How to Drive Three On the Tree Column Shift Chevy Cars & Trucks

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#howtodriveaclassiccar #howtodrivethreeonthetree #threeonthetreeshifting

[@miscrambler]

This is a very good explanation on gear changes, but not braking. Leave the car in gear to allow the engine to slow the car. Then, if needed, downshift to continue. If you must brake, then immediately go back to second and then to high. It is also helpful in these old boats to use the torque of the engine for braking at the drum brakes don't stop like modern brakes and it can be dangerous to ride the brakes or kick it into neutral. Back in the day, we all learned this -- or we learned how to fix brakes!

[@joeyductz]

Love the sound effects of the gears. “Something like that “. !!

[@jsh3234]

Okay, looks like a nice ride. Nice job on the lesson on driving a vehicle with 3 on the tree. One suggestion and a correction though. It's better to just leave it in whatever gear your in as you approach a stop as it helps to slow the vehicle down without having to use the brake as much and then depress the clutch just before coming to a stop. Now the correction. 1st gear is 3:03 a low gear and 3rd is a high gear, not the other way around. Other then that, great tutorial.

[@GenerationOldschool]

Thank you I will follow your advise

[@bikdav]

Oh. OK. That’s what I was taught.

[@toastytoasty1525]

hes talking about rpm when he says first is too high and third is too low

[@josephconsoli4128]

That's the best and easiest to understand explanation I've ever heard of driving a 3-on-the-tree. I love cars from that era and, if I ever got one, it likely would be a manual. Thank you and it looks like a nice Chevy you have there!

[@markchild7834]

I've always had cars with auto transmission.nice too learn.the old cars are sweet well built!!!

[@dandeo50]

Learned to drive on a three on the tree car similar to yours . We had another Chevrolet with Automatic but my Dad made me learn on the stick because he said if you can drive this you can drive anything!

[@alejandrogianni8362]

Instablaster.

[@fordguy2836]

Shit I wanna learn a 3 on a tree

[@elaineewalt8137]

He's right! 👍

[@tomy8339]

"3rd is too high and 1st is too low. 2nd is the way to go". You sir are a poet. 😁

[@Black_and_Grey_Ink]

1st is to high and 3rd is to low, is what he said !!

[@1ivannthegreat]

Good Tutorial on the Chevy , especially on a beautiful day. 😎👍🏻

[@stevenj9970]

Thans you so much!!! I've not seen the 'three on a tree' demonstrated since I was a kid riding in my grandmothers Chevy 1964 Bel Air. Youve taken me way back, I'm 63yo now!!! Now in honor of her, I gotta find an old 'standard' shift Chevy!!! She was a great Gal....

[@tonyperek7292]

I love that three on the tree shifting.

[@user-vg5zd1ky9c]

Thank you for teaching me how to drive a three tree manual R 2 1 3

[@fitness_with_boobie5240]

Best video out explaining 3on the tree

[@calavinsapanama4864]

I just bought a 1956 Bel air. And has 3 on the tree. Your video has helped a lot. I have not drove yet. We are still restoring. All working good. Repair the rust spots and getting ready to paint. I live in Panama. Republic of Panama. I will send pictures and video. When I get it done.

[@reddiamond8834]

I am on the younger side and recently got my hands on a 1940 Plymouth coupe with the same three on the tree. I grew up and learned with automatic transmissions so learning a manual is very scary for me. I do not want to spend the money on an engine swap or for custom adapters for it's flathead 6. I want to do my best to become skillful with it's original hardware before I sink 5 grand in this car for an engine/ transmission swap. Thank you for this video it has eased me.

[@dmiller1000]

Thank you for 'splainin' this to viewers who may never get a chance to drive a 3-on-the-tree. I had one for 4 years and loved it. No power steering or power brakes. Good honest transportation. Loved the challenge of driving, shifting and schvitzing in the summer while eating an ice cream cone. And that towel comes in handy, given many 3-on-the-trees do not have A/C.

[@OneXtraChrom]

Thank you for the insight! Im picking up a 3 speed 52 Kaiser Manhattan and needed to learn how to drive it. Thanks!

[@joemannix7471]

I learned this in 1965 when I was 8 years old except coasting was forbidden. The rule was to always be in the appropriate gear. You slow with brakes only and when the revs drop you briefly clutch and go down a gear. Coasting makes you have to pick a gear when traffic suddenly clears. It is safer to always be in the proper gear. Plus coasting was illegal when I learned and matching the revs to the speed of the drive train makes for smooth shifts with minimal clutch wear.

