Did the BJ7 come with OD standard?

[Wirewheels]

I'm looking at a BJ7 in restorable condition, but I'm questioning if it has OD. The PO doesn't seem to be able to answer - keeps talking about the switch - and I'm wondering if this was an option in 63 or not.
Thanks for the help!

 

[stevebn2bj7]

Brian,

I do not beleive that the OD was ever standard on a Healey. However, I would guess that 97% or more of them came that way.

 

[Healeysince59]

According to Anderson/Moment for the (Convertible) BJ7/BJ8:

"...However, overdrive no longer was listed as an option, but was rather standard equipment on all convertibles."

It was standard on all BN1s and BN2s. When I bought a new BN4 it was standard on the "Deluxe" (along with wire wheels) and not included on the "Standard".

I've seen one sidecurtain BJ7 that apparently was delivered without overdrive but I believe that was rare.

Marv J

 

[Editor_Reid]

According to Anderson/Moment for the (Convertible) BJ7/BJ8:

"...However, overdrive no longer was listed as an option, but was rather standard equipment on all convertibles."

It was standard on all BN1s and BN2s. When I bought a new BN4 it was standard on the "Deluxe" (along with wire wheels) and not included on the "Standard".

I've seen one sidecurtain BJ7 that apparently was delivered without overdrive but I believe that was rare.

If you've seen a "sidecurtain BJ7" you are the first! Was a Sasquatch driving it? :wink:

I have seen a BJ8 without overdrive. I don't know about BJ7s, but it seems as though a few non-optioned cars were sold that way, in the "Home Market" (the UK). They loaded the cars bound for the USA with options, thus it seems to Americans as if all BJ8s had overdrive as standard. Not so, although it may be true that all of them originally sent here did have it.

Also, if you note your BMIHT Certificate for a BJ8 you'll see that items such as wire wheels, overdrive, heater and adjustable steering column were listed as "details of equipment" (read options). If those items were truly standard, there would have been no reason to list them separately.

I know that this may be shocking to some, but the Anderson/Moment book is wrong on this point. There were BJ8s produced without overdrive or wire wheels - I've seen 'em! - and while exceptionally rare and apparently never exported new to the USA that way, overdrive was an option after the BN1/BN2 cars where it was in fact standard.

 

[stevebn2bj7]

"overdrive was an option after the BN1/BN2 cars where it was in fact standard."

Learn something new every day. Thanks Reid.

 

[anthony7777]

healeysince59, i concur with "editor reid" if it had side curtains it was no bj-7.

 

[Healeysince59]

Of course you're right. I should have said sidecurtain MK II.

Marv J

 

[Genos2]

Then it should have been either BN7 or BT7, depending on whether 4 or 2 place. As said, most export models had full options-od, heater& wire wheels. cheers Genos2

 

[zblu]

As an additional the O/D's came out in a couple of different ratios, and in different makes, even volvo, so at some stage someone may have even installed the O/D out of something else
Think the ratios on the O/d's were
32%
28%
25%
and even I think 23%
J and K models?

 

[Keoke]

Healey used 22 and 28% Units Volvo units were of the Bang Bang type required using the clutch to change. The significant difference was they did not have the accumulator.--Fwiw--Keoke

 

[Marvin Gruber]

There is a local BJ7 here without O/D. PO said he is third owner and everything is original. Who knows for sure! I did know of a early 59 that didn't have wire wheels. Had a funny numbered commission plate. Will have to check on it to see if it is still where I last saw it.

Marv

 

[anthony7777]

marvin, investing in the cars "heritage certificate" would give you the answer, as mentioned earlier the healeys exported to the states in general were "laoded up" with options, unless otherwise ordered, i have seen healeys as delivered new in the late fiftys and sixties most having overdrive, ive only seen one here in the states without it.