VW Beetle Shift Tube Bushing Replacement! DIY! Super Beetle Also!

#vwbeetle #beetleshifttubebushing #aircooled #sladesbeetle #1968vwbeetle
Here I show the process of installing a new shift tube bushing!
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[@jaredjohnston4726]

I love your videos. I was just diagnosed with Parkinsons and I noticed you shake as well. I'm glad to know I can still work on VWs in a couple of years.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I am truly sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with that. Remember we can always work through anything. Mine is a tremor disorder, I’ve had it since I was a small child. Unfortunately it never went away. Thank you for taking the time to watch the videos and be part of the community

[@jaredjohnston4726]

@@SladesVWBeetle thanks. Your videos are motivating.

[@frankmccauley6612]

As always, another great video my friend. Without your right on approach and smooth conversational style, I’d be forced to spend money at a shop. You are definitely a worthy person in my book. Thank you so much again. Frank

[@rudidehne1930]

Very detailed. Well done. You made it easy step by step

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much, I hope that it was helpful and thank you so much for leaving a comment.

[@boymasi9496]

Aloha Bra'da, my name is John but you can call me MASI. Anyhow I just wanted to say thank you, your show has been very helpful for a beginner like myself. I'm a first time proud owner of a 73 VW-SUPERBEETLE CONVERTIBLE and everything that I'm learning about this VW is from watching your show. So again "MAHALO BRA".

[@davidwhocares3293]

Great video, thanx ! 👍 that's cool that under the passenger Seat was an old pull tab...thanx Fer the tips

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you David, and thank you so much for being here.

[@gordondonahue4810]

Nice job with the camera work and detailed explanation. Having done this I can tell your spot on. To those looking for a how to video on shift rod bushing replacement look no further. I disagree with just one thing. You stated this was a bad video. It was a great video for those looking for detail. 👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Gordon, and thank you for the wonderful comment. I do try my best with these videos, but that was a very awkward video to film. Thanks so much for being here I truly appreciate it.

[@jimmynyoike]

I have learnt so much about beetles from watching your videos. I cannot thank you enough!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind comment!

[@mickeywagner2413]

What everyone else has said ..I love your videos !...Bess you my son 🤗

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much I needed that today! I try not to talk too much, I know it annoys some people according to the comments. And then others tell me they love the videos. Thank you so much for taking the time to to leave the comment.

[@answerace]

Perfect timing! I'll be doing this on my friends '74 Beetle this Friday. Thanks neighbor!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Outstanding!!! It’s really not that bad my friend!

[@theodoreolson8529]

I like the mistakes in camera angle etc. It makes these real for me. Thanks for the great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Sir!! I try to keep it real and down to earth. Probably boring for some who like all the craziness. 😁

[@goldentrunnell7450]

Im fixing up a 68 Baja for my granddaughters first car. I took it for a little drive this afternoon and the sloppy shifter made me wonder how she'd figure it out. Now I have the answer, this is one repair I've never done so thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Now this is a great comment! I hope your granddaughter is very excited and realizes how lucky she is! I’m so glad the video helped out. And that case, if you would like, I can say hello to your granddaughter on one of the video clips at the beginning if that would kinda make her feel like part of the VW scene. God bless my friend.

[@goldentrunnell7450]

@SladesVWBeetle so far it's a surprise, she'll be getting her permit soon to start practicing. My plan is to get it drivable and safe but not finish everything. That way she can learn to do things on her own and I can help her if and when she needs it. I taught her mother to ride dirtbikes (my daughter) when she was younger and also how to drive a car. She has capable parents but you know how grandpa's are. I'm thinking I might be more excited about this thing than my granddaughter is! I'd love to get you some info about her and her car where she can ask you help with say interior door panels or something fun. That way you can make a video with her name and you can be part of the surprise! Thanks for the offer, I can see the big smile on her face having a video dedicated to her project! She'll have the coolest car in school, it fits her personality. Golden

[@randall1959]

I'm dreading doing this. It's one of the things I still need to do on my car.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It’s really not that bad, I think it’s harder to film than to do the job lol

[@zimms-world]

Another great video. I don’t think people understand how much harder filming the work is than just doing the work off camera. You did a great job and you add humor when things don’t go perfect but that’s the reality of it.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks I appreciate that!! It is an awkward one to film. But I just laugh off the stupidity that happens to me 😂😂😂

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thanks for the video and your time .