[@54_RebeL]

Congratulations brother on your new Chevy! 👍

[@pfkinsey]

Great description! My first car was a '61 Bel Air 2 dr flat top with L6 and 3 spd; loved shifting. Enjoy your '50; the '50 has always been one of my favorite years......great style, love the whine of the L6 as it goes through the gears...

[@johngrepo9976]

Very good video! Your explanation and demonstration are very helpful

[@showboat2784]

Great video. It’s like you were answering all my questions real time.

[@indychuckluck]

Remember first is a low gear third is your high gear that lets you go faster ...very good my friend enjoy.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

Looks pretty comfy and easy. Cool.

[@stevebulota4687]

My father's '50 Fleetline DeLuxe had a 3-on-the-tree. He traded it in for a '53 Pontiac with Hydramatic. Those early 3-speeds had a first-reverse sliding gear. You didn't want to engage either of those gears when the car was moving.

[@Cristian.986]

First: for start moving Second: for very low speed or turns Third: for cruise Never abuse gas pedal or high rpm when clutching

[@knitterscheidt]

I learned to drive on my dad's Ford panel truck with 3 on the tree, so that's not why I watched the video....caliente!

[@albertdelmonte9303]

Good instructions...well done.

[@pablolaja3211]

Excellent video very helpful thank you so much for this video, I recommend this video.

[@danieldavis9053]

Ran into your channel from watching car shows. I never drove a 3 on the tree. Only on a tractor. I have gotten my Grandfathers ‘56 Plymouth. Have to change electrical components and fire it up. Great video. Cant wait to drive mine.

[@jmodesto2079]

Thank you for the simplified video made it easy to learn

[@lambrokedrc5998]

It's been so, long since I've even seen anything with three on the tree😁😂🤣 Your ride? THNX!

[@WilliamLeonard]

Yes

[@JoeysAutismAdventures]

I use 3 on the tree videos to help me sleep at night as my white noise, along with engine noise.

[@styldsteel1]

Well since I've viewed your video and read the subsequent responses, I since purchased and 49 Hudson, and a 67 F-100. Both three on the column. I've really gotten pretty good. Thanks to all.

[@ralphflori4129]

good teacher....I just subscribed!

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I just bought a truck with three on the tree and can't wait to finish our restoration so we can drive it.

[@TAD3011]

Driving such a car is a complete satisfaction. Only air conditioning is lacking for happiness. My collection also includes Chevy but ... today and in Poland.

[@1959lowridinthunderbeast]

Thanks for this brotha, as a new owner of a 49 fleet, and never having anything younger than a 53 before that, this was very helpful :) Best, anotha brotha in Scotland :)

[@mydogworriesalot1840]

How nice I drove a service van in the late eighties with 3 on a tree no issues the owner looked after his machines 👍

[@bloodowl8927]

Good instructions and nice ride!

[@johnstephenson2428]

Good demonstration of a three on the tree standard transmission. I would however never Coast up to a stop in neutral.

[@elaineewalt8137]

Some years ago, a friend of mine was cleaning off his property. Sitting on his land was a lite blue '60 Chevy Bel-Aire 4 dr. sedan. He offered it to me--free and clear! 😃But it was a 3 spd on the tree! 😨 I told him forget it, I can't drive that! He said he'd show me, but here in N.Ga., too many hills! 😱 I'd hit someone in front AND behind! 😰 I left it there 😭 and now I see THIS!!! 🙄😫😕

[@jacobrobinson175]

Gorgeous car bud... and good video.

[@nofeerz]

Learned on a late 50’s pic m up truck love the “dance” much more than on the floor taught my girls to shift

[@JR-gk3ko]

Thank you 🙏 that was the best way to explain the gears ⚙️

[@punkrockerr4892]

Thank you for this video

[@dougn2350]

These are actually really easy to drive.

[@TKShigeru]

Thank you, I am thinking of buying 1948 Chevy. The car is three speed of manual. Thank you for teaching me how to drive.

[@chrisfolkharmonicaplayer6292]

Since the car has a non syncronized 1st gear , its a good idea to double clutch when shifting into that gear .Step on the clutch. Put it in neutral , foot off the clutch ,hit the gas for a second, press the clutch, shift to first to reduce grinding the gear. Sounds complicated , and it takes practice. Your transmission will last longer.

[@horacehenderson6202]

Great information

[@choward5430]

My first car, a '56 Chevrolet BelAir 2 door hardtop my mom purchased for $250 in 1975 was a 265 v-8 3 speed on the column. I learned in 5 minutes because my uncle had a '54 BelAir and he showed me!

