2nd Gear

Here's the place to come to post when you have questions relating to technical issues or mechanical questions on the 1966 model year.

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strikey1980
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Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 7:57 am

2nd Gear

Post by strikey1980 »

Hi guys,
My 66 doesn't like staying in 2nd gear. It will stay in when accelerating but pops out when slowing down.
Also does anyone know if the beetles had different sized doors. I know the windows are different sizes through the years. Having a real issue with the drivers side door closing. Looks like its tight on the bottom
cheers
Loving the forum
Blue Baron
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Location: Tampa, Florida

Post by Blue Baron »

I won't sugarcoat it. Your transmission needs to be rebuilt/replaced. Popping out of gear on decelleration is a terminal problem, not something that can be adjusted. See John Muir's chapter, "How to Buy a Volkswagen."

The doors are all the same size. Door closing issues are usually collision related. It could be bent or sagging hinges. Look for body damage around the hinges and this might be a clue.
fatalifeaten
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Location: The 480

Post by fatalifeaten »

What he said. The good news is that a transmission swap is doable in your driveway with hand tools as a weekend project if you're willing to tackle it yourself (and your driveway's not hidden under 3 feet of snow and -15F ). You don't have to be heavily mechanically inclined either.
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strikey1980
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Post by strikey1980 »

cheers guys. I am in contact with a guy who is currently breaking an old bug so will see what condition his transmission is in. I am getting the feeling that the previous guy who owned has not been that straight with me about the cars history( not common for a fellow bug lover as he called himself) only when I got the log book through i noticed he had only had the car 2 months and not the year he led me to believe. Sadly I think the car may have had a bump and he has done as good a job as he needed to put an MOT on it and got rid asap. I love the car to bits but gradually my dream of soon being a show car is slipping away. I feel this is going to be a very long project
Blue Baron
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Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:34 pm
Location: Tampa, Florida

Post by Blue Baron »

A test drive would have revealed the transmission problem, especially if you knew what to look for. I guarantee the seller knew.

A good collision guy or restoration expert can make the door close properly, but it probably can't be done without damaging the paint. I have the same problem with the '66 I bought last year. The driver's door hinges were sloppily replaced and the door wasn't made to close properly before the car was painted. I'll live with slamming it for now, but eventually it'll get fixed by my collision guy.
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