Rein shifter, Tangerine Racing shift linkage, 1/2" free play at clutch pedal. Car shifts fine from 2nd to 5th at speed. When stopped for a light, the gears grind if I try to shift into 2nd or 1st. I usually shift into 2nd and then drop it into first. Sometimes it will go into 2nd and then 1st with no issues and other times is sounds like I am ripping the teeth off the gears and it refuses to go into 1st or 2nd. It will go into 3rd, 4th, or 5th with no problem. Where should I start?

First guess would be the 1st and 2nd gear syncros. 1st gear has unique slider, but everything else is the same. 2nd gear syncro takes the most wear as you use it the most...

my first inclination is to tighten the clutch cable, i don't think you want that much free play.

How does she respond when you drive around, the at a stop try shifting into reverse?

Rich

Driving around it shifts fine. It is when I have to come to a stop that I am having problems shifting into 2nd or 1st.

Reverse, after a stop.
A specific question.

That's a good question. That should tell us whether the clutch is adjusted enough. If it grinds after a stop and is then shifted in to reverse - the the clutch is still dragging.

Yes it grinds in reverse, so tighten up on the clutch cable?

That's a start.

I'd guess if you have only a 1/2" of play at the top of the pedal (make sure you are pulling the pedal "out" and measuring the slack from there) you have a busted clutch cable tube...

When in doubt, press no hold clutch to floor.
Get under car and look at clutch release fork.
It should be just about touching the transmission case at th rear of the throw.
Anything more than 1/8 of an inch can be adjusted out, or as stated above may require clutch tube repair.