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Douglas for taking out the time to be here, and to leave a comment

[@pretzyldog]

That front drivers side tire looks like some of the ones I rode on in my high school cars. LOL.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

😂😂😂 That was great!!! It’s definitely like a drag slick!!

[@SteveBueche1027]

So far this looks like the biggest PITB so far. 😄Still in was informative and entertaining. Thank you.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Steve, I think it is harder to film it than the job is itself lol

[@chriscunningham9892]

I’m loving your VW videos Slade. Really inspiring and helpful. All the best from Scotland.

[@mattlee007]

That was a a great video... learning so much... thank you

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much Matt! I truly appreciate that.

[@danielschloegel853]

Thank you for always being so accurate! You cover every aspect from disassembly to finished work, I really appreciate your efforts. Dan

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Dan, for being here and taking the time to leave a comment.

[@jeffclark3924]

Great video! Replaced the bushing on my Super Beetle about 20 years ago. I wish I had your video then. School of hard knocks.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes, I believe the Internet has made things a little nice on us. Those bushings really help out a lot.

[@edrowley1]

Thanks for the warning about the urethane (orange) bushings. Video helps a lot, thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Absolutely! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@jamesperez6061]

HI I'm James from the Bay Area I have a 1968 vw bug I've been watching all your videos they have helped me with lots my bug can't wait too see your next videos

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much James, and welcome to the community here. I hope these videos are helpful, and good luck on your project hope to see you post more

[@VolksStokes]

Awesome!! The feeling of driving a tight shift vehicle... feeling like a new car... Priceless!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It truly makes a major difference!! Thanks for commenting!!

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

I think it was caught on the rope as the know made it larger than the bushing…now for doing this, i found a two owner 68 that is great but 101234Miles it needs the maintenance neglected. Keep wrenching, truly enjoy your vids. Peace Dav

[@johnflynn9463]

View #1,090 at 6:49 AM on 5/18/21 - NJ...VWJAWBREAKER is right...great video

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much John, and thank you for being here I truly appreciate it.

[@muttbone01]

"Ok, what we're going to do now....is drop it again." Lulz. Happened every time I've done this work.

[@crumpmd]

😂the pop-top tab. Definitely vintage😊

[@weaponXpert706]

This is awesome. Im getting a 68 from my grandfathers barn in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the videos.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@andycoyle4542]

Thank you. Great video and very informative. 👌👌👌👌

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Andy, and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@JanStruik1952]

Superb video! Thanks for taking the effort to record how to install a new bushing. Regards form The Netherlands.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much Jan, I truly appreciate you taking the time also to make a comment. And be part of the community!

[@bertiesbugresto7730]

Im a gent of your age and im restoring my first car in 30 years and its a 69 bug I really enjoyed this vid and the front beam removal one also....Good clear instructions..cheers. Rob, Bendigo Australia.

[@erosroyarocho7273]

Great video with good tips. I thought I was the only one that donated skin an blood, every time I turn wrenches. ( XXXL) size paws, Lol.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much I appreciate that! Oh yeah, I have scars all over me. 😂😁

[@cfmayo]

Great video (as usual). Thanks.

[@garyjones2582]

I'm sure there are many other videos out there showing this same process of replacing that bushing, but I really enjoyed your video... I think I'll subscribe just so I can see how to properly do these small tasks on the bug...My first bug was a 68... Had lots of good times in it....thx for taking the time to show us... Take care and God Bless...

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Gary, I truly appreciate the kind words. I enjoy doing DIY videos. Thanks for being here. God Bless you and thanks for saying that!

