Cadillac V-63 1923 Operator's Manual page 9

12
OPERATION
It is possible when starting the car on level ground to shift from low gear
to intermediate gear and from intermediate to high gear at low speeds, and
shifting can be done more quietly than at higher speeds. In starting on an
incline a higher rate of speed must be attained before shifting gears.
Reversing
To start the car backwards, with the control lever in the neutral posi-
tion, release the clutch, move the control lever to the left and push it for-
ward as far as it will go. Open the throttle slightly by means of the
accelerator pedal or throttle lever and engage the main clutch gradually.
If it should so happen that the transmission gears which mesh to make
reverse are in just such positions that the ends of the teeth of one gear come
against the ends of the teeth of the other gear, do not force them, but return
the transmission control lever to the neutral position, engage the clutch,
again release the clutch and shift into reverse gear as directed.
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Fig. 5.
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Fig. 6.
Intermediate Gear Neutral to Reverse
to High Gear. Gear.
Shifting into Lower Gear
If, when ascending steep grades or pulling through soft mud roads or
deep sand in high gear, the speed of the car is reduced until theenginelabors,
shift into intermediate gear. To do this, release the clutch, then push the
control lever forward as far as it will go. Then engage the clutch. It is best
to allow the car to slow down before making the shift and then, after releas-
ing the clutch, to shift quickly. An experienced driver may find it more
satisfactory to shift from high into intermediate gear in the following
manner:
Release the clutch, return the control lever to the neutral position, en-
gage the clutch, at the same time slightly accelerating the engine; then
release the clutch again, and instantly shift into intermediate gear. Engage
the clutch.
This entire change may be made in less time than it takes to read these
directions by one who becomes familiar with this method. Shifting in this
manner may be accomplished satisfactorily at higher speeds than is possible
OPERATION
13
when shifting in the usual manner. It is not recommended, however, that
the operator attempt to shift from high to intermediate gear in this manner
until he has considerable experience in shifting in the ordinary way.
Stopping the Car
First close the throttle and then release the engine clutch. Next return
the transmission control lever to the neutral position. The clutch may then
be re-engaged. Stop the car by pushing forward on the brake pedal. After
the car has been brought to a stop, apply the hand brake by means of the
hand brake lever.
Stopping the Engine
After stopping the car and applying the hand brake, move the ignition
switch lever down.
TILTING HEAD LAMP REFLECTORS
Cadillac headlamps are provided with highly efficient diffusing lenses
which deflect and spread out the rays. To provide for deflecting the rays
still further on special occasions when more illumination is desired nearer
the car, as in rounding sharp corners and going over the crests of steep
grades, the reflectors in the headlamps are pivoted so that they can be
tilted. They are controlled by a button on the instrument board (see Fig.
1) and are tilted down when the button is pushed forward. To raise the
reflectors for illumination of the distant road pull the button out from the
instrument board.
DRIVING SUGGESTIONS
Rules of the Road
Road and traffic laws vary greatly in different localities. It is, therefore,
impossible to set down a complete list of rules which may be followed in all
parts of the country. The following are some of the rules which are universal
in practically all parts of the United States.
In meeting a vehicle going in the opposite direction pass to the right.
In passing a vehicle going in the same direction pass to the left.
Always stop with the right hand side of the car next to the curb. If it is
necessary to turn the car around to do this, it should be done.
Never turn around or turn off onto another road without making abso-
lutely certain that there is no other vehicle directly behind you.
Never enter upon street car tracks without making sure that there is
no car directly behind you—no matter how sure you feel, look and see.
Do not cross street car or steam railroad tracks without making certain
that it is absolutely safe to do so. At any railroad crossing which is on an
up grade or which for any reason must be approached very slowly, it is a
wise precaution to shift to intermediate gear before crossing as the car can
thereby be accelerated more quickly, if necessary.