How to Double Clutch and Heel and Toe on a Constant Mesh Gearbox - How to drive a Classic Fiat 500

[@brezelbert]

My mum just bought a restored 500L and gave it to me for driving. By accident ive discovered that youve made this video - thanks a lot! I was so much looking for a good explanation on how to shift & drive the 500 properly. Excellent video, much appreciated!

[@oliverondras1818]

Adriano, thank you very much for this video. I bought a 1972 Fiat 500L and before I went for the first drive I watched your video about 10 times to learn it. Again thank you, great tutorial ❤

[@inbusclubveneto]

A very well made tutorial, and congratulations for your English!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@danbrodie9062]

Years later but want to echo this. KZbin is full of bad car videos (and bad videos in general)... too much music, stupid intros, rambling hosts, etc... Your video is the perfect balance of information, great editing, great camera views, and if you're concerned about your english you should not be at all, it's perfectly understandable to a native... far far better than I could speak any other language. Just a great video, thanks for this

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you! :)

[@razu1976]

I recently bought a 1967 Fiat 500 and one of the main things I was looking for was one without synchromesh. I've only driven it a few times before the bad weather turned up, but the satisfaction from a clean downshift is really something. This video is my inspiration for the spring and summer!

[@JetFire9]

What a great video! The only I could add, is don't leave your hand resting on the shifter. Doing so adds strain to the shift linkages and wears them out faster.

[@bertlevis]

Excellent presentation and informative, and your English is great. Well done and thank you.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Robert Lewis Thank you very much!

[@albrechtbln]

My Mom had a Fiat500 in the late 60ies for about ten years, and she told me how to drive it when I had my driving license in 1975, I remember that double declutching pretty well, when shifting to a lower gear, and I also used my right heel to hit the gas in between. I thought that was sooo super cool!!!! Thanks for this great video, it brings back memories!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you!

[@albrechtbln]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage Can you answer me one question please? I forgot what the third lever on the panel was. One was for windshield wiper, one for light. And what was the third? Not far distance light, because that was the lever left of the steering wheel. What was it then?

[@kamikaze5262]

The best video explaining in detail every technique. Congratulations man! And for being Italian your English are just perfect!!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you!

[@kamikaze5262]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage You ' re welcome man! Glad to see new videos from you especially with me 500!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

@@kamikaze5262 They'll come :)

[@ronanwhite6785]

THE BEST! You have brilliantly explained the topic! I love my 1966 Fiat 500 Giardiniera all the more, and practice your tips and hints as often as I can!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Ronan White Comments like yours are the reason why I make videos. Thanks for making my day!

[@numlock1001]

I'm interested in buying a 500, after seeing this even more interested, great video!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thanks! I'm gonna make a 500 buying guide video sooner than later, make sure you check that out, and if you need any help, just ask me!

[@numlock1001]

Took me 4 years but today im buying one 500L 1970 😄

[@davidorama6690]

You double shift heal and toe down. In those loafers. Whoa! Respect!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thanks man! I think an old 500 can teach more about driving than a modern supercar!

[@davidorama6690]

Adriano's Classic Garage That’s why I love old cars. The art of driving is slowly being lost. Incidentally what do you think of the modern 500?

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

I have quite a bit of experience with the new 500! I think the design is great and it's a fun little car, especially with the more powerful engines. I just wish the build quality reflected the price tag... The new mini feels like a luxury car compared to the 500!

[@boipayasoontario6957]

nice video sir. cheers. i love classic fiat 500. hoping to have one.

[@HomesteadOC]

Thank you for the great video, Im trying to buy one and needed some tips for the test drives. Love the shoes.

[@ckayakdude]

Thanks for a great tutorial! I'm going to Italy soon and am taking a classic Fiat 500 tour of Tuscany, so this was very helpful! I know how to drive a manual but have never driven with a constant mesh gearbox.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Let me know how your tour goes!

