Help!!! Flywheel starter issues!!!

[76Kroh]

Ok, I was getting a thumping sound as the starter was cranking. Then it crapped out all together. No biggie, I had it replaced. I am no mechanic so I took it to a shop where friends of mine work. he said the starter's teeth were chewed up and the brushes(?) were bad in it. Long story short, it still has thumping sound when cranking and now sticks all together from time to time. So I am guessing the flywheel is messed up too? It has a 360 & a four speed manual tranny. Also is this tranny a top loader? I haven't owned it long and need to learn. Lastly is there much modification to turn it into auto?

[fordman]

It is possible the teeth on the flywheel are worn or damaged. U can replace the flywheel teeth ring.

Once the flywheel is off you heat the teeth to expand the ring. Or use a cheisel and break the ring off the flywheel. Heat the new teeth ring and tap it into the flywheel.
First inspect the teeth.

Turn engine bt hand and look at the teeth as u turn engine with a breakover bar. To see the teerh remove the flywheel insp cover.

[1972hiboy]

You can replace just the ring but....for the 50 bucks why not save the hassle and just unbolt the whole flywheel and replace with a new one. you also gain a fresh surface for your clutch while your at it.

[76Kroh]

yeah, I'm going to check the teeth, I am sure it's chewed up and I will replace it.

[hillcountryflt]

Gathering stuff up to go from manual to auto on my 71 F100.
The obvious stuff - transmission (pick your poison - C4 and C6 were the common options for this generation, I think); spacer, drive shaft, transmission kick down lever for carb, steering column and possibly different linkage between shifter and transmission and correct flexplate.