1965 vw bug gear selection problem

metalitom

can anyone advise me on my gear selection problem in my 1965 bug? I can't select 1st or 2nd gears 3rd and 4th aren't a problem, either is reverse. When i do finally find 1st it goes through the gears no problem, but going from 3rd to 2nd just doesn't happen when it should, not good in a cue of traffic.I have to come to a complete stop find 1st and off you go. Any advice would be welcome.

Run_to_da_hills

metalitom wrote: »

can anyone advise me on my gear selection problem in my 1965 bug? I can't select 1st or 2nd gears 3rd and 4th aren't a problem, either is reverse. When i do finally find 1st it goes through the gears no problem, but going from 3rd to 2nd just doesn't happen when it should, not good in a cue of traffic.I have to come to a complete stop find 1st and off you go. Any advice would be welcome.

How is the clutch? If the clutch is not sjusted wright you would have difficulty with gear selection.

walter sobchak

It could be just something simple, rather than a problem with the gearbox.
I had a similar problem on a bus, and bought the gear shift selector kit here
http://www.vwheritage.com/vwh/VW-Beetle-Parts%5CHand-Foot-Controls%5CGear-Selector-Parts%5C?templateID=vwh

and adjusted the stop plate (see article here)
http://www.vw-resource.com/stop_plate.html
Sorted it right out.
Hope this helps

metalitom

Clutch is adjusted correctly. Theres no grinds or growls coming from the transmission. So I think every thing there is O.K

Abelloid

Are the gears grinding or does it just feel like something is blocking the shifter?

If its the latter check the linkage behind the panel under the rear seat for play and there is a bush about 1" behind the shifter in the chassis tunnel,
if these are worn you'll have difficulty finding gears.
They're only around €12 to replace these and it will feel like a new car afterwards.

But first undo (slightly) the two bolts holding the shifter to the chassis and tap the base to the left or right while checking if you can get gears, tighten up when it feels right,
this will cost nothing.

Abelloid

No's 10,11 and 12

http://www.vwheritage.com/vwh/VW-Beetle-Parts%5CHand-Foot-Controls%5CGear-Selector-Parts%5C?templateID=vwh

metalitom

Yeah, I replaced the linkage under the foor in the rear, and a new bush in the tunnel, I'll try the adjusment on the lever base plate again,Ive tried this but didn't work, spent about 4 hours at it, But I'll try it again.

Abelloid

If you've done all that it could be the front transmission mount...or worse..

metalitom

Or WORSE??????????????????????

Abelloid

Sorry, only guessing now as I've reached the extent of my experience

trevorbrady

have you had the gearbox out or apart recently? If you had it might not have been reassembled or reinstalled properly. Although I'd be leaning towards Justin's solution: if you've changed the rear coupler and the front bush it's more than likely the shift plate under the gear stick (no. 7 in the pic above). You would have had that out to change the front bush, you might have put it in upside down, or back to front, or upside down AND back to front!!

Where are you? Between Justin and myself we might know of someone in your area that might be able to come take a quick look for you...

metalitom

No Problem...........I hope its just the adjustment of the base plate........I've read up and it seems to be alot tricker that orignaly expected. Not to worry i'll give it a go this week and see what happens. The gearbox has not beem opened.

metalitom

Waterford Area.........Looking at the Diagrams I'm 99% sure the plate is in correctly.

metalitom

Thanks for all your help, the problem is sorted...........we're back on the road... well until I decide to fit an EMPI shifter....Then have to go through it all again, but a lesson learned.............

Abelloid

What was the problem in the end?

Don't fit an EMPI shifter, SCAT are better.

metalitom

I removed the whole shifter and just started again, Following the instruction's on the link sent, it just went together smoothly and I have all gears. Good to be back on the road today.