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Newbie, first question?

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paul74

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I bought a 74 B in Feb. Since I have been lurking for awhile I have found out from you folks, especially Tony, that I acted too fast. Sure wish I had seen the paper Tony wrote about buying a B befor I let my emotions run away with me. Now I pay. So it goes. Soon after I drove the B home I bought an od trans off ebay. After getting it installed have discovered that the 3rd gear synchro is way bad. So can the od unit be attached to the original trans (which shifted smooth as butter)? That would be less expensive than rebuilding the "new" trans??
The good news is the car really seems to be rust free- so it can only get better right?
 

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Even cheaper than rebuilding the transmission.... buying another one.... but, you might wind up with the same or different problems... Generally though MGB transmissions are pretty much bulletproof. Mine has an issue with downshifting into 2nd and 1st, but after driving a while, and realizing it's not geared like a modern car... the downshifts got better. Seems these little cars get better the longer you drive them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I don't think you've made any mistakes... Pretty car. I like the color alot!

And welcome! You'll get lots of help here.
 
Welcome Paul,

So where in Kalifornia do ya come from? I'm down here in San Diego area.

Anyway to your question – from what I've been told it's just a little more expensive to adapt the OD to a normal 4 speed than it is to rebuild the OD transmission. I think someone told me you need to completly tear it down (rebuild) to make it work. So IMHO the best bet is to reinstall the old unit while you have the other one rebuilt.

Good luck,
Bret
 
thanks Kenny. I find if I double clutch then I can downshift, but 50%
of the time I am still grinding away. I dont want to ruin more than the syncro by still driving. We"ll see how much the little stuff adds up-it does look going down the road.
 
The part that's bad isn't in the OD - its in the transmission itself...just take the good 3rd syncro out of your old transmission & put it in your new OD transmission

To put the OD on your old transmission, you'll have to totally disassemble it anyway as the main shaft from the OF has to go in the other one.
 
Bret, I am 15 miles south of Eureka-(1 1/2 hours south of Oregon). I am looking forward to getting the car on the road-there are some great back roads up here just made for the B.
Bought the car in La Mesa and drove it home-760 miles-what a trip.
 
[ QUOTE ]

Bought the car in La Mesa and drove it home-760 miles-what a trip.

[/ QUOTE ] Northern Kalifornia eh? I think we've got a number of you guys hear.

As for driving your B 760 miles right after purchasing it was pretty brave. My B bairly made it the 7 or 8 miles home when I first bought her.
 
Thanks Tony. Its not what I had hoped but it was plan A.
When the B is home and the garage is complete I will be emailing you for parts.
 
A different word or phrase came out of my brother's mouth. Something like "you are an idiot" I think it was.
 
[ QUOTE ]
A different word or phrase came out of my brother's mouth. Something like "you are an idiot" I think it was.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is a fine line between "idiotcy" and "bravery"... Owning a '74 B will blur it just a little more! Welcome!

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Welcome, Paul!

...I'd no idea there was any other way to acquire a B than just drive it home, so I'm a 'nidiot' as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
Welcome to the forum!
 
I'm down in Ukiah. Sounds like you are in Lolita or Fortuna. Got a 73 GT as a daily driver.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Welcome, Paul. When I'm out there, I'm a bit further south than you are, in Winters, but we probably both cruise some of the same roads. When I'm up north, I like the 36/3 loop over to Douglas City, and then 299 back to the coast. I know, 299 is busy, but it's still a nice stretch of road.
Jeff
 
Thanks for the welcome everybody. Angus, I am in between Lolita and Fortuna-Ferndale. Jeff, I have been on 36- but only to Bridgeville. 299 can be fun and 199 a little further north to Grants Pass is a beautiful road along the Smith River with high cliffs, deep gorges and long slow turns with lots of tight twists and switch backs.
The trans is out and being rebuilt as we write.
 
Paul--Ferndale what a cool town!!! If you guys in the east coast get out here that town is a must see. Love 199--dream of fly fishing when I drive it. If you get down this way let me know and we'll get together. Anglia is up your way too, bring him down and we'll meet at the Peg House for lunch.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
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