Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone has had experience rebuilding 3 synchro Moss gearboxes out there, especially in regard to the synchroniser hubs.
The Factory Parts book (pp. 16-6) shows, on the 3rd/4th synchroniser, 3 ***** and plungers, 3 springs for the ***** & plunder, plus 3 "thrust members", whatever the hell they are!
Upon stripping down my 'box, I find it has TWO plungers and SIX ***** with springs, and ZERO thrust members.
Does anyone know if these synchronisers were modified on later boxes, as the one I have has an unknown history, ie no idea what car it originally came from.
This "project" involves ditching the BW auto in my Mk2, for a manual stick shift.
Any help would be massively appreciated.

Pete

 

OK, I panicked!
After consulting the real Factory Manual (E121) I have sorted the problem I had with my *****.
Not as painful as I first thought!

Cheers everyone.

Pete

 

Pete, This is one of those 'if I were going there, I'd start from somewhere else' replies.

My car has a Moss box, but I've no experience of working on the parts below the lid. I have worked only on the shift mechanism. I think almost everyone would say don't bother. The Moss box is strong and mechanically efficient, but fairly (or extremely) agricultural in action. Many parts are difficult to find. It's better to obtain a later Jaguar all synchro and better still a 5 speed conversion. I think there should be a good supply of Toyota W58 Supra boxes in Australia. It's about as nice a gear change as you'll find. Dellow in New Zealand and probably others can supply most of the parts you need.

 

Redtriangle: Glad your ***** are no longer painful... (well, someone had to comment on this!)

 

Gold Bond medicated powder works wonders too; for that difficult to reach place.

 

Thanks Peter for your thoughts. Yes, I did consider the possibility of a 5 speed conversion but I inherited an overdrive Moss box with another non-overdrive for possible spares, so I thought I'd stick with what I found in the Parts Department (back shed).
Plus affordability. Too much $$$ wasted on cars in my lifetime, keeping in mind George Best's experiences, less the booze & fast women!
Besides, I'm sorta content with spending (wasting) my time rebuilding the Moss unit, hiding in the garage away from the wife!

Pete

 

With you. After all, we don't do any of this stuff because it's what the conventional world would consider sensible. Certainly, most folks would send at least one of my cars to the scrap yard...

 

Peter3442
Shame on you
Dellow is an Australian company based in Sydney. A friend of mine (now deceased) and Geoff Dellow developed the Jaguar to Toyota Supra gearbox system.
My friend and Geoff used to drop into my place when Geoff was in this area.
Cheers an LOL

 

Sorry Bill, a Kiwi that I know well has sung their praises to me when I've been in Perth and it's confused my old brain.

 

Peter
On account of the three great As threatening us geriatrics (age, alzymers and alcohol) you are forgiven.
It's a pity that red triangle doesn't live closer to me as I have 3 moss boxes in my shed, and one is an overdrive.

 

Yeah ~ I have a Moss & OD lying around from one of my donors that was converted from Auto. But it's a little far away.

 

In my family they used to speak of the options: bald, grey, or senile.

The challenge of making a Moss work well is difficult to resist (and rarely achieved).

 

Well gentlemen, I have managed to re-assemble my gear box and upon fitting the top cover and gear change, I can select all gears (with a distinct agricultural feel!).
Not without some drama I might add. The first attempt resulted in ZERO gear selection at all.
I have not disturbed the O/D unit. One look at the manual had me running for cover! If there's no O/D once back in the car, well bad luck.
Many more late nights to get the reconditioned 4.2 engine & gearbox installed.
Thanks for all the amusing banter.

Pete