1962 FAIRLANE T5 conversion

Blacksnake · 05-06-2009, 05:04 PM

I stumbled onto this forum while googling for an answer to my conversion question. I am purchasing a 1962 Fairlane that has been converted to a 289 (5 bolt) % lugs and electronic ignition. The car has a 3 on the tree now and I want to convert it to a T5. I have already spoken to moderndriveline.com guys and they are supplying everything.

My question is who has done one on this early of a car and what mods did you have to do over and above the norm. I was told I would have to fab a crossmember and also may have to change the shifter position because of the bench seat. Any help is greatly appreciated. I dont pick up the car until May 23rd, I am just trying to get everything lined up so I dont have to wait to long driving the 3 speed. Thanks Ryan ryano89831@yahoo.com

PS Also looking at putting the Granada disc brakes on the car like I did my 65 Stang but heard there are isssues there as well because of the position of the tie rod ends? ANy info is good. Lookin forward to bein apart of yet another Ford FORUM!!!!!! Ryan

oldschoolsk · 06-03-2009, 11:27 AM

shifter sets to far back on T5 and thereis not location option on the T5, if you use a 3550 3650 or later TKO you have the correct shifter position. Other wise your going to cut up the floor pan and the shiftr will be rifht in the middle of the front set cushion. Good luck. LC

Blacksnake · 06-03-2009, 10:27 PM

Do you know this personally ? THe measurments look like it would end up just in fron tof the bench. The other option is thhe S-10 tail section for the T5 so I have been told. THanks Ryan

oldschoolsk · 06-04-2009, 03:40 PM

look at the hurst site for the shifter location for 63 to 65 Fairlanes and Galaxies( they use the same location. LC

Blacksnake · 06-13-2009, 11:15 PM

i WILL CHECK IT OUT Thanks Oak

overdrive · 08-08-2009, 09:18 PM

I just noticed your question - and since I have done this conversion on a 64 Fairlane, I can offer the following.

About 22 years ago, I replaced the 260 engine with a 65 289 (6 bolt). I used a bell housing adapter from Advance Adapters in order to keep the original 3 sp manual with overdrive.

6 years ago, I replaced the overdrive with a non world class T5. I used an adapter plate behind the 65 bell housing. Even though the transmission is located about 5/8 further to the rear, I was able to retain the original crossmember (has slots). About 1/2 inch of shims were added to lower the rear part of the transmission in order to avoid hitting the floorpan. I was able to retain the original drive shaft without cutting. The original yoke was replaced with the T-5 yoke.

I am about 5'9" and I normally adjust the bench seat about 2/3's of the way toward the rear. The shifting tower of the transmission is located just forward of the seat (just clearing the seat). I had to turn the gear shift lever backwards to complete the installation. Sometimes in the future, i will need to have a custom shift lever manufactured to avoid "reaching".

With this arrangement, short drivers will not be able to reach the pedals as the seat cannot be pulled forward. My opinion is you need a 3.5 rear axle ratio - or lower ratio - to prevent lugging the engine in 5th gear. You might discuss this with modern drive train. The T5 gearbox is as smooth as they come. The .63 overdrive ratio is a little tall. I would have preferred a .68 ratio or a custom ratio around .75.

Larry