Teaching my fiance
02-10-2009, 11:37 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 28
Teaching my fiance
The day will soon come that my fiance will want to learn how to drive standard.
My Shelby is the only car I can get a hold of.
Is there any chance she will ruin the clutch?
I have 5K on it as I type this; and I have not done any 'fun' things with it, such as donuts, dragging, etc.,...yet. So I am sure it is in healthy condition.
I'm expecting the worst. Maybe I can use this as an excuse to get a better one...any suggestions will be appreciated.
-FormerNYer
My Shelby is the only car I can get a hold of.
Is there any chance she will ruin the clutch?
I have 5K on it as I type this; and I have not done any 'fun' things with it, such as donuts, dragging, etc.,...yet. So I am sure it is in healthy condition.
I'm expecting the worst. Maybe I can use this as an excuse to get a better one...any suggestions will be appreciated.
-FormerNYer
02-10-2009, 12:25 PM
#4
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Massachusettes
Posts: 330
My sister decided to learn how to drive a 5 speed with my '85 Shelby Charger when I was out of town. When I came home my clutch was done. She did pay for it though. That was the last time she drove it. Over 20 years now on that 2nd clutch. I'm sure you'll be fine in an open lot. Good luck
02-10-2009, 12:30 PM
#5
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 64
A V8 car is much easier to learn to drive a stick on than a 4 cyl. The torque will get the car moving much easier than a 4 cyl would. Many years ago I taught a girlfriend to drive stick on my 85 Cavalier V6. I met up with her over the holiday's and she thanked me for teaching her.
Like someone else said, find an open parking lot and be patient.
Like someone else said, find an open parking lot and be patient.
02-10-2009, 01:47 PM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Henry County, Georgia
Posts: 1,636
Its not hard to learn to drive one, its just hard to drive one well. I picked up really fast, but i still suck at slot starts and keeping my rpm below 2k when i start from a stop.
My sister (16) managed to drive our miata without stalling
My sister (16) managed to drive our miata without stalling
02-10-2009, 02:33 PM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 361
The problem my friend had was he was too scared to mess anything up, he was real nervous. I also let him practice on ice so he could get the feel of the clutch also so he wasn't bucking the car and stuff. It worked, but i still wouldnt let him drive it, just parking lot stuff
02-10-2009, 03:12 PM
#10
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,388
Get a rental car that is a manual, get the basics learned on that.
Then in a large open area or back-roads, get her into the stang, first showing her what to do and how to do it.
If she picked up how to drive the rental, she'll quickly and w/o much wear and tear get it on the Cobra.
If there's one area that she's having problems with, show her how to get by that, and then let her try it. (I've taught 2 daughters to drive manuals, but not on any car I was especially fond of!)
You're gonna have to be a big man and have patience and not get into an argument about tearing up your car while she's learning.
Good luck!
Then in a large open area or back-roads, get her into the stang, first showing her what to do and how to do it.
If she picked up how to drive the rental, she'll quickly and w/o much wear and tear get it on the Cobra.
If there's one area that she's having problems with, show her how to get by that, and then let her try it. (I've taught 2 daughters to drive manuals, but not on any car I was especially fond of!)
You're gonna have to be a big man and have patience and not get into an argument about tearing up your car while she's learning.
Good luck!