I just bought a 1978 vette. I have had it a little over a week with no problems except for backend noise. Took it to a shop today to have the backend fluid changed. Good news no more backend noise. Bad news-I drove it home pulled up in the drive and it will not come out of third (it is an automatic). Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks,
Michael

 

Hi Michael, by stuck, do you mean that you can't manipulate the shift lever from the "D" position or does the trans refuse to default back to low for take off and won't recognize the reverse position ?
Jimmy B.

 

I can't get the lever out of the D position.

 

Sounds like a linkage issue. I am NOT an expert. Hopefully someone who is, will chime in before I can look in to it and get back to you.

 

Michael: Welcome to the forum.

I agree with JB, I think its a linkage related issue.

 

Michael, if you haven't towed her to the shop yet, you can start with the release button. Unscrew it to insure that it's depressing the release rod. If that's ok look to the shift interlock cable, it goes from the steering column (under hood) to the trans and allows you to get the key out after locking the column at the key. These cables freeze inside when they get old and you'll have to remove it from the top and bottom to lube it and clean it up. To accomplish that you'll have to get her jacked up. Take every precaution. Jack stands, wheel blocks to get under. If that's not it, disconnect the trans cable itself at the shift lever on the tranny and check to see if the shifter moves and if it does, I guess you know what that means. The tranny is internally bound and that's serious. Let us know what you find. I hope you enjoy working on these babies, I mean they're 35 yrs. old, they're gonna need a lot of TLC. Good luck.