Vintage gearset

[James Baxter]

I came accross this the other day.
I wonder if it is some sort of demonstration stand. It seems to include every gear necessary for a complete car.
All the gears are new, unused, save for a little surface rust, so they should come in handy one day!

image_zpsc8763acd.jpg

[ian Howell]

Assuming these ARE all Jowett, it lookds like you may have 'come across' a rich vein!

Any more where they came from? I could make good use of a few myself! (Others, form an orderly queue!).

[James Baxter]

Well i bought them from what remained, ie cleared out, once removed, most stuff disappeared, of a Jowett dealership in Hampshire.

I have a few spares already and having rebuilt my Short 2 it obviously is all Jowett.

I have a few spare parts. What do you need?

[ian Howell]

James: -

I recently rebuilt my 1930 gearbox with new bearings throughout but I am sure the back axle needs attention.

But as I haven't even had the car on the road since the gearbox job (I spend a lot of time in Wales with my disabled daughter) I am not rushing to start on the axle. I am hoping for a few trial runs in the next couple of weeks.

However, as a pre-emptive shot, could you please PM me with details of crownwheel, pinion, diff. spur gears etc. and availability?

Many thanks,

Ian H

[James Baxter]

Will do, am just up to my elbows in ERA gearboxes at the minute. Not Jowett ERA unfortunately.
I honestly dont know what i have until i look.
What ratios of rear axle are there? Peter Lilley used to fit a lower ratio for trialling, i think a later axle?
Were there different gearbox ratios? Or all the same?

Just seen different thread by George Garside about trialling.
14.7 for the earlier cars, and 19.9 for the late vintage?
Is that all in the rear axle with gearbox ratios the same? I expect not.

[ian Howell]

I will check out my ratio when I get back.

ERA eh?! Nice one! Were they 'made to measure' or adapted from a standard (Not 'Standard'!) box?

I have an interest in a post-war Formula I (well, Mercedes 'Silver Arrow' competitor actually) that needs a clutch.

Trouble is it's a 'one off' and apparently they had trouble finding one to take the power/torque even when it was new!

The engine and gearbox are there but the bell housing and clutch aint. Its bellhousing was 'made to measure' anyway, but we are looking at multiplate clutches from the 1940's.

Any advice?

[James Baxter]

I just sourced a clutch plate for a 1939 Mercedes, but road-going car. 7.7 litre 770k, with 150 engine. I know a good pattern maker for the bell housing. I had to have the splined shaft made from engine to gearbox as well.

ERA box has a lot in common with Riley. If you hear of a 9 or 12/4 preselector for sale please give me a shout.

Tip top

[ian Howell]

James: -

Thanks for the idea, I will check with the owner and guage his response. The car will be internationally important when completed so we feel it is vital to follow the principles envisaged by its designer/builder and original owner back in the 1940's.

The engine is made up from TWO Plymouth 6 cylinder blocks mated to a custom crankcase to make a flat-12 cylinder engine, which might give you a clue as to its genesis! It has 6 Rochester carburettors!

We know that the power originally broke a clutch from a Fiat truck and then a multiplate clutch of uncertain parentage. Both now missing. Certainly there was/will be loads of torque there.