You are that guy it seems. Older manual transmissions are usually pretty easy. I was thinking but did not mention. The bent linkage rod may have bent the internal shifting fork for that gear. It was too early to mention it in my last post. If you have your old transmission and it comes to it you probably have the needed part. Another thought was the shifting arm may have been pulled past the operational limits. When the rod bent. I think it bolts to the shaft and is not splined. Depending on what was paid for the transmission you might get some money back at the end of this rainbow.

Chances to that gear being damaged seem slight to me. The common failure with these transmissions seems to be worn syncro rings. I have three basically with one in a gas car.

Right now you have it pretty well managed in the world of cars. You are not riding a substantial depreciation wave plus your old 123s are possibly slowly increasing in value.

I did not buy ours with any consideration of that but it has happened even at fair prices today.

I just liked the brand ever since the first fintail. I also thought if for whatever reason as I aged and did not have much money. They could be drivers then. I also watch Canadian government policy. Indicating that changes beyond the normal rates of inflation were more likely to occur than not. Americans have no grounds to complain right now Compared to what most Canadians are dealing with.

Not too likely still as even at eighty next month I am still pretty busy. I find it both enjoyable and relaxing to work on cars. Even a person like me can cope well on the older ones. Although auto mechanics it is not a job I would want for a living.