> |From: Dean Zywicki:dcrt:nih
> The whole story is, when I rebuilt it I put put all the standard
> stuff in new: synchros, layshaft, laygear bearings, all the other
> bearings, etc.
> I had been using Castrol hypoid gear oil and then had the bright
> idea to try Redline MTL 90. I've had that in for about a month and
> everything seemed fine until saturday. The synchros seem to just not be
> working on 2nd or 3rd.
Did you call Redline and ask them about what stuff to use in your gearbox?
If they told you to use this stuff, call them up and ask them again. If
they tell you the same, tell them thats what you thought they said and ask
them what is the story.
I don't know about Spitfidget gearboxes, but my gearbox rebuilder cautioned
me not to run anything in my 1275's ribcase gearbox but NON-detergent
motor oil. He say the detergents in modern gearbox oil eat the coatings
off the synchros.
> I tried switching back to castrol and when I drained the Redline, I
> saw some brass shavings from the synchros in the oil.
Are synchros on the Spitfire gearbox solid brass, without a coating?
> My plan is to drive it around the block for awhile and see if the
> synchros will free up or if they are completely dead.
You have little to lose now.
> If they are dead I would like to try to run the Datsun 5-speed
> conversion I saw in Hemmings one time. I can't find the ad for it now
> (of course), but I remember it was ~$600 and included a new rear engine
> plate. If anyone knows anything about this, I would really appreciate
> you passing along the info.
This sounds like is could be:
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Mini Motors Classic Coachworks
2775 Cherry ave. NE
Salem, Oregon, 97303
Tel. (503) 362-3187
FAX. (503) 375-9609
Rex Urban is the President of this outfit, and cites several testimonials
of
how successful the Midget transmission conversions have been. This is (or
was)
also the place that made the "new" Fiberglass/5-spd. 25K Frogeye. They
list all
components separately or the complete kit, with Datsun 210 trans., for
US$1495.
The fax I have from them is dated 11/6/91. - Daren Stone
------------------------------------
or:
------------------------------------
Werace Inc
18822 S. Midhill Dr.
West Linn, Ore. 97068
503-636-4028
Tube shock replacement kits for Healeys, AND MG, TR, etc.
These guys supply the kits to J C Whitney, and Whitney specs out the
shocks
separate, for a real cost cut, as J C Whitney can buy shock (or anything
else)
cheaper than almost anybody. Buy replacement shocks direct from Werace
when
the Whitney ones wear out. The phone number is right on the unit.
- Phil Ethier
WeRace also sells a Datsun 1200 5 speed conversion for $1200
the last time I inquired, it fits the 1275 Midgets - gerry@probe.att.com
These guys are flaky. As in never getting around to
doing what they say. I have tried to get info, even ordering parts twice, and
nothing ever happened. Even after being promised that it would be in a week.
I finally gave up. They have some good designs - if you can ever find out
about them and manage to obtain one. Nearly impossible to reach via phone.
Best chance is after 4:30 Pacific time. - John Sanders
(sanders@hydra.unm.edu)
------------------------------------
I don't know if they have stuff for a Spitfire 1500 instead of the A-block.
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