Volkswagen: 1968 vw bug transmission linkage, needle nose pliers, philips screwdriver

Question
QUESTION: how do i adjust transmission linkage on a 1968 vw bug

ANSWER: Hi Gary,

I need some more information to assist you:

1) Autostick or Manual Transmission?

2) What is the exact problem?  There are several areas where the linkage is serviceable.

Thanks,

Ron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: manual tramsmission, a lot of play in shifter

Answer
It looks like you need to replace the shift bushing.

To replace the bushing the shift rod needs to be removed. It’s moved toward the front until the end clears the bushing support. There is an inspection plate on the frame head that must be removed. It’s held on with 2 10mm bolts. Then you remove the 2 13mm bolts that hold down the shifter. At this point, you can reach in and check the play in the shift rod. Next, remove the rear seat bottom to get access to the shift rod coupler. You will need a Philips screwdriver to remove the cover plate. Then use a 8mm wrench and needle nose pliers to remove the lag bolt that hold the shift rod to the coupler. Finally you need a 8mm open-end wrench to remove the square setscrew that holds the coupler to the transmission.

You need to push the shift rod toward the front until it clears the bushing support. I used long needle nose pliers that are bent 45 degrees to gently move it.  When you get about 3” from the back end of the rod, the front end had to be passed through the inspection hole in the frame head. You need to go to the front and reach in and lift it through. It’s real tight and not that easy. I use a bent wire hanger to help grab it. I also use another wire hanger to support the back end of the rod once it came off the bushing support. Otherwise it will drop into the tunnel.


If your old bushing is there, you need to reach in and remove it. The support is about 1.5” past the shifter opening. You are now ready to install the new bushing. Make sure the clip is in place and carefully push it into the support. The bushing has a grove and makes a positive snap when it’s in place. Check the fit to make sure the support isn’t damaged. There’s a cut in the bushing, it should be rotated to face the driver’s side. Apply some grease to the bushing and push the shift rod back into it. Use the needle nose pliers to carefully slide the rod back. Apply some grease, with a small acid brush, every few inches. When the rod is almost in place you can go to the coupler opening in the back and pull it the last few inches. Now just install the new coupler. Make sure the square setscrew is correctly in place and use a safety wire to ensure it doesn’t come loose. Finally reinstall the shifter and the inspection plate in the frame head and you’re done.


This will get you motoring again with a firm shifter.

Ron