Shifting issues

[tthoms]

Working on my '71 super, I had to undo the shifter to clean up the floor metal and put in the carpeting, as well as having to undo the clutch cable to remove the pedal assembly so I could paint the floor.

After re-assembling everything, the shifting was sloppy, and I discovered that I did not tighten the shifter down well enough. Doing so improved things greatly.

However, I'm noticing that I'm still not shifting well, with an sudible "clunk" coming from the shifter as it goes into gear. Downshifting into second rarely works the first time I try it, almost always ending up in 4th.

I don't think its the clutch, there's not a lot of play, and I can get into all gears (with a little effort, not forced mind you, but I have to hold it in position and wait for it to grab). Any ideas where I should start? Or is the problem in the driver's seat?

[Maddel]

[tthoms]

Thanks Maddel!
I did a search of the forum, and got similar results. Unfortunately, as your search revealed, there is a mountain of information to sort through, and for a novice such as myself, I had a hard time determining what it all meant, or how it applied to what I was trying to do.

Instead of belaboring the point by rewording the inquiry, I was able to find something on Youtube which broke it down into simple-ish terms as for a place to start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCRU39kOCag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un4V6OHXNik

It was good to see what the parts look like, as well as how they might be adjusted. If there are any other newbies, I'd recommend them.

[ashman40]

Here's another YouTube video on how to adjust the shifter on the tunnel to allow easier gear engagement.

Link

_________________
AshMan40
---------------------------
'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

I know the OP seemed to have figured out his issue but just in case for those who happen upon this thread:

This 'sticky' thread on shifter bushing replacement was very helpful for me:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157519

I also always start by looking at the "Stickys" listing at the top of the forum start page when I'm looking for help on a topic:
"Late Model FAQ "Sticky's"- *Read before posting*"

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=183060

Also just a word of advice that I had to figure out on my own, when searching for a topic always check the "search title only" box beside the search box.
_________________
1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[tthoms]

Thanks for all of the additional info!

[miller0358]

Try this. It worked for me and only takes a minute. Loosen up the plate,put stick into first gear and hold it there. Adjust the plate tight to where the stick is and then tighten it up. Worked on both my cars. Jeff

[Tom K.]

That shifter plate has some play in it - a good practice (maybe too late at this point) is to mark its exact location before removal. Putting back in a different spot can cause these problems.
_________________
'91 Vanagon Westfalia
'70 Beetle Convertible
'71 Super Beetle Semi-Automatic: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714131&highlight=
'65 Ghia: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=762478&highlight=

[tthoms]