Tunnel modifications for 5-spd conversions

[HealeyPassion]

If you've installed, or plan on installing, a "Healey 5-speed" conversion from Pete Delany...formerly Smitty's 5-speed conversion.... you may find this interesting. I've seen a number of approaches to adapting the AH tunnel to the Toyota 5-speed, and this is one more.
Tunnel modifications for 5-speed conversion.

It may give you some ideas for your own tunnel project.

Cheers,
Steve Thomton
1963 BJ7 Works replica w/efi in progress
https:stevesaustinhealey.com

 

[HealeyRick]

Verty nice work, Steve!

 

[Michael Oritt]

There is a short comment that appears on the UK Healey Club site that has some info on it as to how I modified a Moss tunnel for the 5-speed installion on my BN1, certainly a much smaller challenge than for a BJ-8. I regret I did not document the project better. Go to:

https://www.austinhealeyclub.co.uk/

then click on the "Technical" tab on the drop-down on the left, then "5-speed" and it will open up.

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello HealeyPassion,

I really liked that article thanks very much.

I had to scallop out the transmission tunnel on my BN7 to allow my Ridgard seats to move further forward.

You are going to love those seats I can tell you. There will be none of the trying to get out of the car after a trip and find it is difficult because your back is so sore.

I'll bet if your bladder could take it you could drive as long as you had fuel in the tank and still get out of the car and not feel a sore back.

One thing I did to my seats was to get the drivers side cushion recovered so it removed the piping from the right hand side. What happened for me was the weight of my leg on the piping would cause my right foot to go to sleep after a while (not a good thing). I had the piping re-routed so it followed the contour of the RH side panel. This meant new covering and new foam. The foam now wraps around the front to meet the sides.

It was easier to do than to explain it.

Best regards,

bundyrum.

 

[HealeyPassion]

Bundyrum,
I see you correctly concluded that the extra space I built into my tunnel was for my Ridgard seats!...very good! And I appreciate your thoughts on the welting. I really liked the overall shape of the seats but decided to go with a more traditional Healey look on the upholstery and I took out the welting since that is also the most common wear point...and I added a Ricarro inflatable lumbar support (you can see the little black blow up ball in the picture)

I think I'll still have a problem going as long as I have fuel in my tank since I've got about an 17 gal. capacity...that's in my gas tank.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[HealeyRick]

Steve,

In case you need a source for your shift boot, I bookmarked this one while browsing for parts for my Nasty Healey: Custom Made Shift Boots

Rick

 

[Lin]

Nice descriptive piece, Steve!

Lin

 

[Lin]

Rick,
Isn't it time to post some new images to your website to update us on your project? It has been a month now!

Lin

 

[HealeyRick]

Lin,

I've got a few more to post, basically finishing up the engine compartment getting ready for the motor and tranny install. Hoped to get it in before New England winter drives me out of my unheated garage. And rotator cuff surgery I had today has got me on injured reserve.
Probably could have got it in with a major thrash, but wanted to take my time and get all the mounting holes perfect and correctly set the pinion angle before measuring for the new driveshaft. Check the website after the weekend for my wrap up before the Healey settles in for a long winter's nap. Thanks for your interest!

Happy Healeydays!
Rick

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello HealeyPassion,

Great photo of the seats.

Mine sit a little different than yours because I raised the front 5 1/2".

Hope you shoulder works out for you.

Best regards,

bundyrum.

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello HealeyPassion,

Great photo of the seats.

Mine sit a little different than yours because I raised the front 5 1/2".

Hope you shoulder works out for you.

Best regards,

bundyrum.

 

[HealeyPassion]

Bundyrum, I'm confused about your "shoulder" reference. What do you mean?

Rick, thanks for the link....looks interesting....and, I too am looking forward to your next installment on your nasty boy.

Lin, thanks!


Cheers,
Steve

 

[HealeyRick]

Bundyrum, I'm confused about your "shoulder" reference. What do you mean?

Rick, thanks for the link....looks interesting....and, I too am looking forward to your next installment on your nasty boy.

Lin, thanks!


Cheers,
Steve

Steve,

I think Bundyrum got us confused. I had rotator cuff surgery yesterday. I really enjoy looking at modifird cars and have always had a soft spot for any of the Works cars. I really admire the direction you're taking your build. Obviously you have a good concept in mind.

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello HealeyRick,

So which rotator cuff did you have surgery on?. You didn't say.

bundyrum.

 

[HealeyRick]

Hello HealeyRick,

So which rotator cuff did you have surgery on?. You didn't say.

bundyrum.

"off" side (right shoulder)

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello HealeyPassion,

You think you were confused by my reference to your shoulder when it was really HealeyRick. How do you think I was, I confused myself so how bad is that.

Best regards,

bundyrum.