Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1970 VW clutch, metric wrenches, clutch plate


Question
My bug will start but wont go into gear. I'm pretty sure it's the clutch but I don't know how to fix it? Can you help? Is there anything else is could be?

Answer
Vince, this doesn't really take an expert answer from me. You should try Googling, using the keywords, "How to replace a VW clutch" or similar phrases. There are numerous detailed online articles on this topic. I'm allowed about 7,000 words, and to try to describe this in 7000 words without a lot of photos is difficult, especially when so many excellent illustrated online articles have already been written.

And, yes, if it won't go into gear it is the clutch. In order to fix this you'll have to remove the motor, which if you have the right tools, including a floor jack, a willing friend, and a full set of metric wrenches, takes less than an hour. Be sure to replace the clutch plate and cover, and also the throwout bearing. If you do this yourself, parts will cost less than $100.00.

--Paul