While ordering the  new rebuilt tranny from Weddle's, I had him throw a
short shift kit in the package to avoid Berg's $50 minimum order policy.
finally got the time to install it.  Sliding the sleeve down to make the
drill hole for the new position forthe set screw, I was met with resistance
from the coating on the gear shift lever.
What to do?  Slice it off with a knife?  What's the part number for that
little pearl?   Anyway, got the shift kit on with no angst and no
adjustments necessary(whew!) and it works well.  But what to do about the
shift lever?  Can't leave it with the bare metal and rust in our humid Arkie
conditions.  Found some heat shrink tubing long enough(3/4" diameter
guaranteed to shrink to 3/8") and cut it to size and added heat.  Color
isn't as black as the original, but it'll do.  Cost, about $4.  Methinks
this coating wasn't onthe earlier Vanagons.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel