Update: For those still having probs...First, as per previous post, my wife did help !
Two heads are better than 1.
1. I got some pallet package tie, but 4mm rope would do as well, and stabalised the shifter clamp from sliding, taping through the hile, to the leg
2 I drained the engine oil and...
3 days, prob 40 tries. Angled, vertical, nearly vertical, rubber shift bung removed, linkage toward the hole, clunk, clunk clunk... turn the prop, turn the engine... errr bringing in the big guns tomorrow... the Wife!