I'm sure your mechanic will look, but check the linkage at the
transmission. Ball/socket came undone?

Good luck!

-Dick-

On Friday, June 26, 2015, Vincent Dow <ianvincentdow@gmail.com> wrote:

> My van (Modesto) is an 82.
> Thanks guys.
> The van is down at garage. I know the mechanic well. I had to tow it
> somewhere at 2:30 this morning, so i had him drop it there. I couldn't put
> it in my driveway, cause I need to get my other car OUT.
>
> My 1971 Oldsmobile cutlass supreme. It needed to start and run anyway.
>
> Yeah, don't give the car to valets. F*&%$ing Hollywood... No parking
> anywhere. We had tickets to a show. My mind was preoccupied.
> Thanks for help!
> vinnie
>
> On Fri, Jun 26, 2015 at 10:28 AM, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com
> <javascript:;>> wrote:
>
> > pull up the rubber boot on shift lever in cab.
> > Look for excessive play at ball etc. at base of lever.
> > Those parts eventually wear. some pics of an '85 and '81 ball etc.
> > 19811985ShiftLevers | musomuso
> <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/19811985ShiftLevers>
> > Or, drop spare tire, inspect "ears" at base of shift lever.
> > (up inside box) These ears guide the shift lever
> > along the side of shift box or tang to help
> > form the "H" you should feel at shifter
> > ("notches" shifter into each gear position)
> > 1981 box shown on left:
> >
> >
> https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/WBXTransmissionInto81VanagonWasAirCooled#5485681150103041954
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 6/26/15, Vincent Dow <ianvincentdow@gmail.com <javascript:;>> wrote:
> >
> >
> > > I can't get into any gear. The shifter handle was stuck up near the
> > > radio... Very unnatural, like a broken elbow.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Neil n
> >
> > Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
> >
> > 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
> >
> > 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
> >
> > Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
> >
>