Gearbox dilemna

Technical questions and Maintenance advice post in here please
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Denpar
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Location: Wolverhampton

Gearbox dilemna

Post by Denpar »

Our A35 gearbox is in need of some attention as it is noisy and we are having some trouble with engagement and synchro etc.

Do we

a) Just buy a reconditioned one at £400 + ?

b) Take it to a gearbox specialist and talk to them? I guess that few of the specialists have specific knowledge of classic cars so would people on here consider that to be a problem or would you trust any gearbox specialist to be able to do the job? Where would be the best place to get the necessary spares? What kind of price would people expect to pay for reconditioning?

c) Are there any enhancements or upgrades that can be made to the standard box?

d) If we opened the box ourselves would we be able to see what needed doing? Is it a job we could do ourselves?

Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Roy
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beko
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by beko »

It is a possible DIY job, but perhaps the most time/cost effective route would be to get a recon box of the shelf with a guarantee. I'd suggest the later rib case box though, it has much better synchromesh, though you're still stuck with non-synchro first. You can get round that if you fit a "modern" box but that's a boatload of work.
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Neil Evans
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by Neil Evans »

There's a gearbox reconditioning specialist recommended in the spares...

There's a gearbox specialist in the Supplier Feedback and Recommendations, section of the forum...

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10350
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AlecF
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by AlecF »

Roy,
As it looks as if some work will be needed anyway, you have nothing to lose by trying a different oil - and there is always the possibility that it might improve things for a while. For example, if you are using a straight 30, I would try draining down and refilling with a 40.
Alec.
1956 A30 VDK407, now up and running thanks to many members.
earthhist
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by earthhist »

AlecF wrote:Roy,
As it looks as if some work will be needed anyway, you have nothing to lose by trying a different oil - and there is always the possibility that it might improve things for a while. For example, if you are using a straight 30, I would try draining down and refilling with a 40.
Alec.
That won't make any difference to the OP's reported failing synchomesh, which is normally due to the synchroniser springs breaking up. Very often all that is needed is to replace those little springs.
Richard Johnston, Plymtree Devon, formerly A30/A35 Club Technical Officer and President
Denpar
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Location: Wolverhampton

Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by Denpar »

Thanks for your prompt replies, as usual.

I've found this place, which is only about 3 or 4 miles from us.
http://www.klassiktrans.co.uk/
Says he can recondition my box for about £300. Does anyone know anything about them?

Roy
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Duncan
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by Duncan »

can't answer the question, but I love that they don't spend a fortune on a flash website. Hopefully that means they're good at repairing gearboxes....
curtis
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by curtis »

In the picture gallery there is a track A35 pictured with the name Cameron Gilmour Engine Services. Why not give them a ring and ask what they think of the firm ?
Club representative in France.
wvs
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Re: Gearbox dilemna

Post by wvs »

I took off the side cover off mine to see if i could see the problem. A selector had come loose from the selector rod, slid it into position and re tightened the loose nut and problem solved. The rods are just inside the cover ie the first thing you will see. Could be worth a try.
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