ACT VW Forum

hey has anyone tried to move the shifter position backwards to give more clearance to the dash , i have clearance issues with new shifter and don't want to bend the rod as its 25mm aluminum and worried about it breaking or being damaged , any help would be greatly apprectiated

I can give you my experience re modifying the gear stick, and hope the info helps.

I had to adapt my shifter because its position was uncomfortable for my arm. I bought the aluminium accessory that lenghtens the stick and positions it higher and backwards. The new bit was sort of S shaped. Well it wasn't long before the aluminium bit started rotating on the original steel stick, with the 'female' aluminium thread becoming more and more disfigured with tightening and use over a month before finally snapping off.

I ended up getting a steel rod of same diameter, bending it into the S shape and making a thread on the ends with a tap-and-dye (metal place did this). Then welded 2 lots of 2 nuts together (could have bought longer nuts but all closed late Sunday!). One set of 2nuts went over the original stick (to below the thread) and the other set went over the new stick, far enough back to expose the thread.

The new stick was positioned on the old and the 'new stick nut' was screwed down to eventually half cover the original stick thread (where the gear knob sat).
The 'original stick nut' was screwed upwards to meet the other and was tightened against it.
My gear knob was then screwed on.

Have used this setup for over 18 months now and works perfectly. If I could post a pic I would (working on it). Can show you at next meet or message me to view in Belconnen area.

I've heard that a short-shift plate will improve dash clearance. See item 4500:
http://www.classicveedub.com.au/SparePa ... =&Part_No=

I haven't had any experience in shortening the stick but I have had to fiddle with the shifter plate and its workings in the tunnel. My opinion only - I think that any fiddling with moving the factory position of the shifter on the tunnel would be painful. We had to adjust in this area and had huge hassles getting it to work in its factory spot, it would be worse if you moved it. The shaft that goes through the tunnel would need to be shortened and the only way I can see this happening would be to cut off the floor of the tunnel and extract it. Major work there. I'd be looking first at alternatives like above. Again, my opinion only and I'm happy to hear otherwise.

thanks for the advice guys, i'm a little afraid to cut the floor and the shifting rod but it might be the only option other than modifying the new shifter , cant bring myself to cut or heat it up to bend it as its too pretty !

I don't think you need to cut the tunnel to put in a short-shift plate. I think it just bolts on above the tunnel. Better ask an expert though (i.e. just ring up a VW parts specialist and ask them).