Actually the car doesn't start off in first gear.....First is only obtained by stomping the peddle down before take off......There is a kick down switch behind the accelerator....if it is working correctly....This should allow you to be able to kick the trans down a gear with out have to manually do it via the shifter.....

As for the points, if you look at the speedo, the shift points are on the gauge....


First gear up to first dot
Second gear up to second dot
Third gear up to third dot

These are very high revving motors....At times it will sound like you are about ready to take off....

Also approaching 4 decades, these transmissions usually need to see a lot of maintenance....shifter bushings, neutral safety switch, vacuum components, fluid filter change etc to see the auto work like it should...

I believe this model also has the vacuum only controlled transmission, which means if you have a vacuum leak...the trans won't shift right....

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