I'm restoring a 1969 cutlass with a 350 v8 and automatic 3 speed hydromatic. She will not shift in Drive from first gear. But she will shift if I start in low and go up from there manually shifting. I'm 23 years old and this is my first restore in doing so I have no idea were to start and I need help.

 

Welcome to the site. Are we talking the mechanical linkage shifting or the function of the trans itself? Is it column or floor shift?

 

Check the line to the trans modulator, either came off or the modulator is shot.

 

X2
Secondly If you just got the car/trans someone may of installed a manual shift kit into the trans over the years. Where you have to shift the car every gear every time. Can you ask the PO?

 

If car has sat much governor could be sticking. If it were modulator it still wouldn't shift out of 1st until governor forced the shift. What car speed is it shifting out of 1st manually?

Someone sticking manual valve body in it is always a possibility.

Also- this car may have started life with a 2-speed Jetaway trans and been converted to a 3-speed Turbo HydraMatic. Check linkages and all that to make sure everything is moving properly.

 

Thanks for all replies guys. The shifter is on the column and it will not shift in the transmission until I force it on the column manually. It doesnt shift out of first while in drive ever. she sat in my cousins yard for seven years until I saved her. I'm gonna start checking and you tubing all the things you guys suggested and then I'll be able to give some more details. Thanks for all the help!