November 2010
Since uncovering the engine / thrust washer mess, I was concerned about the rest of the drive train... the gearbox and differential. "Tillie" came from the factory with a plain 4 -speed gearbox, and the general consensus on the 6-Pack forum was that the optional "J" type overdrive made life a lot sweeter when cruising down the highway. I normally watch eBay Motors for Triumph parts that I might be needing, and in late October, I found this auction...
Triumph TR6 'J' type overdrive transmission (LAYCOCK de Normanville). Entirely rebuilt, which means disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled using new parts when necessary. New gaskets, seals, 'O' rings, bearings, top hat bushing, and synchros, including a countershaft hardened and ground to OEM specs and lengthened countershaft needle bearing for additional support in this critical area. This particular unit has a 28% reduction for 3rd and 4th gears. The requisite wiring harnesses, escutcheon assembly, and column switch for the TR6 application are included as shown in the photo. All are new. You will have to add an angle drive and speedometer cable; the shifter from your present transmission; and the clutch operating shaft, fork and throwout bearing, also from your present gearbox. This transmission has been bench tested at 1200rpm. Residual overdrive pressure is 20 psi; operating pressure developed was 460psi. Guaranteed 12 months. Guarantee void if overdrive has been operated in reverse. No guarantee on electrical parts. I will work with you after the auction to insure the success of your installation.
This auction really interested me, so I posted a thread on the 6-Pack forum asking if anyone had heard of the seller,and I got several replies with good reports, so I jumped in with the "buy it now" money. The seller turned out to be Ed Woods, from Glenshaw PA. I was able to work a deal where he would refund the shipping cost that was built into the price if I would pick it up at his location, plus he would take my 4-speed box in on a trade.
The second part of this adventure clicked into place when I called Tom Spadafora at The Roadster Factory (TRF) in Armagh PA. TRF not only sells parts for classic British cars but also has a shop (C.A.R. Components) run by Tom that rebuilds things like the TR6 differential. Some of the 6-Pack guys have done their own diff rebuilds, but I'm already in over my head, so I decided to farm this work out to Tom. By delivering my diff to TRF and the old gearbox to Ed , while also picking up the new OD box, the money saved in shipping costs would more than pay for my gas, plus Rhoda and I would have a fun trip.
The old 4- speed gearbox and differential are ready to go .
I used a power cleaner on the diff before packing it up.
Looks like we're getting close !
Tom Spadafora was out of the shop when we arrived, but we meet Albert Runyan, the son of TRF founder and owner Charles Runyan. This business is located on the Runyan family farm... part of the main office used to be a chicken coop !
Albert gave me a quick tour of the C.A.R. shop...very cool !
I told Ed Woods we would stop at his home to pick up the new gearbox on our way back from TRF, so he was waiting when we pulled into his driveway. Ours wives sat down to coffee and visited like they were long-lost friends while Ed and I unloaded the old gearbox and loaded up the new overdrive unit. It turned out that Ed is a dyed in the wool British sports car guy, and has been rebuilding gearboxes for years as a hobby. When I told him my Six wouldn't be on the road for at least 2 years and would he extend the warranty, he laughed and said sure no problem...one of his rebuilt trannys waited 15 years until it was actually used !
That's Ed on the left and me, a very happy camper !
The final piece of this saga occurred about 7 days later when my rebuilt differential arrived from TRF....life is good ! Tom at TRF is also a first class mechanic, and his rebuilds are top shelf !
