Preservation Tricks

[Mark E.]

While watching a YouTube video from Adam's "Rare Classic Cars and Automotive History" channel (recommended for 60s-80s trivia buffs) he advised
releasing the PW switch just before the window completely opens or closes for cars using a plastic ribbon instead of a scissors style window regulator.

This prevents the window from slamming to a stop and straining or breaking the ribbon. This applies to many 80s GM cars, including 84-86 Corvettes.

This made me wonder if this knowledgeable group has other tips and tricks for making components last longer.

Two I learned are only touch the clutch pedal when actively shifting and double clutch when downshifting.

[Owen L.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

With synchronized transmissions, why double clutch on downshifts?

[Rob V.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

Hey, I believe Steve McQueen "double clutched" while downshifting his '68 Mustang Fastback in the chase scene in the classic movie Bullitt; so if good enough for Steve McQueen.....

[Mark E.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

With synchronized transmissions, why double clutch on downshifts?

Less wear on synchros.

To clarify, only downshift when necessary (e.g. entering a turn). Avoid downshifts during normal driving to slow- brakes are cheaper than a clutch and transmission.

[Anthony D.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

Sounds like a fun exercise, but if I need to think about every preservation trick while driving, this may take the fun out of enjoying these old cars.

[Jim L.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

Sounds like a fun exercise, but if I need to think about every preservation trick while driving, this may take the fun out of enjoying these old cars.

They quickly become automatic such you stop being conscious of what you are doing.

[Mark E.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

They quickly become automatic such you stop being conscious of what you are doing.

Exactly. It's fun practicing good driving habits with these old cars.

Here's another: My brother taught me to hold my breath whenever my foot touches the clutch pedal to minimize wear on the throwout bearing.

[Jim L.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

My brother taught me to hold my breath whenever my foot touches the clutch pedal to minimize wear on the throwout bearing.

To that point, my foot is on the clutch pedal only when changing gears. At a stoplight, trans goes to neutral, foot comes off the clutch.

[Duke W.]

Re: Preservation Tricks

I always downshift while slowing down and use the heel-and-toe technique to down shift while braking. I learned the technique from Phil Hill in the pages of Road & Track before I bought my SWC in 1963, and once I had the car I just practiced and soon became proficient.

Get the revs matched right and the trans lever slips into the lower gear like a hot knife through butter and clutch engagement in the lower gear is totally transparent. The double clutch technique substantially eases the load on the synchronizers. One can blip the throttle while dragging the transmission into the next lower gear, but that doesn't help the synchros.

If you want to competently race or do track events mastering the heel and toe technique is absolutely necessary to achieve the quickest lap times because you have to be in the right gear to exit a corner before you enter the corner while braking at the last possible moment, so simultaneously braking and downshifting is mandatory to get the most out of the car AND driver.

It's all a matter of how good a driver you want to be, which includes being as easy on the car as possible.

Duke

[Mark F.]