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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1275 GEARBOX.

Hi, My 72 midget gearbox sometimes refuses to go into 3rd. Had it rebuilt two year ago and its just crap. Cannot afford the expence of a 5 speed conversion.
Q. Is there a more reliable box that would bolt straight on ? MGB etc.

Regards.
G Bewick

There's nothing better that will bolt straight in.
Dave O'Neill 2

If it has failed just 2 years after a rebuild, then the rebuild wasn't done right! It should last 30+ years!
GuyW

I had trouble with a reconditioned gearbox about 25 years ago which is why I didn't bother with one 15 or so years later as I couldn't see things had improved (the fact I had and still have trouble with a type 9 conversion is another story).

If you have the time and patience to take out your existing box you could either return it to that rebuilder or send it to another.

With combining worn parts to, often not so well made, new parts I think Guy's 30+ years can sometimes be very optimistic but once a good builder has the gearbox apart they can give a more accurate assessment, or even perhaps before the box is removed or taken apart(?).

Nigel Atkins

I suppose it also depends on what a rebuild is, full, partial, I've just had a quick look at exchange reconditioned and MGOC has phone for price and availability and Moss have £590. Based on Moss normally being higher priced for these sort of things and having £500 in my head from previous threads(?) that might be about it, and given 25 years ago it was (well?) over £200 then.
Nigel Atkins

I agree with Guy, I rebuilt my box 15 years ago using a mix of new and secondhand parts. its still fine. One of the biggest problems is the baulk rings.The remanufactured ones are not as good as the original (same old story!!) they are the same as the ones used in the original mini.
Bob Beaumont

That might be the difference Bob, you built your own box.

Did you have to reject any parts new or s/h.

Report back again on your box in 15+ years please. :)
Nigel Atkins

Fit up a second-hand Type 9? Plenty about and local decent independent garage should be able to easily manage it - if not yourself perhaps.....
Oggers

G Bewick
Just wondering - do you have 20/50 i.e. engine oil in the g/box? (Should be).
Bill Bretherton

This thread was discussed on 02/12/2020

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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