71 Beetle shifter question
Andy Shouse asked 8 years ago
I have a 1971 Beetle: The shifter has been modified, and this is my first bug, so I’m not sure how it’s suppose to work. The shifter shaft spins so the pattern on the knob never faces the correct direction. I want the angled shifter anyway and noticed the angled shifter has a pin and the shift shaft has a slot to keep it from spinning. Will the angled shifter and the 113711155 shift shaft (1956-1964) work in my 1971? Thank you
Andy Shouse answered 8 years ago
Hi Brian,
Welcome to the Volkswagen community! Great question, but simply put, no. The shift rod is longer due to the location of the shifter mounting on the tunnel. There are three changes that VW made over the years where the shifter is located. From 1958 to 1967 it was further forward. From 1968 to 1972 it was moved back or closer to the driver and the straight shifter was added, also the E-brake handle was shortened. Lastly from 1973 to 1979 it was moved even further back.
Here is the truth, you shouldn’t have a knob with the shift pattern on it, as VW didn’t do this on the cars. You should have the shift pattern on the end of the ashtray. I believe it was printed on the plastic. If it is no longer visible, we do sell a new plastic ashtray end; part # 113-337A
https://www.englecams.com/shop/interior-parts/dash-components/ash-tray-cover-bug-super-beetle/