It seems to me that, as the temperature drops, shifting between gears gets thougher, and occaisionally more numb (can't feel the synchros engaging - this is mainly when at a standstill). Once the engine temp (and hence, I'm assuming the tranny temp) gets to normal operating levels, shifting goes back to normal. Is this normal, or is it a sign of needed repairs, like a new shifter bushing, synchro rings, etc...?

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of manual transmissions - it's normal.

 

dump that old dinosaur crap and try installing some nice synthetic oil like Redline MT-90

 

Correction: welcome to the world of old manual transmissions. The VW that we have doesn't do that, and its brand new.

 

I put some GM syncromesh in my SE, shifts smoother for sure. I think just changing the fluid to new stuff will make a big difference.

 

Yea changing fluid is sure to help, but 20 year old syncros are never gonna be smooth when its 15 degrees outside.

 

Well my Fathers 98' Jeep also got stiff this morning in -30 degree weather... So i don't think its just old manual transmissions.

 

My '01 Audi and my friend's '02 VW do this as well. My FD is nearly impossible to get into 1st or 2nd until it is warm. It's pretty normal.

 

yea cars don't like the extreme cold, just like us, autos shift slower and manual is hard to shift, just how it goes i guess.

 

I had a VERY cold day a few weeks ago. EVERY fluid in my car except the gas turned to slush. Engine oil, steering fluid, tranny fluid... wasn't a lot of fun to drive until she warmed up...

 

Mine is hard to shift on very cold days until my car warms up. My brothers 86 Jetta is the same way too. I think my carb might need rebuilt, it takes a few tries to start and it bogs down for a sec at 2500 rpm until it is 1/2 warm, then it drives perfect.