Saxomat parts wanted

[sally]

I have multiple sclerosis; I need to modify my 1974 Karmann Ghia coupe (standard 4-speed transaxle).  I am seeking any and all parts for the Saxomat clutch assembly.  Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.

[bookwus]

Hiya Sally,

Sorry to be replying so late but I just caught your post.

To be honest, you would probably be far ahead in this game to consider purchasing another car.  The cost of converting a standard transmission to an AutoStick can be high.  For example, you would need the transmission, clutch assembly (very hard to obtain parts), clutch servo and mounting bracket, reinforced vacuum hoses, control valve, shift lever, pedal assembly, oil pump, vacuum canister, ATF reservoir, switches, wiring, and the list goes on.  The labor to install all of this (not to mention taking the old parts out) would easily pass the $1000US mark if you were to pay the standard shop rate of $75 and hour.  In total you would likely be looking at a bill of well over $2000US.

I'd think that you might be happier in the long run with a fully automatic automobile.  Besides your KG, if it's in pretty reasonable shape, should bring you a nice price on the used car market.

[sally]

Mike,
Thanks very much for the advice.  I am also considering the Autostick conversion, as parts may be much easier to find.  Yes, I have gotten cost estimates--it's a lot of $$$, but I want to keep this car.   Your estimate is right in line with the estimate from the best VW shop in my area, by the way.
Thanks again!
Best regards,
Sally

[bookwus]

Hiya Sally,

It seems that we may have a small problem with semantics.

Saxomat is a transmission system which was used by VW in the sixties.  For all intents and purposes, it is the precursor to the AutoStick system.  Confusion often occurs when using the term Saxomat.  Here in the States Saxomat refers to that transmission which came before the AutoStick.  Over in Europe the term Saxomat is often used in place of AutoStick.

If your original intention was to install a Saxomat transmission into your 74 KG then that would be well close to impossible.  The main reason is that Saxomat parts are not available here in the USA.  There may be a few around and there may be a few sixties era VWs with Saxomats still around.  But I guarantee you they would be scarce as hen's teeth and wildly expensive.  And a Saxomat simply would not be the correct transmission to put in your Karmann Ghia.

The transmission you would want is the AutoStick.  And you would want a later model AutoStick with the nuetral slot.  But Sally, even if you were to go this way, parts will be VERY hard to locate.  I just completely redid my clutch assembly and torque converter.  It took me months to find all the parts (all new or reconditioned) to do the job.  I had to go way outside the usual parts loop to find these parts.  I don't know if I could do it again.  And, for what it's worth, I've been fooling around with VWs for the past thirty years.  I know quite a few folks and have a few connections.  That helped me some in locating parts, but there was still a lot of footwork involved.

I just want to give you an idea of what you may be up against should you decide to go ahead with this project.

Mike

1970 AS Bug