Das Volks Vintage Volkswagen Gruppe

Wondering if someone might be able to give me some advice before I have my bus towed to GT for repair. Coming home from today my bay bus had a hard time finding first gear after I made a pit stop at a store. What use to feel like the first gear slot was now third gear. I made it home and tried to back into the driveway. Getting it into reverse took a few tries but when it did the shifter now seemed banged into the drives seat. What do you think?

Did you check the shift bushing on the trans? That's the most likely culprit.

After that, make sure the shift plate is secure on the floor, and check the condition of the bushings from the front back.
The bus has a multi-piece shift rod so it's possible that the bushings are bad.
It's easiest to replace them when the trans is out, so save the project until it NEEDS be done.

I have a spare shift bushing if you're in a bind, just replace it when you can.

If you need something or need a hand reach out.

I put the spare coupler in my bus. It's the most likely cause of your woes.
The shift rod bushings in the middle wouldn't cause your symptoms, but the coupler, or a broken carrier bracket in the nosecone would. I have one of those too, but that's a big project.
I'll swing out tomorrow after Meia's training class.

Some fun reading material to get you up to speed on the subject:
Shift Rod Bushings

Thanks to fellow green bus owner and all around great guy Mike for swinging by today. My bus is up and at'em again. The rear shift rod coupler was the culprit. Mine was pretty much falling apart. Mike brought out his spare and within a 1/2 hour it was replaced.
It is days like today that I am glad I belong to DVG. Thanks again Mike!

No worries. Glad it was a quick and easy fix!

That's what it's all about.