3 Speed on the Column
 

How hard are they to drive ?

I need some advice and what not, because the one im getting has it.:gmc2:

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Easy if every thing is adjusted and lubed. You just need to learn the timing and be patient between gears. I was driving them when I was 10 on logging roads.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

I can drive a 5 Speed like its nothing.Like can you show me a Diagram like it ?

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

No diagram but easy. Shift pattern is an H. pull towards you and down is first gear. Pull and up is reverse. Spring in the shift mechanism will drop the shifter away and up into second. Third is away and down. After a few runs you will get a feel for the mechanisms sweet spot. Depending on the years of the trans first gear is probably not syncro so you will need to make sure you clutch and wait for the gears to stop spinning inside before shifting into first. Good news is in stock form these trucks had plenty of low end torque to lug around in second gear most of the time, first was just to get launched from a stop. If you get really good, after a while you will be able to shift without the clutch by feathering the throttle. I learned to drive in a variety of non-syncro rigs in the 50's when double clutching and rpm matching was required to keep from grinding gears.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Buy your truck yet?

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Trying to get it man

I have $480 in my pocket going to ask my grandmother to loan me $500..I have a commercial grill selling for $800..I can pay her back etc...me and acouple of mechanics are going to get it hopefully saturday or sunday

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Orrie did a nice job of describing the pattern. I have found each truck has a sweet spot and you have to learn to finesse the shifter a bit when changing gears. I had a 62 that was a real bear to shift and it would often get jammed. Id have to pull over, pop the hood and grab the shifter rods and pull them back into neutral and get in a try again. After a while, I learned how to adjust them and lube them up properly. After that I never had a problem again. I think the column shifter mechanisms on the older trucks are much more robust than the 60-66 series.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Yeah I am sure I will get the hang of it soon

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

I don't think you will have any problem with it if you already can drive a five speed. As the guys said, you have to learn each one's little quirks and how to shift it.
On the older non syncro first/reverse transmissions you can can't shift into first or reverse while the truck is moving or the engine is off idle. You hear some serious gear grinding if you do. It helps you come to a full and complete stop at the stop sign though.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

A "three on the tree" trans is easy to drive. You will get the hang of it fairly fast.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

I learned to drive on a "3 on the tree" on my first '70 half ton back in '78. I wish I had that truck back now. I sold it to help pay for a new '79 camaro though. Not bad for an 18 year old kid.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Thanks guys for the motivations

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

A seat belt makes it easier on a Left turn from a stop, especially when that fast moving truck is coming at you. :)

Nothing like a slick bench seat and body lean to get your attention.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

The 59 truck im getting is my grandfathers, he never put seat belts in it


I cant get in trouble for not wearing them cant I ?

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Seatbelts are cheap and your life is worth it .

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

............................. Down
Up
Down !!

Reverse............Up !!

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Down- 1st
up-2nd
Down-3rd

To reverse you click it and up right ?

How do you get out of Reverse ?

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Straight down to first. ................... or pause in the middle. Nutrual

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Can anyone Do a video for me to show how to do it ?... Someone that has a 1959 GMC 100 3 speed column

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Get the truck first,...

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

Haha true that man

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

No one really answered this is so... no, you cannot get in trouble. If your truck came from the factory without seat belts then you are not required by law to have them.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

also, your column shifter will act just like a floor shifter. except the reverse location is different

reverse is pulled towards you and up.

1st gear is pulled towards you and down.

2nd gear is away from you and up.

3rd gear is away from you and down.

if you already drive stick then it will take you about 1 second to figure it out

one thing to keep in mind though, you only enter 1st gear if you are at a complete stop. if you are rolling at all it will grind. so if you are slowly rolling, just start in second.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

oh I forgot, neutral is the same as a floor shifter, its in the middle and will feel the same as a floor shifter. dont sweat it dude, its nothing.

Re: 3 Speed on the Column
 

I watched a video on Youtube and it confused the HELL out of me lol