Tranny update, gauges, another 2000 on the road and other parts

I've only been able to work on the car one day since the last post, but it was a GOOD day. My friend David came over and after re-arranging engines on engine stands, we managed to get the majority of the transmission assembled with new bearings and layshaft. David was particularly resourceful in figuring out a way to press off and install the new bearings with a homemade Spitfire spring compressor (I don't have a hydraulic press). All I have to do now (besides finding some time) is install the top cover, nose piece and overdrive (already assembled).

Another friend has helped me with the lack of a tachometer. Doug has created a "concept" dash for me and is helping me understand the details of what it will take to add a tachometer. Doug has converted many old mechanical gauges to electric operation and has restored his wife's GT6 Mk. I and a beautiful Mk. I Mini Cooper S. His Mini sports a gauge where he even made the gauge facing himself...but you can't tell it from looking. I hope mine turns out 1/2 that well. Here's Doug's concept of what our wood insert will look like...

We're hoping that the gauge on the right, which the seller on eBay said was from a 2000, will fit with the bezel from the original triple gauge as it would allow me to have a voltmeter rather than an ammeter. I've always felt more comfortable without all those amps flowing behind the dash. The center gauge will be a construction of Doug's, made to look like a period Smiths-type gauge. Wish us luck!

Other items I've recently acquired for the car include a period Smiths rear window defogger kit that looks too good to use, a set of NCSU floor mats to match the red interior carpet, new seat belts for both front and rear, a set of Lucas "square 8" driving lamps to get some light on the road and an original set of microfiches for early, mid and late 2000/2500/2.5PI cars and a microfiche viewer (thanks craigslist!)

Finally, Steve has his 2000 Mk. II on the road and recently attended the VTR National Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas. We missed getting together on his way back but hopefully that will happen soon!

Jamie