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MG TD TF 1500 - Skyhook/Datsun Transmission

Did any of the Skyhook 5 speed owners take lots of pictures before installation? I would like to see some details in the area of the speedometer cable attach point. I recently bought an odometer correction gearbox and I am having a tough time trying to remove the speedo cable from the box. If I can't figure out an easy way to get access to the connection from underneath, it looks like the right floor board has to come out. I sure hope not.
Jim Merz

Jim,
would removing just the trannie cover give you the access that you need?

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

I don't think so Steve. The gearbox just nicely fits in place of the original but not much room for anything else. The metal brace nearest the gearbox that supports wooden floor is right in the same area.
I should have installed the calibration box when I installed the box. 20/20 hindsight.
Jim Merz

I know its tight but I added a correction box after the fact, so I know it's do able

MG LaVerne

Jim,
I have the Skyhook and it is a problem.
The speedo cable comes out of the reduction box ok but the knurled knob that attaches the box to the tranny is very, very difficult to access. I've used a small channel lock but was never happy with it being tight enough. I put some lock wire around the assembly to save it in case it came loose.
I just took it apart last week and sent it in for another gear since I changed the rear end. It had not come loose but the nut wasn't very tight.
I've had no problem with it since installation a couple of years ago.
If you persevere you will be successful from underneath.
Good luck.
Mort

PS: It may be difficult but it is a great transmission.
Mort Resnicoff 50 TD (Mobius)

Mort and LaVerne, I worked on the TD today and on my car, the exhaust system, the rear motor mount and the floor brace/bracket would barely allow my water pump pliers up to the nut. I could squeeze the pliers on what I think was the knurled nut but then I had no room to rotate it. I gave up and got on my computer looking for a magic method. Maybe there aint none!!!
Jim Merz

LaVerne, thanks for the picture. I now can see that the actual installation point of the speedo cable seems to be ABOVE the floor line if my eyes don't deceive me. Did you use the right angle box on yours? I have the right angle box and with luck and no seats, rugs etc. I might get it all together. Besides I don't lose my sense of balance working from topside. Also for the benefit of others, I found a picture I took of both my gearboxes that shows some of the interference around the speedo connection from the bottom side.

Jim Merz

I'm pretty sure I had to use a set of pliers to screw in the lock ring Jim and with ever so small rotation before getting another grip. I'll probably have the car on the lift shortly...maybe even today as I get motivated to do something with the muffler. I'll shoot a picture or two then.
MG LaVerne

Jim,

I fitted the speedo box after I had fitted the gearbox to my TD. I needed to run the Interstate Miles and get the correct numbers first. I used the company recommended by Neil in the literature and it was not too difficult to fit.
Sorry the picture is not that clear - but you can see the speedo cable where is comes out from behind the break peddle box. The little gear box is mounted forward and down - to clear the body when the engine torques.

Don't let the TC hand brake fool you :) I just prefer this fly off HB. I can also take a 3rd person in the car without their eyes watering.

Rod
Edit seems the picture was too big?
R. D. Jones

Trying again :)

R. D. Jones

Rod, many thanks for the picture. I have done all the preliminary work on the Interstate and have the same rectangular box from the recommended source to calibrate my speedo as you have. My car is all back together and as I pointed out above, its a bitch trying to get at the serrated cable nut to loosen it to install the box. LaVerne thinks it can be done but I have not yet figured out how to do it. His fingers must be more far nimble than mine.
I had to laugh at your comment about the retrofit of the TC hand brake on your TD. I am sure your third passenger really appreciates the comfort afforded by the absence of the flyoff hand brake. First time I have seen that type of retrofit.
Jim Merz

I've got one of Steves 5-speeds in my TC so it not quite the same. I'm not sure just how many TC kits Steve made as I'm only aware of three. What I got from Steve was two speedo cables. A long one from the trans up to the dash and a short one of maybe 6 inches. The intent was to put the conversion box behind the speedo under the dash. This has worked out to keep the box out of the elements as well as anything is out of the elements on a TC. I did need to rig up a tie-wrap or two to take the weight of the box and stop it from flopping around.

Maybe you can get a short cable made up and get the box out from under the car.
David Ahrendt

Well - It's nice to have the TC handbrake. That way you can keep your hand on the gear stick (holding it in first?) Drop the clutch as you flick the handbrake off with you little finger. As you can burn off that Volkswagen who was revving his engine at the lights... :)

I tried something similar in Kaiserslautern with a Porch once. Revved the engine - nudged forward a tad - gave that MG inscrutable smile.
Lights went to green - He left in a clouds of smoke - and I just turns right. :)

Good luck with the speedo cable - worst case just pop the seats and floor boards out & try from there. It may depend on where your exhaust pipe runs too. I do not remember having that much trouble. But it's been too long and memory fails.

Rod
R. D. Jones

My early TR-4 had the TD type handbrake and I coveted the TD type. My later TR-4A had the TD type (between the seats) and I yearned to be able to go back to the TC type (big long stick with lots of leverage) - lesson: careful what yoou wish for. I wouldn't trade my TD for both of those TRs.

Jud
J K Chapin

Gonna be a while before I get it on the lift Jim. I got a Christmas project I need to get done. Sorry.
MG LaVerne

OK Guys, the old man bit the bullet today. I decided to have at it and removed all the necessary stuff to get access to the location for the correction box. Once there, the actual installation was a piece of cake.
Photo of before and after.


Jim Merz

Good one Jim.
Thanks for posting the pictures.
Now we can all remember how it was done back in the day... :)
R. D. Jones

This thread was discussed between 13/12/2013 and 17/12/2013

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