This thinkg is leaking like a sive. Just all of a sudden. It was working fine. It's in my 81 and is original. Im guess it's a 350. I think GM stopped using the 400 awhile back. I've been under it with the car on stands, I've wipped everything down nice and clean. No luck. I still think it's a line leak because there is trans fluid up front of the engine. Anything you all mght have just might save me from calling AAA and have them that it to a shop.

Have you started the car while it's on stands and darn secure, then crawled underneath to see if it is leaking under pressure so you could see where it is coming from?

I found 3 rub leaks where the lines ran beside the frame rail on mine.  A few pieces of all purpose hose for tranny fluid, some screw clamps, a pipe cutter and a flare tool and I was back in business in one evening. 

Again, don't forget the requisite swearing and tool throwing.  Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing you can also bust your knuckles and burn yourself.  Any of these sacrifices to the tool gods will make the mod work appropriately.  The more blood/skin/burnt flesh the faster it will go.

What side of the engine is getting the bath? Passenger side is tranny leak, driver side would be a power steering leak...
You prolly have a line leaking, as has been said already. Not sure if the '81s still used the short section of rubber line from the steel line to the radiator, but that would be my first replaced items, if yours has them.
The steel lines can be repaired if you do find a hole in them. You can use rubber line with hose clamps, or 5/16" compression fittings. Just cut out the holey section, and splice back together.
No need to send it to a shop....

Mine has the rubber lines spliced in. I thought that was done when the engine was hot rodded. It's the matching engine. The leak is on the pass side. ALL OVER THE PAS SIDE. Way up line from the trans. I did strar it up and cralled under the car. DIDN'T STAY TO LONG!!! found nothing. I have made several offerings to the tool gods!!!

Check the tranny lines by the lower control arm, where is the puddle on the floor, look to see if you can see it from up top through the engine compartment.

I put in a qt of trans fluid and it all ran out right under the trans. I did start the car because I was putting in new blubs. He had those cheap led ones and they didn't work. Anyway I did not put the in gear and move it. If the trans has to come out I can't do it. I'm 60 years old and have a real bad back. I take oxicodone all the time, so I can't do it and I don't know anybody who can. I don't want to take it to the shop if I can help it. The trans was givivg me no proplems in daily driving, No little drips that would have my attention. Just one day Bamm it went. I've got to get it fixed its brcause it's for sale The Engine is top notch. I wish I could keep it!! It's the orginal but it's been warmed over with a different set of heads. cam. coaded Hedman hedders, ect. It's really a nice car. I even have the orginal heads.

Did the fluid run out as soon as you poured it in, or did it not run out until you started it up?
If it just ran out as you poured it in, then you prolly have a dipstick tube seal leaking, or...the bracket that holds the dipstick tube to one of the bellhousing bolts has broken loose, and the fluid is running down the outside of the tube as you pour it in.

If it only leaks with it running, then we're back to the cooler line(s), or the accumulator cover on the pass side of the trans is leaking, or...the spring for the accumulator has broken, and the broken pieces have finally worn a hole in the end of the cover. This is really a rare occurrence, but it has happened.

IT is possible that the front seal of the trans is leaking, also...when the engine is running, the torque converter will sling the oil to the passenger side...this would be the only reason you would need to have the trans removed to repair it. The other possible problems can be fixed in-car.

Mike, there's got to be another C3VR member near you somewhere, that could give ya a hand...

Adam. I don't think there is a member around these parts. If there is please step forward. I don't know it its leaking with the engine off or on. When i had it  running to check  the lights I didn't think of the trans. I can say that  it wouldn't have leaked that much in the probably 2-3 minutes I had it on. Would it leak out if I have a tosted  line?? I've got another qt I will test it both ways then I'll gret back to ya.