The following was posted on the Reliant World forum by member Red Rebel
I do not know if you can see the images if you click on the link below if you view as a guest ?
http://www.reliantworld.co.uk/index.php?threads/red-rebel-a-update.393/The following is the extract , minus the images ;Another modification I've been working on is a fully synchro' Gearbox -
The early semi-synchro rebel Gearbox is derived from the Regal but has a much longer mainshaft and a tailshaft extension with remote gearchange mounted on top -
This remote is a precise feeling short throw setup which gained much praise in period reviews (virtually always considered best in its class).
Later 750cc Rebels have a fully synchro gearbox but lost the remote change, as well as having synchromesh on first/second this box also benefits from a higher ratio gearset and better parts availability (close ratio gear-sets are also available for this box!).
I decided to build a gearbox based on the 750 box but having the benefits of the early boxes Remote Change, this is complicated somewhat as reverse is a longer throw on the later box as well as being in a different position.
Having decided to create the ultimate Rebel gearbox it stood to reason the antiquated carbon clutch release bearing setup should be engineered out -
Later three wheelers use a Ford Fiesta/escort roller bearing clutch - although this was only made as a cable operated setup.
I've decided on a hydraulically operated system as this will be smoother and more robust, this has required welding bushes into the bell-housing to take a vertical cross-shaft to mount the Ford bearing on.
All Rebels (and most 3 wheelers) are fitted with inertia starters -
When starting from hot it inevitably takes two or three attempts before the engine fully catches as the inertia starter gets kicked out as soon as the engine try's to fire.
Very late three wheelers have a pre-engaged starter and therefore a different bell-housing, unfortunately these gearboxes are not compatible with a Rebel tailshaft extension so I've taken a section from one of these later bell-housing and welded it into my inertia gearbox.
The end result will be a Franken'Gearbox which will have synchromesh on all gears. Short throw remote gearchange, Pre-engaged starter and Hydrualicly operated Ford Roller Bearing Clutch,
This is built using entirely New old Stock components with the exception of the Mainshaft and the case.
Overview of modified gearbox with remote change unfitted: [IMG]
Section removed from original bell-housing: [IMG]
Showing section from late pre-engaged box welded in and (unfinished) clutch operating shaft and arm fitted:
[IMG]
Arrangement of Ford release bearing - Note newly drilled inspection hole filled with rubber plug for checking bearing once fitted to car: [IMG]
I've modified the flywheel from the standard 3 bolt fixing:.... [IMG]
And drilled and threaded the crankshaft to suit:.... [IMG]
