Sure, the transmission has its quirks, but here's a bunch of other groundbreaking features that make these old Fords really stand out, for good or for bad! ua-cam.com/video/8CMRn9VUfaQ/v-deo.html
An experienced driver can shift 2->1 while rolling without any gear clash by "rev matching." This is done by double-clutching and goosing the accelerator pedal to bring up the revs. The driver will then gently "feel his way" into first gear. It is also possible to do the shift without using the clutch by feathering the gas to the point where the engine is neither powering the vehicle forward or slowing the vehicle with engine breaking. This allows the tranny to slide into neutral, goose the gas, and soundlessly slide into first gear. I've used this no-clutch rev-match shifting successfully when nursing a car home with a failed clutch actuator (linkage, cable, or hydraulic). This technique avoids a costly towing fee. Rev-matching facilitates smooth and damage-free shifting from any forward gear to any other forward gear. Starting from rest calls for a different technique. With the engine off, engage first gear. Operate the starter motor. Assuming a well-charged battery and good starter the engine will start and simultaneously the vehicle will lurch into motion. Been there, done that.
Glad I found your channel, good content and great presentation style. And, always enjoy listening to that beautiful flathead V8 - among the most beautiful sounds in the world. Thank you
Yep, that's the standard 3 on the floor pattern. Jeeps (military and civilian) had it. It's like the 3-on-the-tree shift pattern moved to the floor. Also, had a college roommate who had a 1970 Mustang with the straight 6, and three on the floor.
These transmissions were super slick with overdrive. I have had the good fortune to rebuild a couple of them. They are real works of art and really bring those old flatheads up to another level. Love your car.
Thank you so much! And yes, overdrive would be awesome to have for long-distance drivability. The Columbia unit is very interesting, though I hear they're kind of fragile. I've been thinking about a Mitchell, but it sounds like the '36 sedan is about the only model they don't just bolt into; you have to cut the floor a little to make them fit, which I'd rather not do. - Craig
Just found this channel, SO cool. I love old Fords and this is just a treat ! It's nice to see younger (than me) people embrace the older stuff, especially in today's world of modern technology. I'm 62, and I remember my Dad talk about these older Fords which he also owned and loved. BTW, the under the hood shot is great! I've never seen this done before. Thank you !
2:23. This shift pattern makes the most sense, because you’re in between 2-3, and 3-2 while driving. You only need 1 or R after coming to a stop, or dealing with parking..
I am really enjoying these videos. I have been driving a stock 1940 Ford for just under 50 years now and like to see your stock '36 in such excellent condition! Great information too!
The shift pattern was defined by federal law in 1927, hence the model A. Automatic transmission was standardized standardized in 1965 ending push button transmission
Great channel, the algorithm did on your suggestion 🎉🎉 great info, nice cinematography, audio is mint, humor is spot on. Definitely see this as a new top contender to the car enthusiast favorite list.
Yet another fantastic video Craig! Next you've got to cover Columbia 2-speeds and the Borg-Warner R10 Overdrive like my '50 has! 😉 The early V8 3-speeds were a notable improvement over the old Model A non-synchro sliding gear 3-speed. (Which honestly isn't too bad...just not for hot-rodding) Actually the '39 transmission seems to be a go-to for early Ford hot-rodders, though 2nd gear can be their weakness. My grandfather had a '39 sedan with a 331 Cadillac mated to the Ford trans. It was dismantled on the kitchen table more than once! Also worth noting, the early Ford V8 museum in Auburn, Indiana has a fantastic working cutaway of an early Ford 3-speed! I think that has become my 2nd favorite car museum, only behind the Gilmore! Love the fantastic flathead sound of that '36, and of course the iconic flathead starter sound! Look forward to more content from you! Hope to get these old Fords together sometime too!
