In wonder why "parts are non-existant" there?  Didn't they make the Vanagon there until 2005?  Maybe the Syncro parts are non-existant?  

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 5, 2012, at 19:58, John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Hey list folks,
> 
> I got an email from a guy in South Africa with a  '90 Syncro. He asks: ' A
> problem popped up that I do not know how to deal with. While driving on
> highways the gearbox pops out of fourth gear.  Is this something that will
> have to go in to a (very expensive) workshop and rebuild exercise. That
> said, I live in South Africa where spares for these vehicles are
> non-existent.'.
> 
> Any ideas to address this issue?
> 
> John Meeks
> '91 Vanagon MV Phoenix
> Northern Michigan
> 
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> www.vanagonauts.com