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sb001
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011
Posts: 10406
Location: NW Arkansas
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 Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:00 am Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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| HippyTom wrote: |
The top will have to be completely replaced, including some wood bows. I've never done one, but I've figured out how to do everything else on these cars. I'll find out more this week. Just depends on what I can get it for.
I'll let you know how it goes. |
HippyTom, in my perusing around on the internet I came across this website for an upholstery supply company that was clearing out its VW items:
https://www.dltcorporation.com/searchresults.asp?Search=volkswagen
It looks like they have some vert top headliner and bow replacement items if you scroll down on that page, I have no idea whether these price quotes are anything decent since I've never had to price vert parts, but you can take a look and see what you think.
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I'm the humblest guy on this board.
1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor |
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Lingwendil
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 3988
Location: Antioch, California, a block from the hood
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:18 am Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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To be perfectly honest, the autostick gets a pretty bad rep these days primarily from people who don't care enough to take the time to understand them, or that don't look at the context of what these cars were supposed to be back in the day.
I've test drove a couple, and one of them in particular was surprisingly peppy, and with the fact that I drive 150-175 miles daily as part of my commute, I would love one less pedal to fool with in gridlock traffic. If I found one in good shape for a good price I would gladly buy one!
The first time I drove one felt pretty gross, but I feel the same way in any automatic. It's sort of like that one girl you were ashamed to tell your friends you got with, It may sure be fun, but it's not for bragging rights, do it for you, man. Have fun.
Personally, a 71-72 autostick super beetle sounds like a fantastic daily driver, comfy ride, on top of the assisted shifts sounds pretty luxurious 
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73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!
Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884
Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087! |
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markj60616
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 130
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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| Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
| If you read the manual it says you may drive it using all the forward gears, low, 1 and 2 or skip low and do the 2 to 3,shift or simply leave it in high gear all the time which if You’re not in a hurry works too. Rather than make a decision off what other people think I’d go drive a few cars and see for myself. As for the newer 6 and 8 speed autos I love em having driven Audi A4 with tiptronic, butter smooth stays in the power band all the time. Wife and I also fans of CVT. |
My 2014 has tiptronic and I agree!
_________________
1970 Type 1
original paint
original interior
original engine
1978 Type 2 Panel Bus
original engine 2.0L FI
2014 Beetle 2.5L |
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jwold
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 2088
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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I drove an autostick ghia for several years through late high school & college + a few years after that. It was a great car, I always started out in the L (1)gear since I liked the little bit of extra oomph it had to get going.
Main problem I had with it was that wire that ran to the stick shifter was cracked and needed to be replaced so when it would short out, it wouldn't shift...a minor problem.
I had read somewhere about them that the clutch/tranny lasted longer since there was no 'human error' in the shifting, not sure if that's true or not. |
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johnjhazel
Samba Member
Joined: September 18, 2009
Posts: 86
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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| Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2019 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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I have owned a 73 autostick Super Beetle and a 76 4 speed standard Beetle. My autostick had a 009(I have since learned there are better choices...such as a proper autostick distributor), 1641cc kit, and an extractor exhaust. It was no slug. I did not find much difference between starting off in LOW vs DRIVE 1. I never just left it in DRIVE 2. I read that constantly starting off in DRIVE 2 is a good way to blow out the trans seals. I do not know if that is true. I did enjoy not having to shift out of 1st gear as with the manual after going 50 feet. LOL.
My autostick kept eating drive plates as the torque converter was out of round. This all was before the days of the Internet. I would love to have another autostick beetle. |
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ripperfarms
Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2019
Posts: 40
Location: Central Illinois
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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So........what does it take to convert a 4 speed to an Autostick.........or can it really be done?
Dave.......in central Illinois |
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Lingwendil
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 3988
Location: Antioch, California, a block from the hood
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chicagovw
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2007
Posts: 1421
Location: Chicago IL/CHandler AZ
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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| I would suggest selling your car and looking for a clean autostick that is in good working order-converting a 4 speed to a autostick is really not worth the time and effort. You will be reducing performance, mileage, and resale value. A 4 speed VW is so easy to drive, really-the clutch is light, the shifter is easy to use-that I don't really see the point. I live in Chicago and the traffic is terrible here, but driving a stick in a stock VW here is nothing. Just my opinion of course. I have had a couple of them, and they are ok but I would prefer the 4 speed without a doubt. |
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ripperfarms
Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2019
Posts: 40
Location: Central Illinois
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Considering an Autostick Bug |
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| chicagovw wrote: |
| I would suggest selling your car and looking for a clean autostick that is in good working order-converting a 4 speed to a autostick is really not worth the time and effort. You will be reducing performance, mileage, and resale value. A 4 speed VW is so easy to drive, really-the clutch is light, the shifter is easy to use-that I don't really see the point. I live in Chicago and the traffic is terrible here, but driving a stick in a stock VW here is nothing. Just my opinion of course. I have had a couple of them, and they are ok but I would prefer the 4 speed without a doubt. |
Well I want to thank everyone for the help. I think I will take the above advice and look for an AutoStick.
I am 74 and having trouble with my legs/ankles/feet so although I can operate a 4 speed an AutoStick may help me out.
Given I now own two VWs am currently working on a deal on a Baja Bug.......I really like them but I have never seen one that is an AutoStick.......and I don't think I will.
Dave..........in Central Illinois  |
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