Will A Volkswagen EMPI Bus Shifter Work In A Bug? HOT Rod Style!

[@MarkRodriguez-t2s]

Works awesome on my ‘71 squareback! Thank you so much for your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad you enjoy it and thanks for the support!

[@joshsayre4040]

BRO! Honestly the funnest mod I have ever done to my 68'! It's a blast to drive! Love your vids!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Josh Sayre glad it worked well for ya! Thanks for the support.

[@jermead1]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you sir 👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad it helped you out!

[@VeeDubP8]

Free parts are the best parts!! I have made changing out the stock shifter, for an Empi short throw, in almost every vw I own!! I was lucky enough to score a Hurst shifter for Bella a while back!! I see we have similar shift knobs, right on!! Keep up the great work my friend!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

VeeDub P8 that Hurst Shifter is the ticket man! The Empi ones aren’t as nice imo but still a decent shifter. I’ve been wanting one for a while but also wanted to see if a bus shifter would work.... kinda killed 2 birds with one stone kinda day lol

[@mikebriere7531]

Gary , Seen this video some time back and thought it was so cool ! Did the conversion today. It is so comfortable for a bigger guy. Hope your feeling better every day .

[@VWJawbreaker]

Awesome Mike, glad it worked well for you! It sure is nicer for us big and tall guys 😎

[@dalepratt2229]

Awesome! I now know what to ask to put on my Christmas list to Santa! I feel just like I’m in my Peterbilt!

[@VWJawbreaker]

It works great in the later cars, not so much in the early cars.

[@CTmoog]

Cool intro brother! Love that shifter! =)

[@dustbuggy]

Your videos are so informative gary! You got my vote for "most helpful vw channel" 😁🖒

[@VWJawbreaker]

Dust Buggy haha, thanks!! That just made my day!

[@GoodOldMike]

Hey man, love the new intro. this bay window shifter mod is badass. I shared and thumbed up, brother. You have a good one!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Good Old Mike's Garage I definitely took your advice and played with it multiple times.... not sure if it’s going to stay but it’s an experiment! Are you going to install one in your bug? 😂

[@charlesmartin7347]

Yes I already have a place that sells the Mad hatter. Sweet thanks for sharing your knowledge. Blessings and more blessings to you and your family

[@VWJawbreaker]

Charles Martin thanks for being here, have a safe and healthy week!

[@shawnisia6811]

Dude, the bus shifter works with 15 3/4 “ steering wheel. It’s very close but the test drive was flawless.👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Excellent man, glad to hear it worked for ya!!!!

[@shawnisia6811]

A completely different ride experience.!😁

[@oldmancrow6676]

Hell yea it’s worth it. I love that look. Thanks for the idea brother.

[@VWJawbreaker]

oldman Crow its surprising comfortable as well! Looks and function, can’t beat it!

[@oldmancrow6676]

When I get my ragtop next year I think one of the purchases is going to be this setup you have here. Can any bus shifter work or are there certain years that are longer or shorter than others? I don’t know much about buses other than they are kick ass to gawk at.

[@VWJawbreaker]

oldman Crow this one is for a Bay Window Bus, those work just fine in a Bug. Just make sure you order one for the Bay Window.

[@oldmancrow6676]

Good deal. Thank you sir.

[@abefrohman1759]

I had a 63 with a sunroof back in the 80s I did the same thing and had empi wheels on it.

[@FLATearthGARY]

Yes, why NOT! I love it!

[@VWJawbreaker]

And it’s still working great to this day!

[@FLATearthGARY]

What year beetle, if you’re don’t mind? So many are telling me this isn’t possible even after I refer them to your video. Mine is a ‘74 and I’ve ratroded the heck out it. This would be the icing on the cake if you think it’ll would on a later model? Is the BuS shifter the same years as your bug? Just trying to get all my ducks in order before ordering. They’re pricey

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@FLATearthGARY well, I know many people who have done it after watching my video. People will always tell you things won’t work before they listen and understand. Jawbreaker is a ‘73, used a bay window shifter, quick shift Empi spacer and didn’t have any issues…. Still haven’t had a single issue.

[@FLATearthGARY]

I’m going for it! Man, you’re awesome and I appreciate the respect. Rock on! Sincerely, Gary

[@FLATearthGARY]

I’m getting the bus scat T-handle btw. I actually have the scat straight right now. I love the reverse lockout lever! Thx again Gary. Gary

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Ok that's it! I'm doing this to my 74' bug

[@kg4qpb243]

Sweet man I will check price on that shifter because it really lock cool.

