First gear grind from stop

[Chickenstrips]

I read a bunch of threads about first gear grind, but they are all about a grind on downshift to first. I have a 1973.5 with 122k miles. My problem is only that when I have been sitting at stop light and shift into first, I have to put clutch in, then wait maybe 3 seconds to let it spin down before I can shift into first without a grind. Even if I fully depress the clutch, if I donÂ’t wait a few seconds after depressing clutch it will grind into first. All other shifting is perfect. Not a huge deal, just makes me a little annoying to people when light turns green and I have to wait a little. Does this sound like bad first gear synchro or just loose clutch cable? I am interested in the mechanics of what is going on before I go in adjusting things without understanding if anyone has thoughts. Thanks!

[edmayo]

I assume it also grinds if you attempt reverse from a stop. Start with a proper clutch adjustment, its also possible your clutch cable is old and dragging. Probably a good clutch cable and adjustment will solve your problem. By the way, is that the original clutch? parts do wear out!

[ejboyd5]

Put it in 2nd or 3rd first to stop the spinning, then shift into 1st.

[gled49]

I solved that problem by installing late 1st gear anchor block, thrust block and one piece brake band, along with late 1st synchro. Even fresh rebuild with double brake band system grinds as u describe. Sorry I’ve never found anything else that works.

[Chickenstrips]

I assume it also grinds if you attempt reverse from a stop. Start with a proper clutch adjustment, its also possible your clutch cable is old and dragging. Probably a good clutch cable and adjustment will solve your problem. By the way, is that the original clutch? parts do wear out!

I have never had it grind going into reverse from stop, but I am going to test to make sure I am doing it as quickly. And I am pretty sure itÂ’s the original clutch, but really no other problems that I notice. I will try adjustment, and new cable if needed. Going to need a rebuild soon so will do new clutch while I am at it. Thanks!

[Chickenstrips]

Will give it a try, but sure would be nice if I could avoid my wait or that. Meant for that to be in response to the second gear trick

[Cruisingnkali]

Would a full transmission rebuild solve any grinding (irrespective of the gear)?

I have never had it grind going into reverse from stop, but I am going to test to make sure I am doing it as quickly. And I am pretty sure itÂ’s the original clutch, but really no other problems that I notice. I will try adjustment, and new cable if needed. Going to need a rebuild soon so will do new clutch while I am at it. Thanks!

[flat6guy]

Also possible you have a slightly sticky pilot bearing. Not bad enough to cause major problems but one on it's way to being a problem.

[Chickenstrips]

I solved that problem by installing late 1st gear anchor block, thrust block and one piece brake band, along with late 1st synchro. Even fresh rebuild with double brake band system grinds as u describe. Sorry I’ve never found anything else that works.

Good to know thanks, I will try new cable and adjustment and call it a day if that doesn’t do it.

[tom1394racing]

I always instinctively shift into second gear before first even when stopped. Seems to work well for me.