[reverend jim]

My money is on the ignition switch and here's why.

If I jimmy the switch around and get the gear indicator light to come on full-strength the thing runs like a top. But try to start/run it when the indicator is weak or gone and the thing will either slam gears or just go into 2nd gear "safe mode" right off the bat. Sometimes if the switch is in the first position for long enough the light will slowly flicker to life, and if you drive it for a little while and stop, it does not want to come to life again for quite a while.
It is back in the shop as of tonight and should have a new switch and, hopefully, be up and running by Thursday night.

Thanks for the thoughts!