I need a better shift lever for my 1978 Intermeccanica, the stock (straight) is too short, can anyone reccomend one thats longer with a dogleg...thanks....Tom
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I need a better shift lever for my 1978 Intermeccanica, the stock (straight) is too short, can anyone reccomend one thats longer with a dogleg...thanks....Tom
Can't go wrong with EMPI.
http://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=EMPI+shifter
http://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=EMPI+shifter
Agreed, EMPI makes a couple of SWEET shifters. Got one in each race car.
If you ever decide that you want an "original" look, scout up one of the flat bar "Eliminator" style shifters. New or Swap Meet (These didn't have a manual lock-out for reverse, you just pushed them to the FAR left and back. Similar to the stock shift pattern but without the push-down requirement)
Anyway, just cut the flat bar stock off of the unit and weld the double bend swan-neck style early Beetle shifter shaft to it at the rearward angle that you prefer, paint the shaft pewter, top with an ivory knob, cover the bottom mechanism with a "pleather" boot and done.
Stock vintage sweetness with the accuracy and short throw of an aftermarket. All hidden like a Bowie knife in a boot.
Luck,
TC
If you ever decide that you want an "original" look, scout up one of the flat bar "Eliminator" style shifters. New or Swap Meet (These didn't have a manual lock-out for reverse, you just pushed them to the FAR left and back. Similar to the stock shift pattern but without the push-down requirement)
Anyway, just cut the flat bar stock off of the unit and weld the double bend swan-neck style early Beetle shifter shaft to it at the rearward angle that you prefer, paint the shaft pewter, top with an ivory knob, cover the bottom mechanism with a "pleather" boot and done.
Stock vintage sweetness with the accuracy and short throw of an aftermarket. All hidden like a Bowie knife in a boot.
Luck,
TC
Hey TC! I like your idea about a stock looking shifter set up. Please elaborate on the "flat bar "Eliminator" style shifters" that you mentioned.
Thanks, Ernie
Thanks, Ernie
Shifters like these:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=322489
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=315060
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C38%2DI%2D268
Or at least this TYPE of shifter. They're made out of flat bar stock with no trigger or button to access reverse. More like a stock set-up, but rather than push down, left and back for reverse, you push HARD FAR left and back instead.
Luck,
TC
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=322489
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=315060
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C38%2DI%2D268
Or at least this TYPE of shifter. They're made out of flat bar stock with no trigger or button to access reverse. More like a stock set-up, but rather than push down, left and back for reverse, you push HARD FAR left and back instead.
Luck,
TC
I like the EMPI, as I said, but I decided to go with my stocker after all. I have a couple others I'm kicking around, and I may keep those for race days. ... But this guy looks pretty good with the ball out of my demised Nova sitting on top.
For what I'm doing, anyway.
For what I'm doing, anyway.
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Cory,
Why stick with the stocker? I LOVE what you've built so far, and the straight rod/steel ball DOES have a look that matches many LeMans and early CanAm cars, but the action is SO loose and the throw is SO very far.
Why Stock?
Just wonderin'
Why stick with the stocker? I LOVE what you've built so far, and the straight rod/steel ball DOES have a look that matches many LeMans and early CanAm cars, but the action is SO loose and the throw is SO very far.
Why Stock?
Just wonderin'
Cory,
cut off the bottom of the stock shifter fabricate that to what you think will look good and use a $3 Beetle short shift kit and your done
cut off the bottom of the stock shifter fabricate that to what you think will look good and use a $3 Beetle short shift kit and your done
Good idea Alan!
You can get the short shift kit with an aluminum stanchon that looks pretty good. Paint the stock housing with aluminum Hammerite and you'll be lookin' Race-Ready. I have a stock 356 rubber boot if you'd like me to send it along. Might make everything look "factory prototype."
Lemme know,
TC
You can get the short shift kit with an aluminum stanchon that looks pretty good. Paint the stock housing with aluminum Hammerite and you'll be lookin' Race-Ready. I have a stock 356 rubber boot if you'd like me to send it along. Might make everything look "factory prototype."
