Triumph Repair: spitfire transmissin, bentley manuals, right tools

Question
Last year a friend and I rebuilt the transmission in my 79 spitfire( witho/d). We put it together 3 times and it still isnt right. It is eating the sycros and wont up or down shift properly without double clutching. Is there an accurate diagram or website available where we can see how to put the thing is put  together properly?  My friend is an able mechanic and we have all the right tools, we just need a more accurate desrciption ( other than Hayes) to get this thing right once and for all.
Thanks Jim..
Kurt in Canada

Answer
Kurt,

I highly  recommend the Bentley manuals for the Spitfire.  Make sure you get the manual for the late Spitfire.  

Details at:

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=x122

From the description of the problem, either the replacement synchros are not any good (common problem with recent "offshore" parts sourcing) or the clutch is not disengaging properly.  

With the car standing still and engine running you should be able to get into reverse without any grinding.  If you can't, then it's definitely a clutch issue.  If you can get into reverse without problems then it's more likely incorrect or poorly machined synchros.


Cheers,

Jim