[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

You folks are great. Replaced bolt with a pin. Tightened the interlock plate. Now it is shifting as it should!

Thank you, now on to the brakes.

[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

I believe it is the interlock, however when I tightened it the shifter was very difficult to move at all. Something is not right in that area??

[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

It was tight when I first started the project. I loosened it to work on the bolt. After tightening it up again it really reduced the play of the gearshift.

I am sure it needs to be tightened..but that was going to be my next question, what is its function.

[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

Not wanting to get into the gearbox to 

[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

Single rail gearbox. The lever shifts to 3rd, 4th and reverse but physically will not move to the left to get 1st or 2nd.

Not wanting to get into the gearbox to insert a new pin I bored an opening and put a stainless steel bolt in place of the pin (RZ1216). The pin was found to have disintegrated which uncoupled this joint.

Is it possible that the bolt with nut are interfering with the play of the shifter? It is very difficult to see in there but it looked as if there was enough space.

[78 spitfire Can’t find first and second gear]

Reconnected the gearshift lever, replaced sheared pin with ss bolt. Now shifts 3,4 and reverse. Cant find 1 and 2. Thoughts?