I can vouch that this technique works.  I once drove my Triumph TR-3 like
this without a clutch for a month!  (Back in the days when I was even poorer
than I am now.)

Dave in KC (who doesn't understand why he sold his TR-3 back in 1968!)
85 Westy
http://members.fortunecity.com/davebaker1

----- Original Message -----
From: Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2001 1:19 AM
Subject: Re: Help ASAP, Stranded, Need clutch advise....

> As a veteran VW owner most of my driving life, I'll offer this owner
tested
> and approved shifting technique that wil get you around until you can fix
> the problem.  this has come in handy on many a broken clutch cable and the
> failed slave cylinder on a BMW 2002 way back in 75.
>
> Put the van in first gear and roll start it as you did.  next, as you
> approach your shifting point simultaneously back off the throttle and pull
> the gearshift into neutral.  then  blip the throttle and as the rpms drop,
> ease the shifter into second gear  Repeat for thrid and fourth if needed.
> the only problem is you can't down shift that way.  if you need to down
> shift, roll to a stop and start over(after blipping the throttle and
working
> the shifter in to nuetral of course!).  Yes trhis is hard of the syncros,
> but judicious use of the llthrottle will get you close to home for the
> repair.
>
> Dimwitted moose and Flying Squirrel.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Ray" <Mike.Ray@MOTIENT.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 9:39 PM
> Subject: Help ASAP, Stranded, Need clutch advise....
>
>
> > Hi all. I'm 2 hours from home (but at my GF1.0's house with minimal
tools
> > and no car) Yes! The night before Easter and my `87 Westy has finally
> > stranded me. I stopped at a store, came back out, went to put the clutch
> in
> > and NOTHING! I can't push it in! I got to her house by starting it in
1st
> > and not stopping.
> >
> > I have my Bentley and tomorrow I'll disconnect the slave off of the
> > transaxle and see if I can push in the pedal. I don't know, at this
point,
> > if it's an hydraulic problem or a throwout or flywheel prob. I've been
> > working on cars for years but never on my Westy.
> >
> > Has anyone had this symptom before? Any good leads? I've never seen a
> > hydraulic system lock up hard instantly. Looks like only light fluid on
> the
> > top of the master.
> >
> > Thanks all and Happy Easter and quick advice would be most appreciated!
> >
> > Mikey
> > `87 Westy
> > Temporarily in Harrisonburg, Va