1940 Dodge Deluxe Three Speed only goes in 1st & reverse

[1940 D-14 Deluxe]

The old girl I recently acquired will only shift into first and reverse. Is this an easy fix or does the transmission need rebuilding. The shifter does not seem to properly push the outer lever enough. 

[Barney Eaton]

Since you know little about the car,  start by disconnecting the 2 - 3 linkage at the transmission and 

try moving the lever going into the transmission..... does it engage both 2nd and 3rd.   If that is working

start looking at the shift mechanism.... it might have worn some on the last 80 years. 

[Oldtech]

I don't think there is a 2-3 lever on these. If I recall there is a cable that operates a "toggle" on the transmission to switch between  L-R and 2-3. The cable is likely frozen.  However It could just be a rod.  Pictures?

[JACK M]

1 hour ago, Oldtech said:

I don't think there is a 2-3 lever on these. If I recall there is a cable that operates a "toggle" on the transmission to switch between  L-R and 2-3. The cable is likely frozen.  However It could just be a rod.  Pictures?

On the right track.

I recall the second lever being a rod (might not be the same car) but that linkage moves when pulling the shifter back and forth in the neutral position telling the main lever to go to 1/R or 2/3.

It all happens inside of the tranny unlike what we mostly think about.

[DFeeney]

These transmissions are not expensive and easy to find if you need parts