Project 6-speed

[thechuckster]

tho both are very charming folk.

[Norbie]

OK, thanks to Townie (aka welding guy) the tunnel is mostly done. Sure it doesn't look too pretty, but it's strong so that's the main thing.



More photos here.

The gearbox will be coming out in the next week or two, depending when Mr Toyota decides to send me the parts I ordered, at which point I'll paint the tunnel inside and out with etch primer, then cover it in that nasty black tar stuff, then fill the remaining small gaps with some kind of goo, then paint over the top. Once the carpet goes back you won't see most of the new sections of tunnel, and the centre console will cover what's left. As you can see from the photos the console doesn't quite fit properly and will need to be hacked a bit to accomodate the new shifter position, but that's not a big deal for me. Me have six speed, me happy.

Now I just have to pull a wad of cash out of my ass so I can afford a new tailshaft and custom fuel lines.

[Draven]

and find a new home for your handbrake? or will it still be ok in 4th?

[Norbie]

Nah the handbrake will be fine - you can see it in the photo above under the tarp, and there's not a lot of travel in the shifter so it won't even come close.

[Viper]

Looking nice Mr. Norbie.

Hows the positioning with the drivers seat?
Still reasonably comfortable?

[Draven]

it should be good - the ma61 shifter was always a bit too far foward
sounds like the mods to the centre console will be minimal too... a very neat & easy conversion then! (if you, you know, ignore the whole rebuilding of the tranny tunnel )

[-==L=a=N=c=E==-]

all great conversions require some degree of cutting....

[Norbie]

Hows the positioning with the drivers seat?
Still reasonably comfortable?

You'll notice in the photos that the seats have been removed, so it's sorta hard to tell right now. It's not a big change though so I doubt it will be a problem.

[Negative Boost]

Awsome work! Looks like you'll be enjoying 6 speed goodness shortly.

[Esteban]

Parts should arrive any day now ... :-)

[The Witzl]

You'll notice in the photos that the seats have been removed, so it's sorta hard to tell right now. It's not a big change though so I doubt it will be a problem.

you are also about 4ft tall.... so bringing the shifter closer wont be a problem for you.

[Alchemist]

Yup, the throw on the V160/1 is really short anyway, looking good Now you can join the club of confusing people who get in your car and try to put it in R (not that I let very many people drive my car....)

[Draven]

it's even worse when you hop in a 5-speed and just as you hit 110 on the motorway you *almost* go to shift into 6th, which is actually reverse

[Mos]

It's funny when a gated auto confuses ppl.

On topic - nice work, wish I had one

Mos.

[Alchemist]

Yup Seriously the sexiest GB in a Toyota I reckon, even if they didn't make it. Just so smooth & short, it can be a little noisy, but who cares and 5th is perfect for cruising around at 60 and 6th is great around 80....can get on a freeway put it in 6th and just drive for hours....