69 Beetle, Shifting problems

[MIDNR]

I have a new to me 69 beetle and I recently started having problems shifting into 1 or 2nd. Issue occurs when moving or when starting from a stop.

I did some research on the forum and started by taking apart my shifter. I noticed that the lockout plate is considerably thicker than others I have seen. Could this be my problem?

Photos for reference

[NJ John]

That extra thickness is a “Quick Shift” that someone added. You can remove it and give it a try. Keep the factory plate. You may have to use shorter bolts. Check the shift rod bushing right there at the shifter. Then the one under the seat.
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1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage

[MIDNR]

Thanks!

Did a little more investigating, found the problem. New coupler and bushings ordered.

[my3bugs]

i remember putting in one of those quick shift kits in my youth , i think i took it back out the same day , didnt like it .

[NJ John]

Everyone says those red bushing break and there you go. Also, add safety wire through that grub screw. They can eventually loosen.
_________________
1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage

[Cusser]

I hope your new coupler actually fits, mine did not, was too small to fit over shift rod. I transferred the bushings into the old coupler. Why someone cannot copy a part correctly - beyond my understanding !!!!

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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[Bobs67vwagen]

While you have it apart you may want to check the shift rod bushing that is a couple of inches behind the shift rod socket that the bottom portion of the shifter sits in. I just did one on a 74 bug and the bushing had broken and fallen out of its holder. You have to slide the shift rod all the way forward and out of the bushing holder to replace it. Good luck-Bob

[Cusser]

[volky1970]

[CoastalBug]

I'm having the same issue. Ground the gears in going into reverse, first, and second all day yesterday. I assume because she's being driven regularly now that I'll have to look into the same things you are.
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Chris - 1968 Beetle Sedan, a book, and a lot of determination.

[olnick]

Don't waste your time with the OEM style shifter bushing! Look up on line for a two piece replacement bushing. Mine was ~ $40.00 well worth the investment!! NO need to remove the shift rod only remove it from the transaxle to allow additional movement. total time for me was about an hour out and in. this included removing the driver seat for better access.

after this was installed the shifter works like a straight into the transmission shifter lever ZERO free play and shifts smooth as silk!!

Olnick

[RLFD213]

lol… that coupler is done…. Buy a good coupler. There is a guy in the classifieds that sells good solid shift couplers. Keep the short shift kit and you’ll enjoy the shifting.