Page 1 of 1

1964 Beetle (Clutch/Gear) problem

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 11:31 am
by LoveBug
Good day. (I'm not very mechanically or technically minded). My 1964 Beetle SOMETIMES grates the gears when putting into reverse/ other times it slips in smoothly. Sometimes the gears also feel quite stiff; and I have recently noticed that even when the clutch is fully pressed in and car is in gear; it seems like it is 'pulling' very slightly - as if the clutch has been released slightly. What is the likely cause of this - could it be the clutchthat needs adjusting? Any advise appreciated :?:

Re: 1964 Beetle (Clutch/Gear) problem

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 1:13 pm
by retrovan
You need to take up the wear of your clutch, by turning the wind nut at the end of your clutch cable clockwise from the back.

This sits next to your gearbox just under the wheel well.

Herman

Re: 1964 Beetle (Clutch/Gear) problem

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 4:10 pm
by LoveBug
Thank you Herman. I appreciate your feedback - I wouldn't know how to do it myself. Unfortunately I have had MANY experiences where I've had little issues....and the mechanic who usually works on the car...charges quite a bit (replace the 4 Spark Plugs + 3 "oversized inserts to Spark Plugs??? = R1269,???)....and suddenly there is another problem (created???)....like when I fitted a new (perfect condition) steering box (I found on Gumtree that day!)....and a week later the steering literally 'froze' in a left turning position...and again he charged me quite a bit for something else that needed replacing on the steering (can't read the handwriting on the invoice properly...but looks like "fit steering wheel coupling).....now SURELY when a steering box is fitted....he should have picked that up originally!!...not have to bring it back again and get charged labour etc....(should have been done at same time????). Needless to say...I don't use him anymore...do you know of any really (good & honest) Classic Beetle Mechanics in Cape Town I can go to?...few things I's like attending to...Thanks in advance!

Re: 1964 Beetle (Clutch/Gear) problem

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 5:49 pm
by retrovan
Why not do your self a favor......

Get a Workshop Manuel on your car, Google on the internet, and TRY some of the work your self.

There are many an Accountant, Doctor, Office Johnny here on the forum that has learned how to fix their own car.

It is easy with a Beetle, my kid girl does repairs with me, this way you will save money, will not get ripped off by some backyard mechanic, and you will have achieved some thing you and your family can be proud of.

The sense of achievement will fill you to a high, no drug can, and its also addictive.

To get you started, here is your 1st "How To" video....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1s1Yhs_OE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdnVNNirGb4

Herman

Re: 1964 Beetle (Clutch/Gear) problem

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:54 pm
by No More Landy
I second that - stripped a lot of my beetle myself according advice here and YouTube and learned and repaired quite a lot.

So long as you have a good set of tools and patients,