I have a 41 Special Deluxe with the vacuum assisted shift. The shift works fine, but I can't help noticing that the shifting pattern seems skewed upwards. From previous experience with column shifts, I know the shifting lever in neutral should point straight right, up towards the passenger side door window in reverse and second, and approximately towards the passenger's thigh in first and third. Based on this, the shifting pattern in my car appears to be skewed about 15 degrees upwards. At first I thought this may have something to do with the vacuum shift, but watching Jay Leno drive is 41 SD with the vacuum shift, I know that the shifting pattern should be the same as for any three-on-the-tree. Is this something I should get fixed, or should I just live with it, as long as the car shifts ok? Thanks.

Bruce

 

Sounds to me like it has the wrong linkage in the car..... Good Old Fluid Drive Trans...
41 SD was a nice ridding car... My Pops had one of those when I was a little "wipper Snapper"...

 

Threw my years of experience if it works don't fix it

 

Thanks for the information guys--I'm debating having it fixed, just so that the car drives as it originally did.

 

Post up some pictures if you can....
Might just need some bushing replaced?

 

Could just be an adjust screw/link that has worn over the years causing it to not sit in the right position.

 

Hey Bob, I'll need to crawl under it to get some pictures, but she is headed to the garage tomorrow for some other work, and I am going to get the mechanic to take a second look. He told me the first time not to worry as long as it was shifting, but I want it to shift the way it is supposed to. If he can't address the issue then I will. I have some previous experience working on these cars, but that was years ago, and I lack a lot of tools nowadays.

 

Sounds like a good plan

 

I want to add the vacum assist to my car. Do you know who i can get one from?

 

i worked on industrial air logic systems, for years. the first thing to check is air / vacuum leaks. IE' broken hoses.