Shift Selector Rod, aka "Hockey Stick", Type 1 Trans, '61 & up

Commonly, it's called the Hockey Stick, due to its shape.  Correctly, it's called the shift lever.  This is the piece that protrudes from the nose cone on the Type 1 trans.  The shift coupler attaches it to your shift rod in the tunnel.  If it gets bent, even in the slightest, your trans will not select gears properly.