1957 Stuck in 1st and 3rd Gear...... Help!

[crama12013]

I really need some advice with a problem that just popped up today.......... I was out cruising........ made a turn and stopped at a light....... down shifted to first and when the light turned green I proceeded in first gear but then found that I was unable to shift to second or to neutral....... good thing I was close to home....... I just limped home at 15 MPH......... my Daddy told me that I had gotten the car stuck in BOTH 1st and 3rd gear and that it was due to my ignorance as a driver.......... well, maybe I am not the best but I never grind or ride a gear to long....... I really need to know how to fix this. Please help if you have any suggestions. Much thanks!

 

[gbhrps]

carma12013,
Years ago I had the same problem with a 60's Ford van. Get under the car and physically move the shift rods on the transmission back and forth several times until they free up. Then have a mechanic check out the shift mechanism for bent rods, corroded or loose fittings.

Unless a shift fork or similar has gone in the transmission, I suspect that your problem is something simple. Good Luck!

 

[g_lower]

problem number 1 never down shift to 1st gear.. wait till you are stopped might of done some internal damage by doing so.