Hey Everyone

FlamingChris · 28 August 2008, 23:11

Hey, I've just gone and bought myself a '68 semi-auto that i discovered in my girlfriend's uncle's neighbour's garage. It was taken apart about 20 years ago when the engine seized and he planned to do it all up. He got as far as taking it all apart, having the gearbox rebuilt, and having the car sprayed yellow then it was placed into his garage and has only seen the light of day since (well maybe for a quick shuffle round his driveway). Supposedly he has all the parts i need to put it back together although i expect a few bits have gone missing over the years, I'm picking it up on the 14th as i work offshore and am not back until then. I'd put up some photo's but they're all on my phone at the moment

Bookwus · 28 August 2008, 23:30

Hiya Chris,

Welcome to the group!

Sounds to me like you are going to need some pointers in getting that AS system back into working order. This is definitely the place to ask those sorts of questions.

Best of luck!

FlamingChris · 28 August 2008, 23:35

I think my first plan of action is to find out what i do and don't have, fortunately i've got my '72 baja bug to refer to on most bits and of course here for the AS parts!

Bookwus · 28 August 2008, 23:38

Hiya Chris,

Yep, good idea.

While you're taking inventory you might want to take a close look at assemblies which contain rubber parts. I'm thinking of a clutch servo in particular, but there are others as well. Rubber after sitting for extended period of time can get a little "uncooperative".

FlamingChris · 29 August 2008, 08:19

Good point, are there any books/websites you'd recommend so i can reference them. I already have the bentley book which has a whole section in the back for AS.

FlamingChris · 29 August 2008, 08:28

Also the Bentley book i have is the orange one for '70 onwards, my beetle is a '68 are there going to be any discrepancies between is and the blue bentley book?

68autobug · 29 August 2008, 09:12

Hi Chris

check out My website for a few pages on the 68 autostick

there shouldn't be any differences

maybe very minor?? differences ...

either parts are interchangeable..

Not an easy job putting things back that you didn't pull apart... lol

cheers

LEE

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

FlamingChris · 29 August 2008, 09:22

Cheers Lee!

Bookwus · 29 August 2008, 17:20

Hiya Chris,

To echo what Lee had to say...................

I think you'll be fine with the orange Bentley. There are a few minor differences between the two but nothing major. Any discrepancies can be cleared up by posting here.

FlamingChris · 29 August 2008, 20:16

I've just been going through Lee's (68autobug's) website and i think the main difficulty i'm going to encounter is the availability of parts if anything needs overhauling.

Barb · 29 August 2008, 22:31

I to am the new owner of a 69 autostick bug. Does not shift correctly and the steering seems to be a little loose, I am green green green at auto repair but determined to do it. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

FlamingChris · 29 August 2008, 22:49

I was reading through that Bentley book that i have (the orange one) and it has some really good information in it, good diagrams and procedures!

Bookwus · 30 August 2008, 01:18

Hiya Chris,

Quote from: FlamingChris on 29 August 2008, 20:16
I've just been going through Lee's (68autobug's) website and i think the main difficulty i'm going to encounter is the availability of parts if anything needs overhauling.

Much has been written about the difficulty of finding AutoStick related parts. Unfortunately, most of what has been written was far from the actual condition. New (NOS) parts can be very difficult to locate, but used parts can be found by doing a little looking. The great part of this is that used parts (in most cases) are just as good as new. We can help you source any parts that you'll need.

Do be aware that the clutch assembly does have some very hard-to-find parts. The throwout bearing is the holy grail of scarce AS parts. But even it too can be had as a used part.

Barb: Glad to see that you are determined to do it yourself. YOU will be the best AS mechanic you can find. Most of the people out there who say they can work on an AutoStick really have no idea what they are doing.

Pointers for you at this early stage.......... if you are having specific problems (like your steering or your shifting action) be as specific as you possibly can with your description. We need to use you as our eyes and ears to determine just what is wrong with your car. Don't be economical with words - the better the description, the better the diagnosis. Also post up pictures of the car or what you think you are having problems with. Pictures are a great aid.

Finally, invest in a blue Bentley Service Manual. It has a great section on the AutoStick.