Wanted: All parts to convert 1.9D BX to auto...yes I know its odd but read topic please

[Goose391]

Hello all, wonder if anyone can help.
My elderly father loves his '92 1.9D BX but the manual gearbox is becoming a bind for him and he wants me to convert it to auto for him. No problem I said so long as I can find all the bits. I'm thinking I need: gearbox, flywheel, torque converter, gear control and linkages/pivots etc, pedal box, driveshafts?, elect bits for inhibitor switch?, gearbox mount?, radiator the same? Anything else?
So if any of you guys can help me out with some or all the parts I need, ideally someone who has gone the other way and wishes a swap or similar then let me know.
Willing to travel UK wide and get my hands dirty if necessary.
Thanks very much.

[Warren Nel]

Good luck with this! Watching with interest.

[Goose391]

Thanks Warren....I'm watching with interest too & HOPE!

[rutter123]

I only have a pedal box and bottom bellhousing cover plate if you want them for free and can collect.
The Driveshafts are the same for both manual and auto
I did a auto to manual conv on my tgd years ago
I think you may need a different mount for the gear selector and different centre console??
sourcing a known good gearbox could be tricky maybe consider buying a complete donor car they do come up in auto occasionally at least then you have 100% of what u need.
There maybe other variants of boxes that will fit

[white exec]

A complete donor car is a good idea - all the parts you need.
You'd also maybe have a chance to drive-test the acquired box.
If no test/assurance available, and funds not tight, might be worth having the new box professionally overhauled, or even exchanged.

[Goose391]

Thanks for your input and suggestions. All options being considered although another car, while being one of the best options is not something I really want to go for, I have enough cars (or junk as my wife says) in my possession.

Thank you for the offer Rutter123; I will keep it in mind and you're not far from me.

I have been offered a gearbox with torque converter; the 'box was overhauled before removal from a 1.9 petrol but uncertain if the gearing is the same as a 1.9D, anyone know the facts?

[rutter123]

I suspect it'll be OK there are slightly different ratios but nothing more than a few hundred rpms in top, the petrol having slightly higher gearing I think.

[white exec]

Haynes will likely list the gearing.

[Tim Leech]

Centre console is the same, also the rev counter will no longer work, it may be easier to buy one that's already a Auto.

[Goose391]

Thanks Tim. Rev counter doesn't work anyway, hasn't for years.

And yes, it would be easier to go for one that is already an auto but I've just spent the last 2 years and countless hours repairing rot around its rear end when my old man dropped the bombshell that he'd like it converting to auto....I only asked what he'd like for Christmas!

My father is quite stubborn about keeping his beloved BX so another car is out of the question really. The temporary Mondeo replacement is hated; he just wants his BX back but not with a manual 'box. I'll crack it one way or another, always do.

Cheers.

[David]

This would be very easy to do, all you need is the actual gearbox, torque converter, flywheel driveplate & bolts, the selector and pedal box, and a little wheel that screws to the injector pump for the kickdown cable.

The lower engine cover plate & hydraulic pump bracket are the same on manual and automatic cars. As Mr Rutter has said; the manual drive shafts can be used.

The inhibition switch is just wired to a relay, so that would be easy to fabricate too.

The rev counter should still work, as the driveplate should have the cutouts for the pickup. If it's not working anyway, then it would be a good time to replace the sensor while at the gearbox is out.

Where are you located as it might help locate some parts? The actual gearbox could be used from a Peugeot 205, and there''re loads currently on ebay. I've been told that they're the same in petrol and diesel cars, they both just use different torque converters.

If you were really stuck, then you'd even get away with using the manual pedal box until you could find an automatic one.

Hope that helps.

[Goose391]

Thanks David, much appreciated. Already on to most of the pointers you have mentioned.

In early stages of negotiating on a complete car near to me.

I'm in Norfolk although my father (who BX belongs to) is up your neck of the woods near Knutsford. Car currently in my workshop in Norfolk.

Keep you all posted.

[Kitch]

Just a thought - is his issue with a manual box the weight of the clutch pedal? Because there are probably ways to fix that which might be easier than a full gearbox conversion.

[Goose391]

No, it's an age thing Kitch, operating the gear lever and lifting a foot/leg to operate the clutch; something I guess we'll all understand one day.
It could be argued should he be driving......don't go there, it's all been said before!
The clutch is as light as a feather as I've always kept on top things for my dad re his car.
Thanks for the thought though.

[Goose391]

An update on the manual to auto conversion and parts I'm looking for.
The complete donor car I was chasing doesn't look like it is going to happen - I'm being messed around by seller so I think I'll draw a line under that avenue.
As it stands I'm still needing (as expected) before I proceed : gear selector and surround, selector linkage, kickdown cable for 1.9D. So if anyone can assist with these bits or indeed suggest any suitable alternatives from a Pug or even Xantia etc that will work with minor fettling then shout up.
Thanks.