Expert: jack bahm - 8/21/2009

Question
The car has a center console shifter.  It is suddenly moving more easily than it has in the past. There is less resistance when moving the shifter from Park down through the gears. When put in drive or in reverse, the transmission does not immediately engage.  Moving it out of gear and then back into gear usually makes it work.  The transmission is NOT slipping when in gear.  It just does not seem to find the gear immediately.

Answer
First make sure you have enough fluid in the trans. I think you must check the level while it is running.  Then go under the car, with it not running and check the shifter rod that is attached to the trans.  Maybe even disconnect it and move it by hand.  The auto trans is a very simple thing and a good trans mechanic can fix it for you quickly.  Your problem, if there is one may be the valve body, or just junk in the system.  Get it flushed out and checked at a good trans shop.
That's about all I can suggest.  We don't have these problems in a Model A.
Good luck
jack