Transmission / Overdrive: '55 automatic stuck linkage

[UncleTom]

Got the old motor started, and away it went,,, by itself !!! Seems stuck in DRIVE. Disconnected column shifter linkage, . No help.
Transmission shifter shaft is stuck or somehow jammed. Now what ? Is this a common problem ? Can I fix it under my shade tree with a BFH?
Any suggestions are welcomed.

[SN-60]

Wow!....That must have been scary!....I'd probably try taping the shift lever coming out of the trans VERY lightly with a hammer.....but if it remains frozen, the pan will probably have to come down as there may be an internal jam-up at the valve body....unusual problem I'd say. (Do this with engine off, of course) Good luck

[rockne10]

I would have the rear jacked off the ground until you figure it out.

[StudeRich]

The detent Ball and lever must have come loose or jammed requiring as mentioned pan and valve body removal.

[bosshoss61]

Well if no one else says it----With one post---welcome to the forum UncleTom. I'm a newbie myself--these guys (and gals) are great help. OH what the heck is a BFH? Best friends help?

[doug]

Big Freaking hammer?

[UncleTom]

Gotit ! Jacked up onto axle stands. Disconnected linkage and tried light hammer tapping which produced a dead peck peck sound, Lots of Hot air gun and pentrating oil, and soon the peck peck turned into ping ping. Using vice-grip pliers snapped on as a handle, a few back and forth jerks, and voila ! A shifter !

While its up on the stands, I'll pull the transmission pan and the rear axle pan to check for rusty water. I suspect this old wagon has been in the water.
Thanks to all