Advice on fitting M41 + D-type O/D to 1970 145

[WPR678B]

Just looking for some advice and pointers on any hitches that may appear when fitting an M41 with D-type overdrive from a 1969 P1800 into a 1970 B20A 145 with the long stick?
I realise the remote from the P1800 box will need replacing with the top from my existing box and that will need some mods to suit (?) but also the crossmember will require modifying?
The propshaft is my main worry! Will the front half of the P1800 one marry up with the rear of my original?
All help and advice gratefully received!

[john h]

I don't know whether the p1800 + 145 propshaft idea will work. You might be lucky but I doubt it.

If you find an engineering comany that does propshafts, getting yours shortened and re-balanced shouldn't be a difficult or expensive job. If I recall correctly it was about £40 when I converted my 164 to overdrive.

Also on the 164 (going from M400 to M410) the cross-member needed to be modified. I since found an M410 cross-member, so if you need the modified one to try out on a 'sale or return' basis, let me know.

John

[WPR678B]

Hi John,
Thanks for your reply and offer of a crossmember. I will take you up on that please, i will PM you!

I have yet to get the gearbox etc, it will probably be a couple of weeks before i do, but i want to have as much to hand and have as much info as i can because i don't really want the car off the road for too long if possible! I have only just got it back on the road after fitting all new bushes to the rear arms and link bars.
I have searched and read the forum for many hours, but cannot find the bit i am sure i read previously about the conversion, hence my request here.

[john h]

PM'd you about the crossmember.

There's a magazine article from way back that I've read by a gent who used to hold an official position in VOC, can't remember what. I think his name was/is Jack Cluer or something similar.

Anyway, I remember reading that he bought a brand new 145 in the early 70s, and then amazed his neighbours by promptly dismantling it to fit overdrive! (At the time, Volvo offered it as a factory option, but only on the saloon).

Perhaps a google search might throw up a link. Or maybe Mike Brace on here would be able to assist?

John

[WPR678B]

I think this may be the article you are refering to maybe?

Its about all that google threw up that fitted the bill!

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/prof_140.shtml

[john h]

No, it was quite a lot more detailed. Maybe it was only on paper?

I converted the 164, as I said, and that was quite easy. The unknown quantity is fitting your long gearlever. I have a feeling the alternative top will just bolt straight on - but then again I'm an optimist!

John

[940_Turbo]

You can fit your existing gearbox lid to the overdrive box. It just needs to be drilled and tapped for the inhibitor switch. Overdrive reverse will instantaneously wreck the overdrive. You MUST have an inhibitor switch.

You need an overdrive specific crossmember, the M40 crossmember won't fit.

You need a longer speedo cable.

You need the right output flange, injection cars used big flanges, carburettor cars used small.

[john h]

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

You need an overdrive specific crossmember, the M40 crossmember won't fit.

Do you know if a 164 M410 crossmember will fit a 145 with an M41?

John

[WPR678B]

Thanks for all the very helpful replies.

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

You can fit your existing gearbox lid to the overdrive box. It just needs to be drilled and tapped for the inhibitor switch. Overdrive reverse will instantaneously wreck the overdrive. You MUST have an inhibitor switch.

I will transfer the switch to my existing lid when changing them over. Don't want any mishaps with it!

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

You need an overdrive specific crossmember, the M40 crossmember won't fit.

Originally Posted by john h

Do you know if a 164 M410 crossmember will fit a 145 with an M41?

John

The very question i was going to ask! Thanks John.

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

You need a longer speedo cable.

I guess that there will be an "off the shelf" speedo cable as some saloon's were factory fitted with overdrive?

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

You need the right output flange, injection cars used big flanges, carburettor cars used small.

The unit coming has the small flange so hopefully that will be ok!

[940_Turbo]

M410 crossmember is the same as that for an M41 as far as I know.