hits it. For this reason, I doubt the 'new' starter motor will fit a MEL 430. This starter has a big solenoid sticking out the side. Look at the pictures in John's article where both motors are sitting side-by-side and determine if the solenoid would interfere with your 430. - Dave

According to the Lincoln Parts book and also what is listed on Rock Auto, Lincoln 430's began using the the later starter in 1961 up to 1965. The part number is the same as what is used on the FE's.

John

[simplyconnected]

According to the Lincoln Parts book and also what is listed on Rock Auto, Lincoln 430's began using the the later starter in 1961 up to 1965. The part number is the same as what is used on the FE's.

John

Ok, but I thought we were talking about a Squarebird retrofit. If the 1961 starter fits a 430 Squarebird, why don't the books say so? I would LOVE for this information to be true for the SB but test the waters before jumping in. - Dave

[YellowRose]

Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel

It is a small world! Who wudda thunk that Dave would be good friends with John! I am glad you are. It is just as Dave said, is my understanding. That John cut one down, and cleaned up the teeth and now you have a starter that is what we need to replace that OEM one... I love the idea of being able to put a spare in the glove box or in the trunk, for emergencies when you need it. Or replace that OEM one all together. I am sure Dave will have more particulars after he talks with John...