Seeking New/Used 80-83.5 Shift Linkage Bushings

[VR6zamboni]

I ordered the center shift bushing from Ken at Vanagain. Was not looking forward to lowering the fuel tank, but after having a look at it I realized that is not necessary.

Since I was replacing all the shifter bushings, I removed the shifter box. After that I disconnected the shift rod from behind the fuel tank, and also from the shifter that goes into the cabin. Then you simply pull the shift rod out thru the front.

To install the center bushing I found a 3 foot long wooden dowel that was a little bigger then the bushing. Then hammered a nail in the end at 12 o'clock, hung the greased up bushing on it, carefully placed it thru the fuel tank hallway up against the hole for it and easily pressed it right in :~ )

47573098_570749963386862_8815597048519720960_n by RockOcean.com, on Flickr

[johnt55]

So, how did it work out?

(Have the same problem)
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81' AC Westy

[bryanbelman]

If it works out, I will sell the other 2 bushing to others that may want to try this cheaper route.

Bryan

[bryanbelman]

this has been quite an adventure trying to find this bushing. Mine is gone. Replaced 7-8 years ago, it popped out and is gone about a year ago.

I will try the Moss Motors 661-740 bushing for $3.95 first and see how it goes. If not, I will get the one from Vanagain.
I live 60 miles away and after handling, tax and shipping fee, it will be $39 bucks.

I will try the $3.95 bushing first and see how it works out, update this posting as well.

Bryan

[hineline]

Thanks, Matt.

r90o, thanks. I already have the part from Ken, although I wish I'd seen this before.

Mark

[r39o]

[Matt G]

The threaded rod was a spare alternator mounting bolt with nut. Place a big washer under the head of the bolt, grease the bushing and put it against the head of the bolt/big washer. Place bolt/bushing against front side of hole, place a suitably sized socket (provides space for the bushing to come through) behind the hole, add big washer at end of socket and then the nut. The bushing is now ready to be coaxed into place.

Holding the assembly in place, start tightening the nut and eventually the bushing will go through. Be liberal with the grease. Did this today (warm weather helps), worked well.

Good Luck,
Matt
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Matt
'90 Vanagon GL
'81 Vanagon
'71 Bus

[hineline]

Interesting, Matt. Could you provide a few more details?

[Matt G]

I used a threaded rod, socket, and 2 big washers and squeezed it in. Much easier on the fingers.
Good Luck,
Matt
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Matt
'90 Vanagon GL
'81 Vanagon
'71 Bus

[hineline]

I bought one of these from Ken. How do you get it in? Is it an angle-and-struggle fit? Or can if be hammered straight in?

[acecabristol]

Good evening - I am relatively new to the site but am an old fart with a lot of British car and VW experience......If you want a solid, inexpensive, easy fix for the shift bushing on the 80 - 83 Vanagon order part number 661-740 from Moss Motors (British cars) in California. it is a Nylon bushing for the front suspension on a Triumph TR6 - about 90 cents. Fits perfectly. Not necessary to remove the shifter rod. Cut a slot on one side with a hacksaw, heat the bearing with a heat gun enough to bend it and slip it over the shifter tube - slide it up into the bearing mount, grease the shift tube, drill a very small hole through the bearing mount and lip of the bushing and run a piece of safety wire through them both to keep the bushing in place - alternately it can be done without taking the fuel tank out but you won't be able to safety wire the bushing in place - instead, when you slip the bushing along the shift tube to push it into the bushing mount you can cover the OUTSIDE of the bushing with epoxy - then slide the bushing up the tube and push it into place in the mount with a long screwdriver - easy, solid, fast, cheap.

[Fishguy]

Ordered mine on the 14th, Ken mailed it on the 16th & I got it today, & I'm in Canada. Would have been at least 3 weeks from Europe & the shipping would have put this part over $60.
I combined my order from Ken with another part I needed (which you could not do from NSU) so my landed cost for 2 parts & shipping was $62.00.

That's how you look at a "fair price"!!!!

Dawna, you can PM me as well, if I can't help I'll tell you.
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1981 Westfalia

[reluctantartist]

Hey Dawna, I didn't know van again had these when you pm'd me. If you have any other questions I am always happy to help, especially a fellow air-head.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

[dawna82]

THANK YOU! Thanks for letting me know he was selling them Made my whole day!!! I have had my van for 7 months and have yet to even DRIVE her, besides the very rough ride to the mechanic down the road and back.
..not because of this one bushing though, more because I am alone on this project that i know nothing about but want to know ALL about. i wont get in to that.
thanks again

[reluctantartist]

That price is fair. If they were available when we did the group order I would have just ordered from van again. I don't mind keeping these companies in business. I bet they did not stock enough to make shipping negligible. Then add the holding cost,etc.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

[WAgrower]

I've dealt with Ken before when I lived in Philly, and he is a truly good guy who is keeping many a van on the road. An overhead charge for a small shop is well worth it to me, rather then dealing with VAT and customs BS
I'm just wondering how fast he'll sell out.... Hope mine is in the mail before then!
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82' Westy running on WVO!

"We have created a market that socializes losses and privatizes gains"

[Matt G]

It's a fair price when the $72 shipping charge is accounted for. The NSU shipping page lists postage cost outside the EU, up to 5 kg = 54 Euro.
NSU charges a 19% tax which may or may not be waived for overseas orders. VanAgain is a business, profit is inherent.
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Matt
'90 Vanagon GL
'81 Vanagon
'71 Bus

[r39o]

[reluctantartist]

That is the bushing a group of us ordered from Germany.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

[Fishguy]

Ken Wilford at Van Again has these in stock at a really fair price.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1220154
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1981 Westfalia