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MG MGA - Trans tunnel floor boards

Has anyone upon rebuild mounted the transmission tunnel on top of the floor boards instead of below them? I have heard this not only allows 3/16 more clearance around the transmission but also allows easier access to possible future tans work.
Chris Velardi

This will raise the mounting holes at the rear and front of the tunnel. Some other trimming will be required at the tops of the tunnel ends. The trans can be removed with the tunnel in the std position.
Chuck Schaefer

I believe the works competition MGA's had a modification in this area that would allow the trans tunnel and the transmission to be removed without removal of the floor boards. I'm sure this was done on the Sebring cars. Do a search on Frank Graham's restoration of his Sebring coupe and maybe there are details of this modification.
George
G Goeppner

I am sure it is possible, but don't see any benefit from doing it. You can't remove the gearbox without removing the engine, even if the tunnel is not in place. The bell housing is bigger than the gap between the chassis and the goalposts, so the gearbox can't come out backwards.
dominic clancy

Dominic,

We've been through this several times. It is possible to remove the gearbox without removing the engine, in spite of what the Workshop Manual says. I did it when fitting my 5 speed as I thought it would be easier to align the new rear mount by looking from above. The question really is whether or not it is easier to remove the engine as well. The problem with just removing the gearbox is the amount of dismantling needed to get the tunnel cover off so if Chris thinks he is likely to need frequent access, repositioning the cover might have some merit.

I am also pretty certain I have seen references to this on the factory competition cars.
Malcolm Asquith

In my experience, having removed/replaced the motor/gearbox from many, many cars, it is easier and less time consuming to take the motor and gearbox out together.
Taking the floor and transmission tunnel out is the long way around! And difficult!
The motor can be removed, leaving the gearbox behind, but I find it takes just as long, and it's easier to take the lot as a unit.
Also the floorboard screws are usually thoroughly rusted in place and invairably break off, causing a time consuming repair.
Barry
BM Gannon

I am in agreement with the above, although I am normally one of those who leaves the gearbox in situ when removing the engine. However, if the engine removal was for gearbox maintenance reasons I guess I would give it a go and remove both together.

On one occasion I needed access to the speedo drive on my Ford Type-9 box. I decided to do the job from the inside and remove the tunnelling. This involved taking the seats out, floor boards, handbrake assembly, carpeting (some glued) and then the tunnel. The speedo drive turned out to be okay. Not the cause of my problem!! As Barry says, easier to take the gearbox out; a couple of hours work or so compared to most of the day strip down of the inside.

I guess this in some way answers Chris' question. Putting the tunnelling on top removes some of the internal stripdown, but not all.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I'm starting from scratch with my restoration. Everything is either new or refurbished right down to every nut and bolt . But the reason for my inquiry to the trans cover on top of the floorboards is for access to the trans. I will be fitting a Sierra 5 speed, and I'd like to occasionally check, replace or replenish fluids, and the stock MGA tunnel will not allow this with the Ford trans. (I also intend to put in a fluid drain in the new trans if I can find a proper way to drill and tap it without filling the trans with shards of metal.
Chris Velardi

Chris,
check this link for the necessary mods to be done to the tunnel:
http://picasaweb.google.de/MGATwinCamCoupe/Modifications

Siggi
Siggi

Siggi,
It has been a long time since I took my "A" apart {like 10 years} so a lot of rebuilding this is a learning process. But did all MGA's come with the cross bracing at the hand brake? I dont recall my '61 having them (or were they just part of the Twin cam set up? )Thanks for sharing your photos
Chris Velardi

Yes there are 2 identical pieces between the tunnel to support the hand brake on all the cars.
R J Brown

Dam, now I have to find or buy 2 more parts
Chris Velardi

Chris,

if you want to put the tunnel on top of the floorboards you have to cutout a piece which is about as thick as the floorboards. Otherwise the bolts and nuts will not line up on the toeboards. It is a bit difficult round the handbrake. See the dark line at the pictures.

Siggi
Siggi

This thread was discussed between 23/07/2009 and 27/07/2009

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