Hydraulic clutch conversion

Post by **Nigel2** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:59 pm

Has anybody done a 'diy' hydraulic clutch conversion, if so what cylinders etc. were used. Shortly going to do a RHD to LHD conversion and hydraulic seems the simple answer as far as the clutch is concerned.
Thanks - Nigel

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 6:04 pm

Ray will be the man for this - but I think LHD cars still had mechanical clutch linkage ?

Post by **Nigel2** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:50 pm

Well it looks as though I am on my own then, I don't have a gearbox extension that would be suitable for a lhd conversion so this seemed the logical solution unless there are any other thoughts. I realise I can just buy a hydraulic clutch kit so this might be the answer.
Nigel

Post by **Onne** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:42 pm

LHD cars use exactly the same system, just a mirror image as it were.
The conversion plates are sold in Holland I think.

My MM has gearbox extensions on both sides

(end of utterly useless sentence)

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 6:18 pm

Well it looks as though I am on my own then, I don't have a gearbox extension that would be suitable for a lhd conversion so this seemed the logical solution unless there are any other thoughts. I realise I can just buy a hydraulic clutch kit so this might be the answer.
Nigel

You can actually buy the LHD gearbox front plate in the UK - last time I checked, Bull Motif were able to give a price, and probably other suppliers will too. [I was very lucky (and very grateful) to get an original LHD plate sent to me]
Buying a new one may (or may not) work out cheaper than the hydraulic conversion anyway, but it's up to you. Personally I like the simplicity/reliability of the mechanical clutch linkage. If you get the new manufactured front plate then this is likely to come with the lip seal upgrade (a nice mod to have and helps to offset the cost of the plate)
However, if your car has had the LH chassis leg replaced, check to see if the clutch pivot mountings are there or not. They were always fitted on the shell so will be there unless the leg was replaced. If they are missing then it makes fitting the LHD clutch linkages a bit of a problem!

Also consider where you are going. If going to elsewhere in Europe then it's not too tough to keep the original running gear in the long term. if you're going to USA etc.. then the lack of parts / spare running gear could be an issue long term and if you go hydraulic now, it may make it easier later on if you end up using a local sourced donor engine and box.

The gearbox front plate varies depending on which Minor you have, however with a bit of effort (re-drilling etc..) it is possible to get the front plate converted between different Minor gearboxes.
I've no idea what car you have, but if you have one of the early A-series gearboxes you may eventually be changing to a 1098 box when a replacement is needed.

Can't think of much else to say - hopefully I've covered all the bases.

Post by **Nigel2** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:00 pm

Thanks Ray & Jonathon, you have answered the question. I wanted to keep the mechanical clutch if possible as you say due to simplicity. It will be France, we will reluctantly be selling our long suffering four door (see 'for sale' in the new year) and getting a traveller which will be far more practical. We will have some 5-7 months to sort out the traveller as I want to do most of the work over here and now also try and find one with an original NS chassis leg - another thing I hadn't thought of - all good fun though! It will be a 1098 even though our 4 door is a 948 with 1098 diff and goes like the wind.
I have tried the Dutch site plus 'googled' for the front plate but cannot find any firms that make them. I will email the Dutch site and see if they can help.
Nigel
Ray - have a good trip, I am getting a bit long in the tooth for journeys like that now.