Hello, I have a 1978 X1/9 1300cc 4 speed. I am unable to get it into 1st and 3rd gear. If I don't push the clutch in and force it against 1st or 3rd I can hear grinding so it makes me think linkage but I crawled underneath and it all looked fine. This is my first Italian car so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced!

Does Sounds like linkage. Any back and forward play when in forth gear?

ya, when in 2nd and 4th there is play side to side.

You need to find and eliminate this play,but I would have thought the play was back to forward. Can you find where this play is?