Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

I just installed a Columbia but have not driven it yet. I am confused about engaging and disengaging the overdrive. One instruction I read said to lift off the accelerator off the floor and pull the handle. Then push the clutch in to complete the shift.

Is this right? I would have thought that you would push the clutch in first like shifting a transmission gear. Which way is correct? This is a '40 stock installation, not electrical like later Columbias. :confused:

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Push the clutch to the floor, let off on the throttle. Pull the switch OUT to go in to overdrive, let the clutch pedal back out and accelerate.
To go back to regular drive, same operating procedure except you push the switch IN.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Thanks Kube.

That's pretty much what I thought.

Another question, when running the cables for the speedometer gearbox cable and valve cable, it seems counter-productive to use the bracket that the instructions say to install just forward of the firewall to hold the cables down in the bend area. Especially the one that shifts your speedometer gear box because it is about an inch longer after its hooked up. It seems like it makes more sense to just let the cables come forward out of the firewall and let them make a natural gentle bend instead of pulling them down to restrain them in a bracket. What say you?

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

I've installed more of these than I can recall. Each one was done "by the book" with zero issues.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Another thing that some people miss is the correct way to fill the Columbia with oil. IF you read the instructions they spell it out. I put the car up on Jackstands LEVEL. Run the car in the gear specified for the time specified then quickly get out and put in the amount of oil specified. The reason for this is that you are filling the inside of the Columbia where the sun gear is and before the oil runs back out to the banjo, you need to top it off. And as specified, USE THE COLUMBIA FILL HOLE, NOT THE ONE IN THE BANJO.
You also don't want to check the oil level in the Columbia without doing this same procedure . I know of more then one rebuilt unit fried due to not following the proper procedure for filling it with oil.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

A handy, clutch-saving tip if you forget to disengage the Columbia before coming to a stop: put the car in reverse and back up a little to drop it out of high range.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Does it hurt anything to come to a stop and start again in high range?

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Kube,

Do you have a picture of one of the 40 installs you did showing the firewall and mounting of the cables coming through the firewall. Something is not right on mine. Thanks!

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Don't think it hurts anything, but it's harder on the clutch and slows acceleration. I've done it a few times myself when it wasn't possible to back up (e.g., at a stop sign with a car right behind you).

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

I installed the Columbia's in my cars so as soon as you
push the clutch in they drop out of O.D. So going up a
big hill or at stop lights or signs I just push the clutch
and slowly release it. G.M.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

No, other than you may not have enough power to comfortably get rolling again.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Then you are using later controls. Authentic 40 controls do not operate like that.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

This should help.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Wouldn't take much to solve that little problem! DD


http://static.speedwaymotors.com/RS/.../7200392_L.jpg

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Kube,

Thanks for the picture. Apparently, my speedo gearbox is mounted too high. If I drop it like yours, the speedo cable will be too short to make it to the speedometer. Guess I have the wrong (shorter) speedo cable.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

ewww yuk! lol

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

I made my own shifting controls. I don't like the way
the original ones work. I use 12 volt Pollock fuel shift valve
that is made for trucks with dual fuel tanks. As I described
I shifts by pushing a button and pushing the clutch. The
12 valve works on 6 volts. Pollock calls this a 6 port shifting
valve. G.M.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Not certain what, if anything, this has to do with the original post.

Re: Shifting A Columbia In A '40
 

Does anyone make a shorter speedo cable?? 70 plus inches is to long. I would like about 48 inch cable. This would go from the Columbia dash fire mount box to the turtle.