[@FixinBugsNStuff]

Great video! You show the struggles that everyone goes through. When my rope has broken, I have used a modify broom handle to push the shifter rod the rest of the way.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much, I try to keep it plain and simple and be realistic. I like the rope because it pulls it in between where it should be. I don’t know if that made any sense. 😁

[@mikebriere7531]

you did a great job filming this difficult job

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Mike! It is one of the harder films to do. Such an awkward position to always have the camera in. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

[@achurchill7553]

REPLACE THE BUSHING WITHOUT REMOVING THE SHIFT ROD FROM THE CAR. It's been a long time since I did it but as I recall, First I removed the shift lever and plate from the tunnel. Then I disconnected the shift rod from the trans. and slid the shift rod forward maybe 10 inches or so. So in that position, the part of the rod where the plastic bushing goes around the rod is directly below the hole in the tunnel where the shift lever bolts on and I can look down and see the rod where the plastic bushing goes. I take a piece of sand paper and cut a 3 inch wide strip about 10 inches long, it looks like a ribbon of sandpaper. Slip it under the rod and loop it back up to yourself so you are holding both ends, one end in each hand, abrasive side against the shift rod. The loop of sandpaper is supporting the rod. see saw it back and forth sanding only the section of the rod that slides through the bushing. Maybe someone can help hold the end of the rod with pliers. Flip the rod over 180 degrees and see saw the ribbon against the shaft again so the rod is smooth on the circumfe,rance, about a 4 inch section. Now grease that smooth section. The old wire ring that held the old disintegrated plastic bushing in place should still be on the shaft, reuse it. Slip your new plastic bushing on the rod. put wire ring on the bushing. slide the rod rearward and put the bushing into it's bracket. Reconnect the shift rod to the trans. Reconnect the shift lever. You're done, and without having to remove the rod from the car.

[@larrymcgarage2152]

A difficult task to video, you did a great job. Very helpful for those who have never done one.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much! It was a very awe heard film, was going it was going to help others.

[@mndsoftware1]

Great very useful thank you for your effort

[@SladesVWBeetle]

And thank you also for taking the time to leave a comment. I truly appreciate that

[@OFFAxisBuilds]

Great job on getting all the angles on camera. Great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks I appreciate that! This was a more awkward video to film.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Awesome job Slade, if I remember correct the rope fell off on the last car too but you got the point out and the end result was a good fix. Yes staying with german parts is a must if you can get them.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks my friend! Yeah I think it might have fell off on the last one I can’t remember now. It’s truly worth replacing that bushing, but such a nightmare to try and film.

[@jeterman2000]

Well done sir! Thanks for these superb detailed instructional videos. Keep up the great work!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, thank you so much for being here, I hope you’re enjoying the videos

[@CAMERAMAN173]

another informative video thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!

[@jacquelinechellis4036]

Thanks gonna do it today you helped me great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m glad it was helpful! Have a great day

[@leonardramsey3458]

Great job 👌🏻 Filming and Wrenching is on point 👍🏻 Thanks for the info.💯😎

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Leonard!! This was an awkward film to make, I tried my best. 😁

[@antoniorivera6187]

Great video thank you for your knowledge I Injoy watching can’t wait to see your beautiful VW beetle come back to life 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 god bless and stay safe

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much Antonio, and thanks for taking the time to leave a nice comment! I truly appreciate you being here.

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Great job and an AWESOME video as usual. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much! And thanks for taking the time to be here and always comment.

[@superbear617]

That's a lot of work for such a small piece of plastic!! :) I very much appreciate your dialog, which is full of very helpful tips. Looking forward to the next one!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you! And thanks for being here! I try to keep a sense of humor while filming and do the best that I can.

[@royworks28]

Another great how to, love this project it really makes me want to get a beetle

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks brother!!! I’m so excited about this!!

[@eugenebaroni1298]

Great job 👍 always enjoy your videos keep them coming 👍👍👍👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Eugene! And thank you for always being here.

[@domingomarbella2673]

Thank you, it looks easy...but i will try..

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You got this Domingo! Just take your time, you will get it I promise! Thanks for being here.

[@scottiencali]

Good job Mr Slade!! Excellent work..great camera angles.. appreciate the unedited drops and string breaks..because you know that WILL happen!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate that. I’m not very handy with the camera, and it was an awkward job. I try not to edit out the mistakes.

[@charlesharlan5951]

Another great video thanks for your time and knowledge cheers

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much Charles, and thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

As always brother you show “how to”well detailed. Any one whom have not ever done this before. Can easily tackle this job after watching this video. Great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks brother I truly appreciate that. It was an awkward video to film. I did the best I could with it. It’s truly not that bad of a job.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

@@SladesVWBeetleI have had those moments. It’s hard to focus on the work and video content at the same time when we don’t have an extra set of hands 🙌 holding the camera 🎥.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes brother! You are so right. Sometimes I’m looking through the camera while I am working. And it makes it very difficult.