No, actually. I'm running a dual exhaust system with Red's Headers and a pair of Cherry Bomb mufflers. There's a nice bit of rumble without being obnoxious. Thanks for asking! - Craig
Little tip for 8:42 - Try giving it some throttle with the foot off the clutch in neutral before shifting into 1st. (Imagine neutral is a gear as well, that often helps to understand the concept). It brings the transmission up to speed - and if you hit it right, you can just drop 1st straight in without any grind or hesitation. Granted, 2nd to 1st is the toughest shift. I've practiced by going certain speeds in certain gears and making a mental note of the engine noise (or tach reading in your case). Rev the engine to that point by memory (the faster you go, the higher the rev), and it matches close enough for the transmission to be happy :)
Thanks for the comment, Adrian! I've never tried double-clutching to grab first gear while moving, but I suppose it would be no different than shifting a Model A or any other "crash box." I'll have to give this a shot... - Craig
@@AutoEsoterica It's exactly the same. Works with cars up to the 1970s where synchro-mesh for 1st still wasn't considered necessary. Always a neat party trick when they want to tell you "oh it's got a blockade so you can't go into 1st while driv..." VROOM, Click, in it goes xD
Drove those old Fords. The older cars did not have a Synchromesh trans. All you had to do was double clutch them, especially the ones that had some miles on them. Down shift, same thing but watch down shifting to first when moving too fast.
i dunno if it was mentioned in the video, but there is a good reason for the shift pattern. It places first and reverse on the same gate which makes it way easier to go rapidly between the 2. This may not seem important in the modern day, but if you have ever had to rock a vehicle out from being stuck, the reason for the decision to do it this way suddenly becomes very apparent. Also this pattern copies the pattern commonly used on column-mounted 3 speeds, which I believe came before floor shifters. It's really not as weird as it seems.
I daily drive a 68 Ford Falcon with the same shift pattern in Colorado in the snow, and having first and reverse so close together comes in handy pretty often.
Driving such cars back in the day was truly a skill requiring task. Not like today. I once drove 60s car and it was HARD. Engine had to be kept alive by keeping accelerator slightly pressed, gears felt like they were "somewhere here" and brakes would only start working after few presses (no hydraulics at all)
Any and every car or truck in the 60s had hydraulic brakes. Possibly manual, not power brakes, but hydraulic. Mechanical brakes disappeared in the 30s.
Sounds like the three on the tree. Had the chance to take an European car with a similar configuration for a spin and it was a bit challenging to take off at rush hour on a busy road. (1961 built, all syncro but 1st recommended only for taking off) Also found the 1-2 shifting the most challenging because it's up-deep(towards the dashboard)-up. But low-end torque meant I could take a roundabout in the top gear and gently pick up speed on my way out. Probably the best feature of that era and configuration is that you can drive for hours in a row without shifting (just keep the top gear).
Yes, you are correct. The shift pattern is the same as a three-on-the-tree, or perhaps, the three-on-the-tree shift pattern is the same as this. Thanks for watching! - Craig
It's not difficult. Steeper inclines do require quite a bit of clutch slippage, but it's manageable. These old cars are relatively light, have good low-end torque and are blessed with favorable gearing, so in normal, around-town driving they feel quite peppy. - Craig
The car is happiest at about 45 mph, but it'll do 60 all day long without any trouble. At highway speeds, the V8 really wants to run, and has no trouble accelerating up to 70 mph and well beyond with surprising ease. (I say surprising because the car only has around 100 horsepower and the aerodynamics are worse than a jackknifed tractor-trailer. 🤣) Thank you for your comment! - Craig
@@AutoEsotericathe V8’s aerodynamics are better than you think. In the early 70’s, after the first of the gas crises, a test of the aerodynamics of the current new model cars was conducted. As a test of progress, a ‘37 Ford sedan was included, and it tested in the high range of all the autos. These cars were “visually” streamlined, not scientifically, yet the eyes of the designers yielded an efficient form. The ‘36 is only slightly less streamlined than its successor with its molded in headlamps and slightly sharper prow and vee windshield. I have a sister to your car, also. standard Fordor. Stock, but with duel exhaust like yours. I have owned it for 46 years, and toured many miles with her, including 2 trips to Florida from Northern New Hampshire. Crossed the entire State of Georgia flat out at 90 mph. Not only the best car I have ever owned, but the best object as well. I’m glad you are sharing the magic of these old Fords with others, they are in a class by themselves in style & performance. Not perfect of course, but they were affordable to virtually all persons from farmers to Presidents and Kings, and more fun to drive than almost any car then available. Thanks for you efforts! P.S. had a ‘36 Ford Convertible-Sedan with the 100 hp ‘39 Mercury engine in high school - it would do about 105. Not bad considering it was the heaviest body style.
