grinding going into 2nd gear autostick

[mallen]

I am looking to buy a 73 super beetle with an autostick.  Not to familiar with an autostick.  Can anyone give a path to take on the trans grinding wihen going into 2nd gear. I just want to know if this is going to be something that is reasonably easy to fix.  The current owner says that it needs a new clutch and that's why it is grinding.  Any help would be helpful.  Thanks

[Bookwus]

Hiya Mall,

Welcome to the forum.

Are you sure about the AS grinding in only one gear?

First off, know that it would be unusual for an AS to grind in only one range (gear).  Not impossible, just unusual.  A clutch going out does NOT sound like a plausible reason for this symptom.  If the clutch were going out, why would you get a grinding ONLY when shifting into second?

If, on the other hand, the grinding occurs when attempting to shift in any range, the clutch is a possibility.  But, inasmuch as the clutch in an AS wears very little, the cause for grinding is more likely to be something else (and something a lot easier to fix!).  Before attempting to some long-distance diagnosis, please answer this question...........  Even though there is grinding, can the car be shifted INTO second?  Or just does it just hang up and grind?

[mallen]

Thanks for the response.   

I haven't driven the car yet.  This is all what the owner is telling me.  This is exactly what the owner told me when I called about the car "It grinds going into second gear, you can get it go into second.  My mechanic told me the clutch was going out."  Just by reading information on this forum I was eliminating the clutch.  Sounds like it could be an adjustment.  I don't know, that's why I am asking questions for some input.  I'm going to go today and test drive it. 

[Bookwus]

Hiya mall,

The problem as described to you is likely not to be a clutch (for reasons already stated...and.....) because problems with the shifting action are almost always traced back to a source outside the tranny itself.

Some more likely possibilities (in no particular order)
1.  points in the shift lever need cleaning/adjusting
2.  shift coupler needs attention/replacement
3.  shift bushing needs attention/replacement
4.  shift plate needs adjusting

Fill us in on your impressions of the car's performance after yout test drive.