[@deanrobinson3717]

Wonder what made me watch this awesome vid 😊

[@VWJawbreaker]

Lol

[@joeysprojects9081]

I love that look. Unfortunately didn’t work on my73 super beetle. Not entirely sure why

[@VWJawbreaker]

Not sure why either, standard and supers take the same shifters…. This car is a 73. Won’t work on the early bugs where the shifter is closer to the dash.

[@joeysprojects9081]

@@VWJawbreaker mine was an autostick conversion, not sure if thats a factor. Could also be a retrofitted early pan or something. Either way it didnt seem right, but ill try again. It was almost as if i needed another spacer in between the quick shift plate and the shifter

[@bobtomica9614]

Love the sport steering wheel and the hub. Where did you bought it?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I didn’t buy it, pulled it from my wife’s first car.

[@briansmythe3219]

I like it Looks cool

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks, works great also!

[@mandyupr]

i just bought this bus shiffter i hope fit perfect with original steering wheel i hope so

[@VWJawbreaker]

From what I’ve heard, it should.

[@mandyupr]

@@VWJawbreaker I installed it but it gives me a little trouble with the steering wheel but that's how it stays

[@DuckmanCycles]

Duckman sent me here!

[@VWJawbreaker]

You sent yourself here??

[@busman5429]

Looks good functions great what more can you ask for......a nice add on like it.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Dan Love thank you buddy! Hope you’re doing well.

[@FritzieVw23]

Hi Gary. Love the channel. I just got my first Bug. A '61. I really like the bus shifter. Will that work in my Bug. Older style has a pin up front, newer ones don't. Is th older shifter closer to the dash as well?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m not certain it’ll work on earlier bugs as the shifter is closer to the dash. I should know in a few weeks though. The newer beetles don’t have the pin however the shift rod has the provision built in.

[@FritzieVw23]

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering about that. New video idea? Loved the wiring video on the 60. More things to consider now. ✌

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@FritzieVw23 always happy to reply. I figure if people take the time to comment, the least I can do is reply. There’s plenty of other channels that don’t reply at all and I don’t waste my time commenting.

[@mikabottorff]

One last question: did you leave your old shift coupler plate in? And then put your quick shifter coupler over that? Sorry thats 2 questions.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yes to both. 👍

[@pierreduplessis1507]

Gary thank you very much. I wanted too do the same as you the salesman where i bought my parts said it wont fit. Now that i see it fits i can try and fit it.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I was told that it wouldn’t work also.... worse case make it work!

[@pierreduplessis1507]

@@VWJawbreaker a man with a plan is worth more than a rich man without a plan.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@pierreduplessis1507 I like the way you think!

[@pierreduplessis1507]

@@VWJawbreaker i have my moments.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@pierreduplessis1507 indeed.... we all do 😎

[@shawnisia6811]

I just received my EMPI bus shifter to install in my 1965 bug. I have the stock 153/4 steering wheel and hope that it works. I’m not sure. I’m going to install over the weekend. Please give me your input bro. Thanks Shawn

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m not sure if it’ll work either, being an earlier car than Jawbreaker and having a larger steering wheel. Keep me posted!

[@shawnisia6811]

@@VWJawbreaker Do you know of any smaller stock looking steering wheels. I have been looking already..

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@shawnisia6811 nothing that looks stock and smaller. Try adding a quick shift plate under the shifter like I did. It helps shorten the throw of the shifter.

[@shawnisia6811]

@@VWJawbreaker I bought that also. I hope it works out . I do like the stock steering wheel. I f it doesn’t, I would like a retro looking steering wheel. I’m open to ideas if you have input. Thanks Shawn

[@mileageunknown8910]

I dig the skull head! I’ve got a chrome skull on my empi re-pop hurst shifter in Bugly! I have an og very patina copper hurst that is going 2 end up in Bugly is second gear the spot 2 line up a shifter? Seems like I always just fiddle around! I had a bus Scat drag fast I tried 2 use and no matter what I did I couldn’t get it 2 work! He’ll ya I dig it! Good vid as always!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Mileage Unknown I use the second gear method and it seems to work for me. You know how it goes, what works for me is one thing and there are probably 100 different ways to do it lol

[@mileageunknown8910]

VWJawbreaker hahahahaha so true!!

[@bigwillsvdubs4689]

It’s like driving a big rig with that tall shifter

[@VWJawbreaker]

Kinda but being so tall myself, it’s very comfortable to shift.

[@blakehanson2050]

So trying to get my shifter empi bay window shifter to cycle through gears properly. Trouble finding 1st and goes into reverse without pulling up on the release. Any help would be great. Thanks. You make it look so easy.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Sounds like the reverse lockout isn’t lined up.

