QuestionI own a 64 LeMans convertible, and my two speed automatic, when cold, will downshift very hard...once the car is warmed up, it shifts fine...both up and down. What causes this, can it be fixed, and what should I watch for.
Also, how do I have the column mounted transmission shift lever adjusted and tightened...right now, it easily slips from neutral to drive...and back..and its hard to tell what gear its in by looking at the column mounted indicator.
We drive this car once or twice a month...and less than 2,000 miles a year...
AnswerHi David:
I'm sure there is some wear in the gears and that could cause hard shifting until warm. It take (especial old cars) a long time for the transmission fluid to move from the pan to the gears. If your filter is dirty, it could be taking longer than normal. Change your fluid and filter and put in a premium grade fluid like Dexron II. For older cars with lots of miles, its the best.
Repairing your gear shift is a bit more complicated. The old "on the column" shift will usually miss-align after 60K to 90K miles. You would have the take the column apart and replace a few worn parts that controls the shift position. You may want to trust this to an expert to get is right without messing up your transmission linkage.
