What governs the firmness of shifting?

[JammerX19]

Drove a friend's '81 Spider this weekend and the difference between our cars was pretty significant. For starters, his shifter moves stiffly and has no play. Mine moves sloppily. What governs this movement? Whatever it is, mine needs replaced.

[Wheel]

Jody,
Lots of good information in this post. My shifter was quite sloppy before the rebuild.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5859

[chrisfiat]

when mine got sloppy, it was just the cap bolts getting loose,( at the bottom of the shifter) snugged them up and all was good

[narfire]

I would try a couple of things first before changing things.
Take the shift boot and rubber boot off and have a look at the shifter. there should be a small spring/anti-rattle clip down one side of the shifter into the socket. Is it there?
From under the car, take the three bolts off the cover and undo the 13mm nut and dismantle the shifter/pull it out.
Grease the cups, check the spring is in good shape and not broken and put the lot back together with the anti rattle clip.
Shifter just might need a bit-o-lovin and all is good.
When installing it was easier with a helper from above installing the shifter while you tighten the 13mm nut on the bottom.
Chris