VW Beetle Transmission Removal! Swingaxle Transaxle! DIY!

#vwbeetle #vwswingaxle #aircooled #sladesbeetle #beetletransmission
This week we remove the Swingaxle transmission on the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle!
Check out my...Tshirts, And Apparel! Thank you!
www.bonfire.com/store/sladesb...
My Website:
sladesvwbeetle.com
Friends Website:
www.superbeetles.com
www.allaircooled.com/
Fixn Bugs n Stuff
/ dgarcia474
5150mxVW
/ @5150mxvw
Heather Anns Haven
/ @heathershaven
VWJawBreaker
/ @vwjawbreaker
Dub World
/ @dubworldvwadventures
Junior Classic VW bugs
/ @juniorclassicvwbugs924
Volkswagenplanet
/ @volkswagenplanet
BeetleOval 1955
/ @vwbeetleoval1955
Off Axis
/ offaxisbuilds

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

Glad to see another KZbinr that shows ALL the hard work it takes to work on old cars and equipment. It’s not a perfect world and you always run into stuck or broken bolts and parts Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Sir! I always show the aggravating parts. I don’t want anyone to ever wonder if it’s just them running into problems. Thanks for being here!!

[@kriskathrens6006]

It is awesome how thorough you are and patient in the making of your videos.Really appreciate your work.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much I truly appreciate the kind comments. And thank you for being here.

[@sevenoaksbrewing]

It is incredibly helpful to see how all these parts go together (by watching you take them apart) and I appreciate how careful you are to show us up close exactly what you are doing. Thank you! One question, though, where’s Heather?

[@fredrikjohansson]

I just sit here, inspired to when I’m going to fix with my beetle!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@Generic User Thank you!! I just try and keep it plain and simple!! She’ll be helping again very shortly!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@fredrikjohansson Absolutely!! Take your time. And start a little each day.

[@larrykavanagh3185]

Well done Tony, we have a 66 beetle and I’ve just finished restoring a 74 Thing and your common sense videos have been very helpful. Many many thanks, Larry from Sydney, Australia.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much Larry!! I’m glad the videos are being helpful! Thanks for being here!

[@gordondonahue4810]

Shultz “ I know nothing”. I can relate. 😂. My back was hurting watching you muscle that trans out.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Haha!! I try to add some funny memes sometimes. Keeps out channel and community unique! My back always hurts when I’m done.

[@chiphewlett6144]

Best instruction I've seen yet. My bug's the same year, and THE SAME COLOR! My wife cheered when I showed her. Exactly what I needed. Good pics. Real life with nuts. Loved it. Stay healthy!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much Chip, I truly appreciate the kind comment. I try the best I can with detail. Sometimes it can be difficult with camera angles. Thank you for commenting.

[@chiphewlett6144]

I removed the body, looked at the pan and though, "Perhaps I should pack this all in and get a motorcycle." After viewing this video by brother Slade, it changed my mind. Now I can proceed! Thanks for the detail I needed; and, incentive!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@chiphewlett6144 Thanks chip! I hope it has been helpful. I’m not a professional with a camera but I do the best I can to show what’s going on. Thank you for being part of it.

[@sillysally76]

Wonderful video. Thank you!

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

I was bitchen with you! thanks for the video it's going to come in handy when I pull my motor next year I'll most likely pull the trans to and freshen it up. Enjoy you evening and have a cold one.😁😁

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Doug!! And thanks for being here and keeping my filming!! I truly appreciate it very much!!

[@stevegarces7166]

I'm glad you showed the issues of removing the trans cuz if I have issues I'll just follow your lead.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Steve hope it’s helpful

[@aircooledvw]

Congrats on 5k!! Love this channel👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you soooooo much! I truly appreciate that!

[@backyardkombi5466]

Well done and fun to watch

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much!!

[@winstondoc2009]

Greetings, thank you for the sharing this video along with the products you are using and the infotainment. I have a 58 which I need to have the crashbox transaxle removed and replaced with a swing axle. Going through the steps you’ve showed was not what I imagined, however I’m certainly glad that you went through the numbers on the removal process. This will be my first time and I want to do it myself. Again thanks for the education, God speed!

[@GeorgeLevy]

Love your channel - thank you for sharing!

[@antodenn381]

Nicely done 👍

[@thomassnead9933]

Nice job. Good block of instruction. I like seeing the uncut maintenance because that’s how it is. Nothing ever easy. Tom

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Tom!! I try to keep it real and show the struggles that can happen. Thank you for being here!!

[@sohailkhan-vh2fc]

Thank you, as always great detailed video, you videos are a great help. Keep it up

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, I truly appreciate that.

