The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Shifting thru a Watson Transmission

Hello,

I have a Watson Transmission, Spicer Brown-Lipe Model M45 serial #013737. It has a stamped #C30-15118-7 on the left side of the case. It also has a casting # C30-22-25 on the front of the case.

The information I've gather so far, is that it's a 3 speed. it has an under drive, a drive and an overdrive.

I've searched the Internet for information but haven't had much luck. Does anyone have a manual of any kind that would show me how to use this type of transmission? Or does anyone have personal experience driving with this particular model?

I would greatly appreciate any help. I've posted a couple of photos of the "Brownie" on my Flickr.

Thank you,

Lisa

What is it you want to know about it?

Hi Goob,

I'd like to know how to shift through all the gears properly.

Lisa

properly is a "loaded" question...no pun intended. There will be a lot of different opinions on how to use it. Depends on a lot of factors. An auxiliary trans is really for a "loaded" tuck. It gives you a lower set of gears for starting, hills, and moving around slowly. For you it is probably just bragging rights and a cool accoutrement for the truck. I would just leave it in direct for most driving and you might use the OD in forth if your on flat ground or going down hill, and IF you want to go that fast.

Hi Goob,

Thank you for the info.

Lisa

Hey,coegirl! NICE COLLECTION!! There was quite a discussion,here on this forum,on this very subject! The Watson,was built by Brown-Lipe,in California. If you plan on keeping the tranny,it would be a COOL addition,for either your C.O.E.,or L.C.F.On "youtube",there's a video,(by:"Paulybuilt",featuring a '65 G.M.C.4000.Near the end of the video,the "Jimmy" gets passed,by an A.D.Chevy 6500,pulling a trailer!! The Chevy is equipped with a"Brownie" 3-speed.If you P.M. "Pauly",I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you how the unit is installed,and the parts needed to complete the transplant.If you decide to sell it,Please post it in the "Parts For Sale",and I'll bet you it sells in less than 2-days! there's a BUNCH of "Big-Bolters",that at least have a "Brownie" on their "Wish list"! If I found a "Brownie" (O.D.),myself,I'd HAVE to install it! It lets you go faster(,on level ground),while reducing engine R.P.M.'s at the same time!! PLUS,PLUS!!

Hi Wetwilly57575,

The Brownie is installed in my COE and I plan to keep it in there but, I wanted to learn how to drive/use it properly. I'd love to hear from those Big Bolters that have personal experiences with this type of Brownie.

Thank you,

Lisa

Using the overdrive trans isn't necessary unless you plan to pull a trailer and some weight. As mentioned you can use the low range to get a heavy load moving by splitting the main and aux box and stepping up thru each gear. Without weight, there is no point to use the low range. You could use the overdrive as a splitter to reduce the rpm drop between gear changes on the upper end and for more top speed. Driving a 2 stick takes some practice and there are no syncros in the aux box, so you need to match speed and rpm when shifting it. Double clutching will help but isn't like moving the stick from one gear to the next in the main box.

Thank you for all the great suggestions. It's greatly appreciated.

Did you get the PM I sent you about shifting the main and auxiliary transmissions? I learned to use a 5X3 setup in a B-73 Mack about 35 years ago. Mack called it a "Tri-Plex" and it was actually two transmissions in a single housing, using two separate shifters. They also had a 4X4 known as a "Quadri-Plex". With a little practice, you can learn to make just about all the shifts without using the clutch, just matching RPM between gears and making shifts with no gear grinding or damage.
Jerry

Hi Jerry!

Yes, Thank You.

Lisa

Try YouTube as well. If I remember right there are some good videos showing how to shift. Nice trucks you have. Great pictures on Flickr

Thank you, I will.