Gearbox number location

[TrevS]

Hi all

I've seen that the gearbox number is located at the top of the gearbox case. Is this visible from underneath the car and what's the easiest way to get access to see it?



Thanks

Trev

[E600]

Hi
You will not be able to see the number without removing trim and tinware from inside he car. It might be possible, using a flexi camera to see it, but with the road grime normally present I doubt it. BTW the gb number can be in one of 3 places depending on the gearbox model. The first is as you indicated the second is on the LH side lip of the gb lid and the third is in the centre front of the gb lid. Hope this helps. I have also read that the number can be found on any one of the four top corners of the case, but only ever seen it in the rear LH myself.
Pat

[Philk]

Hi
You will not be able to see the number without removing trim and tinware from inside he car. It might be possible, using a flexi camera to see it, but with the road grime normally present I doubt it. BTW the gb number can be in one of 3 places depending on the gearbox model. The first is as you indicated the second is on the LH side lip of the gb lid and the third is in the centre front of the gb lid. Hope this helps. I have also read that the number can be found on any one of the four top corners of the case, but only ever seen it in the rear LH myself.
Pat

Agree on all points. On my '64 Moss gearbox, the number is on the top cover and on the top left hand corner of the cast iron case. Both should be present for your gearbox to be truly numbers matching. I have personally seen an instance where the top of the gearbox matched the data plate but the cast iron main gearbox had a different number (presumably where it had been swapped at some point in its life).

[TrevS]

Thank so guys. Unfortunately my car isn't numbers matching which I knew when I bought the car as the history shows a new engine number changed in the 80's so the block and cylinder head aren't original but the chassis and body match the original numbers on the heritage certificate. I was hoping to find out if the original gearbox was retained when the engine was swapped but sounds like it won't be possible

Trev

[mgcjag]

Hi Trevor.....you just need to remove the center console and then the tunnel cover (screwed on).....its not difficult

[TrevS]

Thanks, will take a look.

Trev

[Philk]

Thanks, will take a look.

Trev

Agreed..... This is what you will see once that is done (radio console will also need to be removed). No need for steering wheel or dashtop removal. I was doing other work at the same time.

[TrevS]

Managed to wiggle the centre console section loose and am now trying to lift the complete section up over the gear lever and handbrake but can't seem to squeeze it past the handbrake. Can I ask what's the best way to remove the centre unit? Does it lift over or does something else need to be removed?

[christopher storey]

You often need to disconnect the handbrake cable - often it is easiest to do this at the rear end - and then pull the lever up to as near a vertical position as you can reach. The console then needs to be rotated sideways to a right angle after which you should be able to slide it over the handbrake lever. It is easiest with seats out

[mgcjag]

Hi Trevor...have you taken the radio console out... Steve

[TrevS]

Hi Trevor...have you taken the radio console out... Steve

Yeah radio console is out, that was fairly easy so I thought the whole centre console would slide forward and up over the handbrake and gear lever but it's catching too much. I've not disconnected a handbrake before, easy job or not?

[mgcjag]

Hi Trevor befor disconnecting the handbrake pull it up as far as poss...try with gear lever in various positions
..then just be patient and keep trying you may have to tilt it on is side....if it does come off make a note of the position so you have it the same way to go back on.. Steve

[TrevS]

Nearly managed to get the centre console off but handbrake is still fouling it slightly and needs to come up further. Could some show me how to disconnect the handbrake so I can move the lever

Thanks

Trev

[Gfhug]

Trev, can you see the cable, for where it connects to the bottom of the lever you should see a pin/bolt holding that cable to the lever?
There is a split pin stopping that pin/bolt sliding out. You may have to undo the frame from the tunnel to get to it. The other option is to get to the other end where it connects to the handbrake on the IRS and similarly disconnect.

Geoff

[TrevS]

Trev, can you see the cable, for where it connects to the bottom of the lever you should see a pin/bolt holding that cable to the lever?
There is a split pin stopping that pin/bolt sliding out. You may have to undo the frame from the tunnel to get to it. The other option is to get to the other end where it connects to the handbrake on the IRS and similarly disconnect.

Geoff

Thanks Geoff

Someone recommended disconnecting from the rear of the car as I can't quite get under the centre tunnel cover to access the lever. I've not disconnected a handbrake before so not sure where I need to look and how easy/hard it is to do

[Gfhug]

Trev, it's not difficult, but you'll need to get easy access under the rear of the car. Jack up at the back, and fit axle stands, with chocks at front wheels. Then look to the lefthand side of the propshaft tunnel, you'll see the cable coming from the handbrake. Follow that over to the IRS and you should see the connection to the lever on the handbrakes. Be prepared for spanner rash and have replacement split pins ready for replacing later.
You might even benefit from removing the left hand rear wheel, one less restriction to access under there. See what makes it easier for you.
Then you should be able to undo that connection and it'll give you the freedom to raise the handbrake handle all the way up.
Happy with that? Do say if you need any other guidance, that's what the forum is so good for.

Let us know how you get on.

Geoff