Morris Minor Owners Club

The basic stuff - 1098, 67 standard (no mods)!

Sounds like the bearings have gone in the gearbox - put it this way, there is a loud grinding / rattling in 3rd and 4th and we are now struggling to get into second. The rattling is also there in neutral though..... Obviously, she is now off the road, so the biq questions are: is it worth getting the garage to see how bad the bearings are first? (To me the noise sounds like lots of loose metal running round inside a washing machine!) Or should i just bite the bullet and put in a recon gearbox? And if i do who is a reputable supplier?

I'm basing this on a second opinion of an old man in an independent garage who does up model t fords for fun, by the way.

I am far too useless to even think about doing it myself, but if there was anyone in the oxfordshire area who wanted to do it, or knows of a local reputable person with a gearbox then i'd be more than happy!

As bad as you describe - I suggest you need another box - whether it be a 'recon' or just a used/good secondhand box is up to you. Will the Model T lad change it for you ?

He'll probably have to, or i could use the oxford MM place - it's beyond my limited abilities!
I hadn't really thought about a second hand option to be honest. The real problem i guess is not being able to tell how bad the existing one is until it comes apart and if it is bad then sourcing a new box quickly and from someone trustworthy. I can't imagine the garage wanting her sitting there in bits!

Luckily she died after getting home from the Xmas trips, rather than on the way, so thank heavens for small mercies.

The way you describe it - it needs replacing with another box.... Ask in 'wanted' !

Yes try to get another box and take it with you to the person of your choice for a direct swap, then advertise the old one here for spares or repair. Don't waste money on letting the garage strip your box, only to find its major work to fix.

Sound advice. Wish I'd had it 10 years ago!

Thanks all for the advice

I've located a second hand gear box from our local minor specialist, taken from a car that is going to scrap shortly at about half the price of a fully recon one, which i'd struggle to afford right now - so i will have a broken one to sell on shortly if anyone needs a donor.

cheers