Lemme know,
TC
Hmmmmm ...
I'll probably do as y'all suggest -- cut it shorter and stick the short-throw kit in. I'll be back with the car again tomorrow -- I'll take a few more pictures and y'all can see what I mean about the EMPIs.
I may just take you up on the boot, TC. Alan, great idea.
I don't like the way either of the the EMPI shifters look when they're in the center of the vast metal nothingness that is my interior. Their inherent bulk make them look like 442's Hurst shifter in an MGB by way of comparison.
Aluminum Hammerite? What's the breakdown there? I don't know what that is.
I'll probably do as y'all suggest -- cut it shorter and stick the short-throw kit in. I'll be back with the car again tomorrow -- I'll take a few more pictures and y'all can see what I mean about the EMPIs.
I may just take you up on the boot, TC. Alan, great idea.
I don't like the way either of the the EMPI shifters look when they're in the center of the vast metal nothingness that is my interior. Their inherent bulk make them look like 442's Hurst shifter in an MGB by way of comparison.
Aluminum Hammerite? What's the breakdown there? I don't know what that is.
So far I've stuck with the stock shifter that Beck uses and I'm surprised how much I like it. It's not a one-finger shifter that simply can't go into the wrong slot like my MG was, but it's surprisingly direct. It seems to shift better when you do it quickly and purposefully. If you hesitate on 3rd or 4th, you may have to fish a bit. Shift it quickly, though, and it's quite good. I haven't even installed the EMPI short shift kit on it yet - and may not. I have to say it shifts better than the EMPI shifter in the IM I drove at the '05 Carlisle, but that one may have been out of adjustment.
...like most old timer VW guys, I'm just so used to the 'Mystery Shifter' in my car.
'Mystery Shifter' Just hop into an old VW bus and enjoy the
"German Wander-matic shifter" in those things. I am sure that's where the "Mystery Shifer" name must have come from.
"German Wander-matic shifter" in those things. I am sure that's where the "Mystery Shifer" name must have come from.
Frankly I kinda expected not to like it, as the last car I owned with a manual was a BMW 3-series, and I had so much time in with the MG - both known for good shifters. But as long as you move it somewhat over toward the passenger for 3rd and 4th, it really feels pretty good. Either that or Carey did one hell of a job adjusting it. No wandering to it - just do it like you mean it.
...in a similar vane - my wife says I'm a lot like many of the old VWs I've owned - Tempermental...
...that's 90% Temper and 10% Mental!!
...that's 90% Temper and 10% Mental!!
Alan,
Shifting my old VW bus felt a lot like stirring a big bowl of pudding with a long spoon . . . your post brought back memories.
Cory,
Hammerite is an ol'skool paint finish that often was used on large wood shop or machine shop equipment and some tool boxes and electrical items. It mimics a ball peen "hammered" surface and comes in several colors.
The best spray can version is Hammerite brand, but Rustoleum makes a version that is almost as good and more readily available.
I LOVE both the surface effect and durability for straight-ahead purpose "built" or "use" bits and pieces. Looks and IS tough ! !
Boot is here if you need it.
Luck,
TC
Shifting my old VW bus felt a lot like stirring a big bowl of pudding with a long spoon . . . your post brought back memories.
Cory,
Hammerite is an ol'skool paint finish that often was used on large wood shop or machine shop equipment and some tool boxes and electrical items. It mimics a ball peen "hammered" surface and comes in several colors.
The best spray can version is Hammerite brand, but Rustoleum makes a version that is almost as good and more readily available.
I LOVE both the surface effect and durability for straight-ahead purpose "built" or "use" bits and pieces. Looks and IS tough ! !
Boot is here if you need it.
Luck,
TC
Tom, if you want one of the two EMPIs I have here, let me know. I'll e-mail photos.
No need, but THANKS! I have an Empi and a Scat Drag-Fast to play around with already.