We had got an MT75 gearbox but were not ready to use it. Fitted with the quick shift it seemed to engage all gears. I spoke to, Dan Barnes, the Ford expert at our local garage. MT75 gearboxes are pretty robust with reported age related problems on 2^nd / 3^rd gear synchromesh. Dan also said that the sleeve covering the input shaft from the clutch, along which the clutch release bearing slides is prone to scoring. This cover was originally made of aluminium and was later changed for one made from steel. Dan said that it did not affect the operation of the gearbox but was noisy in neutral. A look at our Gearbox showed definite signs of scoring.

The gearbox was to remain idle for a few months during the "Pause for Extraneous Activities". There would be no point in fitting the gearbox to the engine and in to the car only to find we had a problem. We were going to have to have it checked out. According to their web site D & J had got their box checked over by Road and Race Transmissions.

I contacted Phil Stewart and got an "guesstimate" for refurbishing our gearbox, £70 plus parts, + VAT. I delivered the gearbox to Road and Race, near Sevenoaks in Kent. Phil has a Caterham 7, which he races in Formula 750 with some success. A specialist in gearboxes all his working life, there is nothing that he does not know about MT75 gearboxes. Phil confirmed what Dan had said earlier about MT75 gearboxes.

The gearbox was ready a week later. Two new synchromesh rings and a new sleeve being the only parts needed. I notice, Phil also had some Caterham 6 speed boxes on the bench. Outwardly they look like a modification of the Ford type 9 gearbox. With the gearbox refurbished and clean we gave the casing a coat of silver paint and refitted the quick shift gear change.