Hi everyone.  I was reading some of the threads about the short shift kits for the Vanagon and how most people didn't like where the stock shifter is.  When I bought my bus, the owner told me that it had a short shift kit in it.  The throws don't seem particularly short, but then again my shifter sounds like it is easier to reach than the folks with stock shifters say it is.  Perhaps I have a longer shifter handle to go with the shift kit?  Here's a picture:  http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ctbtyper/vwp?.dir=/Race+Bus&.dnm=4.jpg&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t

The only Vanagon I've ever driven is mine, and the only other Vanagon I've sat in (since being a kid, that is) was an auto, so I have never seen a stock shifter.  When I'm in 3rd gear, if I rest my hand on the knob and stick my fingers straight forward, they hit the very bottom of the radio (mine's a 1984 - don't know if the dash changed later).  Does that sound closer than normal?  I'm just curious since I'm not a big person and I've never felt like I had to reach far for the gear lever.  I can shift with my elbow on the arm rest - I'm only 5'6", so my arms aren't *that* long.  Thanks!

Chris

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