Paul H

The gearbox plus overdrive is back , just bolting things back . The solution was jacking up the engine so it was parallel with the gearbox ie much higher than I did before . Thanks Pete Lewis . I didn’t need to butcher the bulkhead or remove the prop . A few tips I picked up on the way , this being my first clutch change. I removed the passenger door , passenger seat , steering wheel outer . The door removal not essential but made access much easier. Fold back carpet over prop shaft area, cover floor with old carpet .Use a piece of plywood in the cabin as a sledge for the gearbox . Moving the box around is much easier . The bolts holding the rear support for the overdrive are inaccessible. So made this double cranked spanner which holds the bolt head whilst tightening up from underneath . I bought these from Lidl some time ago . Ideal for lifting the box so it could be manoeuvred . Can’t rate these enough . About £5 each . Makes the job easier for 1 person Each air pad will lift 135 kg to approx 100mm. Once the box went home it was a case of lowering the engine / gearbox into place . Almost forgot a 3ft crowbar to jamb between the propshaft links to finally push the gearbox home . If you’ve painted the gearbox cover , remove any paint in the bolt holes (another T shirt ) plus you need a good torch Stuff a rag in the gear box cover access to stop dropping nuts or bolts . Thanks to all with help and advice Paul

Got 2 left ! Do I take the risk Paul

Where did you purchase from please ? Paul

Hi Nick been down the Mann 714/2 route . A nightmare for me as created an airlock and no Oil pressure . The forum rescued me, the thread was over 5 pages , and I was close to suspecting the oil pump . Paul

I think you are correct , I’ve removed the box and tried the mandrill again and it needs recentering . Hopefully with the prop and rear bracket removed it should be easier to refit Paul

Looking to purchase some more oil filters for my Vitesse , any recommendations of best suppliers / prices Paul

Thanks Pete , will drop the prop , at the same get a mate to spot weld the rear support bolts so the bracket can come off as well . Take it the prop will drop straight down and not withdrawn through the cabin ? Paul

Hi Pete, I could remove the prop , this would mean the gearbox could lower to get in line ?? Paul

Hi Pete can’t drop the box as it’s jammed on top of the prop and has to go forward to drop . I’m looking at bending the bulkhead by the starter to get the engine higher Paul

Hi Pete you are correct the lower gap is wider than the top but with raising the engine further would mean butchering the bulkhead by the starter motor . I’ll try dropping the engine , worth a try Paul

Trying to refit the gearbox / od and it’s stuck in the this position . Pretty sure the main shaft is engaged with the clutch plate . Putting into gear and wiggling the prop , there is resistance . The box has engaged on the 3 posts at the top of the box and 2/3rds through . Tried tapping with block of wood with a mallet but it’s solid . The gap is similar all the way round . It’s difficult to Jack the engine further as the housing is touching the bulk head by the starter . My options seem to be more force ie mallet and wood or remove and check if the clutch plate has moved , any ideas / advice welcome Paul

Welcome to the forum , nice spitfire . Great advice and banter sometimes in the opposite order . I joined close to 5 years ago with my newly acquired Vitesse and hadn’t lifted a spanner for more than 30 yrs . With the help of the forum I’ve managed most work on my own . It’s been tough at times though rewarding . Just struggling to get a gearbox back in which Pete Lewis has rebuilt for me . I was able to watch and learn . Paul

Sorry forgot to ask if you removed the roof Paul

Thanks , how did u attach to the door jambs ? Pau

How difficult was curing the tub spread ? Paul

I did try the bodge, which helps but buying DX73 is a better fit and less slam Paul

Sorry , seller was Coh Baines

Product Quantity Price Subtotal: £28.61 Shipping: £6.00 (incl. VAT) via Table Rate Orders under 2kg Payment method: Credit Card Total: £34.61 (includes £5.77 20% VAT) DX 73 - Composite self grip type draught excluder 8 £28.61 8 metres for saloons Paul

I bought a new set of VL for my Vitesse and one of them wouldn’t line up with only 2 bolts fitting . Canleys exchanged ok . Paul

Just a thought are the chassis bolts in the boot missing . This was the case with my Vitesse resulting in odd noises when cornering Paul

You might find this link helpful Paul

Back to the thread ! All classics leave petrol vapour smell If I follow a classic you can smell the fumes . I wish the smell could be bottled . Paul

Best price I found was Canleys https://www.canleyclassics.com part no 155660 Paul

For me it’s the 1/2 ins sockets 😋 Paul

It’s important to find a garage that understands our classics . I MOT mine at Cracknells in Thurston nr Bury St Edmunds . The mechanic gives me a verbal commentary and advice. Perhaps we need a list . My next door neighbour had a TR4 went to a local garage and they wrote a MOT without inspection 🤕. This was 5 years ago . Paul