I have a 69 SII FHC. In the last week I’ve noticed more frequent grinding of 2nd & 3rd gears upshifting and some sticking from neutral into 1st at a stop light. The car was not ‘exercised’ much by the previous owner in the last few years so I can’t say I’m surprised here. Until recently as long as I was deliberate and not shifting like racing at Nurburgring, gear transition had been fairly smooth. That said, taking possession of the car in July I’ve never been able to upshift fast without grinding and downshifting 4 to 3 and 3 to 2 at speed has always been hit or miss grinding wise. Since I’m confident this isn’t going to get better on its own, what am I potentially in for here? An adjustment of some kind? Synchro replacement (is that even a thing)? A full gearbox replacement (cha-ching..)? Can any such work be done in-situ or is this an engine removal job? Thanks in advance for any input and guidance!

 

Not an expert I'm afraid, but the clutch is adjustable. Could be the clutch isn't going all the way in. It can be adjusted via a locknut on the head of the pushrod between the rod and the slave cylinder.
You can check if the clutch is worn/slipping by putting the car in first, increasing revs slightly, foot hard on brake and let clutch up slowly. Engine should stall.

 

+1 on what dibbyandco said. Also check the slave cylinder/hydraulics for leaks. Is there fluid in the clutch reservoir?
Bill.

 

I had/have similar issues with my 69 Roadster.
I found the slave cylinder to be degraded to the point of no return. After replacing it the problem still existed, exactly as you described your own.
My car went in for a complete re wiring job about a month ago, I had them pull the engine and gear box and check out the box.
Sure enough, all 4 syncro’s were shot as well as the lay shaft.
I could still change gears with it right up until it went into the shop. Double de clutching and taking it slowly when changing up. It still would grind occasionally but generally only when I had to rush it.
I will report the results once I get the car back, this will be in the Spring, as I am allowed into the shop to “help” I will pass along anything I can that may be helpful.

 

Sounds like I may end up in the same boat given my slave cylinder was replaced a couple months back. As long as I shift deliberately I have no issues, though as you state, occasional grinding.

 

When at a stop, If you press in the clutch, wait a few seconds and shift to reverse, does it grind? If it does your clutch is not releasing completely, which will cause the grind on shifts.

 

Great question, sometimes, but not every time. Not being the brightest mechanical bulb, what would be the solution for a clutch that isn’t releasing? As an update, I have found I can downshift smoothly if my speed is slow enough to allow the gears to slow their spin rate. But unlike say some of my prior more modern cars, I can’t just downshift at any ole speed.