Installing a BW35 automatic in a series III

[Knightowl61]

I have pretty much all the parts for the transplant - torque converter, brake petal, kickdown and shifter & linkage, driveshaft, speedometer & cable, and upper trans tunnel all from a series IV.
I found the standard 4 bolt transmission mount will replace the original 3 bolt BW35 mount. Waiting for the front and rear oil seals.
I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions on the transplant?

 

[DanR]

John, The location for the transmissions in the two different type transmission options in the Sunbea Alpine are very different as you may already know. Not just the bolt pattern, but the location underneath.

The BW35 transmission sits about 4 inches farther to the rear than the standard 4 speed with ot without the OD.

In my transmission mounts I designed I have the "perfect" brackets for sitting an automatic type transmission in the Alpine. The new design brackets will work with about any type transmission to be adopted to the undercarriage of the Sunbeam Alpine (or even a Tiger). Will be IMO a perfect means to do any tranny for and Alger project too.

Of course you could cut the stock brackets from underneath the floor and reweld them in a new location as needed but most likely they will be shorter than required.

 

[65sunbeam]

Can you post a photo of the automatic shifter and linkage please? I just got what I think is the complete assembly and want to compare it with yours. Thanks!

 

[puff4]

Let me know if you need a pair of these.

 

[DanR]

Let me know if you need a pair of these.

Transmission Screens ?? How do they work ??

 

[puff4]

Transmission Screens ?? How do they work ??

They fit in the bell housing (see #14, below) and are very often missing, as the original design was prone to breakage. My design helps prevent that. The screens allowed airflow to help cool the torque converter, whilst keeping stones and debris out of the housing. Two were fitted, one to each side of the bell housing.

 

[Tim R]

One of our Alpines is a Series IV Automatic. Once you get the Auto set up installed you won't be disappointed, they are a great drive, especially around town or in traffic. The only time we prefer the manual with overdrive is when you are on the motorway and travelling at top end speeds, then the auto revs high and feels like it could do with another gear.
Tim R

 

[DanR]

Very nice design you have there Kevin. Looks like an item that will serve well as a replacement.

 

[Knightowl61]

Let me know if you need a pair of these.

My screens seem fine, Thanks

 

[Knightowl61]

Can you post a photo of the automatic shifter and linkage please? I just got what I think is the complete assembly and want to compare it with yours. Thanks!

This should cover it.

 

[Knightowl61]

Couple more shift pics

 

[Knightowl61]

John, The location for the transmissions in the two different type transmission options in the Sunbea Alpine are very different as you may already know. Not just the bolt pattern, but the location underneath.

The BW35 transmission sits about 4 inches farther to the rear than the standard 4 speed with ot without the OD.

In my transmission mounts I designed I have the "perfect" brackets for sitting an automatic type transmission in the Alpine. The new design brackets will work with about any type transmission to be adopted to the undercarriage of the Sunbeam Alpine (or even a Tiger). Will be IMO a perfect means to do any tranny for and Alger project too.

Of course you could cut the stock brackets from underneath the floor and reweld them in a new location as needed but most likely they will be shorter than required.

Sorry Dan, I can't see how your mounts could work on an Alpine transmission. The Alpine mounts are spaced way far apart.

 

[DanR]

That transmission mount with 4 bolt holes each side is for a manual transmission NOT a BW35.

 

[Knightowl61]

That transmission mount with 4 bolt holes each side is for a manual transmission NOT a BW35.

I know, I took off the 3 bolt BW35 and the manual 4 bolt fits. Just don't know if it will bolt up at the same place. The second picture is on the BW35.
But how is yours supposed to work?

 

[puff4]

My screens seem fine, Thanks

Looks like someone’s made up some non-original screens… the original ones likely broke… they usually do. What you have should do fine, though.

 

[Knightowl61]

First problem - I received an order from SS including a rear transmission seal (TR46 Rear seal, Alpine 1-IV, all OD) it fit without applying any pressure.
The original was difficult to get out and the new one pulled out with no pressure. The original is twice as thick and measures 1.952" and the TR46 measures 1.940. Id is snug on the yoke with both seals.

 

[Tim R]

Knightowl61,
What carb are you planning to run? We have the club weber and curved manifold with forced induction on our Automatic and it is superb. What we also have is a new Automatic linkage made by Graham Howard (alpinedcltd@ntlworld.com) this is a far superior piece of kit to the original Rootes set up. (Note: in one photo the PCV is shown fitted to inlet No4, we now know that it is important to plug that threaded hole and not fit the PCV there)
Tim R

 

[65sunbeam]

Thanks for all of your shifter photos! I will compare with mine and see what I have......

 

[DanR]

But how is yours supposed to work?

Refer back to POST # 2 and you will see two triangluar brackets with three (3) bolt holes (same as BW35 factory), these are to be welded inplace underneath the floor in what ever position you need to place the transmission mount.

Hang the engine and transmission inplace; bolt the Tranny bracket to the transmission; place/bolt the triangular brackets to the tranny bracket; position them in the position you wish to be with clearance for the tail shafft and yoke; tact weld or mark them for welding.

 

[Knightowl61]

Refer back to POST # 2 and you will see two triangluar brackets with three (3) bolt holes (same as BW35 factory), these are to be welded inplace underneath the floor in what ever position you need to place the transmission mount.

Hang the engine and transmission inplace; bolt the Tranny bracket to the transmission; place/bolt the triangular brackets to the tranny bracket; position them in the position you wish to be with clearance for the tail shafft and yoke; tact weld or mark them for welding.

The BW35 mounts are 5" farther back measuring from front of the bell housing to the center of the trans mount which will take it back to the X frame (thus the 3 bolt triangular).
I now understand that you're talking of the two triangluar brackets and not the center piece pictured on your #2 post. Those I'll need.