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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1963 Ford drops out of gear

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Expert: - 9/12/2008


Question
My 1963 Galaxie XL 500, 352 engine, automatic on column, drops from Park to
Reverse without warning or any contact with shift lever, especially when running
in park, but occasionally when the car is off - it just doesn't go or stay in park
well and it's unsafe. What can I do to repair this?

Answer
This was a common problem with that era Fords. Ford fixed the problem with an insert for the owners manual advising the driver not to rely on park but to be sure to set the parking brake. There is a detent in the upper steering column for the shifter and when it wears the problem is worse.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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