clunky clunk

[delbertinie]

My shifter has been relocated in the car.
It works ok but the linkage seems loose it does not change gears smoothly.
It just clunks as it goes into gear what can I do make it shift better.
I also want to move it back another 6 inches.

Not sure what to do.

 

[Peter]

To move it back the usual method is to cut out the area and swap it with a section cut out further back, shorten or relocate the handbrake too, alternately and not so good as it's like stirring porridge, is to use an extension to bring the top of the lever back over the handbrake like a tiller.
The rod passes through a nylon grommet about 6" back from the shifter and that always splits and falls off so you are running in the metal ring only. The linkage at the rear under the oval inspection plate can be change for either billet or poly kit, the rest is down to how good is your box?
To replace the nylon grommet means; removing the shifter completely, undoing the rear joint, remove the panel from between the front torsion tubes and moving the shift rod out the front of the chassis, replace the grommet and thread the rod back though the grommet, not possible in most cases as the front of the car is in the way but if you are going to shorten the rod you will need to remove it anyway.

 

[letterman7]

*thumbs up* All that Peter said. Beetle shifters can be cantankerous beasts, so one thing at a time. Before you pull the shifter off, scribe around the base plate with an awl or something so you have a reference mark when you put it back. When you pull the shifter, you can use a small mirror to see the shift rod bushing hanging on the side of the tunnel. 9 times out of 10 it's gone, and they can be buggers to get a new one on.

Moving the shifter back is certainly an option. Lots of threads how to do that in the buggy forum section of the Samba, some with photo step-by-steps. It's not hard, you just have to be careful how you cut the tunnel. And the bonus nowadays is that there are already pre-shortened shift rods with adjustable ends so that you can dial in the exact length you need. Come to think of it... that's not a bad idea for my car with a dodgy first gear engagement!

 

[delbertinie]

I'm moving my seat back about 6 inches to give me more head room, thus the shifter pedals and column.

I have discovered it will also give me a better view of whats going on left and right of me.
The only disadvantage it will be a little harder getting out of the car.

The shifter has been relocated once already I'm not real tall so I need to move it back again.
The tunnel is really cobbled together so I'm planning on removing about 3 feet then using my slip roller and make smooth repair.

I know to brace the car when I cut it, and get the car level on stands.

I will take a pic to show you why I think its necessary......its bad

That being the case I plan to use a foot brake and loose the hand brake.
does anybody see a issue with that.

This is good because this will also give me a chance to address the aging brake lines.
I'm also toying with putting the tanks back up front as well.
To have some more weight on the front wheels.
If I decide to do that I can run new fuel line as well.

Now that I have removed the interior I sure opened a can of worms.*whaah*

 

[Peter]

Unless you are in that happy place of plenty of time AND money, this sounds like a long haul. Nice thick slab of steel rolled and fitted as a replacement sounds good then start from scratch, never liked foot brakes and not so sure one would be an easy fit, I looked at many differnt options before opting for the Volvo 245 one. I am lucky as I'm in Europe and I can get the rear engine Skoda Estelle/Rapide gear shifter, nice bit of kit, all alloy and double pillers underneath. I have mine in what was the handbrake hole and the Volvo brake behind that.

 

[Peter]

Unless you are in that happy place of plenty of time AND money, this sounds like a long haul. Nice thick slab of steel rolled and fitted as a replacement sounds good then start from scratch, never liked foot brakes and not so sure one would be an easy fit, I looked at many different options before opting for the Volvo 245 one. I am lucky as I'm in Europe and I can get the rear engine Skoda Estelle/Rapide gear shifter, nice bit of kit, all alloy and double pillar sliders underneath. I have mine in what was the handbrake hole and the Volvo brake behind that, back nearly a foot.

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