Gearbox for 1275 midget

[Eeyore48]

I want a 5 speed or o/d box in my 1275 midget. Frontline's kit looks good but a bit pricey. Could I use a marina box like they did on a 1500 Triumph engine?
Alternatively, anyone good a better idea. I have a Ford Type 9 box but am struggling to get the job done.

[wildoliver]

Marina/Midge 1500/Spitfire etc. Box is straight bolt in. You need the marina bellhousing, engine back plate, flywheel and clutch and a midget 1500 prop. Ideally Midget box and slave cylinder and clear pipe. Your speedo cable will fit on the box (cut off threaded collar) and the job takes a day max.

Try to buy a complete marina engine and box and use the engine to build a fast road engine.

You can use this route to fit the O/D box also. Contrary to popular thought the standard prop works fine. You will need to modify the floor of the transmission tunnel though but not much.

[Eeyore48]

Thanks Oliver! Why hasn't this been done before? Have good 1275 so wouldn't necessarily want to use a Marina lump but if a good unit appeared I'd consider it. I'm between Manchester ans Stoke-on-Trent but willing to travel to see such a conversion or pay expenses if anyone would drive to show us.

[Graham]

give dom a ring at midland classic restorations 01905 622166

he can point you in the right direction and may know where there is a 2nd hand 5 speed conversion


G

[wildoliver]

It's been done several times over the past 20 years by my family business lol! I personally ran a 1275 with OD box from the age of 17 to 19 and currently own a very rapid 1500 with OD and 3.7 diff (130ish top end).

I can build you a complete kit if you want. That said while it is an easy and very neat factory looking conversion it will be about the same price as a 5 speed conversion (at the end of the day I need to make some profit). Expect circa £500 including box. Personally I prefer the OD conversion though as it all "just fits" including the gear lever being in the right place to start with.

[Eeyore48]

Thanks, Graham but I'd like to contact Oliver first.

Oliver, where is the Wild family business?
Can we see a converted car?
Can I contact Wildoliver directly by phone?
What is the clear pipe?
Would I need to change std diff?

And... Although it is a bare 1972 shell there is no rot anywhere but there is light surface rust. What's the best and most cost-effective way to remove it?

Thanks, again, for your interest.

[wildoliver]

I'll send you an email with my phone number.

Were based in East Yorks.

The clear pipe replaces the 1275 clutch hose from master to slave, instead of the metal pipe and flexi hose 1500s use a clear flexi pipe that runs down the car.

Standard diff is fine. The diffs only input to this is your final gear ratio.

Removing surface rust depends on how bad it is. A rotary wire brush is a useful tool to quickly remove surface corrosion without causing excess damage. I assume it is bare metal. Failing that if it is only light chances are a good flat down as per spraying prep will clean the panels up anyway.