Inliners International Forums General Discussion MOPAR gyro matic trans

am looking at a 53 dodge cranbrook flat six
with a gyro matic trans.my question is,how do
you shift it?what is the procedure?any help
will be appreciated

Hi Ron,
This was Chryslers intermediate step to an automatic. The transmission has 4 speeds, two in each of two ranges. The shift lever operates low range and a high range. The transmission is coupled to a fluid converter with a clutch to engage and disengage the transmission. To operate you choose the range you want (usually high). Release the clutch pedal and the car will remain stationary at idle just like a modern automatic. Step on the gas and the car accelerates (rather slowly). When you reach a speed where you want to shift to a higher gear you let up on the accelerator pedal and a solenoid engages the other gear in the range you have selected. Just like an electric overdrive.
My first car was a '53 Dodge Coronet with a 241 Hemi and a gyromatic.
Jim R

thanx for the info Jim.

Same basic 4 spd semi-automatic as the DeSoto "Tip Toe", Chrysler M6 etc. I've wondered if it might be possible to replace the inefficient fluid coupling with a modern 3 element torque convertor, assuming you have access to the proper tools. Anything is possible with $$$.

These are reliable transmissions, basically a sliding gear setup that is similar internally to most manually shifted transmissions.