I dont think the problem he had was in getting it out of the first gear but rather putting it in 2nd, 3rd etc. These transmissions require rev matching, which means you need correct engine speed in order to engage into particular gear. Also, after first gear, its easier not to use clutch. Truck drivers call it…

86 Vanagon. When I called my wife on our first date, I told her I will pick her up in my van, and later she told me she was bit afraid I would show up in some panel van with dead bodies in the back. Now it is a member of the family. Brought both our boys from birth center, took them camping all over California, and…