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aquifer  Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2021 Posts: 485 Location: Nebraska
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 11:47 am Post subject: Fulcrum plates |
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I’m getting a rebuilt transmission from Rancho for a 67 Beetle. I have to swap in my old side gears, fulcrum plates, axle shafts, and tubes. There were shavings in the case and third gear was sketchy.
My fulcrum plates are buggered up pretty good. The shafts and side gears feel smooth but the fulcrum plates have some fairly deep scratches/gouges that you can see and feel.
My question is: I see that aftermarket fulcrum plates are available. Are they any good? I’m looking at Cip1, for example. I also noticed that some aftermarket ones have two grooves in them. My originals have no grooves.
Any thoughts on aftermarket quality? I’m ok with used ones if they’re in good condition. Thank you! _________________ Project vehicles:
1967 Beetle #1. Bought in 2024, mostly original, October 1966 build date. Java Green.
1967 Beetle #2. Bought in the mid 80's, restored myself in the late 90's, June 1967 build date. Java Green.
1998 Jaguar XJR. Bought in 2015, rust free AZ car, refurbished myself. Driven in nice weather.
Parts needed:
Original brown rubber floor mats for a '67
Original gazelle seat upholstery for a ‘67 |
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diablosandwich Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2012 Posts: 524 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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I am no expert, but I would buy from Weddle industries before CIP1 for transaxle parts.
https://weddleindustries.com/products/113-517-191-A/113-517-191-A
I have bought some decent ones at swap meets before.
Casey _________________ 2 1966 Java Greens and a 65 Sea Blue that is green |
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aquifer  Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2021 Posts: 485 Location: Nebraska
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:39 pm Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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Probably a good idea, thank you.
Does anyone have advice on the side gears? Mine are a little rough where the fulcrum plates ride, upon further inspection.
I plan to swap sides for the axles and side gears but I’m contemplating whether the side gears should be replaced or not. I see that Weddle sells side gears too. Not sure if Weddle makes them or what quality they are.
Any advice is appreciated. _________________ Project vehicles:
1967 Beetle #1. Bought in 2024, mostly original, October 1966 build date. Java Green.
1967 Beetle #2. Bought in the mid 80's, restored myself in the late 90's, June 1967 build date. Java Green.
1998 Jaguar XJR. Bought in 2015, rust free AZ car, refurbished myself. Driven in nice weather.
Parts needed:
Original brown rubber floor mats for a '67
Original gazelle seat upholstery for a ‘67 |
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sportin-wood Samba Member

Joined: September 12, 2010 Posts: 2322 Location: Texas
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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No input from me on the fulcrum plates or gears, but I'm wondering why Rancho doesn't provide support for the recommended parts? It seems they're a pretty reputable company... _________________ Dave
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1966 Bug project
1973 Thing project
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli |
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VW_Jimbo  Samba Member

Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 11481 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 11:41 pm Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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| sportin-wood wrote: |
| No input from me on the fulcrum plates or gears, but I'm wondering why Rancho doesn't provide support for the recommended parts? It seems they're a pretty reputable company... |
That would be my question, too. Ask Rancho for those parts. Betting they have several sets! _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
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Bruce Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003 Posts: 17695 Location: Left coast, Canada
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Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 5:22 am Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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| aquifer wrote: |
| I also noticed that some aftermarket ones have two grooves in them. My originals have no grooves. |
At one time we could get genuine VW of Brazil. Those were the ones with two grooves. If you get fulcrums that have no grooves, I recommend grinding grooves in them.
It's very likely that the ones sold by CIP are the same ones Weddle sells. They both use the same photo! _________________
| overheard at the portland Swap Meet... wrote: |
| ..... a steering wheel made from a mastadon tusk..... |
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aquifer  Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2021 Posts: 485 Location: Nebraska
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Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 12:32 pm Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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| Bruce wrote: |
| aquifer wrote: |
| I also noticed that some aftermarket ones have two grooves in them. My originals have no grooves. |
At one time we could get genuine VW of Brazil. Those were the ones with two grooves. If you get fulcrums that have no grooves, I recommend grinding grooves in them.
It's very likely that the ones sold by CIP are the same ones Weddle sells. They both use the same photo! |
What purpose do the grooves serve? I only have experience with two swing axle transmissions but neither one had grooved plates and both are original. _________________ Project vehicles:
1967 Beetle #1. Bought in 2024, mostly original, October 1966 build date. Java Green.
1967 Beetle #2. Bought in the mid 80's, restored myself in the late 90's, June 1967 build date. Java Green.
1998 Jaguar XJR. Bought in 2015, rust free AZ car, refurbished myself. Driven in nice weather.
Parts needed:
Original brown rubber floor mats for a '67
Original gazelle seat upholstery for a ‘67 |
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Ovally Samba Member

Joined: June 14, 2014 Posts: 517 Location: Belgium
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2025 5:16 am Post subject: Re: Fulcrum plates |
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| aquifer wrote: |
What purpose do the grooves serve? |
Each fulcrum plate has two grooves for lubrication, preventing wear.
1 piece casing type transmission : the clearance between shaft and fulcrum plate should not exceed 0,24mm,
(normally between 0,04mm - 0,24mm).
There were oversize fulcrum plates obtainable to rectify any excessive clearance.
Renewal plates have grooves cut in their flat faces.
Regards. _________________ VW Bug Oval 1953
VW Bug 1200 D motor
Porsche 911S MFI 1970
Mazda 929 Hardtop 1977
Mercedes SLC 180 Roadster 2018 |
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