Date:         Thu, 18 Sep 2003 14:56:12 -0700
Reply-To:     laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Delanty <laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM>
Subject:      More broken stuff... need shift linkage parts
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

It always happens... just when I think I've fixed
everything that could *possibly* go wrong with
the Westy, (and I've fixed a LOT of stuff so far!)
something else rears it's ugly head..

This time it's front shift linkage parts...
I ordered all the plastic bits for the bottom of the
shift lever from Ken at Vanagain, and I'm busy
cleaning parts and fixin' to put it together when I
notice that the end of the front half of the long
shift rod/linkage is damaged...

It has two "horns" that stick up on the end of it,
and they are supposed to have a plastic cap
thingy on each one. Welll... Mine is missing one
of them. Here's a photo of what mine looks like:
<http://www.weirdstuffwemake.com/automotive/vanagon/pics/misc/frontShiftLinkage02.jpg>

Methinks the left side should look like the right side...

So now what do I do? It looks like the cure is to
replace the front of the shift linkage, which sounds
expensive, if it's available.

Does anyone have a good used one they'd like to
dispose of?

I've thought about trying to "repair" it by building
up a new plastic piece out of fiberglass mat and
epoxy resin, then grind it down to the right size/shape
but that sounds like a real PITA...

Any suggestions?

Thanks...

Steve
EJ22 -> '86 Westy "Escape Pod"