Re: Stupid question

Posted by HH56 On 2014/4/16 21:29:42

It is a vacuum operated clutch. There is a knob on the dash labeled Clutch or Electromatic to turn it on. Chances are it is not functioning and could be disconnected or parts missing. If it is all there it could probably be made workable and is quite the conversation piece. You could turn it on or off as desired so the car will work perfectly well if it is non operational as long as there is no vacuum leak.

In operation, the theory was you could start the car and almost never have to touch the clutch. The vacuum would work the clutch as needed depending on speed, throttle position and gear selected. In practice it was somewhat temperamental and relied on good adjustment and some conservative driving.

If you have an OD there will be a round knob below the dash edge just to the right of the steering column. That is pulled out to lock the overdrive out for conventional 3 speed and pushed all the way in to turn OD on and make it available when the car is going above about 20mph.