A worn gearbox makes itself known on every drive — a whine on the overrun, a crunch into second, a jump out of gear on a trailing throttle. None of it is necessary. A properly overhauled transmission shifts cleanly, runs quietly and lasts for years, and it changes the character of a car more than almost any other mechanical job. We rebuild the manual gearboxes, overdrives, differentials and final drives of the classics we look after to that standard.
As with an engine, the work begins with a strip and assessment. Gears, synchromesh, bearings, selectors and shafts are cleaned, examined and measured, and we report what we find before ordering parts. Many classic transmission components are no longer stocked and must be sourced carefully or remade, so an honest early assessment is essential to a realistic plan and budget.
Where the shift quality lives
A sweet change depends on more than new gears. Synchromesh cones and baulk rings must be within tolerance, selector forks and detents must locate crisply, bearings must be true, and end-floats must be set correctly with the right shims. We address all of it, because replacing the obvious worn part while ignoring a tired selector mechanism produces a box that still does not shift as it should.
What we overhaul
- Manual gearbox rebuilds — synchros, bearings, shafts and selectors
- Overdrive units stripped, tested and reset for reliable operation
- Differential and final-drive rebuilds with correct backlash and preload
- Clutch renewal and hydraulic or mechanical linkage overhaul
- Propshaft and universal-joint service and balancing
- Oil-seal renewal throughout to cure the classic transmission leak
Overdrives made dependable
Many of our cars carry an overdrive — a wonderful thing on a long tour, and a source of frustration when it sulks. Most overdrive problems come down to fluid cleanliness, hydraulic pressure and electrical control rather than catastrophic failure. We strip, clean and test these units thoroughly, set them up correctly, and sort the wiring and solenoid that so often cause intermittent faults, so the overdrive engages crisply every time you ask for it.
Leak-free and quiet
An overhauled transmission should be as pleasant to live with as it is to use: quiet, smooth, and dry beneath. We renew seals throughout, set every clearance correctly, and road-test the car to confirm the shift quality before it goes back to you. The reward is a car you change gear in for the pleasure of it — exactly as the original drivers did.