Are you sure your clutch hydraulic system is OK?  Master & Slave?  Did the shifting get progressively more and more difficult?  Slave can develop a "hidden" leak and fills rubber boot with fluid, no evidence on pavement (peel boot back to see if filled with fluid).   Just an idea.

Rich
San Diego

________________________________
 From: ANTONY MARSH <apetermarsh@ME.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2014 12:39 PM
Subject: ..... Can't get first or second gear.
 

Dear List,

Does this mean the transmission needs to be rebuilt or is there some devious trick to making it work again?

As I was about to reverse out of the drive I had difficulty getting the van into reverse.  Like I hadn’t depressed my clutch enough.  Eventually managed to get moving and all was well.  Now the old van will NOT allow me to find reverse, first or second gears.

Suggestions please - be kind.

Regards
Peter Marsh
Naples FL
1991 Tin top.