> Someone has asked me about fitting a five speed box to a TR6. I remember a
> while back that there was a thread about this very subject, but
> not owning a
> TR6 or being of the inclination to dismiss a six (or seven if you add the
> extra switch) speed box which requires no specialist bits to fit, I didn't
> take much notice of nor save the thread!
There are several options, I believe Conversion Specialists in NZ offer a
complete kit including gearbox. However, the discussion you recall was
probably about the new kit being offered here in California by Herman van
den Akker. Herman sells all the conversion bits, but you get to source the
gearbox from a variety of Toyota cars (ISTR the Celica is most desirable,
but check with Herman for details). With the right box, the gear ratios
wind up being very close to the original TR6 ratios for 1-4 direct and 4th
OD.
Herman van den Akker
P.O. Box 6812
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222-6812
(661) 242-1253
handhvan@msn.com
Herman will be at VTR/TRF next month, with samples of his conversion, and
his TR250 with the conversion installed (which likely won't be the only one
there, there are already some 50 of them installed). The kit fits TR2-6 and
requires no permanent modifications to the car. (At one time, the
driveshaft had to be modified, I don't know if Herman solved that problem or
not.) He'll also be a Triumphest in Riverside, CA in October. I don't know
for sure, but there's at least a chance he'll be offering special pricing at
both events. Not cheap, but Herman is just trying to recover his costs.
When you see the kit, with all those custom castings and machining, you'll
understand the price. Compare it to buying, and then rebuilding, an
original OD box and you'll see why the conversion is popular.
I haven't paid much attention to the conversion myself, like Graham I prefer
the original overdrive. But Herman is famous for his high quality work and
exacting attention to detail, so I have no doubt this kit is outstanding.
BTW, Herman also rebuilds original gearboxes, ODs, differentials, etc. I'm
taking him my J-type tomorrow ...
NFI, but I'm proud to call Herman a friend.
Randall
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