[@thashoeboy]

Love it!

[@blackispower2233]

Great video

[@harrygates2670]

Bought ford super deluxe 1947!! Thank you for the guide!

[@GenerationOldschool]

Thank you

[@debblei6233]

I learned on a 62 Ford Falcon three on the tree when I was 12 years old. Early 70s! My Dad was the coolest

[@johnkirkilis34]

Nice video a lot of people don't know how to drive three on the tree.😄👍

[@wesleycooper7159]

That's what I learned to drive on 35 years ago. Both my first vehicles were 3 speed on the column 65 chevy pickup and a 66 ford pickup. Chevy used to be bad to hang up between 1st and 2nd. Changed it to an automatic took forever to find a used automatic column.

[@floresapril7]

Thank you! ✊🏻

[@humveelover-ig5qy]

Unlike steering gearbox manual transmission, regular manual gearbox handles all the hears but on a horizontal plane. Steering gearbox shift does that ditto but on a vertical plane with reverse approaching towards you on z axis.

[@frankh5834]

Thanks good video

[@bringbacktheclassics]

I have a 47 kaiser and had to learn how to drive it. You taught me that I can put it in neutral while slowing down. Thanks man

[@michaelbenardo5695]

No you shouldn't put it in Neutral. You have no engine braking when you do that.

[@elaineewalt8137]

@@michaelbenardo5695 Now I'm confused...🤔

[@angelitavaldellon7600]

Try taking your foot off the gas pedal while driving. You will notice a retarding effect. Now try putting it in Neutral while driving. You will see that it coasts freely with no resistance.

[@scottnevil]

Appreciate it

[@MrROTD]

I had a half ton truck like this you get used to it very quickly.

[@8avexp]

Owner's manuals of the day describe the shift pattern as an "H" pattern. 4-speeds also use the "H" pattern except that reverse is elsewhere.

[@tonymotola6]

Eso pana 🤝

[@dickiegreenleaf750]

Looks fun and not hard

[@meetbhuller6324]

Great video. Very easy to follow. I bought a 4 on a tree. It’s my first manual car. I am learning right now. How much can 4th gear go? Like 65mph or 70mph? Trying to see if 4th gear is able to keep up with freeway speed ?

[@AnnaCruz-wb6dt]

Thanks bro good Video. It took a minute for me to get it. But i kept on practice and practice now i have no problem. 1966 International truck 3 on the tree love driving it.. Good work again thank you.

[@Bossrich6287]

My father bought a brand new 1950 chevrolet,he was 40 at the time.

[@daveallen8824]

Nice '50. I had a 50 fastback 2 door, really cherry with a fresh Sears rebuilt engine - think I paid $200 for it back in the 70's. Unfortunately it had the slip and slide Powerglide.

[@jamesb3511]

Dave, I remember when I was a kid there was a fellow run one of these on local dirt track. I'd watch him reach over going down straights pushing a lever like gas on a lawnmower. Years later I ran into him & asked what it was about. " Went to the distributor ,could control advance of timing".

[@stilzink]

I lub you Cheby!

[@josecarlosgrandinetti6195]

TOP 🤙🤙🎱🇧🇷

[@5610winston]

When the linkages get a bit of wear the shifter gets sort of sloppy. In some models the linkages will clash and bind with the transmission in first gear and the lever in the neutral position. When that happens, the only way to correct it is to stop the car, switch off the engine, set the parking brake, open the hood, and fiddle with the linkage fingers near the end of the steering column. I've had that situation in GM cars (including a '70 Buick Estate Wagon), Dodge and Plymouth models from the late sixties and seventies, Studebaker, Rambler, and a Kaiser Jeep Wagonaire.

[@timauger]

I had a UK Ford Zephyr (1960) that did exactly this. If you didn't shift from first to second following the definite H configuration (upwards, keeping it towards you; then away from you across the gate; then upwards again keeping it away from you), you would end up just stuck - couldn't even get it into neutral. Off with the ignition, up with the bonnet (hood) despite the traffic chaos behind, and shove the levers around at the bottom of the steering column. That got you back into neutral. Embarrassing until you learned how to avoid it.

[@waltercobb4675]

So is that beautiful machine yours now did you finally get your old school hot rod

[@c10trims]

👌👌🔥🔥👌👌

[@geodavid51]

Love that car. My grandfather had a '49 and I had a '50. Interested in selling?

[@michaelbenardo5695]

You should leave it in gear while slowing so that engine braking helps you slow down. Your brakes will thank you.

[@elaineewalt8137]

But leaving it in gear while slowing it down...won't engine cut off if breaking and leaving it in gear?

