1300 fwd to rwd

[drpaul0209]

Hello all.

This is my first post here so be kind, and bear with me as I am still learning my way around it all!

I am looking to purchase a 1300fwd that requires some work and may need full strip down ground up rebuild. So I am looking at ways to make it easier for modern traffic etc.

I have driven a 1500fwd and owned a Dolly 1300 some years ago. I by far and away preffered the Dolly! The engine felt more responsive, steering was far better and gearchange easier to cope with.

I do however prefer the looks and tax free status of the 1300 fwd but may prefer rwd to drive. Has anyone ever converted an fwd to rwd? Would it be relatively straight forward in terms of putting in a transmission tunnel? Are any mountings different? Would it be better to use a 'naked' Tolly shell and build up using 1300 doors, front end panels, interior, etc? To all intents and purposes, engine size, exterior and (most of the) interior look, id etc standard 1300fwd. Mechanically, more Tolly, which gives me more room to upgrade and tune up.

Having owned a Mini or two, this kind of chopping around is relatively common in that field. I think maybe it rubbed off on me.They are quite experiMENTAL that lot...

Please note this is all theoretical at this point, I may well love the way the 1300fwd 'feels'. Also, I would never EVER chop up a good car, so go easy!

Maybe I'll just get another Dolly 1300!

Anyway, enough of my mad schemes. Thanks for thoughts, ideas and advice in advance, Dan

[DavePoth]

We had a similar thread recently, can't quite remember where but it'll pop up if you search a bit.

There are a couple of problems with either idea. The FWD shell has different pickup points at the back of the shell for the suspension (which was IRS) so you would need to do a lot of work to make that work properly. Also there's the transmission tunnel.

As for putting 1300 bits onto a Toledo, the inner wings on a 1300 are quite different which will make it quite difficult to do.

[David6214]

Here you go....

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13717&p=134564&hili ... nt#p134564

[Pauldaf44]

I would say just keep the 1300 as it is. Its a lovely engine sounds nice and is very torquey. Mine will pull in top from 20mph. Handling is ok it goes around the corners. As for changing to RWD its just not viable youd have to change the gearbox, front subframe, cut the floor pan at the rear to take an axle "standard are semi trailing arms", new rear subframe and cut a transmission tunnel. Oh and youd need to reroute the exhaust. If you really must have rear wheel drive get a dolly or a tolly.

[1300dolly]

As i mentioned in the other post, its a lot of work,.
A 1300fwd can be made very daily friendly with a little bit of love and care there are several people who use fwds as daily drive, i have used them myself.
If you want RWD then get a dolly or tolly.

Where are all these 1300s suddenly appearing from?

[Spunkymonkey]

Got to agree that a RWD FWD seems unlikely to be a successful conversion. let's face it, even when they changed at the factory they ended up with a decent, but slightly inferior, car as a result

Seriously, as one of those who uses a FWD as a daily, they're more than up to it assuming "daily" doesn't involve a 100 mile motorway commute Monday to Friday. Even that ungainly gear change isn't bad once you rebush the base of the lever. Not that you really need to change gears once you get over about 20mph in top.

It's interesting, though, that a few have turned up recently who "prefer the look" of the FWD - must be that cheeky little grin they seem to have

[Pauldaf44]

Too me in the FWD it looks like a squashed mk1 2000. Its cute for it and being the little sister to the 2000 it should do. When im driving mine I really dont care about handling because I dont push it around corners. Its just one of those cars who speed and handling is adequate and really does put you in a relaxed state. Both my cars put a smile on my face but for very different reasons.

When in the 1300 you feel relaxed and when you get there really doesn't matter.
If your grandparents where cars they would be a 1300.
The DAF on the other hand feels like a toerag and really invites hard use which is probably not such a good thing as the handling isn't all that brilliant but it is Fun with a capitol F.

Paul

[2F45T4U]

What you really need to be talking about is putting a 175hp turbo engine and gear box out of a Saab 900 in one

[Triumph1300]

Tried fiting the saab motor, can't do it without turning the diff upside down, and there isn't room in the casing

[drpaul0209]

Hello all,

Many thanks for the advice and information, it's all much appreciated! I'll see how I get on with the 1300, if I dont like the handling too much maybe I'll go for the Tolly with upgrades for comfort! I'm bidding on a project on ebay at the moment so lets see where it goes.

If I win you'll see it on the project pages!

Thanks again, Dan