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Tue Jul 20, 2021 3:33 pm

I bought a 74 Super a few days ago and it has this strange shifter with a reverse lockout that i really dislike. I found a nice looking used original type shifter in the classifieds here and bought it. The shifter i have seems to have a short throw, will i need to find new linkage too when i change the shifter? I just want it to work like a normal VW.

Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:08 pm

As long as you have the original shift plate—with the squared off ends, you should have no trouble fitting the original shifter.

Hopefully, you didn’t buy an earlier-model OEM shifter with the oval ends.

Tim

Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:34 pm

As long as the shift rod has not been modified, it should be of the correct length.
The 74 came with a "closed" cup at the shifter end of the shift rod, with the shifter having a spring loaded ball on the ball end for tension, instead of a slotted cup and an anti-rotation/locating pin on the ball end of the shifter, unless a shifter from another TYPE was installed at some point.

As far as short throw, it is likely in the geometry (pivot point) of the shifter you currently have. Restoring to original will have a longer throw.
However, if you wish to retain the short throw you now have, once restored to original, you can install a short shift kit, which works quite nicely, without a destructive modification to the original equipment.

As Mr. Donahoe mentioned, ensure you have the correct plate and install per instruction, to ensure you have a proper original reverse lockout.

While you are at it, might as well inspect/replace the shift bushing and couplers if necessary.
If you replace the rear couplers, reuse the original cage, as the OG cage is far superior to anything aftermarket.

Good Luck

Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:49 pm

This is the shifter I bought, look like I need anything else? Thanks.

Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:53 pm

You need the stock shift plate.

Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:18 pm

The stock shift plate has the same shape is the shift housing in your new shifter.

Tim

Wed Jul 21, 2021 3:56 am

Thanks for the help guiding me through this. is the shift plate what they are calling the gear shift lever lock out plate in the parts catalog?

Wed Jul 21, 2021 5:43 am

This,
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111711149B

Wed Jul 21, 2021 6:37 pm

Thanks for all the help, i think i have everything i need on the way.