Yep...the same problem as my 84.  Local vw garage says possible bad tranny.
I have my doubts though. I've seen alot of posts on this problem but never a
common fix. Some slave, some cross over shaft, some mounts, ect...
  RoNALD M GREEN

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Manning [SMTP:smanning@execpc.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 11:18 AM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: 84 Westy: 1st gear shakes
>
> It sounds like the same problem I have with my '84. I've gathered from the
> list that it likely is the flywheel that is warped and needs to be cut. It
> happens from riding the clutch too much or a broken seal leaking fluid
> onto the plate and making it slip.. I am letting my go until I need
> to replace the clutch and then replace seals,plates,cut the flywheel etc.
> I also have no trouble driving or shifting, but this only happens in first
> and reverse.
>
> My buck $2.80's worth
> Steve
> '84 westy
> '95 jetta