Technical The Magic of the '39 Ford Transmission

Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post:

The Magic of the '39 Ford Transmission

Continue reading the Original Blog Post

 

Shifting the things is rather the****utic. Listening to RPM’s and sliding the long lever. Completely different than any modern transmission.

 

Besides the floor shift, 39 was the last year for quite a few things: opening windshields, wide five wheels, bulb style headlights, the rumble seat, one piece door gl*** and I think it was the last for the banjo steering wheel. The 39 has always been one of my favorites.

 

The synchro clutch ***embly in the illustration looks to be of the earlier design

 

Yeah, something like 'magic'...That's what I thought when I pulled my '32 five window hiboy out Grandma's driveway.
Backed out into the street, selected low gear...Revved 296" of fresh flatmotor and popped the clutch.
=BANG!!!= Just like 'magic'.
I was only 16 but learning fast. Some 'magician'!

 

Somebody cooler than me once said, and I paraphrase; "A man's got to know his transmission's limitations."

 

I don't know yet by actual use (I have a 39 std) but do they downshift to 1st from 2nd without the magic feel of the double-clutch?

 

Nope. No down synchro to first.

 

I've got a 25 tooth gear set in my '39 transmission in my '32 Roadster. Combined with the Columbia I do not abuse the drivetrain. It's important to respect the ancient parts. But it sure is fun to drive!!! I laugh every time I engage the Columbia, click click.