79 B -- OD Gearbox - wiring? Easy or difficult?

Hello,

I'm shopping for an OD Gearbox for my 79 B. It's got a standard gearbox currently - working fine, clutch too. If I'm able to procur a late model OD Gearbox that is in proper working condition and for the right price...is the wiring hook up easy, medium or quite difficult? I've read on the link seen here, that certain years of B's were fitted with the appropriate wiring harness, whilst others, apparently, were not? My car was not originally fitted with OD, hence my questions. I realize I'll need a longer speedo cable as well. I am seeking the last version of the gearbox that'll only engage in 4th gear.

http://www.mgcars.org.uk:80/news/news363.html

Also - with Borg/Beck clutch parts for the standard gearbox, work correctly for the OD units? Thanks, Dan

If you haven't seen this yet, it helped me a lot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-WUuz4BzTw

...thanks - I watched the OD gearbox video by John Twist. It applies to those that already have an OD Gearbox - helpful nonetheless to determine how their switch works, circuit wise.

Your car would need to have either the O/D stick shift lever, Or a switch to operated the O/D. Your model didn't have the wiper/O/D switch. I have seen some O/D sticks with the switch on ebay. The switch can be purchased from Moss. The stick is not available anymore. It had a groove cut along the inside for the wires to the switch, that was in the shift knob. You can fabricate any kind of a switch. If you can get an overdrive you won't regret it.
Ken

I'm thinking of using a rocker switch located in the center console, near the shift lever. Maybe even with a on/off light. Not a big fan of the wiper stalk or the gear lever switch.

I just removed the front and rear seals on the o/d transmission sitting on the bench. New seals should be here in a few days. Boy, I sure want to throw this thing in. But I'm debating whether to go into the motor while it's out.

Wiring is a piece of cake. Follow the wiring diagrams and you can't go wrong. Don't be tempted to bypass the 3rd/4th interlocking switch. I purchased my trans on ebay, replaced some seals and away we go.

Good luck!

Dan, do not forget to obtain he correct length of drive shaft for the OD gearbox if you do finally get one. The wiring for them is fairly straight forward.

I believe the driveshaft is the same length in std and o/d cars.
The clutch assembly is the same as well.

This post may help with both wiring and switch placement alternatives. O/D is a simply fantastic upgrade.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?1,348740,349089#msg-349088

I didn't have to change the drive/prop shaft on mine it bolt right up. There seems to be an extendable part to it so you should be fine.

good luck!

Simon

Yo guys,

To whomever you know - that is credible...(har, har)...send out an all-points-bulletin email - as this chap would love to have a late-model OD Gearbox. I live in Oregon. I just can't see paying Moss their 3K they want for a rebuild OD. Can you? Simon, like your RB B -- reminds me of mine - lowered and cool.