How to shift gears in a 1928 - 1931 Ford Model A

I see a lot of videos about the "right" way to shift a Ford Model A with its unsynchronized 3-speed transmission. Frankly, most people are doing it wrong.

All this emphasis on double-clutching and misinformation finally got my autism going, so asked my wife to record this short video to show everyone the right way to shift the Ford Model A transmission.

"I AM the Warranty"

#paulshinn

[TreeAtmos.]

most beautiful transmission whine i've ever heard

[gregwddriver]

It truly becomes second nature to drive these cars smoothly. Being engaged and actually having to drive the car makes it a very rewarding experience.

[monza]

Thank you!! My buddy offered to let me drive his model a and I was nervous about shifting properly. You explained it perfectly!!

[Moosecop]

Thats how I learned to drive a semi. An early 80s Mack R Series. Gears were so tall it would chug up a mountain if you could find them in the first place. I love these old cars. Thank you for that

[g.a.c.]

Yes, that's the right way. It works for most pre-war crash boxes. I've used the same method for early syncro boxes too to help move things along. And you're also right about how many people shift a Model A incorrectly....here on YouTube, and everywhere else. When I learned to drive a crash box in the 70's, there were still folks around that knew how to help you learn. Today we have the internet...and many people teaching it wrong. It was a good move on your part to use the unrestored '29, that way no one could trash-talk the trans and your driving instruction. Thanks for this video Paul.

[AlpineWarren]

Yes this is the way - So many double-clutch when upshifting which is certainly not called for or necessary. Love all your content Paul!

[Wooley]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm trying to learn all I can about these so when I finally find mine.

[benkanobe]

For some, it is easier to always double-clutch a Model A. Too much thinking about up or down, just DC every shift and it goes easier for some. I have only been driving Model A's for 54 years so I still have lots to learn, but everyone I have helped learn I have them DC up and down.

[stephenabraham]

Paul - I finally got to really drive my A for the first time after getting it and going through the engine, etc. Thanks for this video! It helped tremendously. My key learning was to just take your time - if you are in a rush to get somewhere, take a different car. Every other car I've had has been a synchronized manual so I didn't realize how much I was accustomed to just lazily slamming the stick into the next gear regardless of the RPM. And I thought myself to be a fairly precise driver. The A makes you pay much closer attention!! I love it.

[coreyworthy]

very nice, blowing the dust off the ole 29 Model A Roadster today so needed the refresher

[Sulfuron]

I saw a "How to" shift video where the gentleman was sitting at a dead stop, put the clutch in, and attempted to shift into first. However, the gears immediately started grinding. He backed off, tried again with the same result, only he just forced it into gear after grinding. I couldn't understand why it would grind while sitting still. Is it a clutch adjustment problem? Or maybe the car is idling too fast? Both? Lol

I just got my very first A, and your videos have been absolutely invaluable. From the "Secret Handshake" to your shifting style, maintenace and beyond, it has given me a wonderful starting point to launch from. I'd never even sat in a Model A until after buying mine, let alone driven one. I've got a lot of practice ahead, but you gave me the confidence to take those first few steps. Thank you!!!

[nateholden]

I love the sound of this engine also nice explaining!

[gillpollard]

That is how I shift, I see people double clutching all the time but it isn't necessary. Actually if you listen to the engine speed and know how things work you don't have to double shift at all. The best I saw was my uncle who grew up driving all kinds of cars and trucks back in the day, anyway he could shift his model A without using the clutch! Just listened and shifted at the proper time, it was amazing to see.

[AstraWerke]

My opion on this - and I'd love to hear yours, too - is that, as long as you hear no grinding noise, there is no "wrong" way to do it.
I like double clutching because one doesn't have to keep the clutch pressed in while waiting for the gears to slow down. Just like I prefer putting the car into neutral when sitting at a traffic light.
The lower the rpm you shift at, the quicker you can shift, because the gear speeds are closer together.
If you just get your car rolling in 1st, you can immediately stick it into 2nd without any hesitation - Jack Bahm demonstrated that brilliantly in a video of his.
You demonstrated how to shift without double clutching - and did it beautifully. But I wouldn't call double clutching wrong - because it doesn't hurt the transmission either, if done properly.

Greetings from Germany
Adrian

[rvscootin]

Great video. Thanks! I actually used to be able to shift my 1967 Chevelle without using the clutch. It really is a feel and rpm thing.

[ScubaAnt]

Greetings from Australia where we drive on the 'other' side of the road :) (The GAV control is on the steering column which is actually pretty handy!) Thank you Paul for making this video. I was taught to double clutch for both up and down shifting.... so I tried your method. There were a few 'crunches' while I was trying it out (hey it's OK, the gears can't get out!) but after a few goes I got it... and the whole way home I was saying to myself "I've being doing it wrong ***THE WHOLE TIME***" !!! :) I still find myself double clutching up shifting, but I'll get the hang of it! My clutch and I thank you! :) OK next Paul video to follow... brake adjustment!

[EspenX]

You should make a How to drive a Model A video. I guess the double clutching is the main thing, but as a "civilian" I would not be mad seeing a video of you explaining how the steering wheel, gear shifter, clutch feels and works and perhaps how you use sound (and smell perhaps) when you drive.

[jackhewitt]

A fantastic explanation. thank you Paul.

[FredMorrow]

Were you aware that you can lift the shifting lever and swing it up to the dash to give more legroom for a third passenger?

[chasgantz]

Great info!!! My buddy is going to let me drive is '31!