How to Three On the Tree - Column shift

Explanation of "three on the tree" aka column shifting , found in classic cars. This is in my 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe. Let me know if there is anyting else you'd like to see!
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@RickyBoada

[@GixxerRider1991]

What a gorgeous car. No modern car will ever touch the simple elegance of old school dashboards from the '40s and '50s.

[@BCLewis-ng9wv]

Nothing gaudy, good taste, good attitude, and to the point. You're bleeding class, man.

[@ImperialRadioYT]

"bleeding class"? all the clown does is swear. how's that class?

[@davidcastaneda6111]

... "bleeding class" ??? really WTF?

[@RickyBoada]

Haha I appreciate that man 🤘🏼

[@ImperialRadioYT]

@Kyle Broflovski cool off

[@dicklongmire6836]

As a manual guy, I really need to experience one on the column.Very nostalgic cool.

[@stevenworthy8462]

It's actually cool to drive. Had it on a 1962 Chevy C10 Fleetside long bed six cylinder.

[@jackstacey7519]

In my opinion they’re a novelty at best when they work, and a downright nuisance when they jam between gears. Had a ‘41 DeSoto and all it did was jam. Worn linkage. A later Chevy truck did it too, that needed new bushings. I’ll take floor shift every time.

[@lancecorporal9894]

My dad had a truck with 3 on the tree and I loved driving it. I have nothing against floor shifters but 3 on the tree seemed more natural and intuitive

[@GameOver321]

Likewise!

[@jimmers112]

I was lucky to drive a 71 nova with 3 on the tree. No power steering or power brakes either! Loved it

[@kayehartfield9892]

My first car was a bare bones 1957 Plymouth with standard steering and 3 on a tree. It was an old car and the gears would jam, and I learned how to crawl under the engine and untangle the linkage. Memories! But maybe the jamming up is why standards are made differently now.

[@jessicacotter9116]

Your Plymouth is gorgeous! I am rebuilding a 46 Plymouth!!

[@harryrichards4183]

I’d be on the windshield wipers right about now 😏

[@harryrichards4183]

Seriously, though, nice car👍

[@rayfridley6649]

In 1961, Ford offered an optional four-on-the-tree manual shifting arrangement. Gear shifter was on the steering column, same as three-on-the-tree. For reverse, the driver would have to pull a handle under the dashboard then move the shifter in to a special position(I'm not sure what that was). Ford dropped that option shortly after it was introduced.

[@johndrake2729]

Ah, never knew that. Probably to lock out reverse so you wouldn't shift into it by accident.

[@tommyallen4423]

the old three on the trees are so cool

[@josephconsoli4128]

I love those '40's sedans. My parents dated in that exact model car. My father still talks about - bubble skirts, Hollywood spinners, tire spats, visor, lit hood-ornament, etc.

[@jack_d_ripper]

Short, simple, clear, and to the point. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@RS-tp3uu]

I like how original and unchanged your car is

[@xnetpc]

I got to drive a 3 on the tree a couple times. It’s interesting the 1st time, the 2nd time, I was proud that I could get right in and go, by the 3rd time, it was already becoming a chore. Floor shifters for manual transmissions is much better, but I liked the shifter on the column for automatics. The last automatic with a column shifter I owned was a 2004 impala.

[@JoeysAutismAdventures]

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

[@jay92889]

Wow that car is sweet! And the starter sounds exactly like how old car starters sounded in movies, I always thought it was sound effects but it's real. Thanks for the video man! And Florida looks pretty nice, whatever city that's in!

[@RickyBoada]

jay92889 thanks Jay! Yea man the car is all original. Also, this is in Miami. Subscribe, I have other good videos and more coming up!

[@kimberlymanthy5377]

I just inherited my dad's 1947 Ford Sport Coupe...thanks for the refresher!!!!

