I've been able to use the gear lever while turning the key. I'd turn key with left hand and hold it in the start position while moving the shifter from 1 to 2 quickly. That was be enough to loosen then solenoid. I eventually  I removed the starter, then cleaned up the solenoid and it is still fine 10 years later.

On Jul 24, 2012, at 9:15 AM, Mike wrote:

> When I had to occasionally whack the starter on my '85, I used a
> broomstick through the wheelwell. Didn't have to get dirty that way and
> it worked perfectly.
> 
> Mike