I had no end of problems with the rod-shift in mine as it was like "think of a gear", which is why i switched to the cable operated and after that it was SO much more precise.
It is cable operated. Was ok when 1st started driving, now I can't put it into reverse without turning the engine off, put it into reverse and then starting up again!?
Vacuum gauge has arrived, so once I have done some garden chores, I will be tuning the carb then give the car a good clean inside and out and it the weather stays nice, might go for a spin around the villages near me
When i had the Masterco i found that The 255s are a semi normal size and there were a few of the big tyre companies that could get them in.
The rear tyres on the other hand... are only produced in batches once a year and there used to be a scrabble for a set when available. Although things might have changed?