1st gear Options

[bobp]

I asked about this once before long ago and in a faraway place. My car has basically no first gear, I at this point assume it is the synchros. The car has a new clutch and clutch cable. I worked on the shifter alignment some and all the other gears shift fine.

First is almost impossible to engage, except at a very slow rolling speed. Stopped or downshifting to first while moving don't work. It also quite frequently pops out of first when releasing the clutch.

Is replacing the 1st gear synchros something that a fairly novice home mechanic can accomplish in a reasonable time.

This is the one project that has to get done for spring, it definitely takes away from driving enjoyment.

[asigel]

Hi Folks

Thanks for the advice! I looked around at the clutch tube in the tunnel and it seems intact. The cable looks old, and still has the black plastic end-wedge. I should probably replace both. Do people prefer the 'Terry cable' to original style? And the front rear rod coupler near the firewall looks good, with a good hex locating screw. Any other thoughts on the not-going into/not-staying in first gear problem? Yesterday I replaced the two bushings at the rear of the transmission: the ball cup and the circular shift rod end bushing. Both were broken, in pieces (!) and I was hoping it would solve the problem. Things feel alot crisper in general, but the shift lever still pops out of first as soon as I lift off the clutch. If I try to raise the revs, then downshift from second, it just grinds. So now I'm trying to figure out how to check the allignment of the shift lever, and to determine if my clutch cable has the right amount of free play (it seems to have none) or is stretched. Very confusing.

While under the car I discovered one of the CV joints had 3 out of four spline head screws loose! Unbelieveable. Can the star tip socket be found at sears, or is it a Pelican/performance/AA order?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Tony