Your transmission is a cable type for the clutch. It is adjusted by turning the wingnut at the end of the cable where it attaches to the clutch fork. Adjust it to the point where there is no more slack. As for the shifter problem, you have too much play? Meaning that it goes back and forth too much? It could be the bushings, but as far as I know it could be the shifter itself that is wore out. Jamar makes a side shifter. See if that is what you have. Wiggle the shifter and have someone look to see where the slop is at. If it will not go into gear and there is no slop, VW's have a splined shaft that you have to have aligned perfectly with the rod. It is where the rod attaches to the transmission. It is easy to get off a spline or two. Good luck and let me know.