[@mikabottorff]

I'm in the same boat just put my shifter in last night I can hit every gear except 1st I can get it into first gear but its tuff my shifter does not have any play at all my old short shifter was like a spoon in a coffee cup. Lol any ideas? What i could be doing wrong? P.s I also have the quick shift plate.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Great info video. What happens to the reverse lock- out plate? Tip for adjusting the shifter. Mark the old shifter holes on the tunnel then just drop the new one on. I think it would be a pain in the butt to shift in traffic. Don't know for sure. Something to consider though. Til the next video. - KEEP DUBBING -

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet the reverse lock out plate is still used just like a stock shifter. So far shifting in traffic is easier for me vs the stock shifter but again, that’s just me. Have a great day buddy

[@Volkswagenplanet]

@@VWJawbreaker maybe a follow up video after a period of time. Thanks again for your response.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet awesome idea. I’ll add it to my video update notes that I keep.

[@martinharris5017]

Been wondering about this! Question answered. May have clearance issues with the stock steering wheel though. Might require using a sports wheel like Jawbreaker has.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad this helped answer your question! I’ve heard others say that it might not work with a stock steering wheel but don’t recall anyone actually getting back to me.

[@reddmann2216]

What size is that steering wheel? I'm looking to change the stock out for something smaller for leg room but don't want to go so small that steering gets hard.as I love running fast on dirt roads and trails...

[@VWJawbreaker]

Redd Mann I believe the steering wheel is approx 13.5” diameter. Still easy to steer without being too small.

[@shawnisia6811]

What is the diameter of your steering wheel ?14” it does look as if it will be a little farther back when the quick shift kit is installed with the shifter. I believe reverse would be the only issue, if any. I will find out and have a steering wheel for back up plan.😁 Thanks Shawn

[@VWJawbreaker]

Mine is 13.5”

[@TheEZGZ]

Me Likey! That would be fun in my tub buggy :-)

[@VWJawbreaker]

That would work great in the buggy! So glad you commented! Hope you’re doing well. Sent you an email months ago to check on you… must have gotten sent to spam or who knows.

[@kevinhamling4675]

G'day Kevin from Australia. Guess what I'm gunna by for my 63 bug.✌

[@VWJawbreaker]

Kevin Hamling awesome man, I still really enjoy it so far. Hopefully you’ll like it as well.

[@razorsorensic4458]

What model is that shifter going to put it in 1966 bug

[@VWJawbreaker]

Not 100% sure but the same shifter I used should work.

[@Bondovw]

I like your steering wheel . Any idea who makes it?

[@VWJawbreaker]

tim s I have no clue honestly, it was in my wife’s first car when she got it back in the 90’s.

[@EnsVibes]

Can it be done on 74 bugs? got short arms and long legs and can reach it on 3rd lol

[@VWJawbreaker]

Should be fine in a 74, don’t see why it wouldn’t work.... same setup as my 73.

[@EnsVibes]

@@VWJawbreaker awesome, I just need to get one and Im good to go

[@dennisclay9283]

Just found this video and wanted to say thanks. I’ve been wondering if this could be done and to find out it’s so simple is great. Thanks again🥳

[@VWJawbreaker]

dennis clay glad you found it useful and thanks for commenting!

[@mcdanielsmotorwerks423]

Love it!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagen Fetish thanks brother. Did some of the pics in the intro look familiar? 😁

[@mcdanielsmotorwerks423]

There are so many great memories in your intro!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagen Fetish I have to agree, a majority of them have y’all in them! Thank you for being such a great friend and look forward to the future memories.

[@mcdanielsmotorwerks423]

@@VWJawbreaker There isn't a day that goes by that Jessica and I don't bring you or Levi up in our conversations. We are lucky to have you in our family. It's going to be a great show season I can't wait for camping at Bug Jam.I already have the time off in the vacation calendar at work! 🤙🏼

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagen Fetish it’s going to be an epic time as always with you guys! Time off is already booked on my end as well!

[@mikabottorff]

Are you still using this shifter?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Most definitely.

[@victorbanuelos1698]

Link for quick shifter plis

[@VWJawbreaker]

Any shop that carry Empi parts will have it.

[@victorbanuelos1698]

What about Amazon ?? All the quick shifter are the same ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@victorbanuelos1698 if it’s for a beetle, yes.

[@victorbanuelos1698]

Thank you so much

[@Fastvw1]

your goffy

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Goffy? You mean goofy?

[@shawnisia6811]

It looks like the 1965 bug shifter is about 3” closer to the dash than your jawbreaker. I believe I will need a 14” steering wheel.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I thought the earlier ones were a little further forward. I’ll try to measure my steering wheel later this weekend when I have some time.

[@VWJawbreaker]

It’s 13.5” diameter.

[@pacificovw9522]

But doesn't it get between you and your honey, like a mother in law?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Good point, but wouldn’t any shifter in an old big?