Difficulty if Not Complete Inability to Shift Gears

[jamesbissett08]

My 1973 VW Type 181 was recently in the shop for some extensive electrical rewiring. (fixing horn, blinker, etc. to make it road legal)

Although before going into the shop it was never perfect in terms of being able to shift between gears, now that she is out of the shop, I have found it extremely difficult if not impossible to shift between gears.

The only thing I have found that seems to help, if only momentarily, is to find and shift into reverse which will somewhat "reset" the positions to where I can find them a bit easier. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!!!

[consvws]

Your front shift bushing is probably gone. Rear coupler gets sloppy or falls apart too. Hopefully it's one or both of those & not a broken clutch tube or clutch problem.

[FJBLF]

You should start with the shifter lever friction plate, the Shifter Link Bushing and coupler.

Bushing P/N 111701259A
Friction Plate P/N 411 711 141D
Coupler P/N 311 798 245

Also adjust your clutch cable

If that does not fix it, it may be time for a rebuild
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1972 VW 181 SAFARI 1500 cc GRB Trans-axle

[CraigInPA]

As others have replied, it's the shift bushing. I had the exact same issue.