I have a question that I have been thinking about for a long time.Do you have to put in neutral before changing between r-d and vice versa (push-button automatic gearbox)?I have always put neutral before, but then I think about whether it is really necessary.

 

I don't think it is necessary. Unless the buttons are stiff and hard to push...

 

No, the buttons are soft and easy to press.

 

Thats good.... A lot of people dont service them at all, and have issues with them not wanting to shift the cable and trans lever...
Beautiful cars, those 59's are....
Is yours a 300 or a New Yorker?

 

I got a leak on the transmission oil pan last winter, so it got a new gasket and new fresh atf fluid before the summer started.I only drive it in the summer. Don't want to risk skidding off the road so it breaks. Then we use salt on the roads in the winter in Sweden, so then the cars rust so much.

 

I would say as long as you’re not rolling you could go from reverse to first without any problems.
Back in the day I had a buddy who would do a burnout in reverse and go to first without lifting the throttle. He called it a Texas J referring to the black marks on the pavement. That all came to an end one night when he split his turbo 350 down the center at the casting flash along the top of the transmission. What an awesome sight.
So I would say that if you were to refrain from doing Texas Js your transmission will probably be just fine…lol

 

The weak or vulnerable part of these transmissions is the reverse band ear. While in drive you suddenly or quickly shift into reverse or the number 1 culprit throwing it into reverse on high idle after a cold start. I keep my cold start idle lower than recommended in an attempt to eliminate that sudden snap in reverse.