Hello all, I have a 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile, 2.1 waterboxer,
4 speed manual transmission, silver-tan, with 180K miles.

The clutch was rebuilt in 2013, and has functioned flawlessly since.  So
far as I know, the transmission has never been rebuilt, but manual
transmissions don't break, right?

This morning I noticed a grinding as I shifted from 1st to 2nd gear.  I got
it into gear ok, but it repeated the same thing several times.  I
discovered that if I shifted very slowly, hesitating a split second at the
neutral point, and made sure to push the clutch pedal absolutely to the
floor, there was no grinding.  There is no problem with any other gear.

Before I take it to the shop, please help me understand what is happening.

mcneely