This is not that bad to fix.  Right under the floor (just under the rubber
boot) there is a plastic knuckle that keep the shifter up and solid. Over
time thing jobbee breaks :-(  But don't worry- for about 20$ it can be
fixed. Call up Camelback VW in Phoenix and order the part from
them.  Mention that you are on THE list and you get a discount. See the
vanagon.com webpage for their # and details.

To install these parts: hop in you bus and role up the rubber boot.  Then
mark the location of the housing!  THis is very very very important- else
many hours of headaches will come because you won't be able to shift
right. TRUST ME! (and joel walker ....).  Unbolt the housing and the whole
shift lever and what is left of the knuckle will come out.  Replace all of
those parts you see (a few 1/2 cylinders, a ribbed rubber sleeve,
sring housing, etc).  Use silicon grease to lubricate (watch it- it
stains yer' carpet).  Put it all back together and you are ready to shift.

Hope this helps.  Good luck- we are all counting on you.
Matthew
84 weekender
Moscow

Matthew Pollard             http://www.uidaho.edu/~poll7356
Dept. of Chemistry               http://www.chem.uidaho.edu
University of Idaho                   http://www.uidaho.edu