TheSamba.com :: View topic - Re-engineered gear shifter, check out my Video

Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:15 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxclU1P9dM

Have a look at the cable gearshift system I've put in my van.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:36 am

so how much, how hard, and who makes it? thanks, Matt (p.s. good job)

Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:23 am

This is the first prototype, target price £300 for complete bolt in system(we are in the UK but can export).
First time fit, including removing old linkage system (never done before), lying on the floor with van raised 6" at each corner, 4 hours.
I guess a skilled man would be well under 2 hours.
Did work first time but had built it on a bench first onto a spare box, did guess the cable length!

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:01 am

its nice but I don't really need it. $500 for a mod you don't really need is a bit of a hurdle there. Maybe UK people are used to spending beaucoup bucks on their rigs .

How about a vertical, adjustable steering wheel and Porsche gauge pod along with that shifter? Now that would be really neat.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:14 am

That's really slick.

What kind of an engine are you using that lets you run through the gears that fast? :)

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:33 am

Tontie wrote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxclU1P9dM

Have a look at the cable gearshit system I've put in my van.
Me likes it...If i get another van to swap a 1.8t i am doing it.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:34 am

1.9TD AAZ on a 5 speed box which very sick, can't use first.
The bracket at the gearbox fit 4 & 5 speed boxes & the bracket in the cab has designs for petrol & diesel floor pans.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:43 am

Put me down for one, Tontie. I know a nice trans-related product when I see it.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:49 am

NICE!!!

Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:22 am

Nicely done. Do you have pics of how it connects to the tranny gear shift lever? I would consider doing something like this, if my shifter continues to degrade and parts become NLA.

Thanks for the post.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:41 am

Got a picture at work but I've left for today.
All very simple, just a reaction bracket for each cable & a drop lever.
As I'm new to this forum will I be able to upload pictures?
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Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:48 am

very slick

Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:56 am

Does it make a Vanagon shift like a modern car? My assumption is that 10 feet of cable 4X would have some friction.....

One problem in a Syncro is to be able to rock the car fwd/rev but the current linkage is too vague and slow to do this. Tall order.....but that would be a test.

Please tell us more.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:59 am

The shifter looks really well designed and built, but I have to ask the question... how is this any better than the stock shifter?

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:07 pm

The intention is to get a car like feel. These are the best cables know to man (yes I work for this company :lol: ). Low Friction, originally designed for Aircraft, the inner member has a PTFE wrap. The Conduit & Inner is manufactured in the USA by Cablecraft, part of the Tuthill Corporation. There is only two cables as they are push/pull. One for the shift function & one for select.
I do not see an issue with rock forward & back.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:10 pm

Small shift pattern, light load, no gear jump out & will not loosen with wear.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:36 pm

A very nice piece of engineering.
Might I suggest changing the thread title so that it makes more sense to the content. This is about a re-engineered gear shifter, not a video.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:57 pm

Perales wrote: Might I suggest changing the thread title so that it makes more sense to the content. This is about a re-engineered gear shifter, not a video.

Tontie wrote: cable gearshit system

:lol: :lol: another edit? :lol: :lol:

Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:11 pm

Nice catch Sodo, thanks.
I must learn to read back what I type!
Do not want to upset the moderators on my first day. :lol:

Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:29 pm

well done... very impressive engineering.
However, one of the reasons I love vanagons is because they don't drive like a car. My van would have an identity crisis without the long-throw shifter.