Just had to have it! 70 Dart Daily Driver

DionR said

Sounds like the syncro's in first, or a dragging clutch. Putting it in reverse stops the gears from turning so you can get it in first, so either the cluster gears are spinning to fast or the syncros aren't slowing it down so it can get into gear.

Any chance you could update your Denver thread with some more pictures? Love to see an engine and interior shot.

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I thought the same thing. But even when the engine isn't running you have to do the same thing to get it in to first gear. When my buddy Tim is in the car and operating the shifter and I watch the column from the engine compartment, I can see the two plates kinda lean towards eachother. Then when you put it in reverse you can see the two plates stand back up straight and it goes in to first. I think whatever piece that sits between the two plates on the column is worn out and causing it to bind up. Tim and I have a 64 valiant that's a three on the tree and they look very similar. But that column is very tight, and those plates don't have any slop in them at all.