Advice for a newbie

[vonjono]

Greetings all

I've just bought the 1932 special bodied thingy from down in salisbury. i've owned (and still do own) a 1934 Austin 7 box so I'm not a true vintage newbie. This is the first non synchro box I've used and I can't seem to get it right going down from 3rd (top) to 2nd always managing a bit of a crunch - usually bloody loud if there is anyone within earshot. I have tried all sorts of double clutching techniques with limited success. It is fine going up the gears. I guess it is either:

1 knackered gearbox
2 Poor quality driving (though I would not want to admit to this - spent many years driving a racing car)
3 This is normal for the car

I've also noticed that when I go into first or reverse from standstill, again I achieve a crunch no matter how gently I try and tease it in.

Can anyone give me the benefit of their experience please (and did they make an auto box in '32 ??).

Thanks in anticipation.