Help required to fit overdrive gearbox

[tonydgray]

Thanks Rob, that will definitely be my first port of call then, cheers

Originally Posted by laptoprob

Hi Tony,
I've changed a '73 144 and my '70 145 from M40 to M41. The first with a J-type, the second with a D-type. Just rerouted the speedo cable on both cars, no problem in connecting. Both are directly coupled, no angled drive at the OD end.

cheers, Rob

[tonydgray]

Hi Rob

Gearbox is going back in tonight hopefully and I was just wondering about what you said about re-routing the speedo cable. I've not looked into this at the moment but mine seems to be quite snug up against the bulkhead so I was wondering where you managed to find the slack to get it to fit?

Cheers

Tony

Originally Posted by laptoprob

Hi Tony,
I've changed a '73 144 and my '70 145 from M40 to M41. The first with a J-type, the second with a D-type. Just rerouted the speedo cable on both cars, no problem in connecting. Both are directly coupled, no angled drive at the OD end.

cheers, Rob

[laptoprob]

On the LHD cars, you can reroute the cable to get to the rear of the OD. Don't remember exactly how, but you can figure that out once the box is in. I can try to get some pics of mine, if I am under the car somewhere soon. Remember to do the electrics before mounting the box and OD> You can't get at them later. And clean out and check the rear light switch, probably in the small alu box at the top rear end of the gearbox. These can fail. And there is no way getting at it once the gearbox is fitted.

[REGAL 144]

Hi Tony,
Assuming your seedo cable is still clipped in situ and have the over-drive fitted, straighten as best you can the sprung binding of the cable then measure first slightly straight then in a nice sweep from the end of that to the drive output,(note these mm).Remove complete existing cable, grommet ,lay out, measure and add extra mm's for the new length required.
I think mine was a bit long @1.800 but lost it behind dash. Post off to Speedy with your details describing length req, refitting to pattern connectors, grommet etc. The grommet is a ******* when you come to refit.
Regards,
Bryan

[tonydgray]

Thanks Bryan, I'll give that a go, its just cable tied up at the moment as a temporary fix until I get chance to measure up properly.

Quick update:
I managed to get everything needed to get the car back down onto its wheels and out for a test drive. All went well but I did need to top up the gearbox oil to get the overdrive working after an initial scoot around the block.

I've fitted a temporary toggle switch on the dash for the overdrive but I am going to go the column stalk and relay sometime soon when I've managed to pick up the relevant bits.

I ended up making a little bracket to join the box to the mounted and then I modified the gearbox crossmember to take the mounting. I'm going to run around locally in the car for a few days and double check underneath to make sure everything is staying where is should be. Once I am happy with the crossmemeber I'll pull it back off, seam weld everything to be on the safe side, give it a lick of paint and get it back on. I want to double check that everything is in line and strong enough for the job before I draw a line under it.

After some initial checks I thought that the newly installed crank rear seal was leaking but fortunately it turned out to be the sump that needed tightening up, I aired on the side of caution initially.

As far as leaks go I have a little weep from the solenoid where it screws into the overdrive body. Unfortunately the newly modified crossmember stops me from gaining access to it so that will have to wait a little. I also have a slight weep from the overdrive rear seal which has been renewed so I'm a little puzzled with that at this time - can anyone shed some light on that for me?

Cheers

Tony