Just got my first Beddy and need help!

[mongo]

Hey everyone,

I am from Melbourne and i just bought my first bedford van earlier this year, 1981 CF.

Just wondering if anyone knows any good mechanics in melbourne that don't mind working on these vans?

I'm thinking of changing it to an automatic because the bloke i got it from has put in a 5 speed supra himself and i'm struggling to get a roadworthy because of this.
Every mechanic has told me the gear stick is way too far back, and i either need to get a longer stick made, or put in the original transmission.
I'd probably prefer to drive auto so if anyone can help me out with people to talk to about this that would rule!!

Thanks

[Zeeman]

Fluidrive in Coburg have done transmission work on my past beddies. They are knowledgeable, and easy to deal with.

A rebuilt Trimatic would be the cheapest way to go.

[mongo]

Zeeman,
I will give them a call tomorrow..Cheers!

[hotrod]

just be aware they might have/ probably put the 5 speed in to overcome the crappy diff ratio and if you go back to an auto you will most likely go back to a crappy top speed (90k revving the crap out of it) and will then have to spring for a diff conversion which would make getting a longer stick/ modifying yours look downright cheap

[Zeeman]

If the conversion is all finished, of course it will be much cheaper just to modify the gearstick.

Even asuming you can sell the the 5 speed box for decent money, it will be $1000 or more, and there is the diff ratio to consider.

Is this the LWB from Collingwood?

[Rothu]

I've got the 5 speed celica gearbox and had no problem with RWC. It had an after market gearstick extension that curved forwards. I recently made another stick even longer which works real good. The gearbox you've got is a very good one, almost unbreakable, so I'd keep it rather than getting costs of transferring an auto.