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MG MGB Technical - MGB Gear lever

I would appreciate thoughts on the MGB gear lever spec. I recently purchased a '64 MK1 (pull handle) roadster. The car has its original shell and is fitted with a 3 synchro overdrive gearbox. However for some reason in the past an incorrect gear lever has been fitted because although the lever is chrome plated, it has a double bend in the shaft as per a non overdrive box. As I wish to return the car to as close to original spec as possible I purchased what I was assured by a reputable trader at a recent Mg show, was the correct lever. The lever has a straight shaft. I was not entirely convinced this was the case and contacted another supplier, explained what I needed, ordered it and yes you've guessed it, the same straight style lever was deliverd. However the publication 'Original MG' by Anders Clausager and indeed most trade supplier diagrams refer to the lever for a MK1, 3 synchro overdrive box as having a single bend in the shaft below the rubber gaiter. The straight levers locate ok and gear selection does not seem to be affected. Apart from the difference in visible shaft shape there is another dimensional difference that is confusing. The length of the shaped operating shaft that is located beneath the spherical ball joint (under the securing circlip) to the smaller operating ball (with plastic bush fitted) is much shorter on the straight lever compared with the existing non overdrive type. Are the gear levers for overdrive and non overdrive boxes interchangable? Could the straight one be from an MGA?
C WOODFIELD

See my comment on your thread under parts interchangeability. RAY
rjm RAY

I have forgotten whether they are interchangeablle or not, but the overdrive gearbox fitted to the 3 synchro gearboxes has a straight lever and the chrome ring and gear lever boot are turned around 180 degrees.
Ian Buckley

Hi Ian. My understanding from available specs and data is that the lever appears straight because the single bend is below the rubber gaiter and therefore not visible under normal conditions. I cannot find any data that refers to a completely straight lever for the 3 synchro O/D box. Chris
C Woodfield

This picture may help.
The top lever is for D-Type OD (3 syncro)
Middle lever Non-OD 3 syncro
Bottom lever 4 syncro
You can see the OD lever has a shorter distance between the large and small balls as compared to the non-Od lever (the top 2 levers
I have a D-type OD gearbox and the gear lever from my non-Od 3 syncro will not work properly in the OD box.
Hope this helps

DK McNeill

hello DK. Thanks for taking the time to photograph the gear levers. Your collection is growing as quickly as mine. But then I only want one, the correct one! This does shed some light on the issue because you have proved that the O/D lever (top in picture)has a shorter distance between the spherical ball and the operating ball compared with the non O/D type. It also has one single bend in the shaft. At last a sighting of the real thing! The one that was in the car when I bought it, is identical to the one in the centre of your photo, the non O/D type and thus incorrect for my 3 synchro O/D box. To complicate matters further and in contrast to your experiences, I noticed no adverse issues with gear selection with the 'incorrect lever'. My replacements (assured by two traders as being the correct style) have the shorter distance between the operating centres but the shafts are straight. It is fairly clear that if only to retain a modicum of sanity, I need to locate the single bend type as per your photo asap. The big question remains however. In what car do the straight levers belong? Thanks for your help. Chris
Chris Woodfield

Chris
I can't take credit for the photo as it was done by Peter Plouf. He also had difficulty getting the correct gear lever for his D-Type OD. He ultimately cut, shortened, and rewelded the small ball to the correct lenght to make it work.

Kent
DK McNeill

Kent
Now theres honesty. Thanks again.
Chris
Chris Woodfield

Chris

Obviously my memory has failed me and there is a bend below the rubber boot?

However I think something good has come from this.

As I am typing this a fuzzy picture comes into my head that perhaps I have one of 'those' gear levers in one of my boxes in the garage.

Presto, I almost went straight to the right one and there it is, looking very pristine as only an MG part that has lived its entire life in Australia could be.

The chrome is spot on too

Email me and I will send a better photo to you in case I am wrong again.

I also found an original vacuum switch and relay complete with the wiring loom.

After all this...... yes I will sell the lever.

cheers

Ian Buckley

Chris,

I confirm the right gear lever for a 3 sync. OD gearbox lever is bent under the boot like the top one in DK Mc Neill and Ian Buckley pics. Not a good pick but in situ.

Guy RENOU

Ian/Guy
Thanks for the pics. They certainly prove the point. I feel I am now making some headway. Ian please see my email.
Chris
Chris Woodfield

This thread was discussed between 03/03/2010 and 06/03/2010

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