VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939 3 speed shifting question ?

Sirs -- I got my 4 door Master running. Overhauled 216, orig.
motor, 3 speed on column. Shifting is VERY hard. I think it has
the vacuum-assist trans. but how do I get the vacuum going
again, and checked out ? I am not a mechanic, but would like
advice of what to check for ...and make correct? Can anyone
tell me where to look ? Are there actual vacuum lines that
go certain places ? I have not a clue ...please help ?
Thanks so much for anything....I wish to keep her original, it
is such a nice car. Stock. I await your assistance, thank you
so much !!!

MJD

MJD, this may help you. After opening the link, click on the blue page numbers to navigate around. The vacumm gearshift is page 201.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1939/index.html

Before you get too carried away check you do have adequate vacumn. have seen a manifold leak resulting in low vacumn .. slow or no wipers give it away.

MJD,

First, check the oil lever in the transmission. That would be the top plug on the right (passenger side) of the transmission. It should be full enough to either run our some or able to touch with your pinkie. You may want to drain it and put in new oil. We recommend either 80w-90 or 80w(?)-140. Either will be fine.

Second, check the line coming from the intake manifold to the vacuum unit. It is metal tubing first and then converts to rubber before tracing on to the vacuum unit. Check the metal tubing and rubber hose for leaks. The unit (mainly a cylinder about three inches in diameter) is located on the drivers side of the transmission just a little aft of the shaft coming out of the transmission. It is linked to the shifter by a pin that has as keeper on each end and three bolts that hold the mount to the side of the transmission. It is easy to take off for servicing.

Adjustment, if needed, of the shifting mechanism for the piston that goes back and fourth in the vacuum cylinder is achieved by use of a small washer like tool that can be obtained from Chevies of the Forties or The Filling Station.

I commend you on wanting to keep your car stock and in good order. There are those out there who will take this marvelous vacuum shifting unit off in favor of a simple and old fashioned shift lever. They obviously do not rate originality as high as some do. Avoid advice from them attesting to the superiority of their method. It is not. They, (and they know who they are) just like to. .. well, maybe, "speed shift." Do too!

Good luck with it,
Charlie

Thanks so much for the advice, help, and info. Hope to find
out more about this with mechanic friend who can view these
replies ........

MJD