[@michael-mpmovies]

Thanks for this pretty good video! I love the split screen combined with white board explanations. I actually almost knew that but I never could explain at that high level as you do. Well done! I've done myself a video but just driving without any comments. To shift into a higher gear I experienced that it's working better with double clutching instead of just waiting a little bit, at least with my car. I absolutely agree that these gear boxes are giving you much more back, more fun and feeling of older technique, so I am happy that mine is still having the same gear box. I know that many restaurated cars got a synchronized gear box from the R or 126... but why? Thanks mate!

[@mkorsu]

Thank you very much for this video!!! My wife and I are visiting Florence in a month and we are taking a tour in classic Fiat 500's through the Chianti region. Your instruction is outstanding in helping me understand the nuances of older 500's. While I know how to heel/toe and rev match, understanding how the Fiat prefers to be shifted is invaluable info for me and will only add to experience!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Glad it was interesting, and thanks for taking the time to write the comment! A friend of mine from South Africa did a tour in Toscana in the 500, and really enjoyed it, so I'm sure you'll have a great time too! Lemme know how it went!

[@indikasenevirathne6653]

brilliantly explained thanks

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Glad you appreciated!

[@W123Coupe]

Hi Adriano, I just saw this video and immediately subscribed your channel. I really like classic cars (the last one I bought was a Fiat 850 Sport Coupe) and my wife is always chasing me to buy a classic 500... :) It will happen probably in 2020! Thanks for the vídeo and for the tutorial (very helpful!). Regards from Lisbon, António

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Hey Antonio! Making your wife happy and getting a new toy for yourself is a total win win in my book! If you need any help with buying a 500, just message me ;) I'd like an 850 sport coupe, very fun car, and a good investment!

[@W123Coupe]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage

[@W123Coupe]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage Hi again Adriano! You are completely right… :) However, I have some classics cars that I would like to buy previously to the 500 that she doesn't like so much (Citroen CX and Triumph Dolomite Sprint). Maybe I buy the 500 between these two and she doesn't worry me so much about buying the others… :) Thanks!

[@jennydonne8946]

This is an excellent video. Explains the gear changing process so well and makes sense. I so want a Nuevo 500 & feel I could drive one. Thank you so much & well done. Beautiful car & love your shoes

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you for taking the time to let me know you liked the video! If you need any help/suggestion in the future, just hit me up! :D

[@irvb9881]

Brilliant explanation!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you!

[@adrianbarrett4544]

Very interesting! I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my 500L when it arrives! :)

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

+Adrian Barrett keep me updated then! :D

[@mattbod]

I go to Italy a lot and have always wanted to try one of these little cars. I haven’t met a kind owner yet though! The rev matching is not a problem. I do it on my car as there is a big “gap” between 2nd and 3rd and you get a jolt if you don’t. Now you get auto rev matching on some manuals ugh.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Next time you're in Rome hit me up :) Stay tuned to the channel cause I have pretty big news coming up soon!

[@mattbod]

Adriano's Classic Garage I will do that!

[@Massimo.Poloni]

Bel video, complimenti 👍

[@oliverbenbow1912]

Really good information . Enjoyed your explanation

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you, man!

[@chriswright5198]

Thanks- I’m gonna try this !!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

No problem! Let me know how it works out!

[@chriswright5198]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage it works great! I need to practice some more but it improved my technique knowing a bit more of the science from your video 👍👍

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Great to know! Have fun practicing!

[@aussiefozzie9338]

Very clear tutorial - thank you

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@amelsfr]

very good video

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you!

[@dinob123]

Hey great video. Are you in Rome? I have a 500L and struggle with the shifting

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thank you! I'm in Rome, yes.

[@dinob123]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage Oh that’s great. Can I pass by to see you with my Fiat 500L? :) we have a coffee and a chat. Let me know your place, thanks

[@polloloci21]

Perfecto!! Gracias por la explicación .

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thanks you!

[@samanthapancewicz297]

I have a 1948 topolino. I am having trouble using the reverse gear. Its almost impossible to shift into it. Is there a trick I need to know?

[@wildman510]

I believe you kind of have to engage the clutch and wait for it to kind-of whirl down and stop spinning

[@b2782]

Grande Adriano bel video, tutto molto chiaro! Ma impressione mia o quando scali le marce in alto non fai la doppietta? Io ho una 500L del '70 e quando cambio le marce non mi entrano in modo fluido come a te..se non accelero la marcia entra grattando

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Grazie mille! Io salendo di marcia non accelero su nessuna delle mie 500 e non gratta. Magari è una particolarità della tua! Potresti provare ad innestare la marcia un po' più velocemente... Fammi sapere se aiuta!

