Ted1949B1B

Thanks to all who provided advice on my non-synchro transmission. I'm re-wiring my 1949 B1B and thought it would be a good time to get my odometer repaired and send out remaining instruments to be checked while they are out of the dash. Who do you use? Also, the temperature gauge seems to be a one-piece unit (dial, tube and bulb in cylinder head). I assume I just test its operation with a thermometer; correct? Thanks for any help!

I recently bought a 1949 B1B with 4-speed non-synchro transmission. After several months of difficulty shifting I replaced the clutch and had the transmission inspected and re-sealed. I have 40 years experience driving trucks with standard transmissions but even with double clutching, I can't downshift this truck. Some local older guys have told me these transmissions will always grind when downshifting; others have said I'll learn if I'm patient. I'm hoping some of the gurus on this forum can help me sort this out - should I be patient and keep trying to learn to downshift or swap this transmission for a 3- or 4-speed synchro of similar vintage? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.