Hard shifting into 1st gear

[Xtreme5280]

If this is happening with your '73 914, here is the potential problem / resolution. My problem got progressively worse though the years and I suspected that a synchronizer was probably starting to wear. I really didn't want to break the case on the transmission so a regular routine of shifting into second and then into 1st was a solution I lived with. Well, when underneath the car replacing the clutch cable, I was looking at the long shifting rod and as I moved it I notice something unusual. The arm from the shifter to the transmission is actually TWO pieces welded together. In my case the weld had cracked and was getting more loose over time. I was only off a fraction but that was plenty to make it difficult to shift into 1st gear. I was fortunate to be able to order a replacement from the factory at a premium price but none the less was able to obtain one. I just thought I would share this problem with others since I did spend several years of frustration dealing with a bad design and a rather obscure problem.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

When this happens, people typically re-weld the rod.

--DD