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MG MGA - Type 9 Gearbox

Hi All,

Hi-Gear engineering, Credit where credit is due.

I've have a Coupe for about a year or so and although this is my first MG I've had old motors for many years. The history of my 'A' (verified) showed that it was rebuilt around 1989-93 and then kept without use for about 20 years when it passed to another family member who intended to putting it on the road. Whereupon updating, around 2011 for modern traffic conditions, among a host of things, it was fitted with a Hi-Gear Engineering, 5 speed, 'Type 9' gearbox and fitting kit. Thereafter however, the car unfortunately was again garaged with little use and I acquired it last year.

I've never been great at just looking at old motors - I like to use them. There were a number of things needing attention, all indicative of the car just sitting around (a couple of seized wheel cylinders, leaking oils seals etc.) After a few shakedown trips I'd about cured most of the little niggles and the car was on top form - except for the rear gearbox oil seal! Although I'd changed it in the aforementioned checks an annoying leak persisted. It had been a pig to get to and I assumed I'd not done a thorough job so again replaced the defective seal, having first assured myself I'd not overfilled the gearbox etc. Unfortunately the leak persisted and when I examine the situation yet one more time, everything pointed to a defective seal. I dropped the prop-shaft again but, this time I was satisfied there was no good reason for the seal to leak. Close inspection found that the splined end of the new, custom built prop-shaft, supplied with the gearbox, was itself the problem. It was leaking at the u/j end of the splined shaft giving every indication of a leak from the rear oil seal! I rang Peter at Hi-Gear Engineering hoping for some advice on the best way to seal the coupling. I'd hardly explained the problem and without any prompting at all, Peter offered to replace the part immediately! This he did very promptly, even arranging their courier to pick up the prop-shaft.
The new part is perfect!

I want to just emphasise, I was not the original purchaser of this kit; and if I were it had been purchased in 2011 (I have the receipt.)
How is THAT for extraordinarily excellent service?!?

I should just point out I've no connection at all with this Company or Peter Gamble, other than to admire a wonderful Service delivered. My sincere thanks to him.

The 'Type 9' gearbox really does make the 'A' a very usable car too I might add!

Regards,
Phil





T Gee

This is a beautiful car. I have made up a batch of shift knobs for the Hi-Gear with the correct shift pattern and looks just like an original MG shift knob.If you are interested in buying one, I sell them for $55 USD plus shipping cost to the UK. Let me know if you are interested in getting one. It looks great on my car.
Jeff Becker
JEFF BECKER

Phil

You have summed up Peter's attitude to customer relations extremely well. I had one of his earlier kits from back in 2000 and have always found him most helpful with any questions and updates (mods) that I have required.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hello Geoff,

Many thanks for your kind offer but the Coupe already has a pattern gear knob that came with the really well thought out fitting kit.

Regards,
Phil
T Gee

Hi Steve,

Thanks for taking the trouble to add your comment - Well done you.

I feel it really is incumbent upon all of us engaged in this hobby to champion such great service; particularly if we are to be taken at all seriously when we are less enthusiastic about service and supplies delivered.

Peter and Hi-Gear clearly go the extra mile. A great example of excellence!

Regards,
Phil
T Gee

When I had the 5-speed Hi-Gear fitted to my MGTD by Bob West, it was only the second TD fitted with the Ford T-9 'box without changing the position of the engine.

Peter Gamble drive over from his home, I believe near Derby, specially to ensure all the work was executed properly, and took a personal interest in the project.

After that I also had the T-9 fitted in the MGA 1500, which, after owning the car for 40 years, I now enjoy more, latterly driving thousands of km. in Australia.

Doug

Doug Wallace

Hi Doug,

Thanks for your addition. I can see now I am not alone in admiring not only the service Hi-Gear provided but the general excellence in everything they do!

Again - Thanks Peter Gamble and your Hi-Gear Engineering!

Regards,
Phil



T Gee

A cheaper option for the gearknob is this one

https://coventryautocomponents.co.uk/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=79&product_id=87

Dominic Clancy

Phil,

Lovely Coupe and good-looking engine!

Are you in The MG Car Club? The MGA Register has their autumn weekend run in the New Forest; I am coming over specially from Bali..

Cheers,

Doug
Doug Wallace

Hi Doug,

Thanks for your post and kind remarks. I'm not in the MG Car Club but please see my next post.
Regards,
Phil
T Gee

I can also recommend the gear lever knob which Dominic has highlighted from the Jaguar Owners Club. It looks the part just fine.
Bruce.
B Mayo

Hi Bruce, Thanks for your message. See the photo for the one fitted in the car - looks like it belongs don't you think?

Regards,.
Phil


T Gee

Looks just like mine Phil! It's a nice compromise between purist (correct shape, black) and practical (5 speed engraving, but not immediately obvious to a casual onlooker that it's not a 4 speed engraving). Certainly a 100% better solution, imho, than the usual fat polished wood gear lever knob which always seems to me to shout out "I've got a non-original 5 speed conversion"!!
Bruce.
B Mayo

Thanks Bruce, I'm afraid I too am not a fan of those weird and wonderful contrivances often flaunted in the brochures of specialist accessory traders. These however seem to be both practical but discreet:-)

Regards,
Phil

T Gee

I fitted a gear knob on my T9 showing reverse in a different position - Just to make it a little more difficult to a potential thief.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve, sounds like an excellent ruse! However, I'm getting to the age when it's most likely to confuse me;-(

Regards,
Phil
T Gee

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2017 and 08/08/2017

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