ATTENTION CITIZENS: If you feel as though you couldn't figure all this out, on your own, in less than 5 minutes, please stay off the road. Driving requires thought, perception and dexterity. Figuring out how to shift a simple H-pattern 3 speed with reverse is about as easy as it gets. Don't believe me? Try driving (and starting) a model T sometime.
I clicked on this video expecting to learn something, nope its like driving any old manual car except no syncro on first. Yet he didnt even try double clutching..
Clutches are for amateurs. And syncros just slow your shifts down. You should be able to downshift all the way using heel toe of your right foot, for the gas and the brake, never touching the clutch
Sure, the transmission has its quirks, but here's a bunch of other groundbreaking features that make these old Fords really stand out, for good or for bad! ua-cam.com/video/8CMRn9VUfaQ/v-deo.html
The transmission is not that odd. If you want odd try driving a Model T.
An experienced driver can shift 2->1 while rolling without any gear clash by "rev matching." This is done by double-clutching and goosing the accelerator pedal to bring up the revs. The driver will then gently "feel his way" into first gear.
It is also possible to do the shift without using the clutch by feathering the gas to the point where the engine is neither powering the vehicle forward or slowing the vehicle with engine breaking. This allows the tranny to slide into neutral, goose the gas, and soundlessly slide into first gear.
I've used this no-clutch rev-match shifting successfully when nursing a car home with a failed clutch actuator (linkage, cable, or hydraulic). This technique avoids a costly towing fee.
Rev-matching facilitates smooth and damage-free shifting from any forward gear to any other forward gear.
Starting from rest calls for a different technique. With the engine off, engage first gear. Operate the starter motor. Assuming a well-charged battery and good starter the engine will start and simultaneously the vehicle will lurch into motion. Been there, done that.
Glad I found your channel, good content and great presentation style. And, always enjoy listening to that beautiful flathead V8 - among the most beautiful sounds in the world. Thank you
Thanks so much! Appreciate your comment.
- Craig
Yep, that's the standard 3 on the floor pattern. Jeeps (military and civilian) had it. It's like the 3-on-the-tree shift pattern moved to the floor. Also, had a college roommate who had a 1970 Mustang with the straight 6, and three on the floor.
Yes, nothing odd about it for older cars. My first car, a '68 Mustang was this way.
That's standard pattern for a 3-Speed Direct. Standard pattern for a 3-Speed OD had 2-3 reversed.
These transmissions were super slick with overdrive. I have had the good fortune to rebuild a couple of them. They are real works of art and really bring those old flatheads up to another level. Love your car.
Thank you so much! And yes, overdrive would be awesome to have for long-distance drivability. The Columbia unit is very interesting, though I hear they're kind of fragile. I've been thinking about a Mitchell, but it sounds like the '36 sedan is about the only model they don't just bolt into; you have to cut the floor a little to make them fit, which I'd rather not do.
- Craig
That was a fun video. I think this channel is going to do well!
Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you enjoyed the video.
- Craig
Just found this channel, SO cool. I love old Fords and this is just a treat ! It's nice to see younger (than me) people embrace the older stuff, especially in today's world of modern technology. I'm 62, and I remember my Dad talk about these older Fords which he also owned and loved. BTW, the under the hood shot is great! I've never seen this done before. Thank you !
We're glad you found the channel (and that you enjoyed the under-hood shot)! Thanks for watching and commenting.
- Craig
I loved my 49 Ford f100 flathead v8 with a good old crashbox tranny.
2:23. This shift pattern makes the most sense, because you’re in between 2-3, and 3-2 while driving. You only need 1 or R after coming to a stop, or dealing with parking..
I am really enjoying these videos. I have been driving a stock 1940 Ford for just under 50 years now and like to see your stock '36 in such excellent condition! Great information too!
The '40 Ford is an awesome car. Thanks for watching!
