i have a 1970 cutlass 350, it was sitting for 15+ yrs, i got it running, just changed plugs, oil, wires, and distributor cap.

i had the front jacked up to change spark plugs on pass side, i accidentally lowered tire on my hat, so i decided to just start it up and move it a foot.

i shifted to drive, and reverse, hit the gas and it wouldn't move. only rolled backwards because of hill its on.

my question is, with these older cars does the engine and tranny have to warm up before it will go?
also i checked the rear diff before, and the gears seemed to be ok. checked it by lifting up rear off ground and manually rotating tires by hand.

 

Let it warm up and make sure the trans is full. Also make sure the detent cable moves freely.

 

detent cable, u mean shifter cable right?

 

No I meant the one that runs from the carb to the trans, you stated it was a 350 trans, right.

 

i dont know, i havent read up on the car yet, all i know is
its a 1970 cutlass, with a rocket 350 engine, should be all stock

 

The detent cable or "kickdown cable" goes down at the bottom of the tranny
beside the filler tube and is held down by a 5/16 bolt. It takes a 3/8
wrench or socket to remove the bolt. Be careful, over the years they
can become brittle. There is an o-ring over it that can go bad over time
and could have leaked fluid out there. Or the rear seal or the front seal...
Sounds like it is just low of tranny fluid. as has been stated, warm it up
and make sure it's full. Post your results.