[@angelitavaldellon7600]

@@elaineewalt8137 You press in the clutch when you get down to 15 MPH.

[@timauger]

Exactly - coasting in neutral is really hard on your brake linings. De-clutch just at the last minute to avoid stalling the engine.

[@rev.randall2292]

Sometimes , theres a handle below the dash you pulled out on for Overdrive.

[@choptmerc]

You shouldn't throw it in neutral when decelerating.. use the engine breaking to help slow you down.. plus if you have pipes they'll razzz crackle and pop on deceleration.

[@dougn2350]

A nearly indestructible transmission

[@624radicalham]

Ok bro meng, meng ok, bro ... hilarious how you can always tell when someone is Cuban lol

[@GenerationOldschool]

Yes sir!

[@624radicalham]

@@GenerationOldschool Rock on brother! Great video

[@allantaylor3288]

You are better to down shift from third to second when slowing down as you have better control and you use the compression from the engine to slow you down instead of the brakes...Young fellas of today 😂😂😂

[@josephmclennan1229]

No brakes are a lot cheaper then a clutch and pressure plate .

[@styldsteel1]

@@josephmclennan1229 lol

[@styldsteel1]

Yea, but both my 49 Hudson. And 67 F-100 you really don't want to go faster than 20 mph. At that point , just leave it in N to slow down

[@alcoholic2412]

My first car had a 3 on the tree, and I've owned a few others over the years with column shift. I have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that a lot of people nowadays don't know how to drive any kind of car with a manual transmission. I must be getting old.

[@danvanhoose6783]

Nuetrul coasting?

[@styldsteel1]

Your explanation was very clear thank. You. Do you have any videos for starting on hills?

[@GenerationOldschool]

Thank you. No, i live in miami and there no hills here

[@styldsteel1]

@@GenerationOldschool Ok I understand At least you helped me greatly with regular driving. I''m about to purchase a 68 Torino 4/D sedan with a three on the tree. I"m very familiar with these cars, had them off and on all my life, so with three on the tree, it's got to be a real rare bird, and i don't want to let this one go.

[@styldsteel1]

@@donbeadling5426 excellent. Thank you. I will practice that in my driveway where there are gentle hills and this way I can really get a feel for this.

[@styldsteel1]

@@donbeadling5426 hey. Thanks Man 😌

[@bear1more287]

Just lightly have your foot on clutch and release give gas kind of balance it out ,I drive some steep hills in San Francisco in my 49 chev she’s a climber all day …

[@timauger]

It's better to change down into a lower gear if you are gradually decelerating rather than coast in neutral - that way you are using the engine to add to the braking effort. You really don't want to be coasting at any speed in neutral, if you don't want to wear out your brake linings. I don't think this guy really grew up with manual gearboxes. Also with column shifts it is better to move the lever in a definite H configuration, rather than trying to move diagonally direct from first to second - there's a danger the linkage gets a bit screwed up otherwise. I speak from experience.

[@larryshaver3568]

so 2nd and reverse are away from me?

[@Atrociousa3]

I never knew this column shift ex sister. Financial mistake are about to be made😍

[@hessfan1013]

Where is the parking brake and how do you use it

[@elizabethdecker5379]

What's the top speed on that car?

[@ch11ew12y]

When you come down to third the hand should be OVER the ball on the stick so you don't PULL it into first again.

[@styldsteel1]

A common built in safety feature that many cars have is the transmission will not allow you to switch to 1st with the vehicle moving. It'll lock you out. My 49 Hudson won't allow it and my 67 F-100 won't allow it. You must come to a full stop to engage 1st.

[@omalley16]

Its the millennial auto theft device.

[@lambrokedrc5998]

Yeah! I don't usually even lock my '05 civic 5spd. unless I'm working in Detroit😁😂🤣

[@user-vg5zd1ky9c]

R 2 N 1 3

[@captbosco]

This video was intended for those individuals born after 1969

[@lukStSerb]

What is this _"3 speed"_ drivel.. you're telling me that you can't downshift with this thing!? 🤣

[@dennischannells5683]

Always keep a manual car in gear.

[@dicklongmire6836]

Nice demo thanks. I own a 1979 Porsche 928 and it has what called a dog leg shift pattern on the floor similar to this. First is all the way left and down towards you. Second is similar to how he is demonstrating on the column hence the name dog leg

[@anthonymaniz9896]

The car is running smooth I am sweating cocaine out of my system

[@user-bm8wl7nk7n]

Everybody should be able to drive a manual and not with one arm spread across the seat back