learnt to drive on old chevy farm truck dad gave me when i was 11 with a gmc 302 straight 6 and a 3 on the tree and 4:56 gears! it hung up a few times, put new bushings and greased it never had another issue!
Similar thing here in a ‘65 Chevy pick up that was owned by the school I worked for during the summer. The linkage was a bit worn and I had some trouble finding 2nd, but there was barely a need for it anyways on school grounds. Cool truck.