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Re: MGB parts

To: "Jay Wratten" <jay_wratten@smtpgw.kentrox.com>
Subject: Re: MGB parts
From: Jim Boyd <gumby@joshuanet.com>
Date: Wed, 05 Mar 1997 22:48:34 -0800
Hey Jay:

Thanks for your inquiry about used MGB parts!  I sell only used parts and
don't have any leather interiors (they are typically all shot when I get a
car!).

I sell used full synchro trannys for $75.00, plus shipping and tax (CA
residents only).

Now on to your question about installing a full synchro in your '67!

I have a '67 GT, Tartan Red, that came with a '71 engine and LH overdrive.

My reading found that most MGB enthusiasts were horrified to "butcher" a car
to add a full synchro tranny in a classic MGB!  BUT, mine had already been
done...there was nothing I could do, besides, I have never pretended to be a
purist!     "But I'm innocent, I say...no, no, don't hang me!!"

In '68, BL widened the tranny tunnel by 1" on each side, thus making the
cockpit all that much samller for us 6'2" tall, 200+ pound guys!  And of
course, don't you just love your steel dash (which was gone forever in '68 :>(

For the conversion, you are going to need:
                                                                         a
later flywheel
                                                                         rin
g gear
                                                                         sta
rter 
                                                                         bac
king plate (I have all these boxed up for you!!)

Best to install a new three piece clutch while you are here, too!
Plan also on replacing all motor mounts (front and rear) while you are here
Also, replace the clutch slave cylinder line...major time killer if you have
to replace with engine installed!
I'd re-use the same clutch slave cylinder, except re-build it.

Two ~significant~ changes to the body include:
                        
                Cutting a notch, approx. 1" wide by 2" long in left side of
passenger footwell.  This is so part of the tranny bellhousing can clear.
In a '68 or later B, the tunnel is 1" wider and clearance isn't an issue.

                Gear shifter.is located about 2-3" further toward the rear
of the car.  Can't remember the fella out here in CA (Doug Jackson??...)that
makes a fibreglass tunnel that bolts right in to make the new set-up look
professional!  Will also need a new piece of carpet to cover the revamped
tunnel.

IF you are going to all this trouble, I would try and coordinate it with a
major servicing time, such as when you already had planned to replace the
clutch, etc.  YOU WOULD REALLY BE A ~HAPPY CAMPER~if you could find a good
used LH overdrive at a reasonable price.  Sorry, but that happens once in a
blue moon!  You'd hafta really hit me hard to get my o/d away from ME!

The full synchro is very nice for a daily driver.  Not all that much work,
really!  You also rid yourself of the sometimes troublesome early starter,
which can be another whole chapter!  BUT, you definitely lose out on the
romantic sounds of the 3 speed synchro tranny as you work yourself thru the
gears!

I will post this to the list and see if you get other opinions.  I bet we do!

Cheers,
Jim Boyd
International Sportscar Components
Paradise, CA

>Author:  Jay Wratten at ktxsrv1
>Date:    03/05/97 7:32 AM
>
>
>     I am restoring a 1967 roadster. I need a complete tan leather interior 
>     and a gearbox. 
>     
>     How difficult is it to install a newer synchro box in a early car?
>     
>     Please provide me pricing if you can help with this request. 
>     
>     I will also need to know what all is included with the interior kit.
>     
>     Thank You
>     
>     Jay Wratten
>     wrattenj@kentrox.com


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