39 Plymouth P8 shifter questions

[Guest djc]

Looking for information/advice on how the column shift linkage works. Shift handle currently moves down or up (as in 2nd to 3rd, or 3rd to 2nd) but does not want to pull towards the wheel across the neutral gate to allow the 1st or reverse gear selection. We are just starting on the restoration, and I assume the linkage is tight. I see that the selector plate next to the steering column in the engine compartment moves freely, and I suspect that the cable next to it is frozen leading to our issues. Thoughts?

Thanks:confused: