How can i fix my fiat panda gearbox linkages?

i had the same problem after a gearbox fit on a fiat brava...gearstick was pushed to the left at all times....
when i took the rod off that connects the stick to the box the pin it connected to fell into the hole and fell out of the gap is should be in..couldnt get 5th or reverse........i had to undo the nut push the rod downwards into the box and turnabout inch and a half clockwise and pull it back up...with long nose pliers....reattach and see if she works if not try her anti clockwise.......whats happened is if you put your fingers in a v shape and put another in from the top between these two this is how this should be inside the box.......the finger inserted between the other two is now either side of these......thats why shes not working.........its a bit of a trial and error thing good to have another person to hold the gearstick in neutral position while another under bonnet doing the fiddly stuff......took me 20 25 mins....please re post if you need any more help or if you've cracked it...would be nice to know...thanx......good luck........

JJ
January 2009