Converting TO automatic

[yorkshire_spam]

Hi All,
For various reasons I'm in need of a Triumph to do events in that's got at least 4 seats AND is automatic.
I appreciate that an auto isn't everyone's cuppa, but for us it's a requirement (I'd rather have a manual, but it's just not an option under the circumstances)

So I'm keeping an eye on all the usual classic car sales places (ebay, forums, car and classic, gumtree, etc.) for a Sprint or 1850 that's automatic (and not brown... she won't drive a brown one)
My search seems to be the equivalent of hunting for hens teeth or rocking horse poo.

I've seen a couple of likely candidates that tick all the boxes EXCEPT the gearbox.
So... what's involved in converting a manual to an auto?

Gearbox, mounting, selector/trim, kick down cable, remove clutch pedal (change pedal box?), fit a GB oil cooler?

Obviously I'd love to source a ZF 4HP22 out of a Sherpa and convert to that (but they are even rarer than the car I'm searching for) so I'll settle for converting to the standard Dolomite 3 speed for now.

Cheers,
Sam

[Toledo Man]

Welcome to the TDC forum Sam.

I'm currently posting from sunny Spain (Lloret de Mar to be precise) on the hotel Wi-Fi. I've managed to document just over 60 1850 autos worldwide. The best place to start your search is this forum. There is also eBay with its associated pitfalls.

Hope this helps any.

[James467]

When I got RUK I was a real sceptic, I'm now a convert and really do like my auto especially when it's set up properly and behaving itself but at the end of the day I do prefer the manual.

In my opinion and as an owner of an Auto, converting to an auto is more difficult than converting to a Manual mainly due to the rarity of some of the parts.

You'll need

The driveplate
The box (obviously) with kickdown cable
the transmission tunnel
The crossmember and bush
the prop
The diff as Autos use a 3.27:1 diff.
Then there's the selector mechanism
carpet for the tunnel
a new brake pedal
blanking plate for the clutch
Throttle pedal reinforcer pate (Alun does those)
Breather tube for the gearbox
In an 1850 a cooler was an option but a good idea if you will do a lot of motorway driving.

Autos are appearing so I would stick it out and have a look for one.

[James467]

Sam what sort of budget do you have?

[yorkshire_spam]

Sam what sort of budget do you have?

Budget is gonna depend on the motor. At the moment I have a starting budget of around 4K for the initial car purchase, but I'm thinking I might be better waiting until I have a bit more available and looking for something "close to ideal" .

I'm certainly not in the market to spend 12K on a sprint from eBay for example.

[yorkshire_spam]

When I got RUK I was a real sceptic, I'm now a convert and really do like my auto especially when it's set up properly and behaving itself but at the end of the day I do prefer the manual.

In my opinion and as an owner of an Auto, converting to an auto is more difficult than converting to a Manual mainly due to the rarity of some of the parts.

You'll need
----list----
In an 1850 a cooler was an option but a good idea if you will do a lot of motorway driving.

Autos are appearing so I would stick it out and have a look for one.

With a list of unobtainum parts like that I think you could be right.... hold out for an auto!

[James467]

Have sent you a PM Sam.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

I have several Borg Warner 65 boxes 2 of which have been rebuilt, I may have a suitable torque converter and flex plate, there are some spacer bits that are required.
transmission tunnel is need, I may also have the gear selector mechanism too.

Malcolm

[RSi]

I bought an auto Sprint recently, was looking for a manual - but after 300+ miles I find the Sprint/auto combination fantastic, I've driven lots of autos in my time but this combination ranks as the most fun.

I would hold out for one rather than converting one, as there was a few when I was looking for mine - although I have noticed prices creeping up recently.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

I have a sprint and 1850 auto and enjoy both cars, they may rev a bit high but ideal when on the slow moving M25. my 1850 has such a smooth change between 1st and 2nd you almost don't notice it.

[dollyman]

3 or 4 years ago i would never have had an auto classic
But now i have two As needs must like yourself.
A 2500s saloon auto, plus an 1850 HL auto Of the two i prefer the big saloon for long fast journy's and the dolly for road runs and such, it is also much better on fuel and return's about 32mpg.
I only came across it by chance and having very low mileage 27k and full history and almost zero rust it was a no brainer for what i paid for it.
So in a nutshell, yes they are still out there, so i would wait for the right one to come along
Cheers, Tony.

[xvivalve]

The hardest part to find might be the auto cross member that supports the back of the 'box...except I happen to have a spare sitting in the kitchen that I'd been wondering what to do with!

[Carledo]

The hardest part to find might be the auto cross member that supports the back of the 'box...except I happen to have a spare sitting in the kitchen that I'd been wondering what to do with!

I have one of these too! With a rubber mount in good order and also a rear crank spacer and related bolts and stuff. IMO, the hardest bit to find would be the trans oil cooler! Or, if you can wait till next Easter, Alun and I are restoring a Sprint Auto with some tasteful improvements (leccy water pump, TJ brakes, halogen lights with relays, uprated adjustable shox, stainless exhaust etc) that won't be anything like £12k when it's finished! Oh, and it's NOT brown either!

Steve

[RSi]

TBH I would wait for a genuine auto to appear, you won't be disappointed - they are awesome cars, I've had my fair share of performance cars over the years and wouldn't normally have considered an auto, but I reckon the Sprint Auto was way way ahead of its years, so wait for a factory one...

[cleverusername]

Out of curiosity, I know people have put different manual gearboxes in Dolomites, could you fit a modern automatic box?

Modern autos are far superior to the 3 speed boxes of the 70's, less transmission losses and better ratios. Could it be done?