Car Manual Transmissions Identification from the 1920s-30s
Introduction
Manual transmissions were the norm in the early days of motoring, and they continued to be used in many cars until the automatic transmission became more popular in the 1950s. If you’re restoring a classic car from the 1920s or 30s, it’s important to be able to identify the manual transmission so that you can find the correct parts and make sure it’s working properly.
Types of Manual Transmissions
There were two main types of manual transmissions used in cars from the 1920s-30s: sliding-gear transmissions and synchromesh transmissions.
- Sliding-gear transmissions were the most common type of manual transmission in the 1920s and early 1930s. They used a set of gears that slid on shafts to engage different gear ratios. Sliding-gear transmissions required the driver to double-clutch when shifting gears, which could be difficult to do smoothly.
- Synchromesh transmissions were introduced in the mid-1930s. They used a set of synchronizers to match the speed of the input and output shafts before engaging the gears, which made shifting gears much easier and smoother.
Identifying Manual Transmissions
There are a few ways to identify a manual transmission from the 1920s-30s.
- Look at the shift lever. Sliding-gear transmissions typically have a long, straight shift lever that moves in a side-to-side pattern. Synchromesh transmissions typically have a shorter, curved shift lever that moves in an up-and-down pattern.
- Look at the transmission case. Sliding-gear transmissions typically have a cast-iron case with a round or oval shape. Synchromesh transmissions typically have a more rectangular case with a ribbed surface.
- Look at the gear ratios. Sliding-gear transmissions typically have three or four forward gears with ratios that are not evenly spaced. Synchromesh transmissions typically have three or four forward gears with ratios that are more evenly spaced.
Conclusion
Identifying a manual transmission from the 1920s-30s is not difficult if you know what to look for. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that you’re getting the correct parts and that your car’s transmission is working properly.