- Craig
The shift pattern was defined by federal law in 1927, hence the model A. Automatic transmission was standardized standardized in 1965 ending push button transmission
Great channel, the algorithm did on your suggestion 🎉🎉 great info, nice cinematography, audio is mint, humor is spot on. Definitely see this as a new top contender to the car enthusiast favorite list.
Thank you so much! We're glad you're enjoying the content!
Beautiful made Video
Thank you so much!
- Craig
Love the sights and sounds of the old Flathead! Thanks for sharing! Beautiful old car too!
Yet another fantastic video Craig! Next you've got to cover Columbia 2-speeds and the Borg-Warner R10 Overdrive like my '50 has! 😉
The early V8 3-speeds were a notable improvement over the old Model A non-synchro sliding gear 3-speed. (Which honestly isn't too bad...just not for hot-rodding) Actually the '39 transmission seems to be a go-to for early Ford hot-rodders, though 2nd gear can be their weakness. My grandfather had a '39 sedan with a 331 Cadillac mated to the Ford trans. It was dismantled on the kitchen table more than once!
Also worth noting, the early Ford V8 museum in Auburn, Indiana has a fantastic working cutaway of an early Ford 3-speed! I think that has become my 2nd favorite car museum, only behind the Gilmore!
Love the fantastic flathead sound of that '36, and of course the iconic flathead starter sound! Look forward to more content from you! Hope to get these old Fords together sometime too!
Thanks so much for watching!
- Craig
Very nice video!
Are those stock mufflers? It sounds good.
No, actually. I'm running a dual exhaust system with Red's Headers and a pair of Cherry Bomb mufflers. There's a nice bit of rumble without being obnoxious. Thanks for asking!
- Craig
Little tip for 8:42 - Try giving it some throttle with the foot off the clutch in neutral before shifting into 1st.
(Imagine neutral is a gear as well, that often helps to understand the concept).
It brings the transmission up to speed - and if you hit it right, you can just drop 1st straight in without any grind or hesitation.
Granted, 2nd to 1st is the toughest shift.
I've practiced by going certain speeds in certain gears and making a mental note of the engine noise (or tach reading in your case). Rev the engine to that point by memory (the faster you go, the higher the rev), and it matches close enough for the transmission to be happy :)
Thanks for the comment, Adrian! I've never tried double-clutching to grab first gear while moving, but I suppose it would be no different than shifting a Model A or any other "crash box." I'll have to give this a shot...
- Craig
@@AutoEsoterica It's exactly the same. Works with cars up to the 1970s where synchro-mesh for 1st still wasn't considered necessary.
Always a neat party trick when they want to tell you "oh it's got a blockade so you can't go into 1st while driv..." VROOM, Click, in it goes xD
Drove those old Fords. The older cars did not have a Synchromesh trans. All you had to do was double clutch them, especially the ones that had some miles on them. Down shift, same thing but watch down shifting to first when moving too fast.
i dunno if it was mentioned in the video, but there is a good reason for the shift pattern. It places first and reverse on the same gate which makes it way easier to go rapidly between the 2. This may not seem important in the modern day, but if you have ever had to rock a vehicle out from being stuck, the reason for the decision to do it this way suddenly becomes very apparent. Also this pattern copies the pattern commonly used on column-mounted 3 speeds, which I believe came before floor shifters. It's really not as weird as it seems.
That's a great point, one I hadn't thought of. Thanks for watching!
- Craig
I daily drive a 68 Ford Falcon with the same shift pattern in Colorado in the snow, and having first and reverse so close together comes in handy pretty often.
Driving such cars back in the day was truly a skill requiring task. Not like today. I once drove 60s car and it was HARD. Engine had to be kept alive by keeping accelerator slightly pressed, gears felt like they were "somewhere here" and brakes would only start working after few presses (no hydraulics at all)
Any and every car or truck in the 60s had hydraulic brakes. Possibly manual, not power brakes, but hydraulic. Mechanical brakes disappeared in the 30s.
@davidkeeton6716 well, no :D. I am talking about hydraulic assist
Nice
Sounds like the three on the tree. Had the chance to take an European car with a similar configuration for a spin and it was a bit challenging to take off at rush hour on a busy road. (1961 built, all syncro but 1st recommended only for taking off)
Also found the 1-2 shifting the most challenging because it's up-deep(towards the dashboard)-up.
