Transmission & Seat questions.

[okiedude]

Hi, noob here (to the forum, not British cars). Recently purchased an early 1959 100/6, with a late model drivetrain. Not exactly sure what year the engine/trans are , but they are not original to the car. The engine runs great, twin SU's. The trans is a top shifter with O/D. The trans. is a challenge to shift, lots of hunting for the gears, with plenty of grinding if you are not careful. What venders specialize in trans service-rebuilding?
The car appears to have it's original seats, which no longer slide and the drivers seat back is broken, any recomendations for seat rebuilding or replacements. Back in the 70's I put some TR6 seats in a MK1 BN7, that worked pretty well, and they had way more back support. This car is a driver, not a show car, so I am not opposed to a different seat. I think I read somewhere a few years ago some Brits were putting Miata seats in a big Healey.
Thanks in advance, this sight looks like a great resource.

 

[Randy Forbes]

I delivered a side-shift transmission that I rebuilt yesterday. I do subcontract work for a local all British restoration shop, so shipping it to me in Toledo, Ohio is an option. Here's some pictures of that job: https://www.rfdm.com/gallery/album189

I've got a Healey engine & transmission enroute from Louisiana to be rebuilt as I type this, so it would be a good time to stake out a place in the line :wink:

My references: www.spcarsplus.com/gallery (plenty of Healey content on pg. 12)

Edit: I just redid my own Healey's seats (pita, btw): https://www.rfdm.com/gallery/album196

 

[SideShifter Tri-Carb]

I will have a BN4 transmission available this fall if you want to go back to a side shift. It is a non-original tranny to my BT7, so there is no joy in keeping it. It would need to be gone through with new bearings. I could send it directly to a rebuilder such as Randy if we get that far.

Olin

 

[okiedude]

Olin, thanks for the offer, however I want to stick with the top shift tranny.

 

[GREAZYFINGERS]

Don't know of anyone particular here in OKC. There is an MG/AH mechanic by the name of Mike Glass (Glass automotive)in town. He may be a great resource or even do it himself. Let me know if this helps. As far as the seats, can't help there.

JB

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey Okie Dude,
IMHO, I'd try to stay with Healey seats. You can purchase complete new
front and back tractor seats -if a 4 seater - from AH SPares in the UK.
Not real cheap, about 1000 pounds for the front and 500 for the rear seats
and back, so about $2250 US with current exchange rate. Or you can get
all the replacement parts needed from the domestic sources and recover
yourself. As for the tranny, I would recommend Randy Forbes as above
or you could send the whole unit to British Car Specialists in Stockton,
CA. They are one of the best and David Nock is the main man out there.
They're at 209/948-8767.
Regards,
Mike

 

[Randy Forbes]

The Longbridge BN4 engine/xmsn are due to arrive today via FedEx between 10:00AM-3:00PM.

I'm hoping my gallery will be back online by then...

Mike: thank you for the endorsement

 

[tahoe healey]

Do you know what type of oil is in the gear box? Redline gives a smoother shift. Be sure the clutch is pushing the fork all the way in. A call to Bill Boulton (or an E-mail)may give you a lot of information on what you are dealing with. He is the best! And a real nice guy. I will try and find you the address.
You can rebuild the seats easily. The slide problem may be a hang up on the carpet or just some lub. Lift off the seat cushion and find 4 nuts which will remove the seat. Then you can evaluate the slides. For comfort, you can buy a set of computer chair webbed back rests for 5 or so bucks that slip on the seats and give support and cool air on the back.
Bill's E-mail is tricarb@aol.com