Gear Shifter
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Brett Proctor
Well-known member
I assume your using the VW shift setup??
On my car to make it look more modern and less VW I found a shift lever boot from a Toyota to cover everything up.
I can post a picture of it tomorrow if interested in how it looks. It still has the handle that came with the short shift setup.
On my car to make it look more modern and less VW I found a shift lever boot from a Toyota to cover everything up.
I can post a picture of it tomorrow if interested in how it looks. It still has the handle that came with the short shift setup.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
I think I have the same shifter as you.
Did a search and couldn't find anything new made since the 80's
It wouldn't be much of a problem (I don't think) to transfer a modern looking shift knob to our shift lever but the real challenge would be getting the reverse lockout to work in a different configuration.
I think it can be done, its just a matter of how much time you want to spend on it.
Did a search and couldn't find anything new made since the 80's
It wouldn't be much of a problem (I don't think) to transfer a modern looking shift knob to our shift lever but the real challenge would be getting the reverse lockout to work in a different configuration.
I think it can be done, its just a matter of how much time you want to spend on it.
Thank you for the feedback.
I don't have a problem with reverse lockout (I removed that plate entirely) since I am using subaru transmission which has different reverse position anyway. T-handle looks a bit out of place with my more modern subaru dash and miata seats. I will leave T-handle for now but will keep on searching for alternate or as you pointed out might just modify it as a last option.
I don't have a problem with reverse lockout (I removed that plate entirely) since I am using subaru transmission which has different reverse position anyway. T-handle looks a bit out of place with my more modern subaru dash and miata seats. I will leave T-handle for now but will keep on searching for alternate or as you pointed out might just modify it as a last option.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
I've had members make comments on that "T" handle in my car also. Saying it doesn't match the rest of the interior. with so much to do on the car at the time I just ignored the comments, but now since you brought it up I may look more into it
If your not using the lockout plate it should be easy to find a contemporary looking knob that will fit onto the lever.
I may go to the pick a part yard and see what options are out there for a more modern looking knob that will fit the existing shaft.
If your not using the lockout plate it should be easy to find a contemporary looking knob that will fit onto the lever.
I may go to the pick a part yard and see what options are out there for a more modern looking knob that will fit the existing shaft.
letterman7
Honorary Admin
Yep, just re-tap the current metal handle or weld on something else. You only need the shift "ball" at the bottom.
There are a ton of aftermarket shifters available for beetles, including some very modern looking ones.
They aren't cheap though. Here is the black mamba for example:
I am partial to gene berg shifters myself, but I don't know if their design suits a sterling.
They aren't cheap though. Here is the black mamba for example:
I am partial to gene berg shifters myself, but I don't know if their design suits a sterling.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
Went to the pick a part yard today and didn't spend a lot of time looking for shift levers but came across this.
Out of a 2010 outback. They had handles with no lock release but I got these to see if I could make them work in our application
The main issue I see is the stem section of what I have is rectangle in shape and these are round.
Out of a 2010 outback. They had handles with no lock release but I got these to see if I could make them work in our application
The main issue I see is the stem section of what I have is rectangle in shape and these are round.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
My bad
I was thinking you just wanted to make your existing shifter look more modern, not replace it with something else.
I think since the car is no longer being made, anything you find for it will be expensive compared to what things cost for it back then.
I must say though I don't care for the sloppy feel of the shifter I have. I'm sure that shifter you're looking at will have a more precise feel to it than what we have now.
I was thinking you just wanted to make your existing shifter look more modern, not replace it with something else.
I think since the car is no longer being made, anything you find for it will be expensive compared to what things cost for it back then.
I must say though I don't care for the sloppy feel of the shifter I have. I'm sure that shifter you're looking at will have a more precise feel to it than what we have now.
letterman7
Honorary Admin
"Sloppy" is VW standard. Precision is not applicable in a T1 transaxle. If you want more "feel" you'll need to step up to a Porsche 993 or a Quaife.
There are plenty of excellent tight shifters around, as well as machined bushings. No need to step up to a different transaxle to fix it.
I was considering all options, modifying existing shifter handle or getting something new. My gear shifter actually feels tight and shifts are crisp, but I am connected to a subaru transaxle. It's just, T-handle with square lever not really matching somewhat more modern subaru dashboard and my newer miata seats.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
EMPI shift lever disassembled.
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
Shifter with a new handle and the reverse lock out works
I think it looks ok. Better than the "T" handle
I think it looks ok. Better than the "T" handle
Brett Proctor
Well-known member
You think its worth the effort?? the rubber boot covers most of the lever. Only a small section is exposed.