Honestly, this is the most exciting moment in my recent memory. I had a bit of trouble with the downshifts down to first ( need some tips on a '40 Ford transmission) , but it was great once I was rolling. The car is a great driver and I put about 50 miles on it before locking it back up. I am running'32 plates on it in Texas and they don't arrive til Tuesday - so didn't venture far due to no plates. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Thanks for sharing. This will be a day you will long remember and will encourage you to over come any future problems so you can enjoy some more good rides..............................
Pure and simple: If you don't know how to double clutch, you DON'T downshift a 3 speed into 1st gear.
Yeah, what Dale said. Transmissions with synchro low gear are a relatively modern invention. Unless you've been driving semi tractor trailers, you've got a bit of a learning curve ahead of you.
I have been taught the method of 'double clutch' - but don't have the feel down 100%. For now I am avoiding down shifting at all into first and working on my technique as I shift into first from idle at lower rpms. I can do it - it just isn't at at point where it is a natural movement, yet.
500 miles behind the wheel - Loving the Central Texas weather. Ran into a couple of nice 3 windows here in San Antonio - and a nice OT Impala. Getting ready to make a few minor changes to make it my own - lowering (or replacing) the seat, and adjusting the headlight position due to tire rubbing at lock. I have a set of smaller guide headlights that I am going to fit and see how they change the look. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Have been busy driving the car - have about 1200 miles on it so far. I swapped out the clutch for a '50 Merc unit (much less pedal effort), removed the rear bumper, changed the headlights & exhaust, went to bias tires ... just about "done" for now. The only remaining items are the interior, some pin striping, and then I am going to lower the rear by reversing the spring eyes.
It's been rain pretty much every week - so driving has been stalled. Can't complain about the rain in central Texas - So doing some minor tweaks: I fitted some hood tie down straps and did a little painting of the toe boards and transmission cover. Polished the headers, fixed an oil leak, cleaned little parts .... I need some sunshine.
Picked up some parts for a longer term engine project. I've already heard that I'm crazy for going backwards in technology - save your time and just ignore if you don't agree. I think it's a great fit for this car.
Did you just buy the car? I like most of the "improvements". The forty trans will be much friendlier if you come to a stop before trying to put it in first gear. You can do it rolling at low speed. Yep, most newer stuff (mid sixties) had syncrho's. Tim
Tim, remember when you shift up through the gears (1-2-3) you naturally allow the engine RPM to drop a few hundred RPM to engage the next gear; the exact opposite is true as come down (3-2-1) through the gears, you increase the engine RPM to engage the next lower gear. Since your trans has no synchros for first gear you will have to keep your left foot OFF the clutch pedal and moderately increase RPM and gently pull the lever back toward 1st gear until you FEEL the gears gently "tick tick tick" together. The RPM you go up to to move the car at 5 or 10 mph is the same RPM you will need to engage the trans as you come down...it's definitely a FINESSE move, no "blipping, jazzing or punching" that throttle. I spent 40 years in a Peterbilt ready mix truck with a Roadranger trans in L.A. traffic; the only time you need the clutch is at a full stop. Patience, you'll get it. By the way that's a REALLY NICE RIDE!
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