Sloppy gear change,

I've just bought my first mk1 gti and the gear change is really sloppy and I can't engage first and struggle to find fifth. Is this just down to the gear linkage bushes etc or are mk1 gearboxes known to break?

Any help and advice welcome I'm new to mk1s, cheers Dan

Sounds like worn bushes on the linkages, not the gearbox itself. In SA we can buy a kit that contains all the bushes, you should be able to source it locally as well...

Yea, redo all the bushes. I've just done both my Cabrio and GTI.  I find its usually the two big bushes on the vertical shaft that are totally knackered. Kits including new knuckle joint shafts are only about £10-£15 delivered.

See;
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=view&id=108084&start=3240

You may also need to replace the rubber ball if its worn and adjust the clamp to get everthing selecting;
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=chat%2Fmk1-golf-chat_2%2Fwhat-did-you-do-to-your&start=3260&redirected=1#post_1451438

the trick I do is put gearbox in reverse. Remove one of the knuckle joints and the upper rod so that the gear stick is not connected to the box. Slacken the clamp, place gearstick in reverse, tighten clamp and refit knuckle joints/rods. Usually takes a few fine adjustments and is a bit fiddly clambering in and out of cabin and under car.

Quite a lot of info on the net.
You will prob need to replace the rubber boot under the gear stick too if its still the original one.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mk1+golf+gear+linkage&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&imgil=c51A_YcGLlubPM%253A%253B4TPWWXgd3X6TCM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.vwcaddy.com%25252Fshowthread.php%25253F8374-GTD-5speed-box-advice-needed&source=iu&pf=m&fir=c51A_YcGLlubPM%253A%252C4TPWWXgd3X6TCM%252C_&usg=__vJO4Li71FmTs21LP3Q_K3CmA8uE%3D

AND finally, drain and refill box with 2L of GL4 75w/90 gear oil
 

Cheers guys, ordered a linkage repair kit from gsf with gearbox oil aswell. Just need to order the rubber ball too. Hopefully all goes well