Sticky gear change

Hi,

I've done quite a bit of searching around but can't find any mention of the problem on the net.

I was lucky enough to pick up a very tidy non-runner GTI 8v for the small sum of £250 at the weekend and have set about getting it back in order. The non-starting issue was nice and easy, a crank sensor with shredded wiring but my other issue is the gear change.

The shift action across the gate is basically like stirring set concrete. Gears are very difficult to locate and the self-centring because of this doesn't self centre.

I've ordered a Gear leaver repair kit (pt. no. 71708 from GSF) with the hope that it's just a crackered bush on the stick itself but I'd like to know if anyone else has come across this and what they did to repair it.

Any help would be gratefully received! :D