1974 jackspiner 175 coming back to life

[Bajohn245]

Greetings everyone! Anyone in the Orlando area?
I have acquired my fathers bike. Long story short, he bought in 1974 few years later broke down and with a family no means to fix it sat in the garage. Many years later he was able to get it back in running condition. However it only ran for 45 mins, unable to get it to crank (low spark) he gave up and has sat for 25 + years in the garage.
My son and I have taken to bring it back to life. During our process of dealing with 25 years of old gas sludge, I removed the kick start bolt thinking it was for the oil. Now the gear shift is stuck down. (need to split case BUMMER). Moving forward and wanting to see if I could get it to start,. I have successfully gotten it to turn over and Idle. Stator motoplat and timing issues.
 Since I was able to get it to turn over, I am more motivated to let my son ride!

Any advice on the gear shifter / splitting the case would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!