Hard to Shift into First and Reverse- 1953 Hornet

JeffStork

Hello all-

First time user to the forum with a recently acquired low mileage 1953 Hornet three-speed with overdrive. Recent transmission work by the prior owner includes Rebuilt overdrive transmission, rebuilt clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, gaskets and seals, new motor mounts, and rear pinion seal. 

The car drives well but resists going into first or reverse. Really doesn't seem to want to. Second and third seem fine and overdrive engages normally. 

Has anyone encountered this problem? 

Thanks

Jeff

Jon B

Welcome to the Forum, Jeff!  I'm sure someone will be around with an answer, shortly.  Congrats on your low-mileage acquisition.  Sounds like a minor adjustment problem to me.

By the way (caution: shameless "plug" coming!), are you aware of the H-E-T Club?  (They sponsor this forum, and their website is at http://www.hetclub.org/ )  If you're not yet a member you might want to consider joining, 'cause it is an invaluable source of info. for Hudson owners.

Frankvintagefullflowcom

May I assume you mean that it "grinds" when you attempt to engage 1st or rev?

F

ps     "Shameless plug"!......hey, that's my line!

JeffStork

No, it just really really doesn't want to engage and it feels like I'm going to bend the lever.

allan

my guess is the clutch is not releasing all the way - it's always more critical in the low gears than 2nd and 3rd.  I recently worked on one that the owner broke the shift lever on trying to shift the low gears.  it turned out that the clutch needed an 2nd gasket to provide more clearance for the adjustment.

Allan

Frankvintagefullflowcom

 "Recent transmission work by the prior owner includes Rebuilt overdrive transmission, rebuilt clutch disc, pressure plate.........."

I'd guess that's your clue.

I'm with Doc. If the clutch was dragging it would be grinding upon engagement.  If it won't go at all, it's a shift linkage issue.

F

Geoff

I this a 2-lever transmission?  Can you shift into gear with the engine off and clutch not depressed?

Glowplug

Hi Go to my website and select transmissions on the first page http://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/index.html#RESTORATIONAIDS

JeffStork

Wow, thanks for the link. This looks awesome!

JeffStork

Okay so my trans guy has the car now and says that the bell crank has excessive movement and believes that there is probably a pivot bushing missing- does anyone have a source for same?

Glowplug

See my webpage above is a link. The bellcrank repair actions are shown there. Note the end of the bellcrank that fits into the bellhousing side is fitted into a rubber bushing. God luck

JeffStork

Thanks for that.

JeffStork

Stopped by the trans shop. Mark says that there is a shift rod bell crank that pivots on the frame which has excessive play. He believes there was a bushing there which has worn away. Does anyone know of a source for a replacement bushing? Photo attached: 

JeffStork

The car is a '53 Hornet with a mid-range '53 VIN that starts with 7C23XXXX.  

JeffStork

I'll snap some additional pics when I pick it up today. The car came from Indianapolis if that helps.

RL Chilton

Good looking car, Jeff. 

JeffStork

Thanks. I have it back and Mark adjusted it so first is better, but looks like there will be some time invested in searching for parts. It's quite a nice driving car.