Re: 1936 120 Synchromesh Question

Posted by JWL On 2010/8/23 10:27:23

Bill, if I understand your concern it is needing to start from a stop on a hill.

A technique I use for this is after coming to a stop; with my foot on the brake, place the gearshift in neutral and apply the parking brake, and release the clutch; when it is time to go get the car going, without rolling backwards, place the gearshift in 1st, and coordinating the engagement of the clutch, release of the parking brake, and movement of the accelerator pedal start moving.

I use this technique with modern manual shift transmission cars too. A little practice and you will become a master of this technique. This is a much better way, to start from a stop on a hill, than slipping the clutch from keeping the car from rolling backwards.

What I like about the older Packards is the need to do little or no sifting. First gear is good for only getting the car rolling. After that a shift into second, and then into high gear around 20 mph and you are on your way. No need to down shift going around corners either. Love that low speed, high torque engine and low differential gear ratio.

(o{I}o)