1959 Slips From Park Into Reverse by Itself

[analogue_dsp]

It was a nice day out, so I went to fill up the old girl with gas. After, at the pump, I decided to put the top down. I was told by the previous owner to always have it running to help the pump out when putting the top down. So...started her up and then took my time opening the back up and extending the rear trunk. Started the top down and got about 1/2 way when I heard a "click click click" and the car shifted itself into reverse from park all by itself. I jumped over the closed door, grabbed the ebrake with all my might, and pulled. Car had gone about 15 ft. before I stopped it. Thank god no one was in the way.

Cracked a rib landing on the drivers window which was open about 2 inches. After checking to make sure the TBird wasn't actually a Plymouth Fury in disguise, (as in 'Christine') I looked this up online, and it is a common occurrence because of the design. I went out and tested this theory, and sure enough, occasionally the car does shift from park to reverse when running after a minute or two. I had previously noticed sometimes it doesn't always go into park, but into reverse, but didn't think it would slip. Good to know. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone solved this issue such that a parked car stays in park when running?
2. Are there other "gotchas" I should know about this model? This one seems like a pretty big one which could have easily killed someone or worse yet damaged the car (j/k).
3. I now have a crack in the drivers door glass. I found it cheap enough online, at "Macs" but not sure if they are a reputable store or not. Is there a list of approved sellers you all keep?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[RedDropTop]

Your shifter is likely worn, easy fix. I just fixed mine but still don't trust it in park. Luckily I can swing my steering column which locks it in place (1964). Very common issue. Sorry you had to find out the way you did.

 

[64ZCODE]

Yes, what RedDropTop said. If you have the vacuum release e brake feature, you might consider disconnecting it until your shifter is sorted. There should be a manual release lever on the e brake mechanism you can use in the meantime. And, carry wheel chocks.

 

[KENN]

I installed a new detent plate in mine to fix the shifter, but if other parts of the column are worn they need replacing too. ALWAYS SET E BRAKE when idling and put in neutral.

 

[glb52]

It was a nice day out, so I went to fill up the old girl with gas. After, at the pump, I decided to put the top down. I was told by the previous owner to always have it running to help the pump out when putting the top down. So...started her up and then took my time opening the back up and extending the rear trunk. Started the top down and got about 1/2 way when I heard a "click click click" and the car shifted itself into reverse from park all by itself. I jumped over the closed door, grabbed the ebrake with all my might, and pulled. Car had gone about 15 ft. before I stopped it. Thank god no one was in the way.

Cracked a rib landing on the drivers window which was open about 2 inches. After checking to make sure the TBird wasn't actually a Plymouth Fury in disguise, (as in 'Christine') I looked this up online, and it is a common occurrence because of the design. I went out and tested this theory, and sure enough, occasionally the car does shift from park to reverse when running after a minute or two. I had previously noticed sometimes it doesn't always go into park, but into reverse, but didn't think it would slip. Good to know. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone solved this issue such that a parked car stays in park when running?
2. Are there other "gotchas" I should know about this model? This one seems like a pretty big one which could have easily killed someone or worse yet damaged the car (j/k).
3. I now have a crack in the drivers door glass. I found it cheap enough online, at "Macs" but not sure if they are a reputable store or not. Is there a list of approved sellers

Check out fordthunderbirdforum.com. Someone there reproduces detent plates. Almost always the problem w/ that generation. They also have opinions on vendors which might interest you. Everything I've ordered from Mac's has been fine and service has been stellar. Good luck!

 

[glb52]

Sorry, meant to say fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[oldcarguy34]

It was a nice day out, so I went to fill up the old girl with gas. After, at the pump, I decided to put the top down. I was told by the previous owner to always have it running to help the pump out when putting the top down. So...started her up and then took my time opening the back up and extending the rear trunk. Started the top down and got about 1/2 way when I heard a "click click click" and the car shifted itself into reverse from park all by itself. I jumped over the closed door, grabbed the ebrake with all my might, and pulled. Car had gone about 15 ft. before I stopped it. Thank god no one was in the way.

Cracked a rib landing on the drivers window which was open about 2 inches. After checking to make sure the TBird wasn't actually a Plymouth Fury in disguise, (as in 'Christine') I looked this up online, and it is a common occurrence because of the design. I went out and tested this theory, and sure enough, occasionally the car does shift from park to reverse when running after a minute or two. I had previously noticed sometimes it doesn't always go into park, but into reverse, but didn't think it would slip. Good to know. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone solved this issue such that a parked car stays in park when running?
2. Are there other "gotchas" I should know about this model? This one seems like a pretty big one which could have easily killed someone or worse yet damaged the car (j/k).
3. I now have a crack in the drivers door glass. I found it cheap enough online, at "Macs" but not sure if they are a reputable store or not. Is there a list of approved sellers you all keep?

 

[oldcarguy34]

When the 59 slips out of park it is because there is wear/play between the lever and the transmission, the most likely spot is at the shift arm at the bottom of the steering column. Until you fix things, NEVER leave the car with the engine running unless the parking brake is firmly applied,. (If the parking brake works correctly!) Your door glass is flat safety glass and can be cut using yours as a pattern at most glass shops that do automotive work. They might even be able to install it.