I checked the pedal for fluid and it's nice and dry. I also adjusted the master cylinder rod to rule out a disengagement issue. From clutch fully depressed there is now approx 2inch before the clutch engages.
 
I drove around with the leather boot removed to see if there was a visible issue. There was a slight flex of the shift plate when selecting first, which makes me wounder if this is contributing to my the 1st gear issue. I didn't notice this flex with the other gears. I'm guessing there's a rubber mount or bush under the plate to reduce vibration? Pure guess here, but if a rubber has perished this might be causing a resistance issue? 
 
I still think the cable end links need attention so I'll take a look when I get bearings. 

Theres 4 rubber mounts that attach on the shifter plate.

Check the clutch hose in the bay when you get a chance. sometimes they fail and get an "egg", much like when a tyre gets one. 
When was the last time you changed the gearbox fluid?

Eric
Theres 4 rubber mounts that attach on the shifter plate.

Check the clutch hose in the bay when you get a chance. sometimes they fail and get an "egg", much like when a tyre gets one. 
When was the last time you changed the gearbox fluid?

Can the rubbers be replaced with something firmer? Gearbox fluid was replaced in Feb. Clutch, master and slave cylinders were done in Jan. I'll check the hose when I change endlink bearings.

The rubber grommets can be replaced with aftermarket solutions. There are a few kits aluminium/brass/delrin kits out there. I have tried solid delrin shifter plate bushings. I personally didn't notice much, if any improvement over the OEM bushings. I have some part numbers on my showroom page that may be of use if you are looking at refreshing parts of the shifter assembly https://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=15065&mpage=10

I've had 4 weeks away from my garage and car so minimal progress made. Fortunately I had a chance to drive this thing. Really makes you appreciate how crappy toyotas are  jks.
 
 
No new parts whilst I pay off the holiday debt, but I can still tinker in the mean time.
 
I did the old skate bearing to shifter cable linkage trick.

The shifter feels slightly tighter but unfortunately didn't fix my issue. The gearbox is still very stiff and doesn't like engaging gears. It's worse whilst driving but still stiff and notchy when not running, so I'm leaning towards a mechanical issue rather than hydraulic. Although it could also be a combo of clutch not fulling disengaging and bent selector fork? Bit beyond my mechanical knowledge so probably heading back to the workshop...   

On the plus side those bearing look good haha

Hey James, I somehow missed this thread until now!
You've done a great job with all the restoration work on the car so far.
Thanks for coming along on Sunday, hopefully you enjoyed it.

Deevon
On the plus side those bearing look good haha

Yep, thanks. Powered by your past kickflips

robk
Hey James, I somehow missed this thread until now!
You've done a great job with all the restoration work on the car so far.
Thanks for coming along on Sunday, hopefully you enjoyed it.

Sunday was great. If I ever get through all my maintenance and resto I'll move on to power and tuning.