Jason C Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 Hi folks, Slowly working through items to purchase for my overdrive conversion. Good things take time, so people tell me. 🙂 I am installing a J-Type Overdrive unit to my Triumph Vitesse, 2 Litre, 1968. Does anyone know what the length of Speedo Cable should be to accommodate the overdrive unit? My non-overdrive speedo cable measures 1400mm long from end to end of the inner cable. Would 1600mm be correct? Enough cable to be safe...? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martins Stag Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 Jason I would think so, I assume you have an angle drive too? Make sure you have the right end to attach to your speedo too and i think there we two different ends? I would also suggest to try and make the installation of the cable as smooth as possible so there are no tight bends.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobPearce Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 I would think 1600mm would be plenty. As I recall, when I converted my first Vitesse from non-OD to D-type and then to J-type, I retained the same speedo cable all through. Martin is right about the ends. The gearbox end is a larger knurled nut than the speedo end (unlike rev counter cables, where both ends are the large type). Later cars (Spitfire 1500, Dolomite) used a plastic push-on latch fitting at the speedo. I think the 0622 type cable is the one you want, the subsequent figure being the length in inches, so an 0622-56 to an 0622-64 sort of range. I had one lying around somewhere that I figured was too long, but I don't remember exactly waht part number it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrapman Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 Make sure your J-type has the adapter fitted to allow you to screw the angle drive to if you intend to use one, J-types do not always use them in Triumph applications Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 15, 2022 Author Share Posted November 15, 2022 16 hours ago, Martins Stag said: I would think so, I assume you have an angle drive too? Make sure you have the right end to attach to your speedo too and i think there we two different ends? I would also suggest to try and make the installation of the cable as smooth as possible so there are no tight bends.... Hi @Martins Stag thanks for the pointers, will aim for a nice smooth arc. 15 hours ago, RobPearce said: I would think 1600mm would be plenty. As I recall, when I converted my first Vitesse from non-OD to D-type and then to J-type, I retained the same speedo cable all through. Thanks @RobPearce very useful info! Perhaps I will try the original cable on for size once the OD unit is in the car. By the way, did your Vitesse have a bracket to secure to Speedo cable within the engine bay? 9 hours ago, thescrapman said: Make sure your J-type has the adapter fitted to allow you to screw the angle drive to if you intend to use one, J-types do not always use them in Triumph applications Thank you @thescrapman good tip, just checked my angle drive. Connects perfectly to the drive, I managed to find an original Smiths one. Thank you all, most appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 15, 2022 Author Share Posted November 15, 2022 Interestingly, a Smiths Speedometer flexible drive catalogue from 1968 lists the Vitesse, 2 Litre OD with a 1525mm length cable. Although, the Vitesse would have originally been fitted with a D-type OD. Anyone know if the D-type is a similar dimension to that of the J-type unit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobPearce Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 3 hours ago, Jason C said: By the way, did your Vitesse have a bracket to secure to Speedo cable within the engine bay? No, I don't think I've seen such a bracket as original fitment on any of my cars, though I have added one (a P-clip to the gearbox top cover) on at least the GT6. 3 hours ago, Jason C said: Anyone know if the D-type is a similar dimension to that of the J-type unit? The J-type is a tiny bit longer than the D-type - perhaps an inch all in - but the difference to the speedo cable is minimal. There is a tendency for the angle drive to sit very close to the chassis and floor pan, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martins Stag Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 Rob I had a P clip on my bellhousing too. I used to run some 3 in 1 oil into the cable and the angel drive with the aim to reduce friction and brakage within the angle drive do people think this is a good idea? I always think that the angle drive is always the weakpoint and I have found that they can break. They are easy enough to replace but need the transmission tunnel to be taken out which is a pain. I would also cut an inspection hatch in the side of the gearbox cover to enable you to access the top up plug on the gearbox to save you having to take the whole cover out aswell... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 22 hours ago, Jason C said: Hi folks, Slowly working through items to purchase for my overdrive conversion. Good things take time, so people tell me. 🙂 I am installing a J-Type Overdrive unit to my Triumph Vitesse, 2 Litre, 1968. What exactly is the spec of the new set up Jason. Are you modifying the existing box or swopping the complete unit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 15, 2022 Author Share Posted November 15, 2022 2 hours ago, RobPearce said: The J-type is a tiny bit longer than the D-type - perhaps an inch all in - but the difference to the speedo cable is minimal. There is a tendency for the angle drive to sit very close to the chassis and floor pan, though. Great info, thanks @RobPearce by the sounds the standard Smiths OD cable length should be perfect. My current non-OD cable has a nice flowing curve, seems plenty. 1 hour ago, Martins Stag said: I would also cut an inspection hatch in the side of the gearbox cover to enable you to access the top up plug on the gearbox to save you having to take the whole cover out aswell... ? @Martins Stag Good idea! Would you believe I still have the original cardboard material, but should be able to add a port, maybe with a simple large rubber bung. 56 minutes ago, glang said: What exactly is the spec of the new set up Jason. Are you modifying the existing box or swopping the complete unit? Hi there @glang, looking to rebuild the original box (needs rebuilding in any case), and fit the Overdrive at the same time. Have most of the major parts, need to rebuild gearbox and overdrive. Its been a very slow burn as have other items to fix... 