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Wow, DIY ingenuity! My SIL has a press but hey, if its not a tight press, I may just try the DIY methods. Thanks. Mike

Thanks, Arne.

How do I remove the old and replace with new bearing on the collar? BFH, press, vise....?

Ok, now I have to show a few pics of my B engine bay. Nice job Arne. DougN, go to mgexperience.net for the BEST mg forum on the net. Many experienced guys like Arne, that love to share their knowledge. Mike

DougN, That is exactly want this guy has done! He is never going to restore any of these cars. He also has a couple of Bugeyes in a storage building but he would let us see them. And, he is on oxygen..... Glad you like the B.

Right on the money, DougN. My B is reliable, with the exception of a Pertronix ignition, and I drive it like I stole it.....

Carl, I hope you are right about more aftermarket items coming on line. Now about your B comments: what fun is a hobby car if it doesn't need your attention? It is funny, if I don't drive my B often enough, she gets cranky and stiff. But, she gives back so much pleasure in driving her that all the attention is well earned. If we did not want to work on our cars, we would be restoring Toyotas;-) Mike

DougN, I too share time with my '71 MGB. I sure would like to have a big Healey!!!! Isn't that a sad picture of an AH 100-4? The guy won't sell and he just lets this and several other British cars just rot! Mike

Steve, Hang in there, your are committed now;-) When I bought my B, I paid way too much. This LBC was in sad shape under her new Earl Scheib paint job....But now she is a show winner and a blast to drive. Arne, Good to hear from you. I found a 4 speed locally but have not installed yet. Your observation about numbers of cars is true, except, for example, I can buy a replacement pillow dash for a '69-'71 B for between $200 and $250. The number of these cars is probably about what the '69-'71 run of Z's were. Try finding a replacement dash covering for a '70 Z. Either you pay $500-$1700 for a used dash or use a plastic overlay to tidy things up. Hey, I love the Z car. I just am bitching because the aftermarket has not shown the Z or their owners, much love..... Mike

Stevef1972z, I am not intending to build a concour car, just a resto-mod that I can drive and be proud of. I agree that it is important for some of us to try to restore these cars to original condition. NOS or used original parts are understandably expensive, but where are the affordable reproductions? I have a feeling that many cars are being cannibalized for parts instead of being restored...the parts being worth much more than the restored car. That is just a shame. It would be nice if some of the aftermarket companies, like Year One, National Parts Depot, or LMC, would step up and reproduce more interior, suspension parts, etc. Mike

Lots of interesting comments. I guess I was just surprised by the cost of parts and lack of available reproductions for a Z versus the MGB that I have restored. Motorsport Auto is going to have a front center bumper available for the early cars, cost: $999.99. Anybody have any pictures of an early Z with nerf bars?? Mike

Prices for parts on Ebay are unbelievable. Someone just paid over $300.00 with shipping for a 240 fan shroud (sheet metal). Motorsport auto has fiberglass shrouds for $85.00. Ashtrays for early cars are pushing $200.00! These prices seem a little crazy to me. Recession? What recession?;-) Mike

Thank guys, the PDO install some sort of momentary switch in that spot(tacky looking). I think it is for a power antennae. This is just one example of some strange wiring. Say, is anyone reproducing wiring harnesses for our early cars? Mike Wow, that thread was great! So in our cars, what covered the square hole? A blanking insert or something?

On the early choke plate,'70, to the right of the rear window defroster switch, there are symbols like parking lights or fog lights embossed in the plastic. Mine has no switch to fit in that square hole below the symbols. What is supposed to be there?? Mike

So, bottom line is that this will not work for my '70 L24 without a lot of major work. Thanks the help. Mike

That would be for a 300ZX, right? Mike

Can anyone identify this tranny. Tail is marked 5W71C, body is marked TA71B. I will try to post pictures. Mike

Arne, I hope she has a good home...Thanks for the picture and the advise. I think I am armed with enough knowledge to get it done. Mike

2 fast, thanks for the lead, and all the way from Denmark... Arne, glad to hear you have a LBC! Mine is a '71. The late '67's are very desirable. Another question: In my search for 5 speeds, one seller said that my '70 diff would be incompatible due the gear ratio. What am I missing here or is he just wanting me to buy a different rear end? Mike

I guess I'll keep looking locally. Craigslist has been pretty thin on 5 speeds in my area. Arne, I would take yours if you were close. Ya know, its funny. You cannot give away a MGB 4 speed. Everyone want to convert to the overdrive, which I did. I have a very good one in my garage..... Mike

You guys are great! Thanks so much for the help. What do you think about the cost of the 5 speed? BTW, plus about $130 in shipping. The 4 speed was from a '73:-( Mike

I have a line on a '83 5 speed with 1 year warranty ($495) and a local 4 speed ($120). Not sure what year of 4 speed. I want to replace the clutch when I make the swap, do I buy a clutch that fits the tranny year or the of my car, 1970? Thanks for the help! Mike

Thanks guys for some great comments. I was thinking to go the quick route and just get another 4-speed, but for a little more money and effort, I would have that 5th gear. I went to an overdrive in my 1971 MGB and it made a world of difference at freeway speeds. Mike

Arne, Yes, the search thing did not do me much good. Your comments are very helpful. Sounds like a bolt on except you cannot shift....:-( What is involved with enlarging the opening in the tunnel and console? Thanks, Mike

Well, today was the day, after 14 years, I fired up my 1970 Z. All seemed well until after about 20 miles, the tranny started whining as I shifted. I nursed her home to within 50 yards of my house when the tranny seized and locked the rear wheels! That was fun!! After all the time and money spent on Z-Therapy carbs, all new hydraulic, rotors, brakes, etc., I had not checked the tranny oils level. So, I see this as an opportunity--conversion to 5-speed. Can anyone guide me as to what year of 5 speed will bolt up, potential problems, cost estimates, and good sources. Thanks, Mike