G'Day Ausmini,
I have a 73? (or 75?) Leyland Clubman with a 998cc engine. It is a daily driver, to and from work. I have no idea about the type of gearbox set-up I have, apart from the fact that it is a manual.
Coming home the other day and I had a problem changing up gears from second to third. It felt like I was missing the 'gate' or 'slot' for third gear. I did not find third gear and went back into second - with great difficulty. I have searched this site (using the search engine) and have found similar topics but the advice given was in 'tech-talk', as in, I have no idea what a linkage is and have no idea what a remote gear box is, or how to adjust either.
I have stopped using the mini, for now, as I don't know if it will happen again and cause an accident.
With the limited information I have provided:
1. Can I still drive the car without causing more problems to the gear box ?
2. Can anyone suggest a budget-wise solution? - If it requires a gear-box rebuild I think it will have to come off the road until at least next year.

If I haven't provided enough information please let me know. Also, please bare with me as I am a novice.

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Cheers,

Fade77
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

Well firstly we need to figure out the type of gearbox , a 73 or 75 mini should have had the rod change box (though I think it should have an 1100 engine so it's all possibly been changed at some stage) . Have a look underneath (between the back of the gearbox/engine and where the gearstick goes through the floor . A rod change box will have two exposed rods (one the shift mechanism rod and the other a brace bar) between the gearbox at the back of the diff and the gear shifter . A remote gearbox will have a large aluminium housing attached to the rear of the gearbox going back to where the gearlever goes through the floor .

It could be one of several things as each gearbox type has it's own habits and wear points , let us know which type and hopefully someone can point you in the right direction . While you're looking at the gearbox to figure out the type just check everything is tight and isn't flapping about or hitting anything (exhaust pipe or something jammed in there ) if it's a rod change box .

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One other thing that determines which Gear box your car has is ... When selecting Reverse gear do you normally just click the lever to the driver's side of the H pattern and pull back or do you have to lift it to come across and slide back into reverse ? If it requires lifting you have a Rod Change gear box which is the proper box for a leyland of that Era.It could also have the long wand type gear stick which is a different system again. No point in telling you of any possible causes without knowing what you have first. Both types of gear boxes develop their own faults and I do not wish to confue you by telling you about a particular box which might not be the same as what your car has.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Convertible mini - To select reverse I have a standard 'H' - pull the gear lever toward the driver side and to the rear of the mini. I do not need to lift the gear select lever to find reverse.

Sports850 - There are two rods coming out of the gear box and going to the rear of the car, judging by your description, I have a rod change gear box.

Guys (and Gals) - thanks for your help thus far.