Adjusting the plate under the shifter won't help much. If the 1/2 gear gate is not lining up the problem is worn bushings. You can adjust for this . The adjustment is done by rotating the connection on the shift rod. This a tricky sensitive adjustment. See the Bentley.

Dennis,
From my phone.
________________________________
From: ANTONY MARSH<mailto:apetermarsh@ME.COM>
Sent: ‎2/‎21/‎2014 7:04 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: ..... Can't get first or second gear.

Thanks Guys. Will quickly check hydraulics and adjustable plate under gear stick this morning and the agony will be over.

And yes I can get it into third and fourth very easily, and no I can't find first or second further over towards reverse.

Peter

Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 20, 2014, at 8:02 PM, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Can you get your van it into 1st gear by shifting the gear shift lever
> closer to the reverse position - far left?  If so the shift rod / lever /
> linkage is possibly broken.  Can you find third?
>
> Bruce
>
>
>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2014 at 12:39 PM, ANTONY MARSH <apetermarsh@me.com> wrote:
>>
>> 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.