Installed the stop plate and shifter for the tranny this weekend. Including a new contact inside the shifter. My original stop plate was, sadly, defective; had to scout up a good used one on the The Samba.
I locked the trans in neutral (there's no juice to the car at this time) by pushing the servo rod in by hand and lodging a short (~5") wooden dowel in between it and a flange on the tranny case.
I was able, after some small adjustments, to find all three forward gears and reverse.
This is a great step forward for me. 20+ years in the works - you heard it right. Engine is patiently awaiting installation on the garage floor nearby...
It only took Me 10 years Larry...
Lee