[@JMKGarage]

Very good video as always... keep them coming!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much! And thanks for being here.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

That wasnt rough. It was a great video. I had no idea things were so concealed in that fashion. Very good explanation. This is a great how to. Im learning. Never worked on a bug before, but did drive one when i was 11. (First car I ever drove)

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much, it was quite an awkward video to film. I should’ve probably had my wife help me on that one. Your Comet is coming along great! I really like that car!!

[@pstreetgarage7304]

@@SladesVWBeetle Thanks man!!!. I appreciate it. You know. Theres just nothing like tinkering on an old car.

[@greglogan73]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Yes I keep saying it but that 68' was an excellent find. I look forward to watching you git r done! I'm getting the heck out if Afghanistan, heading to Romania this week...I'll be tuning in...

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Greg!! I truly am looking forward to this 68 project! Be careful out there and please keep in touch!!

[@davegiller5303]

Lol....I've done this on my bug slade, I dropped evry item into the tunnel more times than you did.....haha...its all good fun, great vid

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Dave! I seldom edit out my mistakes, unless I say something not very pleasant! 😁 A few beetles that I have bought, I have actually found things inside the tunnel. It’s like a little treasure chest. 😁

[@williamtanner1372]

Good job and the camera work is excellent. The previous owner of my bug replaced the bushing but didn't put the metal ring on it. It fell out of course. I replaced it all and added the short throw adaptor. I may remove the adaptor since it seems to be bothersome at times.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yeah that ring needs to be on there for sure. A new bushing makes a world or difference! Hope you’ve been doing well my friend!

[@rustysuperbeetle3064]

I think you did an wonderful video showing how to replace the shift tube bushing.... I believe I would strap the shaft with a little bungee cord or something to not allow it to fall into the tunnel as I removed the bolt and replaced the rubber bushings as it might make it easier to get everything lined up. Just a suggestion but what do I know lol :) Excellent video.....

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much, it was quite the awkward video to try and film. And I appreciate the little extra tips. And also are you taking the time out to comment.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

Great video again slade. Very hard to get those angles right, but that's hard work to film this kind of video's, I know all about it. Job is well done, and you even killed me with dropping that bar.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I dropped that bar way too many times. 😁 Thanks brother for being here. It was a weird video to capture very well.

[@jeremyshearer]

I’m going to use this trick!!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It’s truly not that bad. I think it’s harder to film this job than to actually do it lol

[@jeremyshearer]

@@SladesVWBeetle I bet lol

[@minhhainguyen8841]

Tôi quá ngưỡng mộ Ông chúc Ông nhiều sức khỏe bình an và hạnh phúc

[@bubot17]

Thanks for the video, I am about to change the bushing on my buddy's bug

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You’re very welcome Gilbert, and thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment.

[@bubot17]

@@SladesVWBeetle one problem that I would encounter is the bug has air conditioning, it's positioned in front of the access hole haha

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@bubot17 ohhhh that’s not fun!

[@jimmd53]

Another excellent DIY video. Thanks Slade, you convinced me to go back to the German bushing. I changed to the brass bushing but truth be told, the OEM German bushing is a lot better. Again, thanks.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you James! If you have the brass one in there and it feels OK I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I just like using the stock German parts when possible. Thanks so much for being here.

[@mostlycars7586]

Thanks. I can touch reverse when I downshift into second. Hoping this is the fix. Great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh my, I’ve never had that happen. But, I would do the bushing, and I would also check the coupler where the shift tube connects to the transmission.

[@pawleymediaconsultantsllc5]

On my "to do" list. Looks intimidating :)

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly it’s not too bad to do. I think the filming was the most hardest part 😁

[@MarkSmith-eu3hf]

You’re too hard on yourself. Very informative video. Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Mark!! I appreciate you being here!!

[@vayabroder729]

I’ve heard of horror stories installing these; yet the two times I’ve done it they’ve gone in perfectly and easily; first try. The second one I installed though was a problem after I installed the bushing. Somehow the rod got caught somewhere in the back behind the emergency brake. We kept pushing it through and eventually things fell into place. My forearm got all cut up trying to access and accommodate the tube from the back access panel after it had gone in. The front gasket most of the time is shot so it’s a good idea to have a new one on hand to put back. I heard someplace that the split on the bushing should be facing the passenger.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

They can be quite painful sometimes, and then as you explain sometimes that everything just falls in place. There’s a lot going on inside that tunnel that the tube can get caught up in. Heard a couple people say straight up in the air, and towards the passenger side. I really Never knew which one was the way to go.

