downshifting

[Made In Michigan]

is there a way to downshift my 1937 four speed transmission?

[Bloo]

Probably. Try double-clutching it.

 

Try this: You're in high gear, and you want to go down a gear. Push in the clutch, pull the lever to neutral. Let the clutch back out in neutral. Stab the throttlle, suddenly, and give it a pretty good quick stab. Push the clutch back in, and shift from neutral to the lower gear.

 

This needs to happen pretty fast, not speed-shift fast, but you don't have a lot of time to think, so plan ahead and try it.

 

Keep in mind two things: 1) The shift from high to neutral and the shift from neutral to the lower gear are two distinct, separate motions. 2) when you stab the throttle, you need the engine rpm to go a little higher than it would be if you were already in the lower gear.

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Edited August 23, 2017 by Bloo
.. (see edit history)

[Spinneyhill]

Many learners are too timid on the throttle. It needs a good push. Also, when on a hill, change early rather than too late because you will lose a bit of momentum on the change.

[Guest]

Look up "youtube floating gears".  Lots of good videos.  No real need to double clutch.   Ease off the gas until the leaver will shift out of 4th, speed the engine up to the speed it would be running in 3rd and shift.  With practice you don't even think about it.  I drive my car without the clutch all the time.

[Spinneyhill]

What Tinindian said: practice!

[Made In Michigan]

Practice is right, double clutching works but you need to be on the money with the R.P.M. and the timing for the lower gear.