<VV> shift pattern on early FC

[J R Read_HML]

Well,

Seth called it "guess a gear", in the mid-West we refer to it as "mystery 
shifter".  BUT, if the bushings are good and everything is pretty much 
"factory" tight, there really is no mystery to it.  I've driven some with a 
lot of slop - that is where the mystery (or guess) comes into play.

Certainly, do not be afraid of that '61 (under the seat) shifter.  It is 
(mine's a 4 spd) normal H pattern, and I guess the knob does seem to go 
downward a bit when going to first but that is not at all bothersome.  I 
have to disagree a bit with Seth's assessment (description).  I feel that he 
has overstated to a fair degree.  If the shifter is tight, you will have no 
problem with it - just don't expect to be doing any speed shifts with it. 
If you have that "stump puller" 1st gear, you could just drive it like a 3 
spd by starting out in 2nd.

Later, JR
CCE and CORSA member
'61 Rampside Standard 4/110 (will grind 2nd if in too big a hurry)
'65 Monza Convertible 4/140
'66 beater 500 Coupe "icemobile" 4/140 (50%)



----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Sethracer at aol.com>
>
> Us non-FC regular Corvair guys refer to that as the "Guess-a-gear" 
> shifter.
> I would describe the pattern as "H" -(more or less). And describe the 
> motion
> as  "Monkey". Driving one of these is a learning experience, and if you 
> can
> learn to  drive one and shift correctly, you can probably learn how to 
> shift any
> Corvair  (shift tube bushings be damned!) or any other car, for that 
> matter!
> And if  you go from one of the early FCs to a 63 1/2 or later model, with 
> the
> floor  mounted lever, you will think someone stuck a Hurst Shifter in 
> while
> you weren't looking. Too bad the linkage goes through the gas tank!
>
> -Seth Emerson (who once had a Hurst shifter in a  Corvair)
>