The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun what in the world is next to the shifter?

i have a 66 chevy 1ton flatbed dually that i just got running today. this is the oldest truck ive ever owned, and the first stick. ive driven a couple sticks, but all of them were small cars. my question is; there is something comming out of the trans just to the right of the shifter stick. it has a handle on it with a lever. when i squeeze the lever i can hear something in the trans engage or disengage. i havent attempted to move it since i dont know what it is for and dont want to break anything. i know my truck is not a 4x4, i was thinking a granny low, or trans break maybe? oh and one more quick question; i dont know if its me or the truck, but something about first gear seems off. it just seems really low, should i be double clutching out of it, or should i just skip it all together? thanks in advance!

Good morning brian and welcome to Stovebolt.com.

As Bruce says, that's the parking brake handle -- pull it back and it's engaged. Squeeze the handle (to release it) and let it go forward, and you're on your way.

1st gear on these trucks is a granny gear -- when the truck is empty, or you're starting out on level ground, you can skip it and go to 2nd gear. Just drive it and the truck will teach you when to use first First gear also has no synchronizer so you will have to double clutch it to use it (you can start in 1st and upshift to second on the fly, but once you leave 1st, there's no going back unless you stop first or double clutch.

Don't be afraid to try it -- you're going to clash gears -- that's okay for awhile. It's a tough tranny and it will be a good teacher And before you know it, the guys will have you driving a Road Ranger.

Have fun and welcome to the hobby!

Let's see some pictures of the truck.

John

yeah, i drove it around the parkinglot a little last night, god its so fun it it disgusting, lol. the first time i tried to down shift from 2nd to first it didnt go so well. the second time i was listening to the motor and pretty much had to come to a stop. but now i know for sure. thanks! these are the only pics i have up so far, but ill have more tonight probably- http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3849709