VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Transmission question

Hello All,

I have a 47 Fleetline Aerosedan. I cannot avoid crunching the gears when shifting into first gear unless I am at a complete stop (even with double clutching). Is this normal? Is there a synchro on first gear? Second and Third gear shifting is great - no crunching.

Also, the car does not have the vacuum shift installed. It must have a shift kit because it shifts great. Could this be causing the problem?

Thanks again,

Perol

Yes , that is normal to grind gears in first when not at a stop.

There is no synchromesh in first gear.

:) :grin:

Thanks guys for the answers. Looks like I'm going to have to take it easy when shifting into first.

Perol

Actually, you don't have to take it easy when shifting into first gear since you should only shift into first gear at a dead stop. That's how the tranny is designed.

:) :grin:

Junkyard,

Are you saying that I should just keep lugging it in second gear until I come to a complete stop and then shift into first?

Thanks for your help.

Perol

The engine should not be lugging in 2nd gear unless you are below about 2 or 3 MPH. (unless the rear end was changed from the original 4.11 to a 3.55).
The only time I have ever needed to crunch back in low gear while moving at any speed is when I have driven up Pikes Peak. This was when making the sharp switch back turns and lost speed.

When you are driving the car in third gear and you are going to come to a complete stop, like at a stop light for example, you can do so in two ways. Either down shift into second and continue to slow down and when almost at a complete stop put in the clutch and after stopping then put the transmission into first gear. Or.....stay in third gear as you continue to slow down and when you get to a low speed, put in the clutch, come to a stop, and then shift into first gear before proceeding.

Sounds like all you have driven is an automatic.

:) :grin:

...Or maybe a 5 speed rice rocket?

I've driven sticks all my life but they all have had synchro's in first gear. I will tell you that my 47 Chevy shifts easier than my 2002 Dodge.

Thanks for your help guys - I'll keep it in second.

Perol

Your 47 will have good power in 3rd gear at much slower speeds than any modern stick, due to the long stroke Chevy six. I have been driving Chevy Sixes cars, pickups and 2 1/2 ton trucks since 1951 and they should be driven different than modern iron, I start off in first and when the car is rolling good, shift to second, I shift out of second into third, on level ground at 15 MPH or lower and go to third. You don't need to wind a Chevy six up in first and second like you need to on a Volkswagon, etc., in fact it isn't good on a babbit pounder to wind it out under no load, and you don't need to gear down when coming to a stop sign, only on a steep hill. slow down in third to a slow speed, push in on the clutch and roll up to the stop sign, shift into neutral and when you can start up safely, (I don't like to sit very long with the clutch pushed down, My Dad told me it wasn't good on the car)....Then clutch and slip it into first and take off. If the stop sign is at the top of a hill you may want to down shift into second around 15MPH going up to the stop sign.
(IMHO)

MrMac is right on.

In addition to extra wear on the throw-out-bearing, it places strain on the center main bearing thrust surface.

I have rebuilt riceburner engines that have as much as 1/4 inch movement. A sure sign of a "clutch-rider".

Try replacing back the vac shift cylinder and you will not beleive the shift quality,chef