The description above suggests it is a remote box not a rod change.

Sorry Simon, my double dutch jibbering, it definitely is a remote gearbox. It is a 4 speed syncro box converted to take the original remote, has been this way for 30 or so years. And now has pot joints to boot.

Yep peterb, removed the linkages down behind the motor, uses a socket and long bar, can select all gears bar second, like hitting a brick wall, something inside the box is stopping it from going in. Anyway, out she comes.

It's a 4 speed syncro box with remote extension mini053. I'm just going to pull it out, seperate from the engine, have a squiz in case it's something obvious, and send it back to be fixed.

We'll all stay tuned. Looking forward to the next episode.

Just a thought if it was a 3 synchro....hope you get it sorted mate.

Pulled the motor out, split the box, saw the problem straight away. Took it back to my man on Friday, stripped, appears the 1st/2nd selector fork thingy was a late model one. When selecting 2nd, the fork was hitting against the gearbox casing. Changed out, reassembled everything today, repainted and ready to install tomorrow. The guy was pissed off with himself, but hey, crap happens sometimes, we'll get over it.

Thanks to everyone for their inputs and information. Much appreciated.

bugger, but alls well that ends well.... I bet he'll do a gear change check next time

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

He can't cop all the blame though. I shouldn't have had to, but maybe I should have checked as well. Learnings for other people here. Check, check then check again. With a bit of luck I'll be going for a spin around my paddock and up in to the court as well this arvo. A nice policeman lives there, maybe I'll pick him up for a burn !

I like to do everything myself - which also means I like to fiddle with things - so I'm pretty sure that if I'd had a gearbox rebuilt by someone I'd be playing with it to see how it worked before I put it a motor on it...

but I don't like building things for other people, because if I stuff something up then I've let them down when they trusted me to do a good job, which really sucks - so I know how he feels

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

The UK are suppling 3 synchro 1-2 selector forks as suitable for 4 synchro remote boxes. The 4 synchro forks were shorter and weaker.
Sometimes these fit OK (my car), other times (eg a recent box I did) they need trimming to fit. The rear wall of the gearbox case varies in position.
I guess doing this saves the manufacturer keeping a part.
Just check before putting the cluster gear, diff pinion and diff in!!!

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Yep, I feel the same Simon, I like doing my own stuff where I can. The guy is a top bloke, do anything for you and yes, I should have checked. I'll still be dealing with him though. No harm done, just time, I'll miss the mini show next weekend though, but should make it to the big day out in Dec.

when I used to swing spanners for a living on mini cog boxes etc I checked all my own work before any bills were paid..............

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....you just lost him his insurance bonus!

997

Went for a run today, all gears work fine. Now sorthing out a few tething problems then she'll be on the road.