[@zimms-world]

Congrats on the 5,000 subscribers! I am proud to be one of them. Thank you for making such great videos. You truly inspire me to get out and work on bug. I feel your pain on fighting with these old cars but I know it’s a labor of love

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks so much, and thank you for being here!! They’re a unique car!! There’s definitely some pain and aggravation involved on our old cars.

[@sandraschrader1633]

​@@SladesVWBeetledo you know if a 2010 vw transmission JCW can be swapped with an hje

[@dubworldvwadventures]

Ah yes, the fun of swingaxle cars! I’ll be doing this again very soon! Always bolt the trans mount cradle to the pan prior to trans install to avoid cross threading those mounting holes!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes for sure!! I plan to clean everything up now, and do the bodywork underneath

[@jcnavas86]

I just got a month ago a 1968 Beetle as yours, probably on better shape, and your videos are the best help I can have to restore mine, because as you, I'm doing it by my self. Thank you for your videos and congrats for the 5000 followers. Also, I got a 1973 beetle that will need a lot of work and I got that one as a trade for a small trailer that I had. I believe I will convert that one into a Baja Bug because the previous owner did some modifications that I really hate as a Beetle lover. He removed the original dashboard (totally removed) and install a aftermarket dashboard. I have two options, have a Baja Bug and keep it as it is or restore the car finding another beetle body where I can remove the dashboard and fix mine, but I believe this is almost mission impossible, so the Baja option sounds the best solution, but will see. Keep your hard work.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Jaun!! I appreciate the kind comment!! Baja may be your best option with that one, I can understand why you would go that direction!! I like the 68! It was also my first car when I was 16, was a 68 Beetle!!

[@MD-ei2by]

Thank you Sir ! 👊⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@SladesVWBeetle]

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

[@PopularityContest]

Congratulations my brother great work is always appreciated.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you bro!!! I always appreciate your input and being part of it all!

[@greggbrown0]

As always, another great video. You my friend are as real as it gets.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Gregg!!! I truly appreciate the kind words! I just keep it plain and simple.

[@anthonylawlor9130]

Congratulations on your milestone.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much I truly appreciate that.

[@steveperera6974]

Thank you for the video, very helpful.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks for leaving a comment Steve.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Brother those are a pain in the ?????? To get out… 😅… great video as always

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh it truly aggravated me! It was in there since new, so it was stubborn!!

[@mitchvass4498]

Thank you very nice, as I have a broken nose cone. This will help tremendously. Apriciate the the time you took to video and explain.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Excellent, I hope it is helpful. I’m sorry to hear about the broken nose come. But you got this! Just be careful underneath the car.

[@fairworld2522]

Thanks brother. I learn a lot from all your videos.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much!! I truly appreciate the kind comment!!

[@davegiller5303]

As always brother, very informative vid

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Dave!! I really appreciate the kind comment!!

[@jimmd53]

Congratulations on 5,000 subs Slades. I bet you will hit another 5,000 by this time next year. Keep the content coming, you make an near impossible task seem possible and doable.

[@jimmd53]

As a thought Slades, could you take a few minutes on a video to show us where are the best and safest points beneath the Beetle to put the jack so as not to damage the underside of our Bugs. You might be able to run a short clip like you did recently. I have seen many on KZbin but there are different places that they advise and one advised to place the jack at the exact spot you advised not to place the lifter, the cross bracket at the fork ends. This would be helpful and put to bed once and for all where to properly put the floor jack. Again, thanks Slades. Jim Semertzides

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Jim….I truly appreciate the kind words!! That’s what keeps me going!! I’ll definitely do a video on front and back…jacking up and also jack stands! Gimme a short period! Mine has no wheels on or beam to lower it to the ground temporarily

[@jeffclark3924]

Great video Slade. IRS beetles drive and handle so much better than swing axles.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh they do!! I completely agree!

[@williamtanner1372]

Well that was a struggle. Glad you got it out. My bolts on the bus don't give me trouble. They snap in half and get tossed. I'll invest in lots of hardware on reassembly. I'd dread the wire wheel cleaning to come. Keep up the good work!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Those bolts have not been loosened since 1968, and I could tell! But as much as I complain, and my body feels it, deep down in it keeps me busy! Thank you my friend!

[@edbenelli5374]

Just been wrestling with my ‘57 this afternoon- it’s been siting in a field since the early seventies, so everything looks like it went down with the Titanic…

[@buglover34465]

The z bar is a variable rate helper spring for heavy loads. Added due to the smaller torsion bars. It’s not a sway bar.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

first off all, congrats Tony on the 5K subscribers. for the transmission: they can fight real well, but its necessary in this case. nice video even with all the hick ups. that's real life video. keep up the good work. greetings to heater.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!! I’m surprised at how many subscribers!! Yeah, the trans on this one fought me. Seemed my IRS was much easier.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

I keep forgetting that 68 was both transmissions. Congrats again on 5k Subs. You and Heather take care, and stay safe.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks John!! Yeah I ended up with the swingaxle unfortunately 😁Stay healthy bun friend.

