1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

[Tony M.]

Gentlemen,
I hope you and your loved ones are well!

My 1959 Corvette with original four speed transmission has an occasional synchromesh issue in second gear. I would estimate about 50% of the time, it will kick you out of second gear. No other gear experiences this issue.

Question: Long-term solution is to rebuild the transmission. On a shorter term basis, is there anyone who experienced improvements with different oil types, viscosities or additives that helped?

Have a great evening and thanks for your help.

Tony Marra

[Joe L.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

Gentlemen,
I hope you and your loved ones are well!

My 1959 Corvette with original four speed transmission has an occasional synchromesh issue in second gear. I would estimate about 50% of the time, it will kick you out of second gear. No other gear experiences this issue.

Question: Long-term solution is to rebuild the transmission. On a shorter term basis, is there anyone who experienced improvements with different oil types, viscosities or additives that helped?

Have a great evening and thanks for your help.

Tony Marra

Tony------


No additives or lubricants will, to any discernible degree, correct this problem.

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

Mine did it mostly in 4th. I had it rebuilt with IIRC torque slider syncros. When you put it in gear you know it's in gear, you can feel it lock in place

[Mike E.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

Tony,
That's a common T-10 issue as they get a little long in tooth. The only remedy for that is a rebuild by a knowledgeable rebuilder. Modern "sliders" are machined slightly differently to help compensate for that issue, so you want someone who knows what to use for replacement parts.

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

Thank you gentlemen, unfortunately, your responses was what I expected!

Have a safe weekend to all!

Tony

[David M.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

It cant hurt to align/readjust the shifter and the linkage. Its free....and can be done in the car.

I'm not a T10 guy but I have done plenty of Dearborn's and Muncie's that did this. Some were in need of a rebuild some not.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

It cant hurt to align/readjust the shifter and the linkage. Its free....and can be done in the car.

I'm not a T10 guy but I have done plenty of Dearborn's and Muncie's that did this. Some were in need of a rebuild some not.

David-------


It may not be in need of a complete rebuild, per se, but it's in need of some internal parts. Usually, if one is going to get into the transmission to replace those parts, then one is going to do a rebuild and replace other worn or "tired" parts, especially if someone is going to pay someone to tear down and re-assemble the transmission.

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

David,
Apologies, I didn't realize there were more responses. I met with a 59 owner last Friday and he stated he made an adjustment to the linkages that solved his issue.

David, when you say, it could be done in the car, what do you mean? I have a garage lift and was planning on checking under for linkage restrictions. Is there anything specific I can do from inside the vehicle?

Thanks again for the support!
Tony

[John D.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

FWIW In my 67 SB I usually skip second and go 1-3-4 in normal driving. It could be an alternative until you can fix it.

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Second Gear Synchro Issues

John,
Yep, no issues! Funny, I actually took the time to read the 1959 Corvette Users Manual and learned a lot!!! Apparently, you cab shift into first from 40 mph...who knew.
Tony