In a message dated 12/03/2004 12:10:50 AM Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I ran my  own repair shop for 15 years, and I own several vanagons. I
installed a  Berg kit 3 years ago, my shifter snapped in 2 3 mos after  the
installation.

Same story here.  Some time after my  Berg shifter kit was installed the
shifter rod snapped in two.  I repaired  it by inserting a solid steel rod and
welding.  Better than ever now.   I think the problem arises from a number of
factors.  The collar set screw  position must be drilled into the shift rod.
This weakens the rod at that  point.  The longer leverage if you install the
extension piece gives you  way more leverage on the shift shaft.  Seized or
sticking shift linkage and  bushings are very common on the Vanagon and lead to
forcing the shift lever that  now has weak points.  I would recommend cutting the
shift rod and  installing a solid steel rod while you installing the shifter
kit you buy or  build.
Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
'87 Westy & Lionel  Trains
Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_ (http:
//www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/)  & _CCVWC_
(http://www.ccvwc.ca/)
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in  the Ottawa Valley
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or  http://frankcondelli.com