New CNC'd Vanagon Shifter

ScottShelley · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 8:28 pm Post subject:

Wow Neil...You get it? Nice

outcaststudios · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 8:34 pm Post subject:

these could be cast for about 25 each with the square base...pm me.
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791

yiucycle · Samba Member Joined: August 22, 2007 Posts: 421

will this shifter work on 1980/ aircool tranny? thanks
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rsfabparts · Samba Member Joined: December 01, 2013 Posts: 18

about the earlier 83' shifter setup..pm me and we can talk. Really I just need some photos..I have been working on a solution to that.

Txags · Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2015 7:51 pm Post subject:

Got to play with one of these shifters today. Very nice! Can't wait to put it thru its paces.
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ALIKA T3 · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:58 pm Post subject:

Hi guys!

I finally mounted my shifter today,received last saturday: I'm off from work with a sprained neck lurking at that piece of art waiting to be mounted, but I can't stay home doing nothing, so I went doing easy mechanic instead Razz

Packaging was extremely thoughtful and sturdy.

The shifter in itself is a piece of machined art , with extreme attention to detail. I think there's also a tiny zerk fitting/greaser at the base too, but it's so small, I'm not sure it's actually one but it seems like it has a sprung ball.

The knob feels very masculine, it's nice for people like me that have rough hands Laughing

As far as the color, I'm a little disappointed there was no color chart because I actually wanted and asked for dark brown chocolate like the 1985 dashboards, but instead got milk chocolate color.
Luckily it matches my door panels, so it's not bad at all retrospectively.
Color chart would be a nice addition to the website and would help in selling Cool

First off, removing the shifter box. Don't be in a rush like me and work smart: measure the distance from the floor to the bolt to adjust the new shifter.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

The short end is driver's side

I didn't measure on the van which would have been easier to work with, so now I'm measuring what I can: 100 to 102mm from plate to bolt.

Original shifter: short end goes driver's side.

Visualizing the proper angle for the shifter.

The supplied M6x1.00 allen bolts are over kill: Class 12.9 Shocked

I replaced them with stainless steel to stay shiny all over.

Put them through the floor plate. Too bad the bolts for the cup are non metric, but honestly, it only bothers me with my anti-imperial hardware OCD Laughing

Install the shifter assembly on the floor, add weight to hold the thing in place if like me, you work alone.

My van's a time capsule, I know nobody has ever messed with it, so I measured the original shifter box plate setting: 40mm and 38mm from center of bolt to edge.

Mounted the shifter to the linkage with the counter nut loose.

Then, pull on the shifter with one hand to access the counter nut with a 19mm wrench. Mark the shifter's angle prior to tightening it by getting behind the wheel and putting it where you want it.

Now I'm not happy with how it stays. It's too far out to the right. I'm 5'11 and my hand sits on the shifter now with my arm fully extended to reach it. The height is nice, but I think it woud need more bending towards the driver's right arm. I will put it under the hydraulic press and modify it myself.
It's as far as the original shifter from the dashboard, but is longer.
180mm from the dash.
From the ignition switch key hole, it is 380mm now vs 330mm. That's 50mm difference. (2" for you "imperial" nuts).

I cannot get it closer than that. It is actually resting against inside the shifter box on the 3th-4th path. I don't know if that'll transfer noise in the cabin, I cannot drive the van , it's a project with no license plates for now.

It shifts nicely, the throw is short and crisp. All my shifter tabs, bushings and selectors are "new" (17,000 miles from factory).

All in all an excellent product that I recommend. I always liked the original sloppy shifter with new tabs and bushings all over, but I couldn't pass on an awesome bomber piece of CNC'd shifter! I'll be used to it I'm sure. It will later fit a rebuilt Syncro transmission, it is actually used on a 4speed 091/1 tranny.

Congratulations to Ray for an awesome product VW Logo

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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
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narendra.vw · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 11:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the detailed write up. Photos really speaks.
A small Info needed,
My van’s floor has a slope where the lever sits(Euro spec), will this shifter work with mine? Does this lever knob thread match the OE thread(14mmT)?
Thanks for solving my doubts.

Christopher Schimke · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:22 am Post subject:

BillWYellowstone · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:38 am Post subject:

Great write-up. I did mine last weekend as well. Didn't get as many shots, but mine is a driver and I had places to go. I suggested to Ray a small template to make the adjustment easier.

What is that shift knob you have on it? I am pretty happy with the big black ball.

I would like to have noticed this before I started my install, couple things you mentioned I mentioned after. Like the measurement, the marking position so the shifter is oriented right, THEN marking in some way, I managed to shift position without realizing from below, so had to unbolt the box and readjust.

Ray is great to work with, accepting suggestions and being there for guiding install if needed.

Looking forward to the video so I can critique my own install.

To Alika, how are you finishing off the floor trim? Using the original boot or showing off the beautiful CNC? I chose the latter and notice your carpet trim is the same as mine, overlap left and right and gap top and bottom. Using a good blade I trimmed sides to fit carpet flush, and used trimmed pieces to patch in the top and bottom, Used some silicone goo to set edges down, little fluffing and the seams disappeared.

I am hoping Ray or someone finds a nice dust cap to bridge the spring to cup. I really don't want the entire oem boot.
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ScottShelley · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:44 am Post subject:

I installed my shifter this weekend and agree that the shifter when oriented perpendicular to the van is too far to the right. I did have a conversation with Ray on the phone and he told me that when installing it you can "clock" the shifter meaning rotate it. so that it point more towards the driver and closer to you leg. When I have a moment I am going to make that adjustment and see how it works out. Other than that I think it is a great piece of work and goes perfect in the Syncro I put it in

Christopher Schimke · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:47 am Post subject:

ScottShelley · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:54 am Post subject:

On a Bronco that I had it had a Hurst shifter to take the shifter from the tree to the floor. That shifter sat right against my leg and drove me crazy. I adjusted it by putting it in a vice and standing on it. I think may the shaft of Rays shifter need one more bend to get it more to the left.

insyncro · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 7:16 am Post subject:

Many will be glad we waited for a more refined product.
It looks nice, but sounds and looks like the location of the shifter is way off.

Well at least y'all got a "deal" on it.

Any word from the seller on getting the proper bend into the shaft???

Christopher Schimke · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:51 am Post subject:

I got a call from Ray at RS Fab earlier this morning discussing the shifter angle. Great guy, great customer service.
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Txags · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:53 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 9:10 am Post subject:

Yup, cool Guy.
Any news on whether the shifters will be changed for further sales or is this it?

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 10:47 am Post subject:

rsfabparts · Samba Member Joined: December 01, 2013 Posts: 18

I have noticed the comments about the angle of the shifter shaft. Initially I left the angle less than original because i did not like how much room had to be clear in the front cabin area to allow it to move freely. I usually have five children, two adults travelling for long distances, which means stuff usually ends up between the two front seats. I will increase the angle of the shifter for all orders leaving from this point on. For anyone who has purchased one, I will send a replacement shaft free of charge if you are not satisfied with the angle. Please email me if you wish to receive one, [email protected]

HoustonPhotog · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 7:30 pm Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject:

Sweet, so what is the consensus, stock bend but a bit taller?

Sounds like anything is possible.

Being able to use the stock Syncro shift knob would be nice.


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New CNC'd Vanagon Shifter
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