[@luu321]

Grande Video, molto informativo! Una cosa volevo capirla un po meglio. Le linie rosse sul conta giri sono i giri massimi per ogni una marcia vero? Tu quando scali in su la marcia la cambi prima della linea rossa o alla velocità della linea rossa? A me capita che gratta un po se la metto troppo velocemente scalando in su.. Un saluto!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Hey grazie! Si, esatto! Io cambio alla linea rossa, a volte anche leggermente oltre... Quando il cambio è pronto, senti proprio la marcia che vuole entrare, se cambi troppo velocemente gli ingranaggi non sono alla stessa velocità, ed è per quello che gratta! Il segreto è non forzare la marcia, ma cambiare delicatamente, e non gratterai mai.

[@luu321]

Adriano's Classic Garage Capito! Grazie per la risposta 👍🏼

[@wardaskevin7685]

Hi Adriano! I'm just about to buy a Fiat 500 R and I saw your video which is absolutely perfect! But there is something i am not sure about, are you sure as you said that the Fiat 500 R has a synchronized gearbox?? I always heard that no Fiat 500 has a synchronized gearbox, only the 126... Many thanks in advance for your answer! Best regards Kevin from Switzerland

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

+Wardas Kevin Hey Kevin! It's really hard to find this kind of info nowadays, unless you can talk to experts and/or have had the chance to see a lot of 500's! Especially because FIAT was all about saving money on the production line and made quite a mess using parts from one model into another and such... The 500R was built with the same 126A5 engine as the 126, with 5 less hp. It had a non synchro gearbox in earlier ones and synchro in 74/75 as far as I know. The gearbox from the 500F/L has shorter gearing and doesn't fit on the 126 engine. Hope this helps, and keep me updated on your new purchase, it's always cool to welcome a new cinquecentista in the club!

[@wardaskevin7685]

Thanks for your answer, I tried the 500 R yesterday and the owner told me that is has a synchronized gearbox, but it is hard to say because it was not cracking hard when I was downshifting without doing the double clutching but You heard a small noise. And it is a 1973 500 R so normally it hasn't the synchro gearbox.. I will see next week when I will go to pick it up and park next to my vespas ! Thanks for all your informations!

[@adrianbarrett4544]

Wardas Kevin I’m reading a book about the Fiat 600/500/126 story and it says the 500 never had a synchromesh gearbox, always constant mesh, even the 500R which had the same 600cc but lower power engine as the early 126 models

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

+Adrian Barrett Fiat always used the most readily available parts to assemble 500's...the first F's used a bunch of parts from the D, and the last R's used the 126 gearbox. There are still a few running, go check on the 500 Club Italia forum! :D

[@adrianbarrett4544]

Adriano's Classic Garage that doesn’t surprise me at all! I think the floor pan on the R changed from 500 to 126 too: My newly purchased 1972 500L definitely has the constant mesh gearbox! :)

[@godgirlsguitars]

I got a question about your fiat 500. What is the slowest speed you can drive in 4th gear without putting strain on the engine and transmission?

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

It's a long and complicated answer... You know what? I'll make a video review of the 500 so I can talk about this thoroughly. In the meanwhile, short answer: if you wanna sit on one gear, stay in 3rd... acceleration is non-existent in 4th below 60km/h!

[@_Dxnny]

How long does it take to get the hang of this? Also how tall are you?

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

It can take months to do it perfect, but as for anything else, It really depends on how much you practice... the more you do it, the better you'll do it... and if you follow my suggestions you can learn while you drive around without breaking anything! Liking the video and subscribing to the channel makes the learning about 25% faster tho (or so I was told ;P). I am 1,80. Good luck!

