Converting an non overdrive 1500 to overdrive

Message

derrek · #1 Post by **derrek** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 7:30 pm

I am looking for a bit of help here, a few weeks ago I brought my first dolomite (up-grading from a spitfire) but I am starting to miss having an overdrive on this 1500HL. 
Can anybody give me some advice on what I need to replace, buy or change to do this conversion.

Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... omiteuk</A> at: 18/10/06 3:49 pm

Jon Tilson · #2 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:07 pm

previous threads.... 
Its all doable...boxes on ebay all the time. Need cross member. Some debate about prop shafts on 1500's 
Ive done a Dolly 1850 and I did need the prop. 
 
Jonners

Matt Cotton · #3 Post by **Matt Cotton** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:24 pm

The conversion myself on my 1500HL. 
 
You will need a rear crossmember as fitted to Sprint and 1850 man o/d. With a rubber mounting. 
Also a bracket assembly that mounts to the rear of the gearbox. 
A speedo cable as per 1850 Dolly 
O/D Gear lever with switch etc. 
 
I'm told that the original non- o/d prop will suffice, I will tell for definite when I fit the box next weekend! 
 
A spitfire or Dolly 1500 box will fit. A Dolly box has a 'YD' or 'DR' stamped on the casting. 
 
Keep a look out on E-Bay, that's where mine came from. Even better if you can get one out of a car that is known to be a 'good un'<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)">

derrek · #4 Post by **derrek** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 11:56 am

for the information. I have just traulled through the 42 pages of subjects, but have not foung anything obvious in the way of previous threads, shall keep looking though.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/nerd.gif ALT="8o">

Richard the old one · #5 Post by **Richard the old one** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 8:34 pm

It must be more than ten years ago that I did this conversion on one of my cars so I may have forgotten some of the parts required or the problems that I had at the time. 
 
I hope that you have been reading my articles in Dolly Mixture titled "A car for Claire" and if all goes well part five may be upgrading Claire car to O/D. 
 
If it is of any help the parts that are required as far as I can remember are: 
 
An overdrive type gearbox - It is possible to convert a non O/D to an O/D type but it requires quite a lot of bits such as a different top cover and drive shaft. It is far cheaper to get an overdrive type to start with. 
 
A J type O/D UNIT you need one with an adoptor plate that joins it to the gearbox. I have seen some for sale without this adaptor place part number (RKC630) 
 
Bracket that fits at the back of O/D Unit and connects to rubber mount (Some come fitted with a stud and others need a nut and bolt to connect to the rubber mount) 
 
Mounting cross member Part number 215519 
 
Rubber mount Part number TKC1044 
 
Bottom plate that fits to the bottom of the rubber mount Part 160268 (This is something that I still need to obtain - So does anyone have one out there for sale) 
 
O/D GEARstick with switch and cable assembly 
 
Speedo drive cable Part number GSD300 
 
As far as I can remember that is the full list. 
 
The prop shaft does NOT have to be changed. 
 
 
I do not know when I will get around to upgrading Claires car so please let me know if there are any parts that I have forgotten 
 
Richard

alun n · #6 Post by **alun n** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:40 pm

160268.....must have one somewhere........dished rectangular thingy?

alun n · #7 Post by **alun n** » Sat Feb 28, 2004 7:45 pm

Found one - where do you want it sent?

Richard the old one · #8 Post by **Richard the old one** » Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:36 pm

Many thanks 
 
I have obtained your telehone number from Malcolm so I will give you a call some time in the next few days 
 
Richard

Richard the old one · #9 Post by **Richard the old one** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:52 pm

As a result of an email from Matt Cotton I have to advise anyone that intend to do this conversion there is at least one other item that is needed. 
 
It is exhaust down pipe mounting bracket part number UKC4098 as this is required. This uses the two RHS bolts on the gearbox / O/D adaptor plate junction and replaces the mounting bracket that was attached to the non O/D mount. 
 
Sorry that I forgot about this.

BDN712V · #10 Post by **BDN712V** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:02 pm

What would I have to change to get a 1300 overdrive 'box into a 1500HL? Is it just a matter of input shaft, or is there something more complicated?? 
 
Cheers, 
Tim

Jon Tilson · #11 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:40 am

There was never AFAIK a 1300 overdrive Dolomite. 
There are a few 1300 o/d Spit boxes around however and these will be 3 rail. Again I dont think any 1500 Dolomite variant was ever factory fitted with a 3 rail overdrive box. I have seen Spits with a 3 rail overdrive box and these would either be early factory or US spec ones. The 3 rail box was replaced by the single rail box in about 74/5 but there would have been some overlap. 
So the first question is what box do you actially have> 
My guess would be its a single rail J type overdrive box. 
This will fit straight in as per the early part of this thread. 
The issue in fiiting a 3 rail box to your 1500 HL is going to be clutch spline count. You may also need to modify the tunnel a bit cos 3 rail dollies have a different one. 
Prop shaft is a difficult one. Some say the sliding joint slides enough. Ive only done 1850s and the early ones need a different prop. 
Jonners

BDN712V · #12 Post by **BDN712V** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:58 am

As advertised on ebay - so expecting errors in description! ('spifire'! - triumph on the cheap?!) 
 
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ...  
 
Was considering rebuilding (just look at it..), and using any parts from my current box if at all possible. 
 
Thoughts?? 
 
Tim

Jon Tilson · #13 Post by **Jon Tilson** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:25 pm

single rail box and shoud fit straight in. Check the splines on the input shaft match your old one. If they dont you can reuse your input shaft and bell housing. 2 sorts of shaft...one with the scroll seal and one with the rubber type. 
If it feels smooth, splines match and goes in all gears I would just put it in and try it... 
Fitting it isnt bad...once the interior and tunnel are all out. 
Jonners

BDN712V · #14 Post by **BDN712V** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:59 pm

Right - many thanks for that - I think I'll go for it and strip it all down. Top of it looks different to some of the other 'boxes on offer - is it missing anything?? I assume I'll be able to get the other bits separately though. 
 
I've had this box out, so I know I can do it. Really isn't too bad a job at all! 
 
Cheers, 
Tim

george · #15 Post by **george** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 4:46 pm

the spits were 1500 with the single rail g/box fitted 
g/box changed after 75to76 when midgets had the 1500 
fitted in them

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