hey guys am planning to pull the gearbox out for an overhaul and the problem I have is its hard to engage 1st sometimes but also always crunching when you try to downshift into 3rd if you don't double clutch. Any hints or tips I should be look out for or problem parts that should be changed?

Could be baulk rings but before you go pulling everything apart I would be checking your clutch properly from pedal to release bearing because it sounds more like your clutch isn't disengaging properly.

If the baulk ring and 3rd gear's drive dogs are good it shouldn't crunch anyway. Even if clutch is dragging it should just block you from engagement.
This problem is usally more common on 2nd gear. If it's hard to change down to 3, 2 and 1, I'd say yeah the clutch, if it's only 3rd I'd say probably the baulk ring.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

most probly syncro worn but can also be the detent springs inside 3rd/4th hub,,,
& or the spigot bearing (inside 4th gear) & mainshaft nose is badly worn & 4th gear (& Main-shaft) is all wobbly

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

It's worth changing all the synchro hub's detent springs & balls (3 per hub) when pulled apart. I used the HD ones from Minisport.au

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

thanks for the info guys. yea its only on downshifting into 3rd and sometimes to 2nd. but even stopped at lights sometimes takes you a few tries to get it into 1st. il pull it out and have a look and change the synchro hubs detent springs and il get some pics.

If it's hard to get 1st at the lights, it's probably the clutch. If it crunches bad when you go for reverse, definitely the clutch. If so, sort that first, it's easier & cheaper too!

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.