1974 GTV Bellhouse Blues...

[Geoffz]

Its obvious what happened...who knows why...metal fatigue? My question is...can you replace the housing without jerking the engine?...ie drop the trans and go from there...? Thanks in advance. Geoffz

[Chsmadden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffz Its obvious what happened...who knows why...metal fatigue?

[papajam]

d) the starter support bracket is missing

[rockiemosley]

It is possible to drop the tranny out the bottom- I did it for a clutch replacement on my 89 1750 gtv. Not easy, but possible. You will need to go to the chiropractor afterwards.

[Shire_GTV]

Been there, done that....

Seriously though. I had the exact same thing happen to my 74' Berlina. I was able to get the box and bellhousing off leaving the engine in the car but it was tight, and the Berlina has a wider transmission tunnel than the GTV.

The next question/ answer to find out is which particular gearbox/bellhousing combination you have.

The earlier gearbox has longer selector shafts that stick through into the bellhousing through a open elongated window. These bell housings have a reversing light switch that simply attaches to the bellhousing via a small sheet metal bracket.

The later gearbox has shorter selector shafts. Consequently the bell housing has no window for them to stick through. The reversing light is a screw in type in this instance.

I have no idea what bellhousing availability is like in the US but it took me six months to track one of any type down and then I had to buy the gearbox that was attached to it at the same time. Maybe consider having your old one welded up by someone with cast aluminium welding experience.

(Photos attached)

[Fletch]

Hi Papajam,

I've searched starter support bracket, and can't find a photo of it. Also checked my short spare parts catalogue to no avail. Anyone have any idea which 'Tavola' it's listed under?...or have a photo saved? ...I know my car is missing it !!

Cheers,
Fletcher.

[Shire_GTV]

Fletch: my bellhousing in photo 3 missing the starter part HAD the "starter support bracket" mounted. On earlier cars the bracket was thicker and more substancial. Later cars have a thiner (and apparently useless in my case) one.

[Kilgore Trout]

Here you go:

[Fletch]

Thanks Gents!

Appreciate the info and photos.

Looks like it shouldn't be to hard to fabricate.

[Lee Hjelsand]

I have one in Stainless steel if you are interested Cost me $20.00 to make it

[Fletch]

Thanks for the offer Lee, let me check the boys in the club here first, if not I'll PM you.

Regards,
Fletcher.

[Mound Dawg]

I've taken the gearbox out of GTs a few times. It's no worse a job than most other RWD cars (and easier than a few). The gearbox is quite a bit lighter than some... Helps to have an assistant lying under the car with you.