transmission overheating

[cougarman]

I recently bought a 1981 spider automatic...The car has been sitting for a while. When I drove it the first time i went about 15 miles and then the transmission wouldnt shift out of 2nd gear. So I drove it to the auto parts store which is where I was heading. And when I tried to leave the transmission wouldnt go into reverse or neutral. I had to wait there for an hour and I assume it cooled down enough that I could get it into reverse. I checked the trans fluid it was green and it was at the correct level. Any ideas of what else it could be?

[engineerted]

I checked the trans fluid it was green

The correct answer is RED! If it is green; it maybe that the cooler line in the radiator is leaking mixing the trans fluid and engine coolant together. Not good.

Ted

[cougarman]

Hmm interesting...that means I need a new radiator?

[So Cal Mark]

coolant mixed with atf is usually very milky, and pinkish.