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GhiaInSC
Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2015
Posts: 20
Location: South Carolina
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 Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:11 pm Post subject: shift pattern is loose |
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I have a 1972 Karmann Ghia. It drives fine, but shifting from gear to gear is looser than I feel like it should be. I'd like it to be more defined and shift tighter between gears. I can drive it like it is, but someone who is not familiar with the car, might struggle. Is this likely the sequencers or bushings?
If so, is it an easy repair and can it be done from the top of the car? I've also seen some graphics that show it can be directly below the shifter or in the back of the passenger compartment.
Anyone have a video or easy to follow instructions? I'm still relatively new to VW's. |
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xzener
Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2006
Posts: 1777
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| Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:54 pm Post subject: Re: shift pattern is loose |
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Replacing the bushings both forward and aft might help... But you may also consider a short shifter. That may help with the loose feeling your describing. Will be the cheapest top end fix. There are many topics and YouTube videos on how to do those as well.
Do you have metal on metal sound when wiping out the shifter in neutral??
Good luck.
_________________
My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>! |
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Era Vulgaris
Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2012
Posts: 1678
Location: Raleigh, NC
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 7:30 am Post subject: Re: shift pattern is loose |
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Replace your shift rod bushing, which is in the tunnel just behind the shift lever; and your shift rod coupler bushings, which are in the rear of the tunnel under the rear seat.
Also, the search function here on the samba works well!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=436432&highlight=shift+bushing
_________________
Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD
Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue |
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CiderGuy
Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2013
Posts: 1351
Location: Bucks County, Pa
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 10:34 am Post subject: Re: shift pattern is loose |
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^^^X3
This may also help make driving the car a bit more pleasant.
http://www.jbugs.com/product/4500.html
_________________
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Cars Currently Owned:
1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1973 Karmann Ghia Coupe - Project car for sale
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible (Body off restoration)
Timing is everything |
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Era Vulgaris
Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2012
Posts: 1678
Location: Raleigh, NC
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: shift pattern is loose |
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For the '68 and later cars with the straight shift lever, I would definitely agree. I had one on my old '74, and it moved the reach to 3rd gear from almost-in-the-glove-box down to near the passenger's left knee. 
But on the '67 and earlier with the bent shift lever it's not necessary, IMO.
_________________
Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD
Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue |
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CiderGuy
Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2013
Posts: 1351
Location: Bucks County, Pa
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: shift pattern is loose |
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| Era Vulgaris wrote: |
But on the '67 and earlier with the bent shift lever it's not necessary, IMO. |
I disagree, first cars I ever used it on were a 63 & 64 bug. The difference was day and night.
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Cars Currently Owned:
1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1973 Karmann Ghia Coupe - Project car for sale
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible (Body off restoration)
Timing is everything |
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