[@vayabroder729]

@@SladesVWBeetle in the end I believe yours ended up facing the passenger so you’re good...😉

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Absolutely!!!

[@blakewaddell451]

Another great video Slades. I will probably have to do that eventually. It doesn’t look too hard but it’s probably one of those easier said than done jobs lol 😂.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Blake, it’s really not that bad of a job. Actually I think it was one of the harder ones to film though.

[@blakewaddell451]

@@SladesVWBeetle yeah looked hard to film. At least your front apron came off 🙂

[@jamesquintana9137]

Thank you for this informative video Slade. One question, do I have to remove my front bumper in order to pull the shift rod out?

[@arborleaftree1769]

Thank you for sharing. My 66 was fine then I parked it and when I came to drive off there was suddenly no way I could put car into gear neither running or off? Bushing maybe? The rear looks ok ., new clutch cable , clutch pedal fine springy but no play at all ?? Any suggestions? Please don’t see engine out I’ve just paid a firm twice to take engine out meh.

[@jmayo2604]

This is the best video for the bushing replacement. I replaced mine on an autostick. For some reason, the transmission is not shirfting when the car is on. Do you have any advice on how to resolve it? It stopped shifting after I mistakenly tried to force 1st too much to the left, forgetting it is on the right.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much I appreciate that. Did you check your shifting coupler at the back road hooks onto the nose kind of the transmission? And also see if your shifter needs adjusted. I’m going to use a new style bushing in about a week and a half and film it. I’m very interested in testing it out.

[@chiphewlett6144]

Again, simply terrific! Thank you. You said not to use the red plastic for the shift coupler, Does this mean the red neoprene bushings? Another question: How do I change the axle boots on a '68? I have the boots and they are not the split, bolt-on type. Do I have to take off the brake backing plate, stabilizer bar, etc? Thanks again for your detail, patience and camera work! Chip

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes the red neoprene, I’m not a big fan of them. I’ve had them break down and crumble. I do need to do a video on the axle boots but I will be doing split boots. Now you can remove the axles and put the solid boots on. But just be careful when doing it, with the shims and everything. I won’t be doing a video on complete axle removal for quite a little while yet.

[@chiphewlett6144]

Thank you. Is it easier to replace the boots if you come from the transmission side? If not, then I need to come from the wheel sides, correct? Thanks for good teaching!

[@Paulman50]

👍😊

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you sir!

[@timothyhoffman3083]

Great video. Makes me feel I can actually do it myself. I had a shop do this or something with the shifter. Now it shifts a bit better but when downshifting into 2nd after coasting a bit, it grinds and I have to either come to a full stop and start at 1st again, go back to 3rd or try and rev the engine to “time” the shift. This didnt happen before I took into the shop. Would this procedure fix that problem or is there another video I should watch? Thanks again and keep making those VWs go.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much for being her Timothy. That’s quite strange that it didn’t do it, until you took it to them. Check the Coupler at the rear, and see if anything came apart. It almost sounds like the transmission. Hopefully one of them we’re not acting like a maniac with your car.

[@tonypachanga9636]

Could you do a video on how remove the steering box on a 1974 super beetle

[@jemcnair76]

Did you get the old beer pull tab from the floor board?

[@Anthony-xw6vd]

Great video, thanks . I'm wondering would a worn or broken bushing cause the gear shift to pop out of gear when I put it in reverse or is that the trans ?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m sorry to say Anthony but that sounds like the transmission. But at least check your bushing but I’ve never heard of it happening. The teeth on the reverse gears unfortunately get rounded out a lot on these transmissions.

[@rondesjardins2476]

Does this video also apply to a 78 vw Super Beetle? Thanks. Really enjoy your how to vids.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Ron..thanks for the nice comment!! This would be closer to yours. I did two videos on this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWO0pIybm52plZI

[@jajjimenez3901]

Does it matter what side you put the pin in on the coupler?

