Another Triumph Milestone Accomplished

or
How I Learned to Love GL4

This past weekend became a major milestone in my Triumph book of history-the installation of a rebuilt 'gearbox' back into the '76 Spitfire. (I'm trying hard to use Triumph-English instead of English slang terms, like 'transmission'. I'm still working on 'boot' instead of 'trunk', but have a ways to go.) Possibly the only milestone of more significance is 8/27/00-the day I read a newspaper add, stuffed my wife and two sons into our family car, a 1990 Sable, and drove to Arlington Heights to bring home our first Triumph. Although that day was filled with fun and excitement, I never anticipated all which lay ahead. After research on the 'net for most of the weekend, that car was probably sold before the Sable backed out of the drive. I've always enjoyed auto mechanics, and with two teen age boys in the back seat, we weren't going to take a 90 minute drive into the big city without returning with a small British Sports Car.

It was just becoming twilight as we pulled into the drive next to the Triumph as the owner came out to greet us. Simply stated, this guy was a real salesman. Clear to me, he didn't know who he was dealing with. All he needed to do was hand over the keys, and get out of the way. But the poor fellow must've been desperate to sell-he immediately went into bragging about all the work he'd done to restore the car: rebuilt brakes, new convertible top, carpets, rebuilt seats, new bushing, new rear mainspring, CV joint... It went on and on for what seemed like days.

Upon return from the first test drive, I was greeted with an overwhelming "Wasn't that really smooth?", but of course, all I could think about was how I was to accomplish my first transmission rebuild job. As he went on to tell me more things he'd done to the car, I realized that anyone that could read could eventually do anything-even rebuild a transmission. It's just time and money.

One test drive always seems to provide more information than non-stop talking: The brake pedal was slightly soft, and provided minimal braking power. That noticeable gear grinding in second & third was a definite problem, and then there was the 'clunk' and 'thud' from the back end. I'd rather not discuss the steering-it would remind me of the trip on the expressway to get back home.

I've always been nervous about an old car with brand new, clear brake fluid in the master cylinder. It probably means the old stuff out ran out through a wheel, and it was replaced with new fluid this morning. I was especially cautioned when he didn't know if the car had electronic or mechanical ignition. But more on those items in another story. (Never a dull moment with a Triumph.)

Funny thing, as I backed the Triumph down his driveway for its last time: he ran alongside happy as ever. And we were really happy too. I guess that's how the world works-He's happy 'cause we bought his problems, and we're happy 'cause we've got a new car.

As we were driving home, I tried numerous unsuccessful experiments to determine how to shift without that clash-that started the long anticipation of the trans rebuild. I knew reading would solve the problem, so I started with the 'net. Locating parts supply houses was not difficult. Next, I discovered the ISOA. Interesting idea, but what would I do in a sports car club? But then again, what could it hurt? After my first meeting in November, I told my wife I'd never seen so many highly enthusiastic, capable mechanics, having that much fun located in one place in my life! This whole Triumph thing was starting to add a new dimension here. The first meeting even had a discussion about the 'transmission re-build clinic' in February! Did these guys read my mind, or what?

Trans Clinic 101
So I arrived at Bill & Sheri Pyle's garage early Saturday morning, with 'gearbox' in hand, most of my tools and a small carpet I was willing to call home for the next few hours (I didn't want to compete for bench space, which is always limited.) Then I set up camp and started to dismantle the problem I purchased on 8/27/00. With three other transmissions in the garage, I didn't think I could get into too much trouble, and I did bring the manual-I knew I could read. But what really made the day was when Carl, Chuck and Joe came to help. It was just great having not only moral support, but good experience, company, and knowledgeable help along every step of the way. Joe Pawlak just jumped in and took over at the critical steps. So much for reading; with Joe's help, we didn't need the manual! In fact, we were near completion at lunch time! Joe's not only knowledgeable, but very patient and fun to work with.

Bill's garage was filled with a high level of activity-and filled with highly interested people that could be divided into three groups: those working on their own parts, like transmissions, wheel hubs..., experts helping resolve difficult problems, and those watching to see how all this works. It's truly gratifying to see the number of people that came just to help out. With the enthusiasm, it was tough to break for lunch, although that was a terrific event in itself. We did have to break for a quick instructional from Joe about gear lube though. Only use GL4, as GL5 & GL6 deteriorate the brass bushing in Triumphs.

After a few hours of testing and adjusting, the Spitfire 'gearbox' was ready for installation. "What a difference a day makes" came to mind often Sunday. Although I enjoy working alone in my garage, it was a bit difficult to install the transmission by myself. I guess these aren't called compact cars because they have a lot of extra room. I certainly could have used an extra 1/4" here or there. Besides being long, bulky and heavy, the gearbox is a tight fit back into the Spit. Using two floor jacks, one under the engine, the other to hold the gearbox, and with the aid of a few long bolts as guides, it finally went back in. Then off to Auto Zone for GL4. All they had available was one product rated "GL3, GL4, & GL5". I figured on the average I was OK, so I bought it. It will take several more weeks before the gearbox can be fully tested, as other rebuild work must first be completed. There's a real sense of accomplishment to see these things back together again.

And it's true-as long as you can read, you can do anything. I read about the ISOA on the 'net.

By Steve Schultz