hey guys, I am considering purchasing a transmission adapter kit from Castlemaine Rod Shop in Austrailia. It is to put a Toyota transmission behind my Ford Ranchero 6cylinder. The whole kit is for $285.00. Does anyone from down under have any input on this shop? Good or Bad? Thanks in advance
They have been around for years and make a good product. The company has been sold recently so I don,t know what they are like under new ownership
Look up Rod Hadfield....he ran it for 30 years or so...and runs the Aussie dry lakes races (DLRA)......and put a P51 Mustang motor in a 55 Chev..and........ He DID sell the company a couple of years ago... from mates that had bought kits.......functionality 9/10...cosmetic finish of parts 6/10.....trustworthiness 10/10 I wouldnt think twice about using them!
I know from first hand experience that some transmission adapters don't fit, or is that didn't fit too well?
Personal experience teaches me that fit accuracy is not a priority. MANY others have told me similar stories of bad fit and gruff service over the phone. When enquiring about pooly fitting "kit" parts a mate of mine was told "well you're a hot rodder aren't you? Just make it fit." Expletives deleted. Kinda defeats the purpose. Management has changed, so hopefully has the phone manner.
there si a bloke here in NZ doing Toyota adaptors for all kinds of stuff, pm me if you want me to try to track him down.
Where are you, and are you set on using a Toyo trans? I bought a modified bell housing from a guy on the Fordsix.com board a few years ago to mount a '93 Mustang T-5 behind my 200" six. That guy isn't making them anymore, but I think someone still is. Also, there is a single year manufacture BH that does the same thing, like an '80 or '81 Mustang. Anyhow, you might ask around over there unless you're set on the Toyo gearbox. Later, Kinky6
Rod is a Alliance member here not sure of his handle pm Ryan he may be able to give you the heads up............. And im sure Rod would be more than happy to help if you contact him QQ
Aussie HAMBers wont let you get fucked over...but, it really shouldnt be a problem with any long established Aussie business that would LOVE to start exporting overseas on a regular basis ! If you DO get the kit, and its all good...make sure you come back on here and tell everybody how it was!
If you're concerned about having something shipped from another country and getting gyped, you might try having one made locally. I have a club mate that had a simliar problem (adapter that didn't fit, either the engine or the trans it was supposed to). He was going to buy another adapter from a different company, till he checked the price to have one made locally. It was HALF the cost of the one that didn't fit, to have one made here (and no shipping, so cheaper still). The machine shop in question does alot of work for the oil field service companies so they are used to adapting stuff though. A shop that specialises in marine or agricultural applications should be able to do the same. Not saying that's the only solution, just food for thought. I was thinking I had to buy an adapter from the South 48 because of cost, when my buddy told me about his experience. It was a real eye opener.
That's EXACTLY where my first stop would be. Something industrial. Living in Martinez, you have a LOT of marine and ag choices. I'd start shopping around locally BEFORE I'd start throwing my cash down the toilet on a whim.
Ahh, grasshopper Brandy speaks with words of wisdom.................. for a chick Am I gonna get my arse kicked now?
Thanks for all your input guys- much appreciated. but worry not Brandy...lol this isn't the only route i'm considering- i'm not exactly new to the car world I plan on sniffing around here as well. I only put up this post to inquire about that specific shop since i don't live in Australia They (the rod shop) seem to have a pretty decent reputation, and i appreciate the support from OZ guys! Same goes for you guys, we will take care of you all on our end as well- Regardless of whatever route i go to upgrade the transmission/drivetrain in the future, rest assured, there will be a nice detailed and photographed post put on here for everyone to reference, praise, or laugh at
What's with that Farm Boy?! You got an alter ego here on the hamb? Me too. I GUESS you qualify as having enough experience. Doc, nah, I've been told that a LOT in my meager life time......and I'm sure I'll hear it many times more.
The Jalopy Journal
