The automatic overdrive operates only when the control handle, next to
the hood control handle and marked OD, is in its full forward position.
It engages automatically when the accelerator is released momentarily at
or above the overdrive cut-in speed of 30 to 35 miles (50 to 55 km.) per
hour.
If, while in overdrive, it is desired to gain more power for passing
cars in traffic or on grades, push the accelerator to the floorboard.
This cuts out the overdrive and it will remain inoperative until the
accelerator is again released. At that time the overdrive again engages
automatically.
The overdrive control can be pulled out, thereby locking the
transmission in the conventional position. This should be done for
descending steep, mountainous grades, _or when pushing or towing the car
to start the engine_. The circumstances under which this change can be
made safely are as follows:
1. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in
conventional position while the car is standing still, merely pull
out the OD control.
2. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in
conventional position when driving below the overdrive cut-in
speed of approximately 30-35 m.p.h. (50-55 km.) accelerate the
engine and at the same time pull out the OD control.
3. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in
conventional position when driving in overdrive, completely
depress the accelerator past the wide-open throttle position and
as soon as the transmission is in conventional, pull out the OD
control.
If the OD control is in the locked-in conventional position (pulled out)
it can be placed in the overdrive position while the car is standing
still. To make this change when the car is moving at any forward speed,
accelerate slightly and push the control fully forward.
_Overdrive is available at extra cost._