VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 1921 Chevrolet '490' Transmission

I have been unable to shift my transmission down to second once it is at third, The trans. shifts smoothly and I replaced the fluid a few months ago, so, I do not understand why this is? Maybe someone could help!

If the clutch is completely uncoupled (and not running while flywheel is running), it should be possible to shift to all gears up and down. Have you checked inside the transmission box if anything has been broken or out of order?

I trust someone will know the answer and reply in the next day or so.

Well, it shifts up and down when I am not driving the car but, when I am driving, it will not shift back down, like when I am going down a hill and want to slow down.

In order to shift down it is necessary to get the transmission gear speed to match the engine speed. It automatically happens when both are zero. It is a bit tricky but actually can be done without the clutch working properly. By "double clutching" it is normally easier as it is not necessary to get them exact but only close to the same speed. For those that have gotten used to the syncromesh transmissions that have extra internal parts to match speeds as the transmission is being shifted, it takes some practice to down shift correctly. For those if us that drive old Chevys in the Rocky Mountains and up and down some steep hills it becomes a necessary talent.