Important note for potential MK1 Rivergaters.

This has been a topic of interest for a while and now that a few have put the Datsun tranny into MK1 B's, I think most of the unknowns are now solved. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is the issue of driveshaft length. If you are planning to go with Rivergate's Deluxe kit (it's a nice kit and well worth it), be sure to take into account that the banjo axle requires a slightly shorter driveshaft. The Rivergate kit currently comes with one sized for the tube type rear end. Give Rivergate the specs ahead of time and I think they'll be happy to order you a properly sized one from their supplier (at least they offered to do that for me). I overlooked this little detail and it's the last thing that needs to be done before the my 5-speed conversion is complete (that and the custom shift knob from Larry Heaps).

Terry S.

Thanks for the info Terry.

My 64 is going to get a Rivergate conversion as I just cannot justify spending a grand on fixing or replacing the old transmission to have better "old" stuff.

Did the Rivergate conversion to the 61 Midget,,, a whole different car afterwards, untill I got the Toyota Twincam bug!

Terry,

Regarding the tight fit on the drivers side footwell...are you pushing the sheet metal (as Rick Stevens did) or are you grinding the bellhousing? Any pics would be helpful!

Good luck.

Hey Terry, weren't you the governor of NC some time back? It's nice to know someone in high places. LOL

Jack

Bruce,

My car already had a 4 synchro tranny in it, so other than the gearshift opening being extended aft, I'm not sure how much, if any, the tunnel had already been manipulated. In any case, to get the Datsun in there the driver's side inner footwell of the tunnel needed to be "massaged" just a bit. I wasn't there when the drivetrain got dropped in on Monday but I'm told it wasn't a big deal. I plan on taking some pics Monday evening and will post. Rick Jackson posted some really good pics in a thread a while back.

On the passenger's side, I opted for the high torque starter, so there was no issue with clearance.


Terry S.

Hey Jack,

I'm told he was a good guy, but alas, Terry Sanford and I are separated by a 't'.

Hey, aren't you the author of that series of romance novels? :)

You mean Jane? Nah, but I did share some blood line with Lord Nuffield! LOL

Jack