Questions about driving stick shift- 4 speed on floor

[dzwestwindsor]

Hello,

I have a 71 C20 with a 4 speed on the floor. I have had this vehicle for only a short period of time, with no previous stick shift driving experience. But I managed to make it home from the seller and I've taken it around the block a few times. However, I have many questions about driving stick in this vehicle (Please bear with me if some of these questions are pathetic)

1. If I'm starting up in gear 2, how long does it usually take for the driver to completely release the clutch after the catch point? I'm finding myself depressing the clutch for at least a few seconds, otherwise I stall or jump forward. But then, I'm afraid that I'm on the clutch too long, damaging the clutch.

2. If I'm starting in 2nd, what should my RPMs be when the clutch comes in contact?

3. It's acceptable to start in 2nd gear, right?

4. From 2nd gear, at what RPM should I shift to 3rd gear? Also, what is the lowest RPM I can maintain in 2 or 3 before I need to downshift or put in the clutch?

5. When the vehicle is moving, it seems that it's not possible to put it in 1st, because it just makes a loud clicking noise. Why is this?

If anyone has any other tips or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much.

-David