[@tonypachanga9636]

And where to buy the Needle berring that goes on the bottom of the steering column 😅

[@JayDubCustoms]

Slade, great video! Question on a small part you skipped... when you're putting the shift rod back in and you're starting the end of it into the new bushing, is that a tight fit going in? Were you able to start it through by pulling the rope or is that when the rope broke? I'm test fitting a new bushing and 'o' clip on a rod outside of the car and it seems real tight getting started. Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Jay, it is a very tight fit! I seldom had the rope break on these. But when filming….of course! When you have a rope that don’t break, it’s still very difficult. I usually try to push at the front, to get it through. It’s a very tight fit. Which is a good thing. The rope it’s just to guide it back to the bushing. So it doesn’t get tangled up anywhere else. There’s a lot going on inside that tunnel.

[@JayDubCustoms]

@@SladesVWBeetle Cool, thanks Slade. I was watching Duckman and he used a broom handle to push from the front. I’ll try that too.

[@daveayres950]

Do type 1 beetle have a timing chain btw love the stuff you cover

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much Dave! No they do not have a timing chain, they are gear to gear so there’s never any maintenance in that part.

[@daveayres950]

@@SladesVWBeetle will you do a vid sometime be good to watch

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I will be doing a complete engine rebuild on this car.

[@daveayres950]

@@SladesVWBeetle get in

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

One thing to mention is that there is a slight bend in the rod so don’t try to straighten it! Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I never thought to mention that. Thank you so much Bob. I always assume people know, but then again I should’ve mentioned it lol

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

@@SladesVWBeetle I was just passing on the info…. I saw another youtuber mention it! I just got a 72 super beetle that needs a lot of fixes including the shift bushing and coupler! I haven’t done it yet so I’ve been researching the how to’s! Yours helped a lot!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@bobsbarnworkshop Thank you!! I’m glad it will be helpful. I appreciate the kind comment!

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

@@SladesVWBeetle no problem! I try to pass on helpful knowledge to others and search out info I need from the KZbin community! “Tit for tat!” We’re all in it for the same reason! Peace!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@bobsbarnworkshop Absolutely!!! ✌🏻

[@redshirt-scotty]

15 seconds for the camera angle? 34 seconds 😂. i purchased some pb blast on your recommendation (earlier vid). had been using wd40 but i think the pb is better at cracking rust.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Truthfully I like the PB blaster the best. I’ve seem to have a lot of luck with it. I’m testing another product, a mechanic friend of mine gave to me. He said it’s even better than PB blaster. I’ll let you know what I think, I’m going to put it to a true test.

[@polypetalous]

Where can you get the “good” shift coupler inserts? All I can find are the red urethane ones... Great video thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Wolfsburg West my place to go to for them. I see they are out of stock on the complete coupler set up. I’m sure so cal imports, And places like that also have the good quality ones.

[@vayabroder729]

Second on the red urethane. The only places I have them is on my front anti sway bar and that is because it’s the only ones that fit the 3/4” diameter and on the rear camber compensator because it’s the only one you can find except if you retrofit any other rubber suspension part from any other car model. Red urethane tends to disintegrate.

[@polypetalous]

Got lucky, I fortunately have a REALLY good local VW part source (VW Parts Unlimited in Wichita, KS) that had the OG style "Coupler Inserts" in stock and a good price too. This weekend the '74 SB will be getting the full "shifter treatment."

[@rustysuperbeetle3064]

The rubber bushings for the gear shift rod coupling do you know where to get these rubber bushings because it seems wolfsburg west sells the whole coupling which is not in stock and not the bushings....

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That was the place I mostly went to when I needed them. Now I don’t see them on there separately any longer. And of course like you said they’re out of stock. I would check Southern Cal imports, even if you have to buy the whole Coupler it’s not real expensive. I just don’t like the plastic, or urethane ones.

[@rickstepina7691]

Does it matter what gear the bug is in when you begin? Thank You!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

No that should not matter, but I usually put them in neutral.

[@TrashyPanda_]

So question, i took my rod out without the string, how much of a headache is it gonna be to put it back through?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You can still do it! Just move slow, and make sure youre in the center when pushing it through, so you don't get caught up on the lines inside

[@jimmd53]

Could you tell us where do you order the German coupler Bushings from? Trying to find the German type so I can order a set. Thanks.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly I was ordering them from Wolfsburg West. But I see they only sell it with the complete coupler, and they’re out of stock. It seems everything is out of stock lately unfortunately.

