QuestionWould it be better to rebuild or just get a new one? I liked your comment about my son's driving, that was funny. But he is only 15, I got it now to fix it up before he gets his license. It has only been driven maybe 50 miles since we got it. The man we bought it from was in his 60's and drove it daily. I really don't think he had his foot in it. Anyway, thanks for your help!
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I just bought my son a 69 mustang automatic with a 302. It was driving fine, no noises or shifting issues. Now it only will drive in reverse, shifting to anything else it seems like it's in neutral. It won't drive but you can push it while in gear. What should we check?
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And, your son only drove it gently, to church on Sundays, never exceeding 30 MPH or doing jack-rabbit starts, right? Riiiight.
Anyway, have the car towed to a transmission shop and limber up your wallet hinges!
My guess is you need a total transmission rebuild, and you need to investigate how the car was driven, or else it will happen again.
Most likely the low band strut is broken - but I can only guess without seeing the transmission apart for inspection. There is likely to be loose parts and debris circulated throughout the transmission - thus the need for a total rebuild.
Tell your son never to move the shift lever when the car is moving, and never to hold the car with the brake while he is stepping on the gas.
Do not take the car to a chain store or a franchise operation - find an independent garage run by a guy with gray hair and grease under his fingernails, who has been there for at least 20 years, and has his own name on the door. Ask for an estimate before he starts work - expect a number between $1000 and $2000, depending on where you live and how much is torn up inside the case.
Sorry!
Dick
AnswerSorry, my response was based on my own experience with raising 6 kids, 4 of them boys with lead feet!
I doubt very much you will find a "New" transmission for a 38 year old car - people who advertise that they have a "new" transmission are being a little loose with the truth - what they have is a rebuilt transmission - one that you know nothing about the history of. You will be much happier if you take it to the type of shop I recommended, and have yours rebuilt.
I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to the previous owner to get the history of the transmission - perhaps there is a pattern that will show up. Also, of course, check the dip stick to make sure that the fluid is up to the line - follow the owner's manual procedure (basically, warm the car up and shift through all gear settings, then, with the engine running, shift to Park and check the fluid level.)
Good luck!
Dick
