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Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:09 pm

Can a later style reverse switch be installed in a 65 nose cone with some drilling and tapping in the correct location? Or are there internal differences that prevent this?

Thanks!

Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:45 pm

It's not just a matter of drilling and tapping a hole in the nose cone. The 1967 and later transmissions had a cast boss in the front of the nose cone, providing extra strength for the m18x1.5 threaded hole that takes the reverse light switch. Replacement 67-later nose cones are available in the aftermarket, running about $50 (there is one on Ebay right now for $34 with free shipping). If you don't already have a m18x1.5 tap, these run $15-20. Might be money ahead to get the replacement nose cone. You are going to have to pull the transaxle anyway to do the job, either way; why not just do it once?

But to answer your question: yes, it can be done. Just be sure to put the hole in the right place.

Fri Jun 09, 2023 10:18 pm

bruce jones wrote: It's not just a matter of drilling and tapping a hole in the nose cone. The 1967 and later transmissions had a cast boss in the front of the nose cone, providing extra strength for the m18x1.5 threaded hole that takes the reverse light switch. Replacement 67-later nose cones are available in the aftermarket, running about $50 (there is one on Ebay right now for $34 with free shipping). If you don't already have a m18x1.5 tap, these run $15-20. Might be money ahead to get the replacement nose cone. You are going to have to pull the transaxle anyway to do the job, either way; why not just do it once?

But to answer your question: yes, it can be done. Just be sure to put the hole in the right place.

I have what I believe to be a 1971 Super Beetle 1600 (dated from the VIN/Chassis number AND identified as a Super from the fact that the spare tyre drops down low in the boot and leaves a large storage area). The reverse indicator lamps never worked in the 16 years that I've owned it... but I need them now as my son is taking his driving test on it... and reverse lights are mandatory for the test. If I cannot get them to work I'll either have to rig up a dash mounted switch OR a speedo drive cable controlled switch. I am not convinced that the transmission is the original. The rear lamp clusters include reversing lights which may not be original. The transmission nose cone has the reverse lamp switch position plugged with what looks like a female ~10mm hex drive plug. I spoke to a local mechanic who really is knowledgeable on the type... and he says there is no 'lever' fitted inside the transmission which can actuate a switch. That doesn't really make sense to me following on from your previous reply. I need to know what actually actuates the reverse switch inside. If you are correct that all one has to do is drill and tap a hole in exactly the right place and then fit a swtch, then it seems to me that I can just remove the (I think Alloy)plug and replace it with a switch... making sure that I use the spacing washer to get the depth of the actuator just right. Your (or anybody else's thoughts would be most appreciated. Many thanks.

Fri Jun 09, 2023 11:41 pm

Your mechanic is right. All you need to do is remove that plug and install the switch with the correct thick alum washer. The switch is activated directly by the reverse shift rod. No levers needed.

Sat Jun 10, 2023 2:27 am

Bruce wrote: Your mechanic is right. All you need to do is remove that plug and install the switch with the correct thick alum washer. The switch is activated directly by the reverse shift rod. No levers needed.

Sorry, I see now how you misunderstood my query. I didn't make my message clear. The mechanic said that there 'should' be a lever inside to activate the reverse switch... but that there isn't one in my transmission. That's what didn't make sense to me...

Sat Jun 10, 2023 7:30 am

Daniel_I wrote: Bruce wrote: Your mechanic is right. All you need to do is remove that plug and install the switch with the correct thick alum washer. The switch is activated directly by the reverse shift rod. No levers needed.

Sorry, I see now how you misunderstood my query. I didn't make my message clear. The mechanic said that there 'should' be a lever inside to activate the reverse switch... but that there isn't one in my transmission. That's what didn't make sense to me...

I also would "chance" that a traditional VW reverse light switch can simply be screwed in there, with the correct sealing washer. My switch uses a 22mm combination wrench to R&R, and this can be done with the transmission in place.

If that doesn't work out, I'd simply add a toggle switch under the dash for the reverse lights.

Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:31 pm

bruce jones wrote: It's not just a matter of drilling and tapping a hole in the nose cone. The 1967 and later transmissions had a cast boss in the front of the nose cone, providing extra strength for the m18x1.5 threaded hole that takes the reverse light switch. Replacement 67-later nose cones are available in the aftermarket, running about $50 (there is one on Ebay right now for $34 with free shipping). If you don't already have a m18x1.5 tap, these run $15-20. Might be money ahead to get the replacement nose cone. You are going to have to pull the transaxle anyway to do the job, either way; why not just do it once?

But to answer your question: yes, it can be done. Just be sure to put the hole in the right place.

If I change to the later nosecone, will I need to change the front mount also?

Sat Jun 10, 2023 11:26 pm

A late 60s nose cone is a direct replacement so the mounts are the same. I think up to like 1972 actually.

https://www2.cip1.com/vwc-113-301-205-f/

Fri Jul 26, 2024 5:42 pm

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1786878

Would this be the nose cone I need to use a reverse switch on my 65 gearbox? Is the screw plug where the switch goes?

Fri Jul 26, 2024 11:02 pm

No. that nose cone only works with 73 and later German Beetle chassis.

Sat Jul 27, 2024 8:23 am

Other than the nose cone (and ofcourse adding the reverse switch) is there anything else I would need to change? Any hockey sticks?

Tue Jul 30, 2024 12:52 am

Your 65's hockey stick will work perfectly.

Tue Jul 30, 2024 2:32 am

Thanks!