But low-end torque meant I could take a roundabout in the top gear and gently pick up speed on my way out.
Probably the best feature of that era and configuration is that you can drive for hours in a row without shifting (just keep the top gear).
Yes, you are correct. The shift pattern is the same as a three-on-the-tree, or perhaps, the three-on-the-tree shift pattern is the same as this. Thanks for watching!
- Craig
Is it easy to do hill starts with this car?
It's not difficult. Steeper inclines do require quite a bit of clutch slippage, but it's manageable. These old cars are relatively light, have good low-end torque and are blessed with favorable gearing, so in normal, around-town driving they feel quite peppy.
- Craig
You either float into 1st gear or double clutch if you're going slow enough for first you can double clutch into 1st with no grind
What's the cruising speed you drive at my 31 model a will do 55 on a flat road but in hills about 40
The car is happiest at about 45 mph, but it'll do 60 all day long without any trouble. At highway speeds, the V8 really wants to run, and has no trouble accelerating up to 70 mph and well beyond with surprising ease. (I say surprising because the car only has around 100 horsepower and the aerodynamics are worse than a jackknifed tractor-trailer. 🤣) Thank you for your comment!
- Craig
@AutoEsoterica lol that's fantastic thanks for sharing your car online! Antique cars are a blast
@@AutoEsotericathe V8’s aerodynamics are better than you think. In the early 70’s, after the first of the gas crises, a test of the aerodynamics of the current new model cars was conducted. As a test of progress, a ‘37 Ford sedan was included, and it tested in the high range of all the autos. These cars were “visually” streamlined, not scientifically, yet the eyes of the designers yielded an efficient form. The ‘36 is only slightly less streamlined than its successor with its molded in headlamps and slightly sharper prow and vee windshield.
I have a sister to your car, also. standard Fordor. Stock, but with duel exhaust like yours. I have owned it for 46 years, and toured many miles with her, including 2 trips to Florida from Northern New Hampshire. Crossed the entire State of Georgia flat out at 90 mph. Not only the best car I have ever owned, but the best object as well.
I’m glad you are sharing the magic of these old Fords with others, they are in a class by themselves in style & performance. Not perfect of course, but they were affordable to virtually all persons from farmers to Presidents and Kings, and more fun to drive than almost any car then available. Thanks for you efforts!
P.S. had a ‘36 Ford Convertible-Sedan with the 100 hp ‘39 Mercury engine in high school - it would do about 105. Not bad considering it was the heaviest body style.
What's shifting? what's a v8? -kids now
Im wondering why he doesnt double clutch into first? I was born this century too
I have one of the last non synchro 1st gear car and It's from 1991 😂. It has synhros on 2nd 3rd and 4th but not on 1st.
Nice! Keep those manual transmissions going.
- Craig
I have a n orignal 36 Ford pickup, i just shift very slow, and i can double clutch , and get it into first gear
Ah, good to know! Whenever I've tried to grab first while moving it makes terrible noises.
- Craig
Instead of pausing , can't you just double clutch it and get the same affect?
You could, and I've tried this. It' actually feels slower, and it doesn't seem like the transmission likes it. Thanks!
- Craig
ATTENTION CITIZENS: If you feel as though you couldn't figure all this out, on your own, in less than 5 minutes, please stay off the road. Driving requires thought, perception and dexterity. Figuring out how to shift a simple H-pattern 3 speed with reverse is about as easy as it gets. Don't believe me? Try driving (and starting) a model T sometime.
I clicked on this video expecting to learn something, nope its like driving any old manual car except no syncro on first. Yet he didnt even try double clutching..
That's NO secret, simply syncromesh doing what is was designed to do!!!
Very american 3 speeds
I'm trying to think of a metric measurement for everyone else.
Only have to shift it long enough to get to the junk yard then go buy a dodge.
Clutches are for amateurs. And syncros just slow your shifts down. You should be able to downshift all the way using heel toe of your right foot, for the gas and the brake, never touching the clutch