Practically Classics Forum

The gearbox in my Rapier is in need of some TLC so if anyone can recommend a place to use please let me know.

I'm based in Yeovil, Somerset but happy to travel (within reason) for somewhere good.

Thanks

i think these guys rebuilt the gearbox on my old fourtrack.. i was happy with the result..
http://www.autotransgloucester.co.uk/

You could try The Rapiers Owners club, even if you are not a member there's usually a forum with tips from members. You will probably find someone with a car like yours that's had similar work done, from whom you can glean the information that you need. Other than that, Rich's link isn't that far from you.

Exeter gearbox centre not too far either.

jpsh120 wrote:The gearbox in my Rapier is in need of some TLC so if anyone can recommend a place to use please let me know.

I'm based in Yeovil, Somerset but happy to travel (within reason) for somewhere good.

Thanks

Is it by any chance jumping out of second gear?

Incidentally, in case you are not aware, the H120 gearbox differs internally from all others of the same era, apart from the Hunter GLS.

Thanks guys. I am a member of the owners club and part of the forum but it's quite quiet on there so thought I would throw my net a bit wider. I've already phoned a couple of places who both told me the car is too old and too difficult to get parts for!

It doesn't jump out of gear, it's just very noisy at idle in neutral.

jpsh120 wrote:It doesn't jump out of gear, it's just very noisy at idle in neutral.

Does it quieten down as the revs increase?

Flatlander wrote:

jpsh120 wrote:It doesn't jump out of gear, it's just very noisy at idle in neutral.

Does it quieten down as the revs increase?

No, only when you depress the pedal does the noise go away.

jpsh120 wrote:No, only when you depress the pedal does the noise go away.

Sounds like clutch release bearing to me, might be nothing much wrong with the gearbox at all?

Luxobarge wrote:..Sounds like clutch release bearing to me, might be nothing much wrong with the gearbox at all?

+1.
Maybe the carbon has come loose in its carrier or, if it has the Laycock clutch (identifiable by its diaphragm style cover), the plate that's attached to the edge of the diaphragm fingers (to present a smooth surface to the carbon) has been known to work itself slack, this is taken up when the pedal is pressed and the pad contacts the cover.
If the clutch in this case is the Borg & Beck variety (identifiable by its coil spring cover), then uneven heating of the springs can cause the thrust pad to come off in a slightly skewed position so that the carbon only touches at one spot on initial contact but is flattened when the pedal is fully depressed.