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63 shifting issues!
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pdaddy68
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 6:35 am    Post subject: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

I have been slowly getting my 63 out and on the road with trips around town with the family and dog.
I have been noticing that when down shifting from third to second I am having a hard time getting it in second gear. It also sometimes is grinding reverse gear when down shifting to second and I have to jiggle around the shifter till I can find it. Acceleration is good, there is no slipping or popping out of gear. It even takes a bit of finding to get first gear after coming to a stop then proceeding.
Now I havent changed fluids or adjusted anything yet.
Is there something or somewhere I should start first?
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vdubmyk
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 6:46 am    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

I would start with checking the coupler and shift rod bushing. More than likely one if not both probably need to be replaced. If they are good, then readjust the shifter. I'd also check the transmission mounts.
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pdaddy68
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 6:53 am    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

I know the coupler is good, I will check the bushing though. I got rid of the T shifter that was in it and put stock back in. But Im pretty sure it was doing this before.
I know the tranny and engine are rebuilt and only have around 50k on them.
The car sat for 10 years.
Thanks
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sjbartnik
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 7:44 am    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

This sounds like an adjustment issue, specifically the adjustment of the shifter base plate on top of the tunnel under the rubber shifter boot.

You will have to take that out to inspect your shift rod bushing (which you should do) so then you can play around with the adjustment when putting it back together.
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webfiero
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:23 am    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

I just got a ‘63 and the shifter was sloppy and it kept trying to go into reverse when shifting. I put in a new bushing and a coupler and now it’s perfect. It’s crazy to do one instead of both. If either is worn, it’s a good chance both need replacement. These early beetles are great drivers when brought back to spec.
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EVfun
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 12:03 pm    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

pdaddy68 wrote:
I know the coupler is good, I will check the bushing though. I got rid of the T shifter that was in it and put stock back in. But Im pretty sure it was doing this before.
I know the tranny and engine are rebuilt and only have around 50k on them.
The car sat for 10 years.
Thanks


It does sound like a worn bushing. It lets the shift rod drop a little and then the movement of the shifter rotates the rod more than before (the shifter moves the same amount, but the ball is further from the center line of the rod.) If the bushing is good and you have that problem then move the shifter body slightly to the left. If you have a hard time finding 1st and 2nd move the shifter slightly to the right.

I've never figured out a good way to get the adjustment right the first time, so I've gotten better at getting it right eventually. Confused
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pdaddy68
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 2:30 pm    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

Thanks guys really appreciate the feedback, I took a quick look at the bushing. Seems a little sloppy and didn’t see a clip. So I’ll order those and just do it so I know it’s good.
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1968 type 1 (green goblin) sun roof
1961 type 1 (beryl green w/ mohair)
1979 Rabbit (mint green)
1984 Jetta (white)
1963 type 1 (turkis)
1966 Type2 11 window
2008 Frontier king cab 4x4
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KTPhil Premium Member
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:06 pm    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

Search for threads about changing the bushing. There are issues with some of the new ones, but you can make them work if you are careful. For example, check out:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662961
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:59 pm    Post subject: Re: 63 shifting issues! Reply with quote

I replaced the original shift bushing in my 1970 about 1.25 years ago, see page 21 of my thread, have photos. My shift bushing and clip came from JBugs. It's been fine.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...;start=400

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



I did pull the shift rod entirely out through the front, and cleaned it up using fine steel wool.

I installed the shift bushing into the new clip, by squeezing the bushing. Similarly, by squeezing the rear of the bushing and using some grease, I was able to seat the bushing/clip into the shift hanger.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I did make this tool from 5 feet of 3/4 inch PVC (schedule 40 is fine); that link states 1/2-inch PVC, but 3/4-inch PVC is what's needed. Use good-quality cable ties or wire to hold together.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I used this PVC tool to get the shift rod back into place just in front of the shift bushing; I greased the end of the shift rod, lined it up in the shift bushing, then pushed on the PVC tool to push the shift rod through a few inches, was quite easy. Then I greased more of the shift rod, pushed the shift rod rearward, repeated the process until the gearshift cup was in the hump recess. Then I cut away the retainers from the PVC tool and removed those and the PVC pipe.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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