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Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel
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John Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator
Thunderbird Registry #36223
jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm -
So to the point, yes in 1961 Lincoln used 164-tooth flex plates and starters are readily available. The problem we are addressing is whether a 430 MEL Squarebird flex plate can use Vermeersch's Bendix gear. I seriously doubt the new style starter will fit a SB regardless of Bendix gear. The newer starters are listed for a 1958 Continental but not a SB. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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So to the point, yes in 1961 Lincoln used 164-tooth flex plates and starters are readily available. The problem we are addressing is whether a 430 MEL Squarebird flex plate can use Vermeersch's Bendix gear. I seriously doubt the new style starter will fit a SB regardless of Bendix gear. The newer starters are listed for a 1958 Continental but not a SB. - Dave
JohnJohn Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator
Thunderbird Registry #36223
jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htmComment
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I spoke with John Vermeersch just now. He says his gear has actually been out for SIX YEARS! The magazine picked it up as a story but it all started out with disaster in Colorado, when John was stranded and couldn't get a starter motor to get him back to Detroit.
Anyway, John doesn't think this short-nosed starter (and gear) will work on a Squarebird 430. He has not had an occasion to actually try it but that was his opinion.
His gear is made from two different pieces (not available in stores) in Wisconsin. The price is $25. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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Yes Nyles, very successful on all FE engines.Member, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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If you guys can let us know how the mod works out we'd appreciate it. There's a difference between "should" work and "does" work.
JohnJohn Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator
Thunderbird Registry #36223
jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htmComment
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Hi All,
I just tried the starter mod this past weekend. This is the mod referenced in the Hot Rod Network article mentioned at the start of this thread.
For reference I have a 59 Bird with the 352.
This mod saved me a lot of time and hassle and is totally worth it.
Here are a few things I can second or third or fourth....
1.) John Vermeersch is as honset as they come. I like the fact that I had to call and leave a message and then talk to him a bit before placing the order. It's always a pleasure to talk to a car nut when buying a part rather than just clicking buttons.
2.) I went to my local auto parts store to pick up the compact lever style starter. I just said I need a starter for a 65 Bird. Not all of the local stores had it, but one was enough for me.
3.) The new starter + mod from Total Performance cost less than getting a Bendix style starter.
4.) I didn't need to remove anything else from the car to replace the original starter with the new setup. I did need to disassemble the original starter in place in order to get enough clearance to get it out. After realizing that I couldn't get the original out, I removed the two bolts from the back of the starter and slid it apart. This gave me enough room to get the long drive assembly out. But, oh man, putting that old starter back together was a PITA. I called it a few names and then a few more. The new starter was tough to get in there, but I managed.
5.) I kept my fingers crossed as I lit it up the first time. Worked great! Drank a couple beers to celebrate.
6.) I am leaving out most of the background story of getting into the mess that had me looking for miracle solutions. Finding this thread at the just the right time was a miracle.
Thank you all!Last edited by kmack822; July 3, 2018, 09:02 AM.Comment
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Thanks so much for letting us know that the conversion was a success. We have numerous members who have been looking for a cheaper and easier alternative to the Bendix starter for many years. If one of our members who has a 430 has success with it that will be even better.
JohnJohn Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator
Thunderbird Registry #36223
jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htmComment
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Starter Drive, lever type starter/153 tooth flywheel
Contact information for John Vermeersch of Total Performance Parts, is found in the Advertisements Forum. I put it there about this time last year... Look in the T's, and I just made it a bit easier to find by adding his name after the Company name...
Ray Clark - Squarebirds Administrator
The Terminator..... VTCI #11178 ITC #6000 Yellow Mustang Registry (YMR) #12188
Contact me via Private Message for my email address, or Call (Cell) 210-875-1411
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm
Faye's Ovarian Cancer Memorial Website.
https://faye.rayclark.info/index.htmlComment
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John also runs our local Galaxie club. His wife and daughter both work with John in the club.
We have many Ford 'restorer' guys around Detroit, in common. I regard John as one of the premiere FE guys. He has wrenched on them for many decades, himself. Now, he has a staff of guys at Total Performance.
I also regard many of my other Ford friends as gurus for Flathead, Y-Block, SBF and BBF engines, here. (Then there's the Chevy, Pontiac and Olds friends...) John Vermeersch can do all the above but his forte is FE engines. John is active in the FE Power Forums and other Ford forums. We have many friends in common. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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