Hard to get into 1st gear

1600 gti box,has been like this for a while then it seemed to be easyer but now it has got murder tight to get it into first.Do you think it would need a new linkege?cheers :wink:  

try new bushes first.

i really need to sort out my gear box too.  

Have a look on ebay for a plate that sticks on to your bulkhead. I've had this problem on every mark 1 i've had, its likely your clutch cable isn't gripping at the bulkhead and this little plate will sort it out, it just wears away over time and the plate sticks on to save you welding.  :mrgreen:

marsredgti said

try new bushes first.

i really need to sort out my gear box too.  

I had problems selecting first but after fitting a new bush kit it's miles better.

i had problems with mine the previous owner had used wrong shift rod  :roll:

it would probably benefit from some new slippery stuff, as lets be honest a lot of cars may never had their gear oil changed. this would be another benefit though and the new bushes definetely solve a lot of problems and go through ebay very cheaply

How about setting the gear linkage up?  There's a bit in the old brown Haynes book about how to position the lever plates & selector rod.  I did it to mine the other day and its tons better.  
Under the car there is a rubber boot with the other end of the gearstick in it.  There's a plate that prevents you from putting it into reverse without pushing the stick down first, but as my linkage was not set right, the stick sometimes hit that when trying to get first… and it could be a pain to get into gear.  To get the boot off, you need to take off any heat deflectors around it first.
The linkage bush kit is a good idea too.  It stops that "clank" noise as you shift gear!