68 Valiant first runs

Yes, I check the trans in neutral, but it probably wasn't up to temp when I checked it. ill get that done when im under the hood next. As far as engine oil, its the dip stick installed by the builder and looks like a nice part, it doesn't appear to be a cheapy chineez unit. With clean oil its very hard to read and has the dreaded different level depending on what side you look at. 7 qt pan, and filter would be 7.5 qts ish... Im reading 1/2 qt low on the front side of the dip stick with 9 in it. I have several old dip sticks so I may try a couple of those to double check. Obviously 9 has to be too much.