WEll im 16 and i got a 64 malibu. Not a fancy car but i love to work on it. Im getting my license soon so i am really trying to get my car working. I did drive it a few times around were i lived and i noticed a problem. When i shift up in the gears in works fine. But when i shift down i get a really loud grinding and i cant do it. Now, when i am stopped i can shift down but only when i am moving i cant shift down cause it makes the grinding noise. Any idea's?? thanks

Ryan
It sounds like your old Malibu has worn synchros. You either have to learn to double clutch or try not forcing the shift lever when down shifting. Just apply a little force and wait for the gears to catch up and it should fall into the lower gear. Good luck with your license.

thanks for the reply. Are the sychro's easy to fix or is it a major expense??

If it's a 3spd you can't shift back into first while moving. Don't put a cent into that POS 3spd find a Saginaw 3spd their cheap and a 100 times better trans.

ya its a three speed. The thing is im trying to drive it soon. I need to as my dad is getting a job and i will need to get to work. Right now. I just got done with cleaing and sandblasting the head, both manifolds and the carb. Along with all wheel brake rebuilds. So im really hoping that is all it needs