I have the OD and shifter knob working now---many thanks.

I looked again in my Haynes, and it describes the test you mentioned
for checking the clutch.

I put the transmission in neutral, depressed the clutch, and waited
several seconds before shifting from 1st to reverse and back again a
few times.

No problem.

Haynes had a second test, whereby the engine again is left at idle,
and the transmission in neurtal.

With the clutch pedel depressed to 1/2 inch from the floor, repeat
the same test to see if the clutch fully disengages.

I don't know how one is supposed to push the clutch to 1/2 inch
from the floor, (maybe using a small 1/2 inch block of wood as a
"stop"...) but that test either passed, or flunked, depending on just
where I pushed the clutch pedel, while guesstimating the 1/2 inch
distance.

The transmission was a little low on fluid, and after topping it
off, all seemed better.

But here is the crux of the matter.

If I drive like an old lady (no offense to anyone), the shift from
1st to 2nd is pretty OK at low RPM's.

If I let 'er rip, up to near the red line on the tach, then possible
problems in 1st as well as oftentimes the shift to 2nd.

There is a kind of shudder as if something is not solidly
connecting initially off the starting line, then smoothness,
then a hard shift to 2nd.

I say "shudder" but that's not exactly right; I can't find the
precise adjective, but under full throttle off the starting
line *something* happens the first half of the journey to
the tach's red line, then Ok, then a hard shift to 2nd.

The shifts thereafter to 3rd and 4th go fine but they are
not under the same stress as a full throttle acceleration
from a full stop.

Allan Ballard