[@NyeJ]

What is it like with a synchro mesh

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Push the clutch and change gear :)

[@godgirlsguitars]

I think I understand that downshifting in these classic cars requires rev matching because they're not like newer manual transmissions. Kind of like how I can downshift without using my clutch by rev matching. So I guess downshifting without using the clutch is impossible in this classic.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

My cars aren't as old, but I constantly get the "why do you drive old cars? it's so strange and difficult" and I'm always like: You don't really get it now, do you???

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

We're lucky to have this passion, cause it's one that truly brings people together. It might be irrational, but isn't that in the definition of passion? :D

[@あさぎ色-j2h]

It's hard to do a double clutch smoothly. It's 126 mission, so you don't have to double clutch, but I want to do it.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Totally worth learning! When you do it smoothly enough you can stop using the clutch altogether, which is a pretty neat trick 😝

[@thetruenorthreviews]

Nice video! Do you ever drive barefoot?

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Sometimes, in summer. Not ideal for heel and toe tho!

[@dnickegmx]

so many contemporary owners don't know how to fold an open sunroof the right way

[@OneCalledMike]

What a challange. Never drove a manual car, now my fiancee is like, "Let's take the tour...and you can drive"... lol okay, Im ready I guess.

[@luislm1000]

Hi, i would like contact u!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Email me, or dm me on instagram or Facebook! :D

[@luislm1000]

Adriano's Classic Garage email u? I dont have your email adress!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

On the profile! [e-mail]

[@mortenvontilliusholten-and6310]

I love your video!! I have actually bought the same fiat 500, same color in bought it in Rome for 7 years ago, and drove it to Copenhagen, Denmark. Where I live. Simply love that car !! I attached a picture of my car. Thx a lot! instagram.com/p/BD77pLvrXrG/?taken-by=vonholten

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Yours is indeed incredibily similar to mine, it even has the same white band on the tires! I can only imagine how good an adventure driving it back must have been!

[@psq_btt]

è il tuo primo video che vedo ed ho due domande: 1) Perché non parli italiano se sei italiano? 2) Se proprio vuoi parlare inglese, perché non curare i sottotitoli in italiano?

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

L'idea è di coinvolgere gli stranieri nella mia passione per la 500 e altre auto che magari non hanno la possibilità di vedere spesso... Per i sottotitoli hai ragione, piano piano li sto sistemando, ma non ho molto tempo libero e faccio quello che posso!

[@psq_btt]

I tuoi video sono molto interessanti e ben fatti. Credo possano interessare anche ad un pubblico italiano

[@psq_btt]

Adriano's Classic Garage ho capito, complimenti per il canale!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

If you think I need new driving shoes, proceed to spam the hashtag #newdrivingshoesforadriano @sparcofficial @ompracing @momomotorsports @puma @alpinestars LOL

[@dailydriverreviews]

Right! :-D You should have mentioned it in the video that those are the proper shoes to wear while driving a classic italian car!

[@adrianoricciuti5587]

Daily Driver Reviews I totally should have! It even was in my notes for the video!

[@dailydriverreviews]

If you see my Instagram, you see I traded my Mazda for a 1994 Cinquecento and it's really hard to drive with wide welt shoes or boots :-|

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

But it's easier to heel and toe! ;)

[@dailydriverreviews]

YES I am still getting used to it, especially third gear, which is really stubborn

[@simonegrazioli]

non sapevo che la cinquecento avesse il cambio sincronizzato

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Infatti non è sincronizzato!

[@simonegrazioli]

Sorry sono un po ignorante :)

[@inframoon4689]

Great video but I still don't understand.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

+Reiwilo What is not clear? Maybe I can help :)

[@inframoon4689]

Adriano's Classic 500 I watched you're video again and I read somthing on internet and now i understand. Once again great video and thank you for replying :-)

[@scatcat1994]

The most "Italian" video I've ever seen.

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

I wanna believe that's a good thing, but i can't really figure out how It could be 😂

[@scatcat1994]

@@AdrianosClassicGarage I'm from Scotland and went to Rome once, it was awesome man. Would love to go to the countryside sometime to experience rural Italy.

[@carlosimone2181]

Ma se fai il contrario? Se metti i sottotitoli in inglese e parli in italiano non è meglio

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Magari lo rifaccio anche in Italiano :)

[@verygood7155]

TMI :o(

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Lol