Had the same problem on the Empi coupler I put on mine - the crimp came loose, could barely shift into any gear. Had to weld it onto the cage. The other problem was the shift lockout plate and the bottom of the shift rod guide ring were worn away. Had to weld them up, too, and grind them to the proper shape. Once I did that , and put on a new front guide bushing, it shifted great!
Done the same in mine but added a short shift kit, it's just a plate under the shifter, cheap and it makes a big difference, less movement on the stick.
Thanks dude. I just got a new transaxle and I figure probaby good idea to put a new coupler while I’m at. But didn’t think about the front bushing. I should probably replace that too.
There’s two other bushings and two boots in the center of the shift rod, however they can only be removed and new ones installed with the transaxle out. The new coupler and front bushing alone makes a huge difference.
@@anthonywatts6445 Thanks for reply dude. Yeah after I watched your video I went to a couple of vw websites and saw that there are two, so I will be replacing all three bushings and the couple since I have the transaxle out. Wish me luck, I will be making a video, so please subscribe and turn on notification bell so that you know when I post. Good meeting you dude.
2:44 @Anthony Watts - what type of bushing is this in the front? I only know the style of bushing that you took out and replaced but not the one that you replaced it with…looks different and longer. Having issues with too much slack at the front bushing - replaced the bushings multiple times now and they never really lasted longer than a season…
@@jaytodd878 if you’ve adjusted the shifter plate and still not getting 3rd or 4th you might need to pull the trans nose cone off and replace the hockey stick.
@@anthonywatts6445 I took off the shifting plate and tightened everything back down and it shifts great so I think you’re right. It drives smooth as can be without the plate.
Thanks for the vid! My coupler failed catastrophically at an intersection and left me pulling away very slowly in 3rd gear. What tires are you running? They look beefier than most stock.
Had the same problem on the Empi coupler I put on mine - the crimp came loose, could barely shift into any gear. Had to weld it onto the cage. The other problem was the shift lockout plate and the bottom of the shift rod guide ring were worn away. Had to weld them up, too, and grind them to the proper shape. Once I did that , and put on a new front guide bushing, it shifted great!
Done the same in mine but added a short shift kit, it's just a plate under the shifter, cheap and it makes a big difference, less movement on the stick.
Thank you for sharing. My 69 wont go into 2nd. Im not a mechanic so off to the shop it goes. Good info and good video.
Your video is great! Right to the point. Exellent! I'm starting to restore a 71 and broke the coupler...
Anyway, keep going, it's very good.
Thanks dude. I just got a new transaxle and I figure probaby good idea to put a new coupler while I’m at. But didn’t think about the front bushing. I should probably replace that too.
There’s two other bushings and two boots in the center of the shift rod, however they can only be removed and new ones installed with the transaxle out. The new coupler and front bushing alone makes a huge difference.
@@anthonywatts6445 Thanks for reply dude. Yeah after I watched your video I went to a couple of vw websites and saw that there are two, so I will be replacing all three bushings and the couple since I have the transaxle out. Wish me luck, I will be making a video, so please subscribe and turn on notification bell so that you know when I post. Good meeting you dude.
This video answered my question and resolved it. Ty!! :)
Thanks very imformative
2:44 @Anthony Watts - what type of bushing is this in the front? I only know the style of bushing that you took out and replaced but not the one that you replaced it with…looks different and longer. Having issues with too much slack at the front bushing - replaced the bushings multiple times now and they never really lasted longer than a season…
I replaced both but still can’t get into 3rd or 4th. Not sure if it’s the plate or what that’s not working. Ahhh
@@jaytodd878 if you’ve adjusted the shifter plate and still not getting 3rd or 4th you might need to pull the trans nose cone off and replace the hockey stick.
@@anthonywatts6445 I took off the shifting plate and tightened everything back down and it shifts great so I think you’re right. It drives smooth as can be without the plate.
Thanks for the vid! My coupler failed catastrophically at an intersection and left me pulling away very slowly in 3rd gear. What tires are you running? They look beefier than most stock.
They’re 27 inch General Grabber AT3s
Are you even driving a Bay if you’re not stirring soup?
Originals are square with a hole