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Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:19 am

I want to install a bus shifter in a 57 beetle and I want to keep the Sperrwolf lock in place. From searching threads I've found that I'd need a shifter from a 60-65 bus. Will this still bolt right in with the Sperrwolf? What exactly else will I need to do, if anything? Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:24 pm

matt,

i don't know the answer to your question, but i am curious as to why you want the bus shifter? i have always found the shifter in your picture perfectly adequate...

Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:47 pm

The heck with why the bus shifter, I'd like to know about the leather steering wheel wrap - that's sweet! Who makes it?

Mon Apr 30, 2012 4:27 pm

If you want to install a Type 2 shifter & keep the shifter lock, you need to install a "quick shift" spacer. This will compensate for the extra length beneath the shifters fulcrum point. You just need the spacer, not the spherical ball that also comes with the kit

Mon Apr 30, 2012 4:28 pm

edit*

Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:13 pm

mandraks wrote: matt,

i don't know the answer to your question, but i am curious as to why you want the bus shifter? i have always found the shifter in your picture perfectly adequate...

It's not that it's not adequate...I just find myself reaching a little more than I'd like in an almost uncomfortable position. Nothing big really, I just think it would be more comfortable higher up and closer. I also think it looks really cool. :)

(this is someone else's picture on here and I don't remember who's it is so sorry for that, not claiming it or anything)

Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:16 pm

And RareAir, Thanks a lot for the answer. I've seen your posts in every thread about this and I was actually going to pm you if I didn't get any results here. I figured you'd be the guy to ask. Thanks again.

Tue May 01, 2012 5:37 am

L378 wrote: The heck with why the bus shifter, I'd like to know about the leather steering wheel wrap - that's sweet! Who makes it?

http://www.wheelskins.com/index.php

They're a little pricey.

Tue May 01, 2012 6:01 am

Thanks. Never seen a wheelskinz on a VW steering wheel before. Always thought they were too thick or something. In fact didn't think yours was a wheelskinz for that reason - yours looks nice! The bus shifter is fully 50's pickup - now you need a flat back bench seat :wink:

Tue May 01, 2012 6:05 am

L378 wrote: The bus shifter is fully 50's pickup - now you need a flat back bench seat :wink:

Look at that picture I posted though. Tell me that doesn't look bad ass. 8)

Tue May 01, 2012 6:07 am

Plus I don't want one of those obnoxiously tall shifters where you're reaching out the rag top to try and get 2nd gear.

Tue May 01, 2012 8:02 am

mattlyons, I agree with you, it is a bit uncomfortable to reach all the way down there, I feel I almost have to bend down there.

Tue May 01, 2012 9:10 am

mattlyons wrote: L378 wrote: The bus shifter is fully 50's pickup - now you need a flat back bench seat :wink:

Look at that picture I posted though. Tell me that doesn't look bad ass. 8)

Never said it wasn't. To my eyes, very retro/old school. Ever think of putting a bus shift extender on?

Tue May 01, 2012 2:15 pm

L378 wrote: Ever think of putting a bus shift extender on?

Yeah I have but I'm not big on those. I like the idea of having 1 piece of metal and the extensions don't look right to me. The bus shifter almost looks like it could be stock.

Tue May 01, 2012 2:27 pm

Quote: The bus shifter almost looks like it could be stock.

In a 57 Chevy Stepside :!: Seriously, I get it, the bus shifter is pretty trick and certainly you don't see it everyday in a bug. Go to a show and people will certainly ask "what's up with that?" More effort than an extender, but like you said - looks better.

Wed May 02, 2012 8:53 am

I had bus shifter's in my 65 and 67 bug and loved them

Wed May 02, 2012 11:02 pm

Quick clarification... that picture with the bus shifter installed, its bent, which means it would need a notch for the bend to stay centered. Bay shifters are bent and have the notch, pre 67 shifters which are what are supposed to work are just straight. So what do you use to get that desired placement?

Thu May 03, 2012 1:45 pm

Ghia Nut wrote: Bay shifters are bent and have the notch, pre 67 shifters which are what are supposed to work are just straight.

1955-59 Bus shifters are straight. 1960-67 Bus shifters are bent like shown in the original photo above

Thu May 03, 2012 2:59 pm

is a sperrwolf shifter a rare shifter/optional extra or standard fitment??
the bus shifter does look pretty cool tho

Thu May 03, 2012 4:09 pm

berpsta wrote: is a sperrwolf shifter a rare shifter/optional extra or standard fitment??
the bus shifter does look pretty cool tho

It was an accessory. An orginal sperrwolf shift lock is hard to find and can be rather pricey. It looks much the same as reproductions that can be found.