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 2 hours ago, Jason C said: Hi there @glang, looking to rebuild the original box (needs rebuilding in any case), and fit the Overdrive at the same time. Have most of the major parts, need to rebuild gearbox and overdrive. Its been a very slow burn as have other items to fix... 🙂 ok so just to check, you have sourced a 3 rail mainshaft for J type (part TKC899)? This is different to one for D type and was originally for a Spitfire but presumably can be used with the Vitesse internals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobPearce Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 Is that the same as the mainshaft for an early 1850 Dolomite 3-rail with J-type (which would be the one to use for a Vitesse)? The alternative would be later Dolomite (single rail) internals into a 3-rail casing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 Youre right Rob it is the same one so makes it more likely the Vitesse gears etc will go on it although I know changes were made between the Vitesse and late GT6/Dolomite 1850 units... As you say a straight transplant of internals might be the safest option but the longer single rail mainshaft will make the finished gearbox more difficult to fit wont it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 16, 2022 Author Share Posted November 16, 2022 12 hours ago, glang said: ok so just to check, you have sourced a 3 rail mainshaft for J type (part TKC899)? This is different to one for D type and was originally for a Spitfire but presumably can be used with the Vitesse internals. Hi @glang yup, have the correct main shaft for the unit. Thanks for cross checking, most appreciated. Always best to have the correct parts to help reduce frustrations when it’s open on the bench. Appreciate all the help guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 Just one last thing then, the OD to gearbox adaptor. You need 313085 which is is the shorter one (to match your mainshaft) as used I believe on 3 rails fitted with D or J types. The wider one used on single rails isnt suitable and is what make those units 1" longer so a real struggle to fit in Vitesse or GT6... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 16, 2022 Author Share Posted November 16, 2022 Hi @glang nice one, yup I have sourced a Stanpart overdrive adaptor plate. Also have the mount bracket and rubber mount. 🙂 Current item to ponder is the prop shaft, namely how long it should be. And the cleanest method to cut the gearbox tunnel and make a cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 The prop is easy as your set up will be standard Vitesse OD length and from here thats 43.5" Propshaft Problems : Canley Classics That info confirms this as the same length prop was used for all 3 rail OD Spitfires (mkl - Vl) and these as we know came with both D and J types.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 18, 2022 Author Share Posted November 18, 2022 On 17/11/2022 at 00:45, glang said: The prop is easy as your set up will be standard Vitesse OD length and from here thats 43.5" Thanks @glang this is a great help! Is the 43.5inch measurement from end to end? If I reuse the existing prop-shaft, I would need to find an expert to cut down the prop shaft itself, to make the 43.5inch total length? Do people typically rebuild the prop shaft, replace UJ etc while it‘s removed? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 18, 2022 Share Posted November 18, 2022 From my free-to-download workshop manual it says 43.5" is the closed total length and 44.2" when installed. Not really worth cutting an existing prop to make a standard length one when theyre available new, balanced and delivered for under 200 pounds. Cheaper would be a secondhand one but good OD ones especially not so easy to find and could need new U/Js and balance. The prop isnt a difficult item to fit/remove (although it is a bit of a faff under the car) so you could fit one without doing anything to it and then take it off again to sort out any problems you find when driving... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason C Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 Hi @glang! Apologies for my tardy reply, this is really helpful. I’ll do some investigation on specialists locally that could make a new prop shaft. The postage to NZ would perhaps be prohibitive for the size and weight. Do you think the best course of action would be to remove the prop shaft from the car and take to a specialist to build one from new? Also, I have now received a nice new OD speedo cable, another part ready in the kit. 🙂 Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 Yes I can see delivery cost might be high so a locally made item would be a good idea or if that proves difficult perhaps get one send from Australia? Either way because its got to be right I would fit everything to the car and then confirm the length required. Before that though you could make some enquires and maybe if your existing prop is in good condition cutting down by a specialist who can balance it afterwards would be the way to go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppy916 Posted December 11, 2022 Share Posted December 11, 2022 I cut two inspection holes in my GT6 Tunnel, it makes topping up the gearbox oil and the speedo take off very easy they are fixed with two duzes fixings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppy916 Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 Check the cable length is it 48" or 57" or even 60" https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GSD111 https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GSD115 https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GSD117 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppy916 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Used the GSD117 60 Inch in my Mk3 GT6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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