[@jeffa4920]

Given the age of everything involved, I thought it went real good. Great video! 👍

[@Paulman50]

Thats a great achievement getting the 5k subs. Congratulations. There is a special tool to pull those axel bearings but i cut 3 slots around the edge and use standard pullars on them.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you sir!! I appreciate that!!! I never seen the actual tool yet. I’ll have to do as you described.

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Slade, I was among the first 300 subscribers, I feel that I share the feeling of success with you. Glad to see your channel grow everyday. Awesome video as usual. I will be doing the same soon 😅. Thanks again. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks so much!!! I truly appreciate you being part of it all!! You’ve been with me a long time! The community is growing and it truly makes me smile!!

[@antoniorivera6187]

Nice job slades I see that if something is on for years yes it will fight you I can see that but you did a great job see you on the next video stay safe my friend and god bless 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SladesVWBeetle]

God Bless Antonio!! And thank you for taking the time to be part of the community here!!

[@acdcfan5672]

Thanks for sharing your video, great detail as usual Chief. And yes, we’ve all had the bad days when wrenching. I do recommend that you grab up some cardboard to sit/lay on to keep the concrete dampness out of your body. Have a great day!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks my friend! Oddly enough I wasn't notified on this message..:( I probably should start using something on the floor. I am getting a bit older. Thanks so much for being here!

[@acdcfan5672]

@@SladesVWBeetle No problem on the reply. And same here on older, but hey, we only live once right lol. Only as old as we feel!! Lol. Have a great day brother and best of wishes for you and Heather.

[@Johnny-jn5kf]

New here, appreciate your approach very detailed I appreciate you for that.. RE: ultrasonic cleaner, I'm very familiar with them from my dental lab career, if you want something CLEAN, That's the way to go. My L&R lasted for years

[@larrymcgarage2152]

You Could have someone weld a stud onto the z-bar bolt that broke off. I have done that before and it works well.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!! Actually caught me off guard. I used PB blast, probably should have used heat.

[@blakewaddell451]

Another great video Slades. Proud to be part of the 5000 subscribers. Boy all the stuff I’m going to have to do to mine LOL 😂. I’m trying to source tires. Where is a good place you recommend? At work we don’t have ability to get any in the size needed. The tires are from 1993 and the spare is from 2001 no way I’m chancing those. Lol

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly I would try the online places like tire rack. If your staying stock brother, I believe cip1 and Jbugs carry the tires. I even punched them in on Amazon

[@blakewaddell451]

@@SladesVWBeetle Yeah JBugs was out of stock. Online I did find one place. They only have one brand though in the 165/80/15 and that’s Nexen which is fine but I was hoping to have more of a variety. I read somewhere that a 185/65/15 would work but I’m worried that would be too wide.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@blakewaddell451 The 185 will work in the back. Now I’ve heard quite a few people running them up front. With no issues at all. If your car is at stock height, I believe it would be fine. I would go online with that tire conversion chart and see the difference between stock and then grab a ruler and get under there and check it out. Doing tire stuff is always tricky.

[@leonardramsey3458]

Congratulations on the 5K Subs. Rusty, Dirty work always seems to be a Dog. It will be nice and easy, clean new parts are my favorite also 😂 lol. You can actually build a electrical parts cleaner. There's a guy on KZbin that rebuilds old rusty tools and things. He built one. I'll try to send you a link. Great 👍🏻 💯 Stuff Slade💪🏼🇺🇸⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Leonard!! I appreciate that!! I have so much cleaning to do and wire wheeling. Dreading this part of the job, it’s not as fun!!

[@superbear617]

Congratulations on reaching 5K subscribers....well done. I appreciate this was a first for you, and with rusted bolts, that's a double challenge!! I think most people respect the fact that your videos are not rehearsed; "real life" as you say. Yes, definitely get one of those special cleaners. I have seen others use them and they seem to work great.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!! I keep it real and simple. Showing the struggles and aggravation is very important! Folks need to see that it happens!

[@MrNomadnero]

Hi, great video and congratulations on the 5K subs. Any tips on putting it back in and getting it all straight when you didn't chisel mark the swing arms? Asking for a friend!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!! I appreciate that!! You know what happened?? I forgot to mark the arms! 😡 I’m going to find out how to make them right….even!! And I’ll film it!

[@davidtettleton2732]

Yeah the ultra soundcworks

[@johnfreeman1189]

Congrats on 5000 subs! Thanks to you, l have the opportunity to peep over your shoulder and see how it's done.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you John!! I appreciate you always hanging out here!!

[@FixinBugsNStuff]

AWSOME video. Are you going to do a rebuild video on the transmission? I rebuilt mine but, did not film it.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

No rebuild….yet! It might be good, hopefully! Dang!!! You should have filmed it brother!! Showing your T-shirt on a short tomorrow!

