I had a similar problem and fixed it out by rotating the spline in the
shift rod.  There's a throw measurement in Bentley but there's so much slop
in the movement it's easier to make slight adjustments and then test it.

On Fri, Feb 21, 2014 at 8:41 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> 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.
>