[@supersupersteve3]

Hey i have a question. A while back i had a new shift holder welded on. The guy didn't pull out the shift rod. Instead he pulled the shift holder from the back with a coat hanger. He didn't know what he was doing. The coat hanger is in there and i don't know how to pull it out? It doesn't cause any issues it's just annoying.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I would definitely try to get that out. I wished I could better comprehend where that hanger is. There has to be a way of getting it out.

[@supersupersteve3]

@@SladesVWBeetle so I'm guessing it's caught on the heater control tubes. I can't reach it with my have from the back. It's tangled around the hand brake lever. I've tried pulling it out from the shifter hole, but I think I just got it more stuck

[@raunylima3863]

Help! Got all the way back and the rod is getting stuck at a bar at the rear part it wants to go under the bar but then it locks down and I get pull it up to install the cradle. Tried spinning it still no luck :(

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@raunylima3863 OK just take your time and slow down. That’s why I always pull it through with a rope that I tied off in the beginning so it don’t get lost kind of. The only other thing you can do. If you’re trans axle is out of the car. Is have somebody put it through while you were watching through the rear hole. If your trans axle is in the car. sadly, it’s going to just be a little bit of a fight. Well, you have to keep pulling the tube forward and putting it back through until it goes through the proper motions. I wished I had a trick that didn’t involve the rope in the beginning.

[@raunylima3863]

@SladesVWBeetle It seems like it's going under one of the tubes the cross the tunnel for those heater channel cables. I slid it back all the way to where I can see it and tie a rope on it, now I'm gonna slip outward right before that tube that's in the way and try to lift the rod end with the rope while my wife brings over the tube. It's very tight in there so I can't really move in there with my hands let's see if that works. This has been by far the worst job out of pretty much everything I did lol

[@raunylima3863]

@SladesVWBeetle maybe this could be the issue, is there a position the couplar has to stay facing inside the tunnel? I know the rod is bent, but maybe because of that curve it's digging into the tunnel hence why it might by nature going under the tube

[@hyperbipolar7952]

all I need is a car battery .I made a failed cold start video and I did not upload it my battery would not hold a charge. ill try agin if i ever get anuff money to buy a new batterie.lol

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That will be a great video to watch! I don’t have a battery right now, I have an old one, but I don’t think it will hold a charge.

[@alanholland7073]

I just bought the orange bushings from empi, where can i buy the good german ones?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I buy that stuff from Wolfsburg West

[@alanholland7073]

@@SladesVWBeetle I looked there but didn't see anything for my 72 Super Beetle

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Do you mean the bushing, for the coupler that connects to the transmission shaft? At the end of the shifting tube…the one in the cage

[@alanholland7073]

@@SladesVWBeetle I bought the cage with the orange bushings but in this video you said to buy the german one with the rubber bushings not the orange ones

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@alanholland7073 I know people that have bought the orange/red ones and they fell apart. It’s like they are too hard! I just checked Wolfsburg west, and they are completely out of them. So I quickly checked West Coast metric. It seems they have them in stock. They are a very good company but you might want to email or give them a call and ask him if that’s the black German rubber ones. If they are grab them! Link below! Hope this helps! www.westcoastmetric.com/i-22965109-131-100.html

[@jasonsolis6689]

Ok...I have a 72 super beetle and there is no hole in the front. A super beetle has a grill in the front......

[@thegarageoflove3673]

Definitely one of my least favorite things to do on my 1302 and 1303.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It truly is a pain in the butt. But it definitely tightens the shift pattern up. Thank you so much for being here!

[@vwbeetlefuelgaugesystem]

Great video for folks to reference... My SB was problematic when replacing the bushing. It has factory air! The Condenser is in the front of the car. To replace the bushing would require removal of the condenser. I did it without removing it. Just worked the shaft forward with needle nose pliers then put it back in the same way, along with the string pulling. The shaft hangs up on the tunnel cross member!!!... ugggg. Link for picture! photos.app.goo.gl/G6dq6v9ZMVDNJvmn8 Jim

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Outstanding Jim! I never had one, with air-conditioning. Thanks for the extra tip, and taking out the time to comment.