Dumb question re Trannys

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 11:32 AM

What years did the tailshift tranny come? If I've come across at 74 tranny for sale, but the owner isn't a 914 person, and doesn't know if it's a side shift or a tailshift, what would you guys most likely think?

Thanks!!

Ron Meier · 07-24-2003, 11:36 AM

If it's a '74 it will be a sideshifter. '70-mid '72 were tail shifters. It will have a duck bill looking affair on the drivers side, aft of the axle hubs. If he doesn't know the history, you're taking a chance.

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the input!!

I know it's a gamble, but I already have a side shifter -- I was hoping to pick up some cheap spare parts, combine them, and maybe, with luck and some hard work, have a complete, working tranny. ;-)

What's the worst thing that could happen? Famous last words...

Ron Meier · 07-24-2003, 11:44 AM

If you don't know them, send a email to Red Beard in San Diego - he'll go thru it and make it wonderful for about $750 using used parts where he can to avoid the $2500 rebuild.

or

Join us on the BAJA RUN II and we'll rebuild it on the roadside on the way - like it should be.

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 11:53 AM

The Baja Run??!! That would be wonderful -- I dig pushing my Orange Bomber distances! A healthy workout! Really develops the arms and legs!

But seriously -- I'll be dropping the engine in October to replace the entire clutch (Pelican's clutch kit, here I come!). At that time, I'll be trying to Frank-n-Porsche a tranny together.

Kevin Powers · 07-24-2003, 11:58 AM

ray, what is your intent? do you need a side shifter or looking to swap gear sets to a tail? or do you need a good tail?

kevin

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 12:02 PM

I need a side shifter. Right now, I have no 4th gear. Don't know why. One day, it just stopped going into 4th gear. I've also crunched going into reverse and 1st, so I don't know the condition of those gears.

I figure the tranny is 28 years old -- it's probably time to rebuild it, at any rate.

For a while, my tranny mounts were bad, and I was ka-chunking all over the place. I figured that was why I lost 4th gear.

But then again -- I know exactly 0 about 914s.

sammyg2 · 07-24-2003, 12:19 PM

This is a post for all the newbies out there, I learned this from this board and from personal experience:

Any time you have trouble shifting into certain gears, check these four things first before doing anything else!
1) clutch adjustment. Adjust it at least three times. that way you're sure to get it just right.
2) engine/tranny mounts. Inspect and or replace. check them very close, sometimes they look good when they are not.
3) shift bushings. They wear out and get real bad. Sometimes it happens gradually and we don't realize it.
4) shift linkage adjustment. Not that easy, sometimes it comes right in, sometimes it fights you. Do not try this one until you complete the first three.

then after all four steps, you can be sure it's your transaxle. many, many times it isn't.

Kevin Powers · 07-24-2003, 12:35 PM

ray, no idea how long you have had this car. please heed my advise. get the bottom of the car/ engine/trans as clean as you can before you tear into it. the check of bushings is essential. start with the ball cup that goes inside #24 p.98 haynes. this part is often shot . four more bushings and that's it for the whole system. plenty cheap to all. check the set screw where the coupler for the f&r rods is. the one in the back too. there are indentations in the rods for the screws. then do a search for red beards shifter adj. writings. this is alot cheaper than a trans with an unknown history.

kevin

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 12:41 PM

Kevin -- I'm guessing these repairs are made with the tranny off the car? Thanks for tips -- I appreciate it! It's pretty difficult not knowing anything at all about these types of cars.

Makes my little Fiats look downright easy!!

Kevin Powers · 07-24-2003, 12:46 PM

ray, no idea how long you have had this car. do you have a Hanyes manual? you need one. i'm going to send you a private mess about something best not mentioned.

kevin

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 01:02 PM

Kevin -- the car's been in my family for 20+ years. My father was the 2nd owner. He died last year, and I inherited it. I do have a Haynes guide, and read it religiously. Unfortunately, the car was in a heavy state of disrepair/neglect 5-6 years before dad died. We were going to undertake a ground-up restoration, but he died before we could begin.

Kevin Powers · 07-24-2003, 01:29 PM

now i understand. thankyou. good luck and have fun. clean the bottom of the car for sure then. did you get my pm?

kevin

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 01:34 PM

I didn't get the PM. Send again?

Kevin Powers · 07-24-2003, 01:52 PM

that seems to happen more often than not. go to www.914club.com. please leave the safety bar down and stay seated.

kevin

Ron Meier · 07-24-2003, 02:58 PM

Ray,

Just to let you know that the tranny can be done in the car. You remove the muffler & support, lower the a$$ slightly and pull the gear pack out. Saves dropping the engine. Like I said, Red Beard (James Tomilson) is a hell of a backyard tranny man and a $hitty driver

VIVA BAJA RUN II - FASTER AND FARTHER

And with our help you won't get so tired pushing the orange bomb - we'll hook you up with my famous blue flame seat heater - which also supplies propulsion.

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 03:05 PM

Hey, I have one of those blue flame propulsion thingies!! I use the connection for the "heated seat" to generate a slight spark, and the rest is history...

Thanks for the heads up re Red Beard, I'll be writing him soon. Once I get some other things back on, my Orange Bomber should be able to make it as far as San Diego!!

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I'll guide you on the tranny if you help me beat the crap outta Ron.

Yep, the internals can be done without removing the CV's or even the starter (I do recommend removing a battery cable).

James

Ray Morgan · 07-24-2003, 03:35 PM

Sorry, Red Beard, I can't take on someone who knows about the Black Sheep Squadron. I'm a war bird fan/pilot from way back!

Do I still get aid on the tranny?

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Sure - I'll just get him drunk in Ensenada and chain him to the bar.

Wait - he might like that.