Shifting a J2

[Pizzi348]

I was wondering what the correct technique is for shift a J2. It sounds like a bunch of marbles being mushed together each time I shift. I must be doing something wrong. Do I need to double-clucth through all the gears?

Thanks!

-Matt

 

[DrEntropy]

It'll help. A "stutter-shift" (out, pause, engage) works if the box is in good nick.

 

[David_DuBois]

Matt - you need to realize that you are using a non-syncrmesh gear box and learn how to shift it properly. DrEntropy's "stutter-shift works well for shifting up, but you will need to double clutch when shifting down. It takes some experimentation to find the correct speed vs rpm where the gears will slide into mesh without grinding, but once you get it down, you will find that you don't need to bother with the clutch other than when starting from a complete stop. It all works a lot better if you shift at a relatively low rpm (one can't hot rod this car with a non-syncromsh box in it). Once you get the process down pat, you will find it is a lot of fun to drive - I drove a 1936 PB from Washington state to Southern California many years ago and never had any problem with the gear box or with shifting it.
Cheers,

 

[Pizzi348]

What's the difference between a shutter shift and a double-clutch shift?

Are you saying of I match the RPM's correctly I can just move the lever without using the clutch?

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Yup. It's a knack you pick up over time.

 

[DrEntropy]

What they said. When upshifting use the disengage, pause, engage routine. I didn't think you were downshifting so didn't mention double-clutch. A double-clutch downshift is actually easier than upshifting once you know where the RPM match is (at least it is for me).

 

[Bob Claffie]

Trying to shift one of these old crocks without using the clutch is foolishness. Yes, it's "cute" to be able to do that but imagine the expense of rebuilding the transmission (or worse) while trying to master the art. They put three pedals in the car for as reason, besides starting from a dead stop, use them all. Bob

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Yeah, well........you get a feel for it. Not that you don't USE the clutch, but often you'll find yourself shifting with half the pedal.

Better to be double-clutching and looking than it is to just jam it into gear.
You ain't lived until you've street-raced a 1935 Ford, tached it out in first whil holding the gearshift knob (spring steel shaft) against the dash and just tapping the clutch pedal.....and you're in second with no steering for a few.....

Now, THAT gets expensive.

 

[aeronca65t]

Matt-

If I were you I'd contact someone in the Conn. MG club and see if there's anyone that can give you some hands-on advice about shifting your J2 (and maybe a demo).

I taught myself how to do this in a $20 Austin A40 many years ago, but I brutalized the trans in the process.

The internet is great and I know there's been lots of good advice above, but I think this is a subject that needs to be explained in-person. If you don't have any luck, I may know someone here in NJ that can help.

G'luck!

https://mgclub.homestead.com/

 

[DrEntropy]

True, dat!