Does anyone here do it, and what are the benefits of it on a modern car with synchromesh?

What is a clutch?

Palmira, I'm envious of your job - driving people round in luxury cars for a living doesn't sound half bad to me. Maybe slightly expensive come servicing time though!

Used to have to do it on some old trucks we had but if memory serves me it was only getting to the crawler gears.

Never had to do it on a car. I would have thought the benefit is synchromesh, saves having to glue the gear teeth back on.

I do very much enjoy my work, Queebs, it is great fun, and isnt really like a "job" in the accepted sense.

Like anything else, it has its drawbacks, but most of the time I do enjoy it. My clients are a handful of high profile individuals who I see on a regular basis during the week.

If youre a car or lifestyle enthusiast, then its a great way of life. I get to go to some fantastic places where Ive got to know people.

Its taken a long time to get to this though. It was very hard indeed at first!

Servicing time is not funny! Ive got all 3 cars in for service next week. My S320 is on a 3 year contract driving a Swiss lady every day, 5 days a week. The gentleman who drives it is going to Spain next week so that gives me a change to put the car in for service whilst he is away. Unfortunately the E320 and S500 LWB are both in at same time. Not looking forward to the bill....

I couldn't sit in a car all day, every day, Palmy and do watch the old spine, it's well known that huge mileages in a car are hell for posture and back problems.

The guy with the Zonda has a rather nice job.
He sources, takes for service/valets, borrows, some of the world's finest cars.
He has clients with the Zonda, Ferrari 599, Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago 640.
Nice work.

I suppose if you look at it as sitting in a car all day every day the shine is slightly lost, but still far worse things to do as a job!

I would love to be able to write about and drive cars as a career, but from what I've heard it's so competitive to get a foot in.

Yes it is and only a small percentage of those who do make it earn good money.
I used to write a regular column for a motorcycle magazine and in today's prices i was paid just £30 for it.

i don't think you really need to double de-clutch in modern cars. I used to do it in my old mini and even then it was only for a giggle and cos it felt good when I got it right (which wasn't often!) Having tried it in modern cars there really isn't any point that I can see as you can change gear a lot quicker (and more smoothly) without it.

Chaps, you are all absolutely right..

However, as Queebs says, if youre going to have to inconvenience yourself by working, it helps if it is something enjoyable.

Writing for a mag or any kind of motoring journalism would be fantastic. I have always wanted to do that too, and would start tomorrow if I was offered a chance to do it commercially.

I used to write a few years ago too Bamford, and got paid nothing for it.

It is very competitive and very difficult, only a few make any kind of living from it.

Very nice dream though - would love to be able to write about and photograph cars.

Would combine all three of my interests - cars & motoring, photography and writing.

I can dream.....

Still not sure what a clutch is....

Seems like alot of unnecessary effort to me, when you can just select Drive and away you go.

quote:

Originally posted by Queebs:
Does anyone here do it, and what are the benefits of it on a modern car with synchromesh?

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Not any more. Used to have to on the Ford Anglia 105E I learnt to drive in. Only 3 gears as well!

quote:

Originally posted by Queebs:
Does anyone here do it, and what are the benefits of it on a modern car with synchromesh?

I still do it from time to time when I need to select first while moving and absolutely don't want to have to mess around if it won't go into gear - like when turning into a very steep driveway.
It's probably not necessary these days, but then neither is London.

quote:

Originally posted by noogie:
i don't think you really need to double de-clutch in modern cars. I used to do it in my old mini and even then it was only for a giggle and cos it felt good when I got it right (which wasn't often!) Having tried it in modern cars there really isn't any point that I can see as you can change gear a lot quicker (and more smoothly) without it.

You shouldn't need to, I understand thats what syncro was for - my old Mk1 Mini didn't have it on 1st gear which made changing down interesting!

BTW Palmy, I'm thinking of an Auto next time (or perhaps DSG), first signs of getting old, I'm told!!

Manual without a clutch pedal. Heaven!

The DSG box is superb. Very quick and incredibly smooth. I was expecting it to be quite jerky, with alot of shunt as there is no torque converter.

But it is excellent, youll enjoy that.

Id like a Golf R32 with that transmission

Seddon Atkinson 32 ton 1983 - 1986 66K miles per year via 16 speed reverse H pattern with Eaton range change - DDeClutch essential and the reason my left leg muscles are twice the size of my right

quote:

Originally posted by Palmira:
Seems like alot of unnecessary effort to me, when you can just select Drive and away you go.

O.M.G a second thing that I agree with Palmira on ( where's my pills
although I have driven manuals in the past and on occasion have manual courtesy cars
I love my auto's