3rd gear not engaging?

[Rusherific]

I've had my '64 thunderbird for about a year now, and this might be a stupid question but this is my first tbird, or automatic tranny for that matter, so I'm not sure if 3rd gear is working on mine or when it should be shifting. And where does L fit in? Is it actually a gear below the D1 or D2 modes (which is what I've always assumed), or is it just limiting to a common first gear? I ask because it seems at freeway speeds (i never go above 60-65) the engine seems mighty high-revving. Obviously back in the day they were gearing for 50-55 (for instance my '88 integra runs 4K at 70mph in 5th!) but still I've begun to wonder if I'm just not getting into 3rd...

Once at substantial speed above like 5mph I'm sure it only shifts once, but it may be that what I can feel is it going from 2nd to 3rd and there is a first gear that it gets out of very quickly and very smoothly, I'm not sure! At any rate, any explanation for a newbie, or what should be happening would be greatly appreciated.

Devin

[John72]

I've also got a 64 and noticed it only shifted one time after I got moving. I thought it was not going into 3rd grear but I tried shifting it manualy, low-D1-D2 and found it has all 3 gears. It seems to run very happy at 60-65 mph. and has no trouble passing cars.
Hope this helps and if I can help out in any way let me know. In my manual it says the problem could be, the govenor, valve body, manual linkage, front band or front servo. I haven't treid to monkey with any of these but it could be a start.
Good luck,
John

[boaterbob]

L is low (1st gear) Next one is the big green dot which you should be using, It shifts 1-2-3. next is the small black dot which starts in 2 and shifts to 3.

[Neil Cartwright]

Hi,
I had hard shifting into 3rd at 64 mph. I had the local shop do some work on the engine and they had not replaced the spring (next to the carb) which holds the kick down lever in place. As soon as I had re-located the spring the trans shifted normally.

Just an idea.
Neil.