You need to rework the linkage from front to back. New shims and
bushings where the stick is mounted, and a new shifter  on the
transmission plus new accordion hose and bushing for the shifter rod
bracket. Also, drain your tranny and install Redline MT 90. In fact, try
that first - MT 90. I went through the same thing you  are when I first
got my 88 GL. Changing to MT 90 made a huge difference. Eventually,
though, I had to rework the shifter system, and that took care of all
the problems.

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

Mark Drexler wrote:
> Hi. I have just purchased a 91 4 speed Westfalia. All gears work fine except
> 1st.  Shifting into 1st is awkward.
>
> If I shift out of any gear including 3rd, into what I expect to be 1st.,  it
> re-enters 3rd gear.
>
> To actually shift into 1st is like partially shifting into reverse.
>
> In other words, to get into 1st, I need to push the stick down and � way
> over to the left towards reverse.
>
> Is this a linkage, or gearbox issue? Any thoughts on what part of the
> linkage I need to look at?
>
> Thanks all.
>
>
>
> Mark
>
>
>
>
>