[@kevinstrang11]

I learned how to drive a 3 on the tree when I was 13 yrs old back in 1975 in a 1964 Ford Fairlane

[@Sherwoody]

The first one I drove was on a pickup truck. I got a fun summer job at a garage doing oil changes, picking up and delivering parts etc. My boss said if I wanted the job I had to learn how to drive a standard ( that’s what they called manual transmission back then) or he’d find someone else. My lesson was, here’s first, second, third, reverse, and don’t ride the clutch.

[@TheIcefreeze]

When I first learned how to drive I learned on my dad's automatic so I got kind of used to using it then when I got my first car it was a 3 on the tree like this and I didn't know it was until my dad bought the car for me and it was confusing since I was so used to using automatic then after I used it for a while I learned to actually love it but recently I bought another used car since my first car had too many problems and it's an automatic and I hate it. It feels like going from using training wheels to riding a bike and going back to using training wheels again because of how overly easy it feels to what I grew used to.

[@jotnhatandoeth1476]

Had a 78' Nova with a column shift. First car I learned how to drive a manual on. Thanks for the video to remind me.

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

Also, that _is_ a normal car. I bet there was a lot of them back when they were current.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

Man, everything about that car looks and sounds smooth!

[@gtb5]

That's how all those taxi drivers shift in the old days here in HK.

[@ydl6832]

The old Toyota crown comfort with column shifters

[@fredfuchs3573]

I've driven stick my hole life and I wouldn't know how to drive this thank you my kind sir

[@1337penguinman]

Basically it's the same except the linkage likes to jam and R is where 1st would normally be. Oh, and no synchro in first so if you want to shift down to it you have to double clutch. Generally only used when starting from a complete stop.

[@Christian-nl7cm]

Yea general rule of thumb for anyone driving a classic for the first time: in my experience if it’s pre 1975-ish, NEVER downshift from 2nd to 1st unless you’re stopped or at most like 5 mph cause it’ll grind 🥴😫😂

[@fordtruxdad5155]

It's no problem to downshift from 2 to 1. You just have to double-clutch.

[@thetrabantguy3934]

There are a few cars that had full syncromesh even in the 60s like the East German Trabant 601

[@boxer71c55]

Excellent vid bud! I learned on a 3 on the tree and loved the vid. Its brought back a ton of memories! And worth a sub and like. :)

[@RickyBoada]

Thanks man!! Really appreciate it

[@alanstrong3295]

Perfect for learning to drive back in that day.

[@mykelthuncher2150]

Love this, thank you, I believe old French Peugeots had four speeds on the tree

[@johndrake2729]

Columbo's Peugeot had it.

[@irfaanxlcr8370]

Very cool. That's why they call you Slick Rick. Well if they're don't I just did. My father used to buy and sell cars. I was fortunate enough to have driven 3-speed and 4-speed column shift. I've driven left hand drive and right hand drive cars some that had column shift. I love the bench seat. Gets your girl closer to you. I'm very happy to see you with your car. Good wishes and best of luck to you and your family for all times.

[@TheSnowdolphin]

Classy car, classy guy, classy video! Car seems to drive smoooooff!

[@RickyBoada]

Haha Thanks!

[@Darylrb1983]

Ah. If you look at it from the side it’s like a dogleg H pattern

[@jaredmehrlich6683]

I always wondered how that worked. Thanks.

[@johnsheetz6639]

I remember an old school problem. If you parked on the incline with old linkage you would have to get under the truck and unhook it from the firewall sometimes

[@RickyBoada]

Been there!!!

[@nemoanon5615]

That is the tightest 3 speed columm shift i've ever seen. Everyone i've seen or used was as loose as rubber.

[@lucywucyyy]

its just a sideways dogleg h pattern, cool

[@saltyscott5214]

Thanks! This should help me with learning how to drive my dad's 47' New Yorker

[@konstantinarhangelov9322]

Thank your Mr. PittBull. Very informative

[@kenneth6731]

My dad had a car with column shift for a short time. He bought it on payday when he was drunk. I don't remember what kind it was, I only remember it was a big fugly green car and my mom hated that thing. When she drove that car it was the only time I ever heard her curse. Especially when she was trying to get it into a parking spot at Monkey Ward. I drove it on the farm, I hated that thing with a passion. We didn't have it very long.

