Gears look good and turn free, but the shifter is locked up. Any good info on dis-***embly, especially a video?
This might give you a few clues about how this shifter works... http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_transID_3speed-shifter.htm
Maybe I'm searching wrong, but I found videos on rebuilding the trans but not the shifter. I also saw the Van Pelt page, good info but I need a bit more detailed instruction. Never had a manual trans this old apart before.
Unscrew the shifter retainer. Then the shifter should pop out. Then unscrew the detent plugs and remove the springs and balls. Those are the two flathead screws on each side. Then you need to knock the roll pins out if the "fingers" on the shift rails. Then you can drive the shift rails out the ends. Usually they are rusted stuck in the housing. Which is why yours is probably stuck.
Take a close look at it, look at a breakdown of the shifters, review what @Hitchhiker described, and have at it. Really not a hard project.
I made a little jig so I could clamp it to the bench and got it moving freely. Maybe doesn't need rebuilding.
The biggest chore is often just removing the two detent plugs on the sides of the shift housing. You’ve figured out the rest. Get the shafts out and don’t forget to pop out the interlock bullet (located in the center of the shift housing casting….between the two shift rails). Get everything all clean so that all moving parts can be easily moved with your fingers. Use ***embly grease or at least some light oil on the moving parts. I would recommend replacing the two detent springs and balls with new correct parts. We also stock the expansion plugs and the fork retaining pins.
I will be tearing down the trans and putting in the gears from a '48 side shift. I will get with you on parts I imagine.
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