IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO FIT A MATADOR GEARBOX ON YOUR OWN ??

I had a great idea, why not fit a Matador gearbox on your own, how hard can it be?
The on going journey to save AEC Matador #248 , PART 10
Matador Restoration

[paulmoore]

Great job. That gearbox is a lovely lump of engineering. Happy new year 🎉

[grahammaclure]

From an old heavy industry maintenance man I found that jobs like that are 80% planning 20% doing and a smidgeon of luck for how well it works out. Excellent work.

[rustyrover]

Improvise adapt and overcome at it’s best 👏👏👏👏👏

[roberthay]

I fitted a gearbox and transfer box in a series 2 landrovers many years ago in the back lane using a trolley jack and wooden chocks to get the height.it was made easier with the floor being out.mind you I was a land rover nut in those days and a lot lot younger.

[waynewatts-ellson]

Really glad to see you making progress with Bernard. I hope you managed to continue at a steady pace and I really look forward to your future videos

[northlandrider]

There are many reasons why old mechanics of my vintage have back problems. This is one of them.😄

[ptonpc]

Just found your channel. The Matador is great old beast.

[stevehill]

As you say, doing the gearbox not in a workshop isn't easy but they were intended that they could be repaired "in the field", as for the clutch brake I used work at a truck gearbox repair shop and Volvo I-shift boxes had as part of the clutch release bearing operation an input shaft brake (common fault was the pneumatic seals would fail but shifting would try to take place with engine/box still engaged and no slowing of the gearbox internals, consequences is a blown gearbox), great to hear you've maybe found a replacement axle for the Fordson.

[bernardwill]

Happy new year all. Interesting view such an old gearbox .Greetings from Germany.

[MillwalltheCat]

Nothing to worry about!
You can't help but notice that state of the woodwork, and I do suppose it will be replaced at some point, but what wood is it, ash?
Good vid.

[Daniel-S]

Good idea to use a crane to lift the box UP for installation.

[Dave.w-evqn]

That gearbox looks like work of art with all its brass fittings. The clutch sounds similar to a live drive on a fordson major. Is that a compressor on the side of the box?

[tonybolton]

the matador was to produced to be maintained in the field so as you say you don't need a massive shed to do it most jobs are work around on the matador

[jongmans]

I have driven one these trucks, it is very heavy and hard to drive. The gear shift and the clutch are particularly heavy and rough.

[dukwdriver]

Clutch brakes were only necessary on heavy commercial non-synchro gearboxes. So discontinued many decades ago. Most heavies have been automatics of some form for 20 years now. It gives you a 2 stage clutch pedal if you studied the operating linkage. Part way down on the pedal operates the release bearing freeing the clutch drive plate. All the way down on the pedal operates the clutch brake also. There is adjustment in the linkage to allow for brake pad wear. So, DO NOT push the pedal fully down on all up or down changes. Read up on how and when to use it. Then mime the actions to get them fixed in your mind before going crunchies. Once you get used to feeling the feed back from the gear stick for when the transmission is slack between acceleration and deceleration you should be able to change gear without using the clutch pedal using only the strength of 2 fingers to shift gears.
Bit late now it is fitted but, having taken time to clean the rusted clutch mating surfaces to ensure it will work freely and the driven plate has plenty of friction material left. Did you check the lining thickness on the brake pad? Did you coat the input shaft splines with a little anti seize compound?
Impressive to fit the box on your own.

[supermansbigsister]

I did a complete restoration on KHU 323P outside under a tarp in all weathers and sometimes it was really tough going but I got there in the end.. It took around 6 years but was worth it, make sure not to cut corners though it will come back to bite you on the backside. However long you think it's going to take double.. However much you think it's going to cost double it.. Once it's finished it'll be worth it..