Background:
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible Autostick
Body mounted on 1974 manual Ghia pan
Trans is later style autostick.
Since the pan had the later style manual trans mount I removed this and installed the pan mounting bracket appropriate for my transmission. This was done many years ago, and was one of my first ventures in welding. I did have my old trans to use as a template to help ensure the mount was installed in the proper location.
I overhauled a spare trans (BG code) instead of my original one simply due to superior overall condition. It appears to be installed correctly judging by the fact that when installed the front mounts and the rear mounts fit snugly - no front to rear play or gaps. So I am confident the trans is positioned within the pan where it needs to be. Besides, that trans isn't going anywhere. And and yeah, the opening in the tunnel isn't going anywhere, either.
Presently I am installing shift rod. I have test fit this rod twice and now I am certain that something is off. When I set the coupling end of the rod in the shift rod-to-trans coupling, the gearshift end of the rod is too far forward by about 2 inches. I judge this by the location of the recess in the shift rod for the gearshift ball relative to the opening in the tunnel. I have moved the end of the hockey stick to try to make it fit but it's way too far off. I will post pics shortly to illustrate this but for now I am looking to check my assumptions and determine a path forward.
I have the original shift shaft for the manual pan, it's certainly shorter than the autostick one but is somewhat different in configuration. I ruled out using that rod out after doing the second test fit. It's too short and it doesn't have the crimp for the clamp/spring at the trans end. I am thinking I need to take some length out of the autostick rod. Here is how I propose to do that:
- set the trans in neutal using the hockey stick
- install the shift rod and couple it to the trans
- mark the front end of the shift rod at a point dead center of the opening in the tunnel.
- remove the shift rod
- measure the difference between the center of the gearshift ball recess and the mark on the rod
- cut and weld to remove this length of rod
My assumption is that when in neutral, the gearshift ball recess should be centered in the opening in the tunnel. Does this sound right? Am I crazy to consider this?
Hi Larry,
well, it feasible to do what You are saying...
the only problem I can see is cutting it the correct length...
too short and you have a major problem...
Most, if not all of us won't have a spare shifter rod...
so We cannot measure it for You...
I know VW moved the gearstick backwards a few times over the years..
not sure what years... though..
one of the locals just did his beetle up.. non autostick
He moved the gearlever back about 4 inches in a 1965 beetle..
also moved the hand brake [emergency brake] so its a different shape.
not straight...
and the heater control [knob] is about 8 inches in front of the gearlever
sitting on top of a hamemade console...
but this fellow is Very clever....
I couldn't any of those things...... lol..
cheers
:Lee
http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug
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Hiya Larry,
I'd pretty much agree with Lee. Sounds like a feasible proposition as long as you have the technical skills involved.
Some observations concerning the information in your post (no particular point to this - just some random thoughts)
Two inches is a HUGE distance when measuring a shift rod. I would fully expect that given your situation (replaced tranny and AS shift rod) that you might be dealing with a discrepancy of .25 inches - tops. Sounds like you may be trying to fit a manual shift rod in an AS.
You mention that your manual shift rod is shorter than the AS version. I don't believe that's the case (although I've never measured them - so this certainly is not gospel). The AS box is longer than the manual, so the AS shift rod should be shorter than the manual. In any event take a look at this..............
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa85/Bookwus1/Bug/IMG_0626.jpg)
Both of these are AS shift rods. The one on top has the proper bend in the shift rod - the other was straightened out. Both are just under 45 inches long.
If you go ahead and cut the rod I'd suggest that you spot the cut away from either end. You don't want to cut in the bend area and you also want the cut away from the area of the shift rod hanger in the front.
At this point I'm guessing that a proper AS shift rod might solve most of your problems. Might also be easier to locate the rod than do the cutting and welding business. If you do cut be prepared to expect a difficult time in getting the shift rod and shift lever lined up to work correctly. This can be a trying experience in a stock situation.
I found the following posted on The Samba:
"Observed overall length of shift rods:
'73 on T-1 manual - 43 1/2"
autostick - 43 1/8"
'68-'72 T-1 manual - 45 1/8"
autostick - 44 5/8"
Most rod measure exactly, but -
give or take 1/16" due to weld at coupler end."
This makes sense - I have in hand the original '74 manual rod for my pan, and I have the '70 autostick rod from my original pan, the dimensions agree closely with the post. Neither of which works for what I'm doing; but is tells me there is a stock part for a '73-on autostick pan that will work for me. I've made inquiries over on the Samba for this; but barring that, I at least have a dimension that agrees with my field measurements that I could have my shift rod modified to with some amount of confidence.
Hiya Larry,
Great information!
And inadvertantly you have touched on an area in which we (well, me) are woefully ignorant. I have played around with the shift rod in my 70 Bug to an extent that I feel I can handle problems arising with it. But when we go about comparing/contrasting shift rods from differing years (or, in this case, differing vehicles) I have to admit I am outta my league. Just haven't had enough experience with vehicles of other years.
That's why it is great that you posted up the information on how shift rods have changed with the years. I had not realized that there had been a change in manual and AS rods in 73.
You know, if we pay attention, we all can learn something every day. You made my day!