I recently bought a 1988 Accord and I am having problems shifting into reverse and 1st gear. It sounds like it is grinding. It is difficult to get the stick out of reverse also. It worked fine when I bought the car three days ago. Everything works fine when I am driving the car, but it only happens when I am at a dead stop. Any experience with problems like this? Thanks

 

Several things are possible; One is the clutch pedal free play which must be about one inch to two inches at the beginning of travel at the pedal.
If it is say, 4 inches, then the pressure plate is not being fully released and shifting can be impossible.
The gear shifter may, MAY not be properly adjusted.. I have adjusted the VW and Saab shift plates.. Back in the 60s - very EZ task with the Saab column shifter.

I have also adjusted about 14,074 Saab clutches, but now they all have automatic devices.
If the clutch master cylinder is failing, similar problems can occur.

 

i second that i first try the pedal free play i bet it is that. Also if nothing else works how many miles on the transmission ( I'm sure there are enough), your syncronizer gears in the tranny could be messed up. these gears allow you to shift into gears smoothly. Just try the pedal cable frist and hope for the best.