Healey numbering system, engine, transmission, body etc.

[coj]

Here is an interesting situation. It is obvious to me that my Healey 3000 is made up of different cars. It is registered as a 1960. The healey registery says it was a 1960 based on the body #. I was looking up the numbers in the Healey Restoration Book and found the following results. The engine Is# 29 F /RU/4290.That is listed in the book as a later engine, after the 3 carb. The chassis # H-bt7 -l-8403. The body # is 8403. The transmission # is B 1178. Question is the transmission, according to the restoration it is supposed to be a top shift, rather than a side shift?The Carbs are HD 6 . Does anyone have info on any different number systems, especially for the engine and transmission?

 

[bob hughes]

You are lucky to have the number on the engine, on my BJ7 the engine number has long gone. My car is a mongrel - engine is for a BJ7 according to markings on the sump interface, the diameter of the clutch and the external oil pipe to the dizzy/rev-counter extension, gearbox unknown but centre shift, body is a BJ7 as numbers indicate and should be a left hand drive (repatriated from America) now converted to right hand drive, including wipers and wiper parking, doors - one BJ7 the other BJ8.
But who cares, I'm not showing it I am driving it and it is a HEALEY.



Bob

 

[British_Recovery]

My BT7 is earlier than yours according to the body numbers by about 1000 cars, and was built in Jan., 1960. Your engine appears to be from a later BJ7. Correct gearbox for your car should be a side shift. Someone probably swapped out engine and gearbox, if you have the center shift, from a BJ7 Mkll.
Check your numbers again, as 4 and H sometimes get confused, as do other characters. Are you getting the body number from the smaller rectangular plate on the firewall that also has the batch number?
Bob

 

[coj]

Thanks for the answers. I got the body and vin #s from the two plates on the firewall. I used the Healey restoration book to follow the changes in MFG for the 100/6 through the last 3000 Aside from the odd transmission situation (Side Shift vs Top Shift) on a Transmission # that is supposed to be a top shift. I do like the side shift, just confused why the #s on the tranny would be a top shift. I know the following. The rear of the car is an early 100/6. longbridge. This is identified by the top. It is the odd set up where the top is in sliders and the bows are not detachable from the body, unless of course you undo the sliders. The fuel pump is on the left side, I know they were moved to the right later on. Anyway, it is a Healey. good driver, and there are very few folks out there who would know the difference. Thanks again