[@FixinBugsNStuff]

@@SladesVWBeetle it slipped my mind in the rebuild. I was more interested in getting it done.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@FixinBugsNStuff I can completely understand that!!!

[@robertcollingwood4764]

I'm still learning A LOT from you,THANK YOU... Do you have D.V.D.s for sale...lol just a thought? BUT ,I'm for real

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Some have been asking that lately. I’ve honestly been consider it

[@mikehammer4546]

Some time it’s hard, it’s real life.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Absolutely! I like to show how it really goes!

[@linwoodvleegmailcom]

btw , you can weld on a new rod to znbar

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you for the input I truly appreciate that. I was actually thinking about a camber compensator. Still doing the research to see which is better.

[@irvingnorwood1640]

If you need a bar parts I have some you can have. I think I have extra down bars in decent shape off a 1967 bug. They should be the same. Let me know

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@irvingnorwood1640 thank you very much, that’s honestly very nice of you. I think mind sad so long that the threads rusted pretty bad.

[@nickatnite107]

My bug when I let out on the clutch it won't move could it be something simple

[@TaylerLee-ky8cm]

Could you not have removed the two large bolts into those trans mount tube things, and pulled the mounting stuff with the trans?

[@larrymcgarage2152]

Also. Find yourself some kroil penetrating oil. There’s nothing better.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hey!! My buddy just told me that the other day!! Now I want to order some!!

[@motorcycleguy73]

Congratulations on 5000 Subs by the way your video was perfect timing I'm going to be pulling the swing axle out of my manx style dune buggy. The transmission has 1st 2nd reverse but not 3rd and 4th previous owner said it was a linkage problem I've been adjusting the linkage no third or fourth it feels like it goes in 3rd or 4th but nothing happens do you have any ideas. Thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you!! And thanks for being here!!! Sometimes they come right out, and yours might!! Mine was never out since 68, and I’m in the rust belt! Not sure, if you tried adjusting, it may be the trans itself. I usually don’t hear if third and fourth though. Second popping out, or reverse.

[@motorcycleguy73]

@@SladesVWBeetle Thanks for the reply I'm looking for an easy fix like we all do right.......

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@motorcycleguy73 Absolutely!! The easier the better. Did you check the coupler for play? And the shifter for all adjustment possible? I’m sure you did, but wanted to ask.

[@motorcycleguy73]

@@SladesVWBeetle It has a new coupler new shift bushing and I've adjusted the shifter. When I shift it manually by hand without the shifter it feels like it goes in third and fourth I feel it but when I let out the clutch nothing happens or if I roll it nothing happens it doesn't go into a gear I don't know it's baffling I might pay an hour's worth of time to figure it out before I start pulling things apart the previous owner said it was just an adjustment but you know how it is with previous owners.

[@florrivera9916]

God how many parts

[@Timbajazz10]

I notice the rear apron was already removed. Did have to cut the apron out to remove the swingaxle type transmission?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Tim, when I purchased the car there was no rear apron. Well there was one screwed on. I have no idea what they were doing. I do plan on making a removable apron when I put the new one on soon. Of course I’ll do a video on it. Lol

[@johnwarfn]

how's your back feeling?! Last time I lifted one of these on my own I almost disabled myself!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly, as I get older, a lot of this is taking a toll on my back. The problem is, I don’t pay attention to how I’m lifting things. It’s clearly my own fault.

[@markfray6150]

Can swing axĺe trans convert to irs or are they a different transmission completely?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly, I gave it consideration for better handling. However, I’m going to use a camber compensator and show the installation. Because it can be done! You would have to change the trailing arms, sadly, the body would have to be lifted slightly to weld a bracket on that you can buy.

[@meddlewithmetal5054]

Too much coffee or wat? Shaky hands

[@SladesVWBeetle]

No, I have a tremor disorder. Thankfully with proper treatment, over the last few months it’s starting to get better that’s a little bit of an older video. Thank you for being here..

[@meddlewithmetal5054]

@@SladesVWBeetle I kinda figured it might be something like that. I'm a welder/fabricator and at the end of the day mine are either cramped and locked up or spasming like crazy. Sometimes early in morning after my morning cups wen TIG welding my hands are real bouncy.Thank God for Medicinal Cannabis.. It works wonders for all my aches and pains. CBD ointments and some THC treatment is wat works best for me. Ty for your insight with these cars I have a 56 beetle that I've been forced to get going due to my 05 Subaru Impreza motor started knocking.. I had been accumulating parts for the oval for bout 5 years now so it is literally going to cost less to put the bug back on the road versus the 5grand that it would've Cost for the Subi..Now that's going to be the project car.. Have a good one sir