Triumph Repair: 1978 spitfire gear shift, clutch gear, wd 40

Question
Pulled out of barn after 23 yrs  
Went in running
Working through issues
Question
Gearshift is stuck. Will not move at all.
Car is in neutral. Rolls freely.
Clutch has fluid and moves well, arm moves when pushing clutch.
Gear shifter will elevate but otherwise does not move from side to side.
Have pulled out all interior components, looking at bare shifter into top of transmission.

Answer
Hi Tom,

It is less likely that the shift lever itself is rusted in place since you say that you can pull it up some. Most likely the single rail that actually does the shifting is rusted in place.

You should remove the transmission tunnel and that will allow you to access the top of the transmission. You will see a single rail extend from the shift tower and go forward and into the gearbox. First spray something like WD-40 on the rail at the shift tower and where it enters the gearbox and try bumping the shift lever right and left with the palm of your hand to see if you can work it loose. If you can get it to start moving right and left take a strip of sand paper or emmory cloth and clean any surface rust on the shaft close to the front and the rear and spray with WD-40 and then start bumping the shift lever forward and aft. (only if you can get it to move right and left first)

If you are still unable to get it to move at all, You will need to remove the top cover of the transmission and examine the shift rail inside to see if it is rusted.

Howard