Fitting an overdrive to a 1500 Dolomite

[Zeus]

Hi all,
I might be getting an overdrive gearbox complete with gearlever soon.
What other parts would need to be swapped to fit this to my non overdrive 1500 Dolomite?
I'm guessing a propshaft but how about gearbox mounting brackets?

[Richard the old one]

Just a quick response as I have a lot to do this morning.

A mounting bracket to connect the O/D to the mount part ULC2797
Cross member part 218519 and bracing plates 2 in number (part 155304 these can be made)
Bracket to clamp exhaust to rear of O/D - part UKC4098. This is not essential but it helps to stop the exhaust manifold to down pipe blowing.
Rear rubber mount. There are various options being used now.
Speedo cable GSD 300 It is longer than the non O/D 1500 Speedo
Angle drive for speedo cable part 120694
Harness electrical to connect it.

You may not have to change or shorten the propshaft as some cars have sufficient movement in the sliding joint.

You also need to ensure the have the correct O/D for the rear axle that is fitted to your car. The later cars have a different ratio axle to the rear of the 1500s. If you have the wrong one fitted the speedo will not read the correct speed.

[cliftyhanger]

That covers it!
The bit about the "correct" OD is about teh speedo drive gear. I can't remember how easy it is to change them.

The OD loom is easy to make, more difficult to make reliable and essential to use decent wire yp the gearstick, and leave enoigh "loop" at the base to prevent it breaking. I cable tie the cable just under where it emerges from the stick, and again to the box somewehere with a generous amount of excess.

However, all this is assuming it is an overdrive box off another 1500 dolly or spitfire. If off a 1300 spitfire, things are a little different (but not very)
OD box off an 1850, sprint etc etc won't fit.

[barracuda816]

If all goes according to plan I should be doing this on the 8th of June. I can let you know, but so far the fine gentlemen above have given me the info for this. There are a couple of posts on this I think mine links to some good photos from Richard. For me so far the bracket was the biggest PITA to find but the club may be able to assist?

[Bumpa]

I put an O/D gearbox (single rail type) into my Dolomite 1850HL and I didn't need a different propshaft. The sliding joint was enough to take up the small difference in length.

[Zeus]

Thanks Richard and Clive,

Fantastic, detailed, answers.
So not impossible! We shall see what progress I can make. Doubtless there will be more questions coming.

David

[soe8m]

Just fitted an overdrive to an 1300 a few months ago. I did use the std mount for the gearbox fitted at the rear of the subframe, not using the additional bracket and mounts to fit it at the shell and that goes fine. The original propshaft has still 2-3cm play.

Jeroen