Another 500 snag slow close to completion, took the little beastie out on the drive today to let the engine have a long run in minus temperatures. Whilst it was ticking over, I thought I would check the gearbox ( I have to be careful as still no brakes as yet).
1 to 4 worked OK, but first was very harsh, but when I selected reverse it went forward. I selected correctly, tried this 3 or 4 times?

Th gearbox is the only bit I didn’t overhaul as part of th resto. It’s 126 gearbox by the way.

Any ideas?

I suggest that you should check that the bonded-rubber connector from the gear-rod to the gearbox is in good condition. ie. not split or gone too soft.
The special bolts and washers should be in place and assembled correctly. Both connections should be able to swivel vertically but have minimal side to side movement.
I think that what's happening is that the sideways movement as you move the gear-stick to the reverse position is not being transferred to the selector rod in the box.

I would agree with Peter's suggestion Will. Check that the gear-box/gear-link connector is correctly secured. On the older models they used 'stepped' spacers and a plain bolt, on the later models Fiat used (if I remember correctly) a 'stepped' bolt--make sure that this is settled in correctly. I also see that you have a 'harsh' 1st gear selection. The gear change can be adjusted by undoing the 2 bolts on the side of the central tunnel (adjacent to the gear lever) and moving the selector 'box'----you move it FORWARD for 1st and 3rd gear adjustment and, BACKWARD for 2nd, 4th and reverse. Hope this helps. By the way, any luck with your rear brakes? I left a message on your home phone number.

Thanks Peter and Tom, Jacqui has just told me about the answer machine message, so sorry for not getting back to you, she takes her PA duties very lightly, I will have to have a word.

Gear linkage, it’s a brand new linkage, but I think I cobbled together the nuts bolts and spacers, so I will get onto Motobambino and order some new bits. A relief as I thought it was an engine out job.

Thanks again for your continual support, it feels like 3 steps forward and 1back at the moment, but at least I am moving forward which is all that counts.

New linkages can be almost too tight with the rubber and/or the step/offset not enough. I have found that the offset might need tweaking in the vice. Ideally don't throw away the old linkage with the rubber in it to do a back to back.