Heading off tomorow to look at a local 80 spares or repair!

[Iwan]

Spoke to an old school friend tonight who has a 1991 VX80 auto that has a gearbox fault where it doesn't change to 3rd.

Is there any easy explanation why it doesnt change up?

He is open to an offer, but knows (of course) what it's worth... What kind of offer should I make??

If I bought it. I would be keen to convert it to manual. Is this straightforward?

Questions? Questions? Descision will be made tomorow night? Lol

Any advice would be apreciated... Cheers guys

 

[Chris]

Could be a solenoid issue. But they are complex things. Hard to say. Could be a loose wire or low ATF. You have to run through the system really. It's a pretty early box.

Finding a decent manual box isn't easy either

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

For valuation I'd assume the auto box is a write off. I think 1991 is probably non electronic still which would rule out a simple solenoid fault but low atf can do funny things. A known good manual box and associated bits for a conversion may cost you more than the truck. Axle diff ratios are different auto vs manual so you'd need 35's to compensate or regear. Unless it has been upgraded it will have the smaller less desirable brakes so the axles are not worth as much as later ones I don't think (thinking of value if it was broken for parts). Value depends on the rest of the truck, a minter might be worth the trouble but if it's a bit rusty then you'd be doing him a favour taking it away really

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

I cant add much to Jons comments although it all depends totally on the condition of the truck. I think Lorin did an auto to manual conversion and didn't have too much trouble as he bought all the bits in one go. You wont know till you've seen it, maybe a good S/H box could cure it.

Andy

 

[Lorin]

Wasn't me who did an auto to manual conversion Andy. I just swapped manual boxes. I do remember reading somewhere that it is no easy swap though.

 

[Iwan]

Thanks guys... some food for thought here.. first step to check out the condition. . I am guessing that a replacement auto box would hold a good price and who knows the condition of the replacement unit.

The other option could be to have the existing box reconditioned. I guess.

I do also know of another 80 series that is standing locally. ..

 

[pberrey]

Give an auto tranny specialist a call as they may be able to advise on the cost of fixing some common faults. If its got drive in other gears i imagine it cant be that bad. It can be amazing what new atf and a filter can do for an autobox but I've also seen atf changes kill gearboxes that were previously fine.

 

[joinerman]

No filter as such in the box just a screen that self cleans as fluid is drained

 

[Iwan]

I haven't made it to see it yet. Was convenient for me last night and not for him! Was convenient for him tonight but not for me. Didn't finish work till 8..

I asked him about the atf fluid. He changed the fluid after the fault occurred. .. there wasnt any sign of black bits or burning in the atf.

Haven't the time to see it tomorrow. . Looking like Saturday now..

Thanks for the input guys!!

 

[Iwan]

I went to look at the said 80 and... hard to describe politely. . Made my red 70 look like a little gem, which it is.

Mechanically the 80 is sweet appart from no drive. Body wise very worn rust on the doors. Worn interior with added durt.

The 24v start solenoid (I think) is failing so didnt even hear it run.

I offered 1200 for it and he said "I might get back to you!"

The best I thought could be done with it was to undo the body mounts and sling the body off with the teleporter and fit a manual box. Then fit my mint 60 series body on it! The best of both worlds