[@domingoc3232]

Thanks for the tips, nice ride.

[@baritonebynight]

My great great aunt had a 1953 Ford that shifted three on the tree. It had no power steering and manual everything. When she turned 90, he grandson bought her a new car without asking her. They went for a drive and she hated it. The next time he visited her he found the car with a for sale sign on it in her yard and she continued to drive her '53 for the rest of her driving years. Sadly, he got the '53 and doesn't respect it.

[@Christian-nl7cm]

Thank you so much! I have a 64 MG that has 4 on the floor so I’ve never driven a 3 on the tree ... yet but now I have a general idea of how 😂

[@Atrociousa3]

Damn now I want one

[@dallaspugh5639]

Thanks man I'm put a 235 with cast iron 3 speed out of a 1953 chevy in my 1950 chevy that had a blown 216 and a powerglide

[@dinnersalad7322]

where would the wiper lever and the stick to turn on headlights be?

[@jesseleon4501]

I wanna hate this guy but he’s just too damn kool.

[@GameOver321]

Damn that's a sweet ride! Is that the same car in "ALI" opening scene?

[@RickyBoada]

Haha thanks man! It was cool

[@bloodowl8927]

Nice video and ride!

[@shirleycisneros6813]

That is super cool!

[@jesse.vr6]

didnt know a manual column shifter existed

[@bldontmatter5319]

Very cool

[@seandoyle5083]

My grandpas 1942 lincoln continental has on of these

[@Creeperboy099]

Why aren’t column shifters common anymore? They are aesthetically appealing to me as they look more organized

[@Texassince1836]

They required routine maintenance, otherwise they'd bind up, and/ or destroy the trans by being in more than one gear at once.

[@stevenworthy8462]

Had a 3 speed on the column truck in the 90s and was darn hard to find parts /linkage for a 3 speed. I think the last truck to have a 3 speed on the column was Chevy in 1987 and on ½ tons

[@user-vg5zd1ky9c]

Thank you

[@andywagner212]

I've never seen one since I know they have been phased out for a long time. Is there a clutch pedal to work while shifting or no? I'm not an elite 3 on the tree mind.

[@alexenns3203]

I just got a 54 dodge with 3 on the tree and doesn't go into 1st unless at a full stop, but I guess most old cars didn't have synchros in 1st? I've tried double clutch and samething happens

[@Beeeazybones]

(I'm 39 and I had a 3oT shifter in my '69 Dodge Dart as my first car when I was 16) I remember one time I was mad at my girlfriend whilst driving her home. I was driving stupid but mad trying to look badass. You cannot look badass driving a 3 on a tree. You just look like a grumpy grandpa. Even at 16 yrs old. Lookin' angry while also looking like you're driving a school bus doesn't work

[@__matcha]

I like column shifters they look classy and cool but as reliability, floor shift is way to go ig.

[@OOGAsBoyZ]

only reason I'm adding this comment is just to see I've got a 1952 custom deluxe with three on the tree everything is original from bumper to bumperperfect condition less than 40,000 miles on it sat in a garage under a car tarp safe and clean for over 40 years now this is a 4-door 52 custom deluxe any offers

[@mateolasak6549]

Easy its h patter, R 2 1 3 but in reverse way towards driver

[@dicklongmire6836]

Column or floor. All I know is I can't hand anyone in my family the keys to move or take my car because no one knows how to drive a manual yet every one of my cars are manual and will be that way until I leave this earth....If I can still find them.

[@tzeffsmainchannel]

Why roll down the windows when it's raining?? 😅 0:28

[@genericwhitemale1114]

Crazy.. I learned how to drive a 10 speed and 13 speed semi but can't drive a 3 on the tree lmao

[@samuelnewsome2242]

Is that fps doug?

[@davenewman2751]

Hard to believe people need a how to video to use a three on tree.😂😅

[@jerrymullins3518]

That's what I cut my teeth on. My first car was 3 in the column

[@marygould7934]

Yeah I could never have done that. 😊

[@glxxyz]

Can you shift down to first while moving if you double clutch?

[@RickyBoada]

Alan Davies on this specific car you can. But most cars of that era don’t have synchros on first and you won’t be able to shift to first unless you are stopped

[@sumobowler3790]

i'm not a car guy, didn't learn to drive until i was 25 and still think cars and driving are way over rated. but i love the stories of teens who fail to steal a car because they can't drive stick. 3/21/20 is the first time i heard of a column shifter so i looked it up. to be clear, what he's shifting near (on?) the wheel does what other shifters do, where drivers use their right hand? do you still have to use your left foot on another pedal next to the brake when you switch gears? this is weird. were cars like this until a certain time and then the shifter was relocated?

[@jack_d_ripper]

Yes. Yes. It was a transition over a long period of time with different brands a and models.

[@UpcomingJedi]

Now, go out and pockup the first old lady standing in the rain on a corner and call her miss daisy over all her protesting to be let out.

[@keevingomez]

where can I repair the steering wheel leather with that style?

[@bigcoach3696]

Autozone, and other autoparts store have a kit in a box. It is acually a steering wheel cover that is secured with a plasctic lace.

[@danrowe79]

How do you turn on windshield wipers?

[@smilingjack14]

Dan Rowe there are a few switches for lights and windshield on the left

[@brianbloom1799]

Dude just tell them, Its the same as a 3 speed floor shift pattern, But on the column

[@faiz7180]

is column shift still around? for a modern car?

[@taylorzerr5924]

i don’t think so

[@essaalkhaldi7939]

yes for the tahoe

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

dude....ACTIVATE THE FUCKING WIPERS !!!

[@brienmacgearailt7801]

is there a clutch?

[@DrJonathanDO]

Tasi Guahan yes

[@saltyscott5214]

Dont know if this helps with what you were wondering but yes, it has a clutch, down where the gas, and brake pedal are on the very left should be a third, somewhat smaller pedal, at least that is how it is with my dad's 47' New Yorker

[@letthecheechbegin644]

Sick dopiddy dop

[@Ithinkiwill66]

If I drove this, I would either stall the beast, or smash into a tree! I would have to remember it is a column shifter for manual transmission, and not auto! 😃😃

[@alexandracurielcorzo878]

Do I need to learn how to drive a stick first? 😭

[@Ghost_Of_SAS]

Watch the road, stop looking back at the camera.

[@brainscott8198]

Wipers???!!!!

[@patrickborg509]

bird shit on the roof

[@RickyBoada]

Nah, just roof peeling playa! Haha

[@patrickborg509]

ahh i see but given its from 1940, its very well kept. Nice job :D

[@GiffysChannel]

neat. now what that means

[@RickyBoada]

Giffy hahaha

[@carlstclair9920]

I always thought of shift pattern like the letter H

[@Losman666]

0:43

[@Losman666]

0:57 starter sound

[@rustyfrohnapfel9146]

I need a steering colum for a 80 f 100. Real bad if anyone has one get back at me thanks

[@Cdplayr69]

i am now pregnant

[@RickyBoada]

lmfao

[@backwoods3214]

rev was toward down toward you not up in fwd f100

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

You're obviously gonna have to shift back down to 1st in one of these sometimes. You know, coz of like... stop signs and lights, etc.

[@RickyBoada]

Maxx Fordham! Sorry, I meant to say while you’re actually moving. Most don’t have synchros and won’t go in smoothly into first

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

Oh, heheh, yeah. So why weren't they made with synchro. rings in 1st gear back then, even if the other gears already had the technology installed?

[@conqueror181]

I may be late but the reason is cost. Synchros were a new technology at the time so they were expensive.

[@RickyBoada]

Arctic Wolf this is awesome feedback. Thanks for the knowledge

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

Arctic, I don't think there's really a "lateness" that can be assigned to KZbin comments. Just make them whenever and you're fine. Thanks for your reply; that's interesting. Ricky, you really didn't know that?

[@user-ql2xt3pr7p]

Cars race

[@user-ql2xt3pr7p]

Joyesef second