Replacing the starter is not difficult, though like most things on this car, a few of the bolts are difficult to reach. My installation is not typical for a ’64, as it appears that someone in the past replaced the transmission and flexplate with units from another car. As a result, I have a starter that fits many Ford applications, but not normally a ’64 Thunderbird.
Great website!! Articles are very informative. Just got a 64 Tbird and need to replace the starter. Where’s the best spot to position the floor jack and jack stands? I’m also pretty tall and found what you did with the driver seat exactly what the doctor ordered.
Glad you found the info useful. I like to put a jack under the front crossmember, below the radiator. Jackstands work well under the suspension supports (where the suspension elements are bolted on). Make sue the jack and stands are rated for the car’s weight. Some these days are pretty flimsy and can collapse–I’ve seen it.
Remember to use a torque wrench (12-15 lbs)…the casting on the transmission strips easily…as I found one of the previous owners of my ride hadn’t. The top bolt was finger tight when I removed the starter and I found out why when reinstalling. I was lucky to find a longer bolt that held on the few remaining threads.
How did you get the starter out? Did you have to remove he exhaust pipe? Or remove suspension parts, because there is zero room for that thing to come out, thanks!
This may be after the fact, but I just replaced mine (1962 convertible) and had a very difficult time maneuvering it out with the steering linkage in the way. I finally figured out that if the car is jacked up, both front wheels off the ground (make sure it is securely jacked up with jack stands!), if you turn the steering wheel far left or right, the steering linkage moves backward just enough to make it easier to remove.
Good to know. I’m hoping to have my motor done and in later this summer, and the starter will be one of the last pieces to install. I’ll give your tip a try.
Great website!! Articles are very informative. Just got a 64 Tbird and need to replace the starter. Where’s the best spot to position the floor jack and jack stands? I’m also pretty tall and found what you did with the driver seat exactly what the doctor ordered.
Glad you found the info useful. I like to put a jack under the front crossmember, below the radiator. Jackstands work well under the suspension supports (where the suspension elements are bolted on). Make sue the jack and stands are rated for the car’s weight. Some these days are pretty flimsy and can collapse–I’ve seen it.
Thanks for the timely response. Thanks for the recommendations. They worked.
Remember to use a torque wrench (12-15 lbs)…the casting on the transmission strips easily…as I found one of the previous owners of my ride hadn’t. The top bolt was finger tight when I removed the starter and I found out why when reinstalling. I was lucky to find a longer bolt that held on the few remaining threads.
How did you get the starter out? Did you have to remove he exhaust pipe? Or remove suspension parts, because there is zero room for that thing to come out, thanks!
I was able to maneuver the starter out without removing the exhaust or suspension. It’s a bit of a puzzle (and heavy!) but can be done.
This may be after the fact, but I just replaced mine (1962 convertible) and had a very difficult time maneuvering it out with the steering linkage in the way. I finally figured out that if the car is jacked up, both front wheels off the ground (make sure it is securely jacked up with jack stands!), if you turn the steering wheel far left or right, the steering linkage moves backward just enough to make it easier to remove.
Good to know. I’m hoping to have my motor done and in later this summer, and the starter will be one of the last pieces to install. I’ll give your tip a try.
Anyone have pics of your old starter once out?
The starter motor in my car is not the original style, but you can see it here:
http://thunderbird.seebart.org/archives/700
The original style starter has a longer snout with a bendix mechanism for engagement with the flywheel.