The Ford Barn

Allanw · 12-03-2012, 03:01 AM

Wierdly, I can doubleclutch and downshift PERFECTLY, not even a notchy feeling!

Up is where I have trouble getting is smooth. I still grind, just a touch. I still haven't changed the gear oil yet, that might help me! Hope so!

Calling the throttle part of the downshift a "blip" may be a bit misleading to new-to-Model A-Drivers. I'd call it a damn good press!

Our "modern" car is a 200HP 6cyl, and a blip of the throttle in that will shoot the revs up to 3 or 4000 EASILY! The same blip in the model A would probably only raise it up to 1000 RPM! In the A, I press the throttle about 1/2 way down and hold it there for a period of time - probably only half a second, but you have to get the revs up there, before it will go smoothly!

Dave in Boise · 12-03-2012, 11:31 AM

I find that if I am out in the boonies, and not much traffic, i will not downshift very much, just gentle throttle and let her putt around as i adjust the retard and allow the heavy flywheel to assist me.

However, in traffic, i always downshift to 2nd when making a left or working across traffic.. reson being is that I'd rather be in 2nd at 20MPH and have the torque to get out of the way of the modern iron heading my way than to be in 3rd and lug it and hope the traffic slows down enough for me if I miscalculate their oncoming speed..

My 2 cents (adjusted for inflation) - Dave

Smurkey · 12-03-2012, 02:01 PM

I don't know about the "correctness", but I often will downshift without the clutch at all. Throttle and light pressure on the gearshift and it glides right in.. seems easier to match the RPMs without the clutch.

12-03-2012, 03:01 AM	#21
Allanw Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Whangarei, New Zealand Posts: 298	Re: Downshifting Stock 30???? Wierdly, I can doubleclutch and downshift PERFECTLY, not even a notchy feeling! Up is where I have trouble getting is smooth. I still grind, just a touch. I still haven't changed the gear oil yet, that might help me! Hope so! Calling the throttle part of the downshift a "blip" may be a bit misleading to new-to-Model A-Drivers. I'd call it a damn good press! Our "modern" car is a 200HP 6cyl, and a blip of the throttle in that will shoot the revs up to 3 or 4000 EASILY! The same blip in the model A would probably only raise it up to 1000 RPM! In the A, I press the throttle about 1/2 way down and hold it there for a period of time - probably only half a second, but you have to get the revs up there, before it will go smoothly! __________________ Allan '29 Tudor, Canadian RHD Whangarei, NZ "Duct Tape can't fix stupid, but it can MUFFLE the sound"

12-03-2012, 11:31 AM	#22
Dave in Boise Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 330	Re: Downshifting Stock 30???? I find that if I am out in the boonies, and not much traffic, i will not downshift very much, just gentle throttle and let her putt around as i adjust the retard and allow the heavy flywheel to assist me. However, in traffic, i always downshift to 2nd when making a left or working across traffic.. reson being is that I'd rather be in 2nd at 20MPH and have the torque to get out of the way of the modern iron heading my way than to be in 3rd and lug it and hope the traffic slows down enough for me if I miscalculate their oncoming speed.. My 2 cents (adjusted for inflation) - Dave

12-03-2012, 02:01 PM	#23
Smurkey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Esko, MN Posts: 257	Re: Downshifting Stock 30???? I don't know about the "correctness", but I often will downshift without the clutch at all. Throttle and light pressure on the gearshift and it glides